Studio Naga Martial Arts
Community SubscriberMartial Arts, Self-defense, Leadership and Empowerment for kids and adults
Studio Naga welcomes men, women and children of all ages and physical abilities. Students are encouraged to train to their highest capacity - whatever that may be. At Studio Naga, we've created a community which supports change and growth in a diverse, supportive environment - join us! We are at the border of Oakland, Berkeley and Emeryville.
Training offers benefits in physical fitness, self-defense, confidence, flexibility, focus, and self-expression, and it's fun! We're featured on MSN,NPR and in numerous publications. We also teach in Berkeley, Albany, Piedmont and Oakland after-school programs.
Hello! All 3 of my kids (ages 9, 14 and 16) go to Studio Naga and practice an Indonesian martial art called Poekoelan. It’s very self defense-oriented and while it is a martial art and teaches punching and kicking, the emphasis is never on violence or macho toughness. There’s a good deal of instruction around leadership, discipline, and self determination. We have been really happy there. Been coming for 11 years!
Highly recommend Studio Naga, Indonesian-American art of Poekoelan Tjimindie Tulen. They have been training outdoors at Hollis-Doyle park, masked, in Emeryville; studio is located at 55th and San Pablo Ave in Oakland. The studio is extraordinarily community minded, they have a kid's class for 4-6 year olds, and the studio is LGBTQI+/women led. They host self-defense classes for girls, too. Might be a good fit. Our kid has been practicing for a couple of years and loves the community and mentors (adults and teenagers!) and looks forward to practicing few times a week.
Studio Naga in Emeryville is woman-owned and many of the mentors are female. The program is focused on skill development, not just fighting, and they offer a program especially for the littles. My son has been there for a couple years and loves it. They are currently training outside.
I'm not sure about the tap dancing and the guitar, but my family does do martial arts with Studio Naga at the border of Oakland/Berkeley and Emeryville. https://www.studionaga.com/ Right now the kids classes are outdoors at Hollis Doyle Park, not indoors at the regular studio. All 3 of my kids (ages 7,12 and 14) go to classes and have been attending since they were small. Full disclosure, I train too. So fun. The community is great, the self defense is great and the people there really care. Best of luck with your activities!
Martial arts have been great for our 9 year old with the ADHD and his 5 year old sibling. Baseball was hard (lots of waiting around, personal frustration with failure, sportsmanship struggles).
We have been doing martial arts outside and online since the beginning of the pandemic with Studio Naga in Oakland, highly recommended. There is focus on personal body space and control, fun with learning strikes and a feeling of success/pride with growth.
I train at Studio Naga in North Oakland. We have in person and Zoom classes for kids and adults. Our in person classes are happening in a park and it's been fun to see all the things we can do while maintaining social distancing and masks. We also have a covered outdoor space we use if it's raining or too dark outside. I've been training at Studio Naga for 7 years and love our community. I started training at a sister school in Portland 27 years ago and when I moved to Oakland was super happy to have a community of martial artists. I'm an elementary teacher by day and martial artist new mom finding ways to keep moving.
Studio Naga has outdoor Poekoelan classes for all levels including children (over 5, I believe) with additional Zoom sessions each week. They are practicing at Holly Park in Emeryville with a covered, outdoor location secured for rain and as it gets darker/colder. Our daughter attends and loves it.
https://www.studionaga.com/ There are some great videos on their Facebook page.
Hello! I have 3 kids ages 13, 10and 5. They all take classes from Studio Naga. We meet and do socially distanced lessons in Doyle Hollis Park in Emeryville. I've been impressed by the level of safety (no contact, 6 ft. distance) that they maintain, as well as the high level of physical activity. It's a lovely community of people in the best of times and now, with covid, the studio has really pulled together to make it work. If it rains we can make use of an open-walled, covered garage. https://www.studionaga.com/
Hello! My three kids and I all train at Studio Naga, on the Oakland/Emeryville border. I have 2 girls, ages 12 and 10 also a little guy who is 5 yrs old in the little kid classes. The girls have been training for 7 years, and I (the mom) started about 4 years ago. I love this place for many reasons. The studio teaches an Indonesian Martial Art called Poekoelan. We all enjoy the sport, but beyond the physical activity, the community is awesome. The studio has taught my kids how to be stronger leaders and firm upstanders. It’s not just kicking and yelling for fun - the first level of classes for adults and kids is focused on self defense. Right now there are in-person, outdoor, social distanced classes and online classes.
