I had always wanted to to get in to Martial Arts since I was young. When I was finally ready to become a member of a Dojo I began searching all throughout Marin and Southern Sonoma Counties. I spoke to many Senseis and Sifus and ultimately my search led me to a small Dojo on 4th Street in San Rafael. Sensei Will was very accommodating and inviting, while openly explaining the ethos of his Dojo. I was immediately impressed with the traditional teachings as well as the sense of comradery within the Dojo. Almost 2 years later I am still here and the Dojo has moved to a bigger and better location closer to downtown San Rafael. The benefits of this this new location are too numerous to list. Over the years I have grown mentally, spiritually, and physically as part of this Dojo and hope to to continue doing so in the future.

My son has been attending classes here for about a year. We tried another karate class before this and I was blown away by how much better, more professional and fun this class was. My son works hard in this class. There isn’t a big emphasis on getting belts and competing, the class is about actually learning karate, its principals and way of life. I am so grateful we decided to come here. Highly recommend!

Both of my kids love it! Will is an amazing instructor. Great value!

I tried many other dojos before selecting this one for my practice. What made the difference for me are three things: 1) how kind, patient, devoted, and genuine Sensei Will and his advanced students are; 2) the historical & philosophical contexts and spiritual power of the karate practice is always emphasized, making it a true mind-body practice; 3) the physical space is kept pridefully clean, which I really appreciate. This place is a gem.

This dojo is by far the best Ive been to. I have tried four others but none have been as amazing as this. The people here are great, I get along everyone of them, theyre more then just class mates. They are true friends. Most importantly my Sensie knows what hes talking about. His methods show results and his philosophies make it come alive. He does not teach the Arts as a special way to kick and punch. He teaches them the way they were intended to be. As a life skill.

This is the real deal! Sensei Will takes his responsibility as a Teacher of the Lineage very seriously. Hes talented, heartfelt, passionate, educated and an overall high-vibrating human. Hes also a highly skilled teacher who creates a safe environment for us to become evolved warriors together. His dojo is filled with people with advanced belts who have studied with him for years -- once people join this dojo, they stay! The community is sweet, accessible, kind and welcoming. I feel like I found my family in Marin!

The Martial Arts Academy is a great place to learn Wing Chun, Karate, or jujitsu. The teaching is traditional and authentic, and the community itself is peppered with decade plus veterans happy to help. Ive found my time here to be very enjoyable and worthwhile. Im sure youll also find what has kept these students coming back.

I have been practicing martial arts for more than 20 years. Still, when I found The Martial Arts Academy in San Rafael, I got surprised with all the new things I can learn and the old things I can refine and re-learn. If you love both the tradition and modern life applications of martial arts, this is truly a remarkable place to be.

When my sons neurologist suggested my son attend Karate classes I was sure we were going to have an experience like previously when he tried to participate but just couldnt handle it. The teacher was too loud, there were too many students and not enough one on one interactionwieh the instructor. My friend suggested I try Martial Arts Academy and to my delight and surprise the class was a completely different experience. The instructor, Will, is simply amazing and wonderful! He is gentle and kind and encouraging while maintaining the kids focus and interest. He does this and still conveys discipline and structure. He ends the class with a story because he believes in a well rounded approach to his art and believes its important to teach not only the movements but the history as well. In addition our sons occupational therapist commented that she believes the classes have dramatically helped our son this year with strength and coordination and both myself and my husband completely agree. I can not say enough great things about Will and this Dojo.

Though I started Karate with zero experience, I was welcomed into the class with open arms. The fun yet disciplined atmosphere created by Sensei and the other students always makes Karate one of the best parts of my day. From doing the kata to sparring and other drills, Sensei ensures that the class is always dynamic. Training at the Martial Arts Academy has not only challenged my body and mind, it has allowed me to develop greater control over my movements and thoughts.

I’ve had a great experience here as a beginner. Sensei Will and the advanced students take the time to make sure we understand the why and how of the moves and forms. The emphasis on proper body alignment has helped me learn to use my body efficiently and helped train my mind to be more aware of my body in and out of the dojo. This has helped reduce my chronic knee and back pain. The other students are welcoming and the balance between kata, sparring, and drills keeps each day interesting.

