Readers' Choice: Where is the Best Martial Arts Studio in Pleasanton?

Tony Baik March 22, 2012 at 02:27 am

Master Jue is honestly one of the best instructors you could find around the world (in terms of his knowledge and experience in the art as well as his high moral and social conducts as a role model) . And he's here in Pleasanton! You definitely won't regret taking classes at Jue's Taekwondo.

Libby March 22, 2012 at 02:46 am

We love Sifu Ron. Esteller Martial Arts gets our vote.

LLB March 22, 2012 at 02:54 am

Jue's Tae Kwon Do has been around for many years. Master Jue is a great martial artist, instructor and a man of integrity. He cares so much about his students. Jues TKD is a very welcoming, family friendly atmosphere! My vote goes to Jues Tae Kwon Do!

Tim Dunn March 22, 2012 at 04:20 am

I've known Master Gordon Jue for over 25 years and have tremendous respect for him. My dad and I used to train in his gym back in the 80's (when it was just a club) and those are some incredible father-son memories. What I admire most about Master Jue is his strength of character and his integrity. You will never meet a more honest person than him.

Rebecca Rodriguez March 22, 2012 at 02:12 pm

Esteller Martial Arts gets my vote all the way!!! I've only been at EMA for a total of about 10 months but it has absolutely changed my life!!! Sifu Ron came to my high school with his S.A.F.E kids program and it took me only one class period to decide to try out EMA. Since then I have gotten stronger, more confident, more disciplined, and have had the time of my life learning Kajukenbo. I never want to stop!!!

Ikaika riveira March 22, 2012 at 03:16 pm

Hey all.... EMA!!! ( Esteller martial arts!) I am a retired SWAT operator and a former Combat Medic, with a ton of experience in actual hand to hand situations and close quarters battle. EMA is the real deal! I even travel 1.5 hours each direction to train with them in the Pleasanton dojo weekly! You want your family and yourself to have the best training? Here it is! .... Ikaika Riveira

lily March 22, 2012 at 04:01 pm

EMA is the best school for the whole family to attend. I would never consider another school for my family and I have tried several martial arts schools before finding this jewel. Make the best choice, the right choice, Esteller Martial Arts Pleasanton

Shawn Ely March 22, 2012 at 04:22 pm

First off, haven't visited all the schools on the list.
As a parent of multiple kids (mostly girls) that have been part of the EMA family for about 10 years, I am a bit bias. If you are looking for a solid program, where your child will learn to be strong, confident, and SAFE, then you should try Esteller Martial Arts. EMA provides a very family friendly (Ohana) environment. I definately feel that my kids and I are always welcome as family, as opposed to my kids just being students taking some classes. They also offer summer and vacation time camps, where the kids can bond, get some training, and have fun.

scott March 22, 2012 at 04:59 pm

ESTELLER MARTIAL ARTS I looked at and tried different martial arts and stuck with EMA and KAJUKENBO. 20 years of my police training in defensive tactics were nothing compared to the first year at EMA.. realistic, practical and easier to remember when u need it.. when you dont have your "tools" u have to rely on you.. other people may be relying on you too... come check it out.. google it KAJUKENBO... ;)

DJ Keoni Esteller March 22, 2012 at 06:57 pm

My name is DJ Keoni Esteller, son and assistant instructor of Professor Ron Esteller. I have been training under my father since birth, but officially started at the age of 2. Martial Arts is in my blood, besides my father, my grandfather is a black belt, and so are many of my uncles. I have been training for about 20 years, and in those years I have learned traditional Kung Fu sets that are hundreds of years old, competed in sport competitions such as tournaments/Muay Thai Events/Grappling Events/Knife & Stick Fighting Events/Etc.. I have learned techniques that I know will work and I can use in REAL LIFE situations to protect myself and my loved ones if need be. My entire life I was taught to be a humble man who cares for others and who puts others before themselves, and that is just what my father does! You are not just students or parents at Esteller Martial Arts, you are more then that, you are OHANA! (family) And you see that as soon as you walk through our doors. I am proud to call everyone at EMA my brothers and sisters! I am proud to be a student, a Black Belt, and an instructor of Esteller Martial arts! And most of all I am extremely PROUD to call Ron Esteller my Sifu, my Teacher, my Mentor, my Trainer, and my Father! Love you dad! EMA ALL THE WAY!!! KAJUKENBO FOREVER!!!

Carlos Berber March 22, 2012 at 09:00 pm

We love Ron our son can't wait to come to martial arts. He does all his homework early so he can get an extra day of class Estellar gets my vote!!!!

MamaMaria Markison March 22, 2012 at 09:09 pm

Esteller Martial Arts gets our vote. We have had our son with EMA for a year now. The improvement in his focus and concentration has been truly amazing. So amazing in fact that we celebrated his 6th birthday w/the EMA family. We are proud to be part of the EMA family for life.