Studio Naga (a martial arts studio) did a quick pivot from live to virtual the day Shelter In Place was called. Since then they've kept to their schedule for kids classes 3 times a week as well as adding kids/family meditation classes every weekday morning. The classes begin with the whole group warming up together, then put in smaller groups so the kids can get more focused attention from a black belt. Class ends back in big group to talk/feel sense of community.
Kids love it and remains a part of their routine. Also, kids who've moved away have come back to class to feel sense of community and to do something they haven't had a chance to do in awhile. Also, there have been new enrollees to keep their kids active and engaged throughout the week. As one of the instructors, I love it because it provides a principal from this art -- to put service in front of ego -- and as an instructor, enjoy leading the meditations as teach one of the kids classes.
Feel free to connect with Louise Rafkin of Studio Naga to get more information. www.StudioNaga.com and 510.652.6242.
I can't say enough about Studio Naga Indo-American Arts at 59th and San Pablo for Poekoelan martial arts (pronounced Pu-kah-lahn). It's been such a blessing to our family! The reason is because it's more than just classes, it's truly a loving community that does activities together and supports the kids all throughout their years. They really teach the kids about focus, meditation, caring for the studio, and community. The classes often have adults with kids and everyone at different ages does some teaching. They learn about responsibility and it's a great place to be a part of. My 10 year old son is the most unathletic kid there is, but is honestly motivated to go, progress, and show people what he has learned. We've been there for over a year and he really sees himself doing this for many, many years. They don't have a lot of money or a fancy studio (or studio location), but the love and support there is much more than I was expecting. They have pictures on their walls of students that have been their as kids all the way through college. They sincerely cherish each kid and help them grow in more ways than one. I've seen plenty of shy kids go there and grow. Check it out!
Studio Naga is a great martial arts school that encourages the practice and teamwork you mentioned. They have a diverse group of friendly instructors and students and the kids seem to have lots of fun. A great combo of community connection and personal growth. www.studionaga.com, 510-652-6242.
Studio Naga in Oakland @ Emeryville border. Took my twin girls there @ 11 with no previous experience and one still training today at a sister school in Boston 15 years later. Studio Naga has caring and knowledgeable staff, encourages "broken mirror" style of training and is a true art as the classes actively work on leadership and personal growth while learning the physical aspects of the art.
There are 5 classes a week for your family to choose from to fit with your schedule. And speaking of family, family training is encouraged. I started with my kids and continue to train. It taught me to listen, interact and support my kids in a bigger way than I thought possible.
Studio Naga, 5850 San Pablo Ave, Oakland 94608
StudioNaga.com
Info [at] StudioNaga.com
510.652.6242
We love Studio Naga in Emeryville, it has all the things you mentioned! Martial arts classes where kids and adults can train together and also separate kids and adult classes. The studio is a diverse group of all genders, ages and abilities and they're great at meeting people where they are. Very community oriented and inclusive. www.studionaga.com, 510-652-6242.
Studio Naga has a great "Jungle Gym" program for pre-school kids. The staff is amazing and the classes are fun -- as well as constructive. Kids learn animal movements of the art as well as strikes (formal training aspect I think you're talking about) which are done in the air or into pads. The Jungle Gym program has been around for 11 years and many of the Jungle Gym graduates are now in the kids program.
Your daughter can try out a class to see if she likes it.
Studio Naga, www.studionaga.com / 510.652.6242
Archived Q&A and Reviews
May 2014
RE: ''Nice'' martial arts instructor for 9yo?
My son has been going to Studio Naga in Oakland (near Berkeley though) for a little while now and he really enjoys it. I found them on BPN and I'm sure you can search for what other people have written. All I can say is that, by and large, the positive recommendations were right on the money.
A little background... My son has some delayed motor issues and is also not a super sporty type. The folks at Studio Naga not only have been very accommodating but really have made it a non-issue. Everyone there trains at their own rate and personal expressions/adaptations of forms, etc. are an integral part of the art. A couple of other posters noted, and I definitely agree, there is a strong sense of community over there. It's always a happy occasion when a student is back from college and drops by for a visit. Students have black belt mentors that make sure they don't get ''lost'' and so that they also have a person they can ask questions, etc. And one of there most popular classes is the Saturday all ages, all ranks class where everyone trains together regardless of where they are belt-wise. I should also add the head instructor as well as many of the senior instructors are female so there is none of the macho vibe that can be found at some other places.
