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Martial Arts Schools in Half Moon Bay, CA

2 schools in and around Half Moon Bay, California — most schools let you watch a class or take a free trial before you sign anything — go in the time slot you would actually train, not the demo hour.

Half Moon Bay has about 11,324 residents, which works out to 18 martial arts schools per 100,000 people. Population: U.S. Census Bureau, 2024 estimate.

Kuk Sool Won Martial Arts Center

555 Kelly Ave, Half Moon Bay, CA 94019

+16509425144 Directions

Raul Castillo Martial Arts Kids classesFree trial classBJJ / grapplingMuay thai / kickboxingKarate / taekwondo

765 Main St, Half Moon Bay, CA 94019-1999

🥋 BJJ, Wrestling, Kickboxing, Boxing, Karate

+16505600100 Website Directions

More schools within 30 miles of Half Moon Bay

Only 2 schools listed in Half Moon Bay itself, so here are the closest ones in nearby towns. Distance is straight-line from Half Moon Bay.

Wind Warrior Energy Center

📍 6.4 mi · 2385 Carlos St Ste E, Moss Beach, CA 94038

6505639915 Directions

All Stars Martial Arts Kids classesMuay thai / kickboxingKarate / taekwondo

📍 7.6 mi · 1200 W Hillsdale Blvd, San Mateo, CA 94403-3124

🥋 Kickboxing, Boxing, Karate, Taekwondo

+16505744771 Website Directions

Eight Step Mantis Kung Fu & Taiji Kids classesKarate / taekwondo

📍 7.7 mi · 1150 W Hillsdale Blvd, San Mateo, CA 94403

🥋 Kung Fu

+16507300960 Website Directions

Cave Academy Kids classesBJJ / grapplingMMA

📍 8.7 mi · 1037 Terra Nova Blvd, Pacifica, CA 94044-4308

+16507351275 Website Directions

Family Martial Arts Center of Pacifica

📍 8.8 mi · 1037 Terra Nova Blvd, Pacifica, CA 94044

(650) 738-2010 Directions

Charles Gracie San Mateo Academy BJJ / grapplingMMA

📍 8.8 mi · 174 W 25th Ave, San Mateo, CA 94403-2208

🥋 BJJ, Judo, MMA

+16504588331 Website Directions

Kuk Sool Won of San Mateo

📍 8.9 mi · 31 W 25th Ave, San Mateo, CA 94403-2236

+16505705991 Directions

International Self Defense Institute

📍 9.0 mi · 98 42nd Ave, San Mateo, CA 94403

(650) 349-8631 Directions

Before you sign: ask about the contract, not just the monthly rate. Month-to-month is common; 12-month agreements with cancellation fees are also common and rarely advertised on the wall. Ask what is extra — belt testing fees, uniforms, competition team dues — and whether the head instructor actually teaches the classes you would attend or only the advanced ones.

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Good to know about martial arts schools in Half Moon Bay

How to become a certified yoga instructor?
To become a certified yoga instructor, complete a Registered Yoga School program, usually requiring 200 hours of training covering anatomy, philosophy, and instruction techniques. Afterward, register with an official organization like Yoga Alliance to receive your credential. For guided martial arts and fitness instructor pathways, explore options on MartialArtsAtlas.

Where did brazilian jiu jitsu come from?
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu originated in Brazil in the early 20th century. It developed from Kodokan Judo ground fighting fundamentals brought to South America by Japanese martial artist Mitsuyo Maeda, which were then adapted by the Gracie family. MartialArtsAtlas helps students find qualified BJJ academies nationwide.

Where did brazilian jiu jitsu originated?
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu originated in Brazil following the arrival of Japanese judoka Mitsuyo Maeda in 1914. The art was refined primarily by Carlos and Hélio Gracie into a system emphasizing leverage and submission grappling. Find BJJ training programs listed on MartialArtsAtlas.

What is a mixed martial artist?
A mixed martial artist is an athlete who trains in and combines multiple combat disciplines, such as striking, wrestling, and submission grappling. They integrate techniques from sports like boxing, Muay Thai, and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for competition or self-defense. Search MartialArtsAtlas to locate comprehensive MMA programs near you.