I was stepping way out of my box when I joined, I would have never thought I would be doing something like this, and not only doing it but loving it as well. It has taught me that no one else is going to make me better at something then myself. I am my own opponent, challenging myself to do better than what I have done before.
Rather than sitting through my two sons’ lessons and group classes, I seized the opportunity to try it. Why not, I needed the exercise, right? Little did I know that I would eventually establish a new found love and curiosity for the history of Kung Fu and the Chinese culture.
Since then, I have gotten much more than just exercise, I have gained self-defense training, self-confidence, self-discipline, I’ve gotten stronger, achieved better balance, improved my coordination (who would of thought?), my favorite – I’ve learned how to punch, and so much more.
Our Sifu, the instructors and Ms. German are awesome. They are knowledgeable, helpful, patient, friendly but at the same time fierce. The comradery of the students and the atmosphere of the school is a place that anyone would love to be a part of. After all, everyone likes to be where everybody knows your name. 🙂 Overall, I give this school more than five stars! If a thirty something year old mom of two boys can do it… so can you!
The core values that are instilled in every member translate to the rest of life. As a member since the age of seven, I’ve attended White Dragon for over half of my life. While much has changed, including the friends, students – and even a few instructors – I continue to see the same thing every time I enter: Smiling faces, positivity, and respect. A great part of White Dragon is that no matter what your intentions are for joining, whatever it is you want to learn; be it self-defense, Kung Fu, Tai Chi, Grappling, a healthy lifestyle, or any of the other grandiose things that are thought; the unanimity amongst members is that you will learn how to become a good person.
All the instructors are friendly and helpful. I have seen a huge difference in the confidence level of myself and my children since beginning lessons at White Dragon. My youngest daughter used to never leave my leg, she was painfully shy. Now she is able to participate in events like performing in plays and the annual White Dragon Tournament. I used to worry about my eldest daughter because she seemed to be a doormat for everyone she knew, she never would stand her ground and fear of people was very noticeable in her. After just a year of classes she took 2nd place in sparring (and that was against BOYS too).
I absolutely love this place and recommend it to everyone I know every chance I get. It has been worth every single cent we’ve paid for it. Everyone goes out of their way to make sure that each student is getting the most out of all their time. Instructors are always happy to answer questions for me whenever I am there. None of my time is spent floundering. Even other students are supportive and encouraging. I cannot say enough good things about White Dragon and family atmosphere they have.
I’ve been attending White Dragon’s Encinitas school for many years now and have loved it from the beginning. First and foremost, Kung fu is an excellent workout for overall functional fitness, and an amazing/fun skill to learn that will increase your confidence. They are serious about teaching martial arts here — this is real self-defense, not just a workout. Every single instructor I’ve ever met here is kind, and patient, and they know how to motivate and gently push students to do their best. There is a real sense of community in this school, and if you’re interested in martial arts, I really can’t imagine a better place to go.
Ever since I enrolled my older son in classes here in 2016, we have been impressed over and over again by every aspect of this school. When my son first expressed an interest in martial arts, I took him to check out every school in San Marcos and we chose White Dragon for the fact that a private lesson was included at every membership level. I truly believe the private lessons make a huge difference and that really sets this school apart. Every single instructor is excellent and Sifu VanDergriff is devoted to making sure that his students are getting the experience they desire out of their training. The kids learn to defend themselves appropriately, to set and attain goals, and to have respect for others and to earn the respect of others. I can’t recommend it highly enough.
I signed up with White Dragon only a couple years ago, but in that time, I’ve become much more disciplined, and I’m in a WAY better place in my life. The training is fantastic because you get your own instructor teaching you one-on-one, and because of that it’s made me very accountable to push it and show my instructor that I want to make him proud. The instructors at this school are very dedicated, and they give me plenty of help when I need it, I sincerely doubt you would find instruction of this caliber elsewhere.
However, what really stands out to me at this school is the actual students. This school has a really unique culture of participation. At this year’s tournament, I saw SO many competitors from this school; the fact so many people were confident enough to go out there and perform was surprising. And it wasn’t just the young, strong kids either. There were people of all ages out there performing, from little kids to retired adults!
Finally, this school is great in terms of scheduling. The instructors schedule the lessons around MY schedule, which makes it really easy to come in even when I’m busy. PLUS, the school is open 6 days a week. I don’t know how they do it, but I definitely plan to stay here for many more years!
There are many martial art schools in San Diego to choose from but I’m thankful that I found and chose White Dragon. I went in thinking I would learn Tai Chi, but I learned a lot more than that. I learned history, form, posture, respect, self-defense and confidence.
I’d recommend White Dragon for anyone of any age and I truly mean that. It’s wonderful seeing young children learn art, culture, compassion and respect. As an adult, I didn’t feel out of place. There is a wonderful blend of age groups and expertise, so you feel confident in your surroundings and able to learn something new!
I’d like to extend a great deal of gratitude to each and every one of the White Dragon family members for making me feel at home and strengthening our community.
My son looks forward to his kung fu lessons and especially his private lessons because that’s where he receives individual attention. This school not only teaches him self defense, but it also empowers him to be a stronger individual and team player. There are not many martial arts schools that include private lessons. I’m so pleased that we chose the right martial arts school for our kids!
I’m enrolled in the MMA course as a student. I’ve met great people through the school and have been heavily influenced to eat better, work out correctly, and have a positive attitude to a lifestyle change that was necessary if I wanted to live past 50. The instructors are very professional, friendly, and knowledgeable. The atmosphere is very friendly and conducive to a family experience.
Since I joined two years ago, I’ve lost 50 pounds, gained usable muscle, and my cholesterol, blood pressure, and triglyceride levels are all normal. I’m in the best shape I’ve ever been in my life.
Tai chi training at White Dragon, was the best gift my husband and I gave ourselves the year we turned 50. He wanted to study for the meditative aspects; I wanted some physical activity after years of none. We had no goals and no expectations. Our teacher accepted what we could (and couldn’t) do and motivated us constantly to do a little better. Lessons were a highlight of our week. These many years later we have accomplished far more than we would ever have thought possible. The physical activity and training have become a part of our lives and we are all the better for it. We are stronger and far more agile than friends our age (and for that matter many people far younger). We are convinced White Dragon training has added years to our lives.
I’ve been attending White Dragon for about six months, and it’s been a fantastic experience. All the instructors are incredibly skilled and knowledgeable, the classes are fun and a great workout (I’ve lost 90 pounds since I started training and overhauled my diet), and the other students make up a great, positive community. If you’re looking for a school to train at, I could not recommend them more highly.
The teachers are great, and the classes are well taught. He is almost a purple sash and can’t wait to be a black belt! I started him at this school at 6 years old because he was so hyper, and this school has taught him discipline and how to defend himself. This method has calmed him down quite a bit. He also loves to compete in the tournaments and win medals! A great confidence booster. Great school!
It’s something I didn’t know I was passionate about, and it’s made working out challenging, intellectually engaging, and just fun (things a gym membership generally aren’t). Throw in 1-on-1 personalized support, a true community, self-defense training, traditional Kung Fu, meditative Tai Chi, weapons training, and modern MMA techniques, then you have SOME of the things that make White Dragon Martial Arts great.
There is a diversity of ages and capabilities which makes training there a lot less intimidating. Instruction can be adapted based on individual goals, strengths and areas of needed improvement. All in all, I find the White Dragon school a welcoming place for exercise, learning and stress release.
Your One Week Guest Pass is good for a free week of classes, plus a free personal training session at any of our 9 San Diego or Temecula locations!