It was probably for the Saturday class that made me pick this place. My son is very anxious and wanted me to take the class with him. So *I* actually get to take the classes and ''walk-the-walk''. There are several other families that train there as well. It also makes for an interesting dynamic because when we are in class I am Mas Dave instead of Dad. (''Mas'' roughly the equivalent of how some Hawaiian folks call there close friends/family ''Cousin''... gender neutral and a bit more personal than Mr/Ms.)
So there you go. It's a fun class, relatively laid-back but focused, and a great workout. I think it's definitely worth checking out. Dave L
I recommend Studio Naga. They teach an Indonesian version of martial arts called Poekoelan. Although the studio is in North Oakland, I nevertheless think that it fits very well with your general description of the girl and her interests and wishes, including some very specific training they offer in self defense (see http://studionaga.com/self-defense-empowerment). This place is not about sports per se. It is about getting to know yourself and your own body better, learning to defend yourself, and forging good relationships. Studio Naga parent
Studio Naga on San Pablo Ave is excellent with kids. They teach martial arts/self-defense in an empowering community atmosphere that's fun and effective. Many ''nice'' instructors who meet people where they are. Highly recommend. 510-652-6242 | info [at] studionaga.com (info[at]studionaga[dot]com) ww
Studio Naga has a generous-hearted group of teachers. Our daughter started out at somewhere else in Oakland and it was too harsh for her; she was scared of the head male teacher. When we visited Studio Naga on the advice of BPN posters and friends, the difference in support was impressive. Children are encouraged to be respectful, disciplined, and kind all at the same time. She's had male and female teachers at Studio Naga. The Saturday class ends in everyone shaking hands in a line saying in Bahasa Indonesia ''I learn from you, you learn from me,'' a wonderful sentiment that is embodied in their teaching. - happy at Studio Naga
July 2012
RE: Berkeley Martial Arts Class for 4 year old
Studio Naga, in Emeryville, has terrific classes for young kids (ages 3 to 6). The martial art practiced there is called ''Poekoelan'' and is an Indonesian form. The class for young kids is called ''Jungle Gym'': it draws on the animals associated with different forms/movements to teach the kids martial arts. Its fun,taught by great teachers, and the studio itself is very warm and kid friendly. I also found it especially good for my daughter, as there are lots of women and girls at the studio so it does seem as male-dominated as some martial arts studios (this was a concern for my daughter when she started there at age 5, because she viewed any activity with many boys present as something ''for boys''). Check it out! Stephanie
March 2011
We train an Indonesian Martial Art at Studio Naga in Oakland. It's not Aikido, but they do an excellent job with kids in teaching discipline, self-defense and community. I recommend coming in for a free trial class. My 9 year old has been training for years and loves it! Karate Mom
Jan 2011
RE: Self-defense class for women
Highly recommend Studio Naga in Oakland (510.652.6242 / wwww.StudioNaga.com). Their methods are effective, realistic and practical. But better yet the instructors make sure you feel safe and confident as you learn in a fun yet challenging way. For a sweat, think about training. The first phase of training is ''Cun Tao'' or Self-Defense. You'll definitely get a workout while expanding your self-defense experience. Cinthia
Oct 2010
RE: Martial arts class for quirky 1st grade boy
I would try Studio Naga in Oakland. We did a trial class a few weeks ago and loved it. The instructors seem very sensitive to 'quirky' kids (and there were a few in the class) and seem to have a great community-style approach. anon
Hello, I again highly recommend Studio Naga. The kids program is great ~ focusing on the whole person ~ and also have an existing program for children challenged in group settings. Also sending an e-mail directly to your address with additional information. Studio Naga 510.652.6242 www.StudioNaga.com Cinthia
Oct 2010
RE: Karate classes for kindergartner
I highly recommend Studio Naga in Oakland! The kids program for 3-6 year olds is amazing. Kids learn animal movements of the snake, tiger, monkey & crane to build focus, coordination & confidence along with standard martial arts strikes (punches, kicks, etc.). As children gain confidence, they are gently introduced to the older kids program to add to the child's feeling of success. The studio is very community oriented and it is easy for a parent as well as each student, to have any questions answered. Studio Naga 5850 San Pablo Avenue Oakland 94608 510.652.6242 www.StudioNaga.com
