AKA (American Kickboxing Academy) - Muay Thai, Taekwondo, Jiu-Jitsu, MMA & Boxing
About
This martial arts academy offers comprehensive training across multiple disciplines including MMA, Muay Thai, Taekwondo, Jiu-Jitsu, and boxing, making it suitable for practitioners of all interests. Under the leadership of legendary MMA trainer and founder Javier Mendez and professor Anthony Caravelli, the gym provides expert instruction for both beginners and advanced students. The coaching style emphasizes firm yet patient guidance, ensuring students feel successful in every class while instilling strong martial arts values alongside technical skills.
reviewsWhat Members Say
Members consistently praise the excellent coaching, particularly noting Coach T's instruction and Master Tony's work with children. Reviewers highlight how the gym is very beginner friendly with a welcoming atmosphere that makes students of all ages feel comfortable and successful. Parents emphasize how their children love attending classes, often wanting to train four or more times per week after initial hesitation, and appreciate the values instilled alongside martial arts skills. Specific compliments include the instructors' ability to interact effectively with different age groups, the clean facilities, and the overall positive environment that keeps students engaged long term.
rate_reviewGoogle Reviews (5)
Natalie Cochran-Murray
2 years ago
My daughter absolutely LOVED every day she trained at Blue Dragons! She is just four years old and was only able to train for a few months before we moved, but she still talks about martial arts almost daily and has insisted we find a place to continue training near our new house! Thank you, Blue Dragons, for being an excellent introduction to martial arts for my daughter!
Miguel
5 months ago
Have been attending AKA San Diego for about 7 months. I had a good experience starting off as they are very beginner friendly. Coach T provides excellent coaching, and the environment at AKA is great.
Robyn H
4 years ago
We have been with BDMA for over 3 years and I can not say enough nice things about them. Master Tony and the other instructors are amazing with the kids at every level of training both in Taekwondo and Jujitsu. The instructors are firm, but patient and make sure that each student feels successful during every class. Great place for kids and adults to take classes at any level.
michelle ram
12 years ago
My daughter who is 6 has been with Blue dragons for over 1 year now and my son who is 15 has been with them for 9 months. They both enjoy attending their classes on a daily basis and try not to miss classes. The instructors are wonderful. They know how to interact with all different age groups. We love coming here. The facility's are always clean and instructors are friendly. I recommend Blue Dragons to all my friends and people I may have conversations with about martial arts.
Angel Anak-Agung-Gede
6 years ago
My kids love this place and have really thrived since starting in mid-February. We have tried a few other martial arts places, but it wasn't until we finally gave Blue Dragon a try did they really take to it. Before we signed up here and I told my boys I was going to sign them up for martial arts again and they said they only wanted to go once or twice a week. After starting, there is hardly a week that goes by that we're not there at least four times a week. All the instructors are great and we appreciate the values instilled along with the training and fun the kids get to experience. Definitely recommend.
Contact
945 Otay Lakes Rd, Chula Vista, CA 91913, USA
scheduleHours
Monday: 3:00 – 9:00 PM
Tuesday: 3:00 – 9:00 PM
Wednesday: 3:00 – 9:00 PM
Thursday: 3:00 – 9:00 PM
Friday: 3:00 – 9:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Sunday: Closed
groupCoaches & Instructors
Javier Mendez
Head Coach / Founder
Legendary MMA trainer, Founder of AKA
One of the foremost MMA trainers in the world. Founded AKA in 1985 in San Jose, CA. Head coach of multiple UFC champions.
Anthony Caravelli
Owner / Professor
Professor, Partner with Javier Mendez
Owner of AKA San Diego South Bay. Part of AKA since its inception in the 1980s. Partnered with Javier Mendez to establish the first AKA San Diego.