Testimonials

“EMA has forged me into who and what I am today”  

Deputy Sheriff Angelique Kilgore                                                                                                   

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. Esteller Martial Arts 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.”

I started with EMA before it was called EMA. 35 years ago my mom took me and my brothers to a small sweaty room at the San Leandro Boys club for a Karate class. We were avid Kung Fu movie fans and really excited to join the class. So we take off our shoes and socks and attempt to join in …”HOLD ON ! it doesn’t work like that” was the first thing Sifu ( he was dashing back then ) said to us. “You have to watch first, if you come back, then you can join the class.” He was looking for a commitment and an understanding of what we were getting ourselves into. Because the classes were fun, but they can be a challenge. He was hard on us but encouraged us every step of the way. He never held us back in anyway, always encouraging us to go out and learn then bring it back and teach the rest. I did just that and went on to become a national heavyweight Thai Boxing champ. EMA instilled this amazing sense of accomplishment and self confidence, along with a healthy need to give back..Eric C. 6th Degree

My name is Michael “Mayday” McDonald. I have been ranked in the top 10 bantamweight MMA fighters in the world for the past 5 years. Not only is Esteller Martial Arts an awesome family friendly martial arts studio that has prevented multiple abductions and changed many lives, but their martial arts quality is top notch. I would recommend anyone within 40 minutes of this dojo to highly consider EMA.

I can’t say enough wonderful things about Sifu Ron and this Dojo!
Sifu Ron has the right combination of patience, discipline, dedication and genuine love and adoration for all his kids; he refers to us as Ohana – which means family.  

My oldest 2 Littles first started with him when they were 2 and 3 years old.  Now, all (3) of them go to classes there.  My youngest started when he was just 1 year old.  Not many Martial Arts instructors will teach the Littles when they are so young.  This is definitely a testament to Sifu Ron and his passion for this art.  

The kids love Sifu Ron and their Kaju classes. In fact, my nearly 6 year old, just requested to go to Kaju an additional night every week (3 nights per week now).  His technique and knowledge have improved so much over the last 2 years.  Even his previous martial arts instructor (another wonderful teacher from New Jersey) was impressed with the skills he’s gained.

What I also love about this Dojo is that Sifu gives some of the older kids the opportunity to help mentor and teach some of the younger ones.  Its a great experience for all the children; those able to learn to teach and those that are able to look up to their older peers.  Many of the classes are actual Ohana classes and open to students of multiple ages.  In fact, I (as a female adult) even I can take classes with my kids.  That’s so much fun.

Bottom line – this is the best Dojo and Sifu Ron is the absolute best instructor.  We just love him!

Erika Y. EMA Mom
 

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