Aug 2010
RE: Martial arts to help son be more assertive
You might consider Studio Naga, on San Pablo avenue. It's open to all ages, and one of their goals is assertiveness for kids (the theme of their summer camp this past June was 'Camp Courage' and my son got a very practical lesson in what to do when a peer upset him!) Karen
May 2010
RE: Introduction to martial arts
My children (3 and 8) both train at Studio Naga in Oakland (near the Emeryville Border). My 3 year old participates in the Jungle Gym class for 3-5 year olds. At this age they are learning discipline, basic movements and focus. My eight year old is in the standard kids class. At this age she is learning self-defense, some fighting, with a continued emphasis on discipline and focus. As a mom, I have been extremely satisfied with what my kids have learned. The instructors work really well with the kids (and there are a lot of kids there!) and the classes are structured yet still fun. Martial Arts Mom
April 2010
RE: Martial Arts/Karate for 16-year-old girl
Check out Studio Naga in Oakland/Emeryville border. The studio's commitment goes beyond fitness and self defense ~ the instructors follow the owner's vision of building confidence and community. Classes are fun, challenging and available with the opportunity to train up to 5 times a week.
There is a great mix of male & female instructors ranging in age from 15 - 50ish. The teens are great and come from Oakland, Berkeley & Albany to train. They are smiling when class is over ~ their parents are smiling when they pick them up...good stuff!
All students are mentored by black belts so training becomes a more personal experience. My daughter has been training for 8 years, was mentored by owner & head instructor Louise Rafkin, and is now mentoring others.
Studio Naga 5850 San Pablo Avenue 94608 510.652.6242 www.StudioNaga.com
Cinthia
Nov 2009
RE: Aikido for ADHD & Tourette's Boy?
Hi Berkeley Mom, I want to recommend Studio Naga to you and your son. They are on San Pablo Ave in Oakland near the Emeryville border. They practice an Indonesian form of martial arts called Poekoelan, but I recommend them not because of the particular kind of martial arts (although this one seems very accessible to even quite young kids) but because of the nature of the studio itself. It is a very supportive and nurturing place (although the folks their are also very serious about their practice and set high expectations for the kids who work out there). There are a lot of kids involved, all different ages, temperments, talents, and backgrounds. My 7 year old ADHD daughter studies there and it has been great for her. She gets what I had hoped she would get from martial arts study (discipline, self-control, respect, perserverence) but additionally everyone there is especially attentive to respect, inclusiveness, and a sense of responsibility for each other. I really appreciate the diversity of people there, the fact that the studio is operated by a woman, and the fact that kids and teenagers are represented in all ranks of practice. This last factor means that age has little to do with rank: you often see a 15 year old black belt instructing a 35 year old white belt. I see kids really thrive on the fact that their hard work can earn them real, significant respect -- respect that translates into adults taking them seriously. The young people then rise to the occasion and use their position (their rank) to seriously respect, teach and care for their juniors (younger kids, but also anyone junior in rank). As a result, you see lots of kids who I suspect are awkward or don't quite fit in other environments (my daughter has a lot of social troubles) really developing a sense of self, pride, and maturity. I am extremely impressed by the young people there and know they would include and respect your son. They also have regular events for kids (a ''kid's night out'' once a month, a summer camp) which allow the kids to continue to build community among each other. Feel free to contact me if you have more questions. Stephanie
Feb 2009
RE: Self Defense course for 12 yo boy
Look into Studio Naga at http://studionaga.com/, where the Indonesian art of Poekoelan is taught. My son and I have gone there for a few years, and it is great. The youngest students are toddlers, and some of the black belts are teenagers. You should even consider training together with your son. Self defense is taught from day one. Check out the website. -mas
April 2008
RE: Self defense class for myself and teen daughter
Check out Studio Naga @ 5850 San Pablo Avenue in Oakland. They offer great self defense classes and already have mother/daughter structured classes. You can do this as part of a group or tailor it for you two and some friends. 510.652.NAGA(6242) or www.studionaga.com Enjoy! cv
Sept 2007
RE: Martial arts class for teen girls?
