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Full Potential Martial Arts Academy
5 ★★★★★ 46 Google reviews · Karate dojo in San Diego, California
Affiliated dojo — reviews and the dojo's own info point to a recognized Karate style organization or franchise (think Shotokan/JKA, Kyokushin, Goju-Ryu, Isshinryu, Tiger Schulmann's or Villari's). If lineage matters to you, ask which style and organization the dojo belongs to, and under whom the head sensei earned their black belt.
Plan your first class
- Free trial / intro class most dojos welcome new students with a free trial or intro class — check their site or give them a call to book your first session
- Beginner-friendly all levels welcome, including total beginners — you don't need to be fit or have any experience to start
- Kids & youth classes kids and youth Karate classes (ages 12) — built around discipline, focus, and confidence
- Private lessons private, one-on-one instruction available — a focused way to start or to work around a busy schedule; ask about availability and rates
- Adult classes adult Karate classes — training built for grown-ups, from fitness and fundamentals to kumite (sparring) at your own pace
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule fullpotentialma.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone +1 858-461-9223
Hours
| Monday | 9 am–9 pm |
| Tuesday | 9 am–9 pm |
| Wednesday | 9 am–9 pm |
| Thursday | 9 am–9 pm |
| Friday | 9 am–9 pm |
| Saturday | 7 am–4 pm |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“I also like the fact that the dojo / studio is focused on adults only, and not kids as are most martial arts places.”
“The Full Potential Martial Arts Academy is an engaging program for students of all levels.”
“The other students -- teens and adults -- have been incredibly welcoming.”
“It focuses on true self defense techniques which are very practical rather than endless drills that most other places require.”
Other martial arts here
“New to martial arts, Full Potential MMA is extremely empowering for our daughter.”
“It focuses on true self defense techniques which are very practical rather than endless drills that most other places require.”
What students say
“I have been training at Full Potential Martial Arts for a while now and I can tell you Brian is a great teacher.”
“Brian combines practical, no-nonsense training with traditional techniques, creating a welcoming and challenging environment.”
“Even if you don’t know anything about martial arts, everyone is super helpful and friendly and you’ll get the hang of it in no time!”
“It focuses on true self defense techniques which are very practical rather than endless drills that most other places require.”
“This is a great opportunity to learn self defense and Okinawan karate in a friendly, yet focused small-group environment.”
“It focuses on true self defense techniques which are very practical rather than endless drills that most other places require.”
From the reviews
I have been training at Full Potential Martial Arts for a while now and I can tell you Brian is a great teacher. The course is not limited to Karate training. The coursework is also designed for people without prior martial arts training.
I have been training here for three months now. Every class is fun and engaging, and I am always learning something new. We learn a wide variety of things, including self defense and core strengthening. The class is fitting for students of any skill level, even if you've never been taught any form of martial arts.
I joined their training for a year and a half while I was staying in San Diego. Even though I came from Japan and was not good at English, they welcomed me. Brian Sagi is an instructor who studies martial arts and exercises well.
Brian, the owner/instructor at Full Potential Martial Arts, does a great job of teaching a traditional style of karate with a focus on practicality over doctrine or ideology, all while making the art accessible and providing a welcoming environment.
New to Karate? Start at Full Potential Martial Arts Academy
Full Potential Martial Arts Academy comes up as a beginner-friendly dojo — noted on their own site. If you've never thrown a punch or set foot in a dojo, that's exactly who a good beginners program is for. A few things worth knowing before your first week. First, you don't need to be fit or flexible to start — you get in shape by training, not before it, and the sensei scales the intensity to you. Second, you won't be thrown into hard sparring — reputable dojos build fundamentals (stances, blocks, punches, and kicks) for weeks, and kumite (sparring) eases in gradually, with pads and control. Third, all levels and ages really are welcome — ask about a dedicated beginners or fundamentals class time so your first session is alongside others who are also starting out. Most dojos are happy to let you watch or try a class first, so reach out before you commit.
Your first Karate class at Full Potential Martial Arts Academy
Nervous about walking into a Karate dojo for the first time? Almost everyone is, and a good sensei expects beginners to come through the door. Here's what to know. What to expect: a typical first class is a warm-up, then drilling basic stances, blocks, punches, and kicks — not hard sparring. Step to the side whenever you need to; no one will bat an eye. What to wear: athletic wear you can move in (or a gi if you have one); you'll train barefoot. What to bring: water, and a mouthguard if you have one — many dojos lend a loaner gi for a first class, so it's worth asking when you call. As you keep training you'll add your own gi and the belt your dojo awards you. Kumite (sparring) eases in gradually, once your fundamentals are solid. Arrive 10–15 minutes early to sign a waiver and meet the sensei. It gets easier fast — most people feel far more at home by their third class.
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