San Diego Martial Arts & Community Center
About
San Diego Martial Arts & Community Center offers training in MMA, judo, and karate under experienced instructors including Sensei Jeff Sodeman, Sensei Cat Strada, and Sensei Vivian Jaramillo. The facility features comprehensive amenities such as changing rooms with showers, two ADA restrooms, a full kitchen, ample parking, matted surfaces, mirrors, and office spaces. This creates a professional environment suitable for both martial arts training and community events.
reviewsWhat Members Say
Members consistently praise the facility's cleanliness, spaciousness, and positive energy, with many noting the professional management and clear communication from owner Cat Strada. Reviewers appreciate the flexible scheduling and well maintained mats, describing the space as ideal for both classes and events. However, some report negative experiences with rental agreements, including disputes over contract terms and scheduling conflicts. A few reviewers mention challenges when attempting to use the space for non martial arts activities like sound healing.
rate_reviewGoogle Reviews (5)
Joel Maddock
2 years ago
This was the perfect space to rent for our group. Plenty space for movement, the mats were amazing and everything was kept so clean. Great communication with the owner, and an all around great energy to this place. Will definitely rent this space again!
Kristina Mueller
a year ago
I recently rented this space for a community event and I couldn't be happier with my experience! The atmosphere has an incredibly positive energy that makes it a joy to be in. The hours are very flexible, accommodating my unpredictable schedule perfectly. Parking is a breeze which is a huge plus. The space itself is immaculate and well-maintained, offering a clean and inviting environment. It's also very spacious, providing plenty of room to comfortably conduct any activity or event. Overall, this place exceeded all my expectations. I highly recommend it to anyone in need of a versatile and welcoming rental space!
Lisa Tomoleoni
a year ago
I’ve used this facility many times, for ongoing classes and also for special events. It’s always been a positive, very professional experience. The owner, Cat, is very professional. She is very clear, both verbally and in the contract, what the agreement is, and has always done exactly what she promises. I’ve had to reschedule classes a couple times to accommodate other tenant’s events, but that was spelled out in the contract and Cat was very helpful in working to make everyone happy and feel appreciated. I recommend this facility for any use.
Matthew Leslie
2 years ago
The owner was not very kind. Called me at 8am with no warning, made time for her in my busy day, she hung up on me, told me how she's going to loose her studio soon because of no renters, I asked about renting the space for a sound healing 70/30 split to help us both. Nope. Charges per head, vs hourly rate, and was rude on the call with me. I asked her about her lease since she was looking for someone to take it over, told me she would only tell me in person. Kept saying she wouldn't quote over the phone or share info about the lease. Why bring it up on the phone? Obviously there is a reason she can't pay rent and needs to sub lease or sell the space. With the rudeness she presented, good luck renting the space. When you try to bring sound healing to people as a main focus, and the owner tells you this isn't a good fit.....its a space for martial arts, she couldn't do martial arts over the phone and wanted me to be there in person with her to do it. The space is a good fit and needs what my didgeridoo has to offer the people. The owner is the only one not on board with making it happen. Ill just wait till your lease it up and buy the space. No worries.
Jack McBride
a year ago
I'm a certified 5th Degree, Master Black Belt in TKD from Kansas City who helps with a non-profit martial arts program serving children with special needs in San Diego. Cat, the owner, took our money and then gave our promised, pre-negotiated time slot to another program. When asked, she refused to refund the money paid in advance citing small print in the contract stating she can give our space away at her will. I trained for over 30 years in the same dojang with a man of honor and respect. I can say from experience, that I have never seen anything like this type of shady, sleazy business practice. Enter at your own risk.
fitness_centerAmenities
Contact
980 Buenos Ave #1c, San Diego, CA 92110, USA
scheduleHours
Monday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Sunday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
groupCoaches & Instructors
Jeff Sodeman
Founder of Jiai Aikido
Sensei
Founded Jiai Aikido in 2003 for the study of Aikido and Systema.
Cat Strada
Dojo Cho (owner/manager)
Sensei
Assumed role in 2009, vision to create a cooperative space for many arts and services.
Vivian Jaramillo
Martial Arts Instructor
Sensei
Leads revive martial arts classes for children and adults on Wednesdays and Fridays.
Vicky Delgado
Sound Healer
Certified Reiki Master and crystal bowl sound healer
Plays Crystal Bowl Sound Baths at the dojo every other Sunday.