Garey the Plumber March 22, 2012 at 09:28 pm

Esteller Martial Arts gets my vote!!! Ron, DJ, Frank and all of the teens are AMAZING! EMA all the way ;-)

Tanya Rose March 22, 2012 at 09:47 pm

It appears that you don't have a business listing on Patch but we are working on that! It will be up soon! -Tanya

MamaMaria Markison March 22, 2012 at 09:55 pm

Esteller Martial Arts is the best in Pleasanton & San Leandro!!! EMA teaches respect, compassion, skills & courage.

Mickey Lopez March 22, 2012 at 10:16 pm

Nice DJ

Anne March 23, 2012 at 01:07 am

My oldest has been a student of Ron Esteller since he was 9 years old he is now 21, my youngest son is 11 years younger then my oldest and grew up watching and then learning from all the wonderful instructors and Sifu Ron. Not only has this been the Martial Arts school of this family but it is family as posted earlier OHANA! My youngest has one brother born to him and many brothers and sisters at Esteller Martial Arts (EMA)! Esteller Martial Arts is the right choice, the only choice.

Julia Manzano March 23, 2012 at 01:14 am

Esteller Martial Arts is the best!! And it rocks ;- ) : -o awesome

Bruce Folck March 23, 2012 at 01:20 am

Esteller Martial Arts is *great* with kids, and his S.A.F.E. Kids program has had two documented victories - two kids subject to potential/attempted abductions, and they were able to fight their way free and clear. Beyond fighting free, self-defense includes recogonizing and avoiding dangerous situations, and EMA teaches kids to do just that.

Mark De Guzman March 23, 2012 at 01:25 am

Esteller Martial Arts...no doubt!

Ascanio Ramirez March 23, 2012 at 02:10 am

Esteller Martial Arts

Angelique Liszniansky Henderson March 23, 2012 at 02:26 am

I'm incredibly proud to be a student at Esteller martial arts. This program has literally saved two lives, both documented. I feel safer knowing I would know what to do in different circumstances and how to avoid certain situations. I feel safer, stronger and happier ever since I joined EMA 3 years ago. I don't know what I would do without my EMA family! I love everyone there, and I felt welcomed the moment I stepped into the dojo. It was a lifechanging experience for me. I've learned discipline, safety tactics, patience and even found something I can look forward to everyday. All while being safe and having fun!

jonnette zane March 23, 2012 at 03:50 am

I Love my EMA FAMILY!!! I trained with my wonderful cousin sifu Ron when I was 7 years old with my brother and sister.... And now my two boys are now under his wing. I have enjoyed every moment that my kids are in class. My son who is 8 with asbergurs syndrome has grown to be more confident in himself
and has learned to feel and see happiness in his success. That is all through the teaching that Ron and the EMA family. I am very much in love with S.A.F.E kids program! I feel that when you walk into the dojo you can feel the sence of family. They all encourage each other on. I am 100% all for EMA!

lily March 23, 2012 at 09:26 am

EMA ROCKS!

Diane young March 23, 2012 at 01:44 pm

Sifu ron estellars ema on main st

D Matthew Rivera March 23, 2012 at 03:16 pm

EMA! ;-)

Tanya Rose March 23, 2012 at 03:30 pm

Hey everyone! the results are in - congratulations to Esteller Martial Arts! And congrats to Jue's Taekwon-Do for an awesome showing in the poll as well - it was a battle all week long between you two.
The "results" story is up: http://pleasanton.patch.com/articles/results-are-in-readers-choose-best-martial-arts-studio-in-pleasanton

Dennis Duarte March 26, 2012 at 01:38 pm

My son is challenged with ADD and Asperger's Syndrome (a form of High-Functioning Autism). He started training w/Sifu Ron and EMA Ohana 4 years ago. Over that time, I have witnessed my son's growth into young adulthood. He has grown into a strong, confident, and capable young man, and considers EMA his family, as do his mother and I. Ohana is not just a word in Kajukenbo, it is a reality. One that is exhibited daily at EMA. My son, challenges and all, is ALWAYS welcomed on mat, and is ALWAYS treated with kindness and acceptance. In short....he is treated just like any other student at the dojo, and for parents of challenged children....you know how important that is. So....If you are looking for a studio to train at, may I suggest that you come on by and chat with Sifu Ron....You won't be disappointed! Mahalo for reading this.....Enjoy your day! Aloha!

kelly fox December 11, 2012 at 11:28 am

Esteller Martial Arts!!!!!! in downtown Pleasanton

Sanjit Mandal December 12, 2012 at 07:55 pm

Is there a way to list another dojo in Pleasanton on here? I am starting a new pleasanton karate school (www.trivalleykarate.com) (January 2013). Please check the website for the new location and scheduling details. We will be at the new Pleasanton gym: www.ClubOne.com/Pleasanton. Thanks very much.