Studio Naga has a fabulous program for kids of all ages (adults too)It is woman owned and run. Its phenomenally supportive and everyone can work at their own pace. And it is a wonderful community of people. It is in Emeryville on San Pablo. www.studionaga.com 510.652.6242 Kyree
June 2007
RE: Self-defense class for 18-year-old going off to college
I highly recommend Studio Naga in Oakland. They are a martial arts studio that also teaches self defense. Female instructors teach awareness and give non-verbal and verbal tools in addition to the obvious physical tools. What I like is that there are males involved in the self- defense trainings to simulate situations to practice all skills. It feels ''real'' and when it does tap into something personal, the support is respectful and compassionate.
Studio Naga 5850 San Pablo Avenue Oakland 94608 510.652.6242 www.studionaga.com
anonymous
I second the recommendation for Studio Naga as a fantastic place for self defense classes for teens! (and younger kids as well!) I have seen 1st hand the grumpy teenage girls, hanging back and giving attitude at the beginning and by the end, they are transformed! Yelling and empowered with their body language shifted to say, ''don't mess with me!'' Great stuff! K
March 2007
Re: Self-defense class for 18-year-old going off to college
I highly recommend Studio Naga in Oakland. They are a martial arts studio that also teaches self defense. Female instructors teach awareness and give non-verbal and verbal tools in addition to the obvious physical tools. What I like is that there are males involved in the self- defense trainings to simulate situations to practice all skills. It feels ''real'' and when it does tap into something personal, the support is respectful and compassionate.
Studio Naga 5850 San Pablo Avenue Oakland 94608 510.652.6242 www.studionaga.com
anonymous
I second the recommendation for Studio Naga as a fantastic place for self defense classes for teens! (and younger kids as well!) I have seen 1st hand the grumpy teenage girls, hanging back and giving attitude at the beginning and by the end, they are transformed! Yelling and empowered with their body language shifted to say, ''don't mess with me!'' Great stuff! K
April 2006
I highly recommend Studio Naga and their martial arts camps. My kids have gone for two years and are excitedly awaiting to go for their third year. Every morning starts out with some fun games to warm up and followed by martial arts class. Every afternoon there is an exciting event or outing planned ~ Asian Art Museum, swimming, zoo, indonesian cooking, bowling ~ and that was just one week! The staff is amazing with a low student/teacher ratio. The learning is not just about martial arts...there's compassion, respect and community. For more information, call Studio Naga (510.652.6242). cv
Re: Karate class for 4 year old boy (3/05)
Just yesterday we attended classes at Studio Naga (on San Pablo, in Emerville) in Poekoelan, an Indonesian martial art. My 4 year-old attended the ''Jungle Gym'' class, which sounded like a fun play class but was actually quite a bit of martial arts! It was totally fun, my son LOVED it (especially the kicking and punching while shouting ''Do!'') and begged to return. I've never seen him so quiet and focused on anything like this (besides the TV)! The children actually get ''tested'' on skills, to earn a belt and various patches - one thing that particularly impressed me was how, in both his class and the one my older son was taking, all the children had learned to assume a stance, holding both hands up, palms out, and say, forcefully, ''STOP! Leave me alone - I don't know you!'' The older age group was just as impressive - all the children (of various ages, 6 - 16, I'd say) were totally engaged and focused, not one did I see goofing off. Since it was my older son's first time, he shared a mat with two younger teenagers, who were like his personal coaches, and they seemed incredibly mature, considerate and gentle. The whole atmosphere was amazing - all were serious about what they were doing, but very friendly and welcoming. A great part was the end of the classes - all (4 year olds as well!) had to shake hands with each of the other students, look them in the eye, and say (in Indonesian), ''Share and share alike''. Huge emphasis on respect, listening, following instructions - it was a great place. Check it out! Andrea
Oct 2004
RE: Self-Defense class for adult
You may want to check out Studio Naga in Oakland (www.studionaga.com). They are a martial arts school that also teaches self defense to children, teens and adults. I like their approach - going over assessment, non-verbal, verbal, and of course the physical. My 15 year old cousin and I took the class together and I was amazed how her confidence was built in such a short time as well as let me see just how unaware I have been in certain situations.
After taking their class, I checked out a martial arts tournament that included self defense using a padded attacker to see what other people learned & how they reacted to similar situations. Studio Naga swept that event so I felt like my money for self defense was well spent. cinthia
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