Testimonials

"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."
Michael "Mayday" McDonald - Former Professional MMA Fighter
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"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 Black Belt
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“EMA has forged me into who, and what I am today! 15 years Later all I can say is I am so happy to be a part of this wonderful family. 1/1/22 Update: After only 4 years in the Department I have been recruited into the Sheriff Academy as a Defensive Tactics Instructor, EMA prepared me for life, and my career. ”
Angelique Kilgore - Deputy ACSD
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"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!”