I take the trolley to get around San Diego and it can be kinda scary, especially night. I would like to learn how to fight and defend myself so that I can feel confident walking home at night. Also, learning how to fight and be tough is a lot of fun and a great work out. People see me as a sweet, weak girl but I would love to surprise people with my fighting skills one day. Dave has been great at teaching us some basics of Krav Maga. He goes around the room to make sure we have proper form and is very encouraging. I've really enjoyed the class so far and look forward to learning more!

First off, the instructors for the kids classes are very awesome! When my son first started about a year ago there were about 8 kids. Now there are anywhere from 14-20 kids participating by friends inviting them to join. My son loves that he is learning all the basic and advanced skills of Krav Maga- Self Defense. He likes the challenge of learning new things! The instructors are awesome for the kids and the adult classes as well. I have 5 family members that are involved and love the challenge! I would definitely recommend this place to anyone! Thanks again to the awesome coaches.

I've trained Krav Maga at 2 other locations and AOS seems the most geared toward actual street application. David, the instructor, pays personal attention to each individual so you don't feel just like another number. He makes corrections and gives advice and really cares about personal growth of each of his students. It's nice having a good mix of Men and Women training partners so the fight scenarios are more realistic. Krav Maga is great for Self Defense. Everyone should give it a try.

The classes at Art of Survival are both interesting and challenging. David is an awesome instructor, he is helpful, motivating and patient. Since I am a beginner he takes the time to show me the correct way to do the drills so I don't hurt myself or my training partner. He also works with the fact that I have a foot injury. Beyond the instructors, you'll find the people you're training with friendly and supportive and all around awesome. People with more experience have no issues pairing with a novice and will help coach. I recommend this studio to anyone looking for practical self defense, fitness, and self improvement.

This is a wonderful and fun gym for every skill level. I entered with a little Krav background and no boxing or grappling experience. The coaches are organized and professional and teach you all the basics. The gym bases their skill focus on self defense research and conflict probabilities. I get a solid cardio workout, and then there these little wins along the way, like successfully getting out of a side mount or landing a really good kick. I’ve been able to keep the pounds off all pandemic and put on some muscle as well. Yeah, I could be flipping tires over at a CrossFit for the same price… but for what purpose? While I joined for general fitness and interest in martial arts, as a woman, I’m also practicing self defense strategies such as verbal and physical deescalation, escape, and fight strategies for larger opponents. Came for the fitness, stayed for the practice! Since posting this review 2 years ago, I’ve had a kid and dealing with postpartum body challenges. The gym has a no contact cardio class and that was great for getting me back into shape post-baby and getting back to regular classes with contact. Everyone who practices here has different body challenges (coordination, short, tall, age, past injuries, weight, postpartum). The coaches are good at finding the adjustments the work for each individual.

AOS is a great school for anyone who wants to feel confident in being able to defend themselves in a hairy situation! I personally get bored at gyms and this has been a great way to get in shape and learn a new skill at the same time. All the instructors are very knowledgeable, kind and respectful. Coach David is great at explaining and breaking down techniques so they’re easy to understand. I’ve been training for about six months and I feel stronger than ever. Do it.

I started attending classes 6 months ago at 60 I was sure I was too old for this work out. I went and received so much personal support from David and Barrett, the best coaches. All classes will leave you feeling exhausted, sweaty, challenged and super proud of your accomplishments. After a little rest your excited and looking forward to your next workout. Don’t hesitate to try coming to AOS you will be welcomed supported and encouraged like no other gym. If you come regularly you will see amazing results.

I've been training here for a few weeks now, and it's been great! I'm seventeen, and I love their friendly approach, professional skill, and remarkable ability to teach others what they have worked so hard to learn themselves. They're always patient with my mistakes, yet quick to help point them out and correct them, and they immediately put me at ease (and we all know that trying any new thing can be nerve-wracking). Finally, when they teach a particular skill, they always explain the nuances of the defense (or strike), while mixing in some references to techniques we will learn later, and coupling that with the tactical/physiological reasoning behind everything. In every circumstance, they demonstrate extensive knowledge of self-defense and fighting strategy, which I see as their true mark of excellence. So, if you want all of the professionalism of a group of highly-trained instructors crossed with all of the charm of a small business, check out Art of Survival! I'm certain you won't regret it.