I have been with Sifu Will Ytirriaga for more than 6 months, and I plan to be with him for the next 20 years. He is, by far., the best instructor I have had. He individualizes the practice of martial arts to each student; it is not a mass market affair like so many schools out there. It is a great mixture of learning how to defend oneself (which takes time and patience) and a philosophy of life in how have honor in the world.

This dojo is by far the best Ive been to. I have tried four others but none have been as amazing as this. The people here are great, I get along everyone of them, theyre more then just class mates. They are true friends. Most importantly my Sensie knows what hes talking about. His methods show results and his philosophies make it come alive. He does not teach the Arts as a special way to kick and punch. He teaches them the way they were intended to be. As a life skill.

The picture is a lighthouse - and Sensei Will is a true luminary. Im nearly 6 decades old and have successfully rehabd from some injuries that occurred from gaining too much weight and thinking I could drop it like a teenager. Wrong. But nearly three years ago I began making changes to improve my life physically and mentally. As I made better choices, more positive options presented themselves to me. I was simply trying to tap into and follow positive energy. I have virtually no history of martial arts but have played competitive sports and have a long relationship with classical guitar ( another detail oriented art you can spend a lifetime on ). The training in this dojo of light has accelerated my weight loss, my fitness and is constantly renewing and invigorating my sense of well being . In any art - it is bliss to be connected to and be a proponent of the legacy that inspires yourself and others around you to experience life on a higher plane. It felt natural to find this place - but the practice, companyand guidance by Sensei Will in his dojo - is a gateway to the supernatural.In other words - Its fun, informative and a great work out. See you there !

Throughout my life I have always trained in various Martial Arts. Every since I was a child I have always wanted to train in Wing Chun, but never had the opportunity. Having the right teacher and environment to train in makes all the difference. Once I discovered that there was a local dojo that not only taught Wing Chun, but had an amazing lineage of IP Man’s branch from Lo Man Kam I knew it was a sign to go check this out. My decision to go try out this dojo has been one of the best decisions of my life. The Martial Academy is by far the most fantastic dojo I have ever trained in. It has been a honor and privilege to learn from Sifu Will Yturriaga! The knowledge and dedication to Martial Arts of Sifu Will is truly inspirational and really helps all students who are training to be the best they can be! Every class is a amazing opportunity to learn, grow, challenge myself, and have fun! The people I train with here are all great and you will find students of all different skill levels. I truly believe a Sifu like Will attracts unique and awesome individuals to come train at his Martial Arts Academy. No matter your background in Martial Arts or skill level Sifu Will makes you feel comfortable and excited about learning Martial Arts whether it be Wing Chun, Karate, or Jiujitsu. I am thrilled to have finally found a Martial Arts Academy that I can train at for hopefully the rest of my life!

Martial arts have been an important part of my life for many years. Since joining the Martial Arts Academy my skill and understanding of the arts has greatly improved; due to Sensei Wills in-depth and practical approach to teaching. I have seen how the well thought out curriculum works for both beginner and veteran practitioners to grow at an enjoyable rate, regardless of age. Also to be noted is the extensive knowledge of Wing Chun and Karate history that Sensei Will holds. If you are looking to practice authentic martial arts, this is the place!

Sifu/Sensei Will (and his staff) is the genuine article Martial Artist. Ive studied in a different art for nearly 9 years as well as a decade of kick boxing, and Ive not encountered a Master that was as knowledgeable in their fields, nor as fun. No egos here, and you get more of a life coach then just an instructor. Practices are intense work outs and sparring is as hard as you want. Best in the bay and definitely not a McDojo like all the others.I’ve now trained with Will and his staff for two and a half years in Karate, Kung Fu and Thai Chi. I recently moved away from the Bay Area, but still train weekly with him over Google Hangouts and in person in the SF parks when I’m in town each month, he comes to me. I wouldn’t still maintain my training with him over the long distance if he weren’t the genuine article. What I like most about him and his school is culture and style are open to all genders and races; he excludes no one and creates an environment of inclusion. There is no religion discussed nor preached.

Its pretty odd how I ended up becoming one of Sensei/Sifus Students, but almost destined to find where I was suppose to be. So after moving over to the north bay for some life changes, as a former U.S Marine, Ive always loved all kinds of martial arts. Ive also dabbled in quite a few. But I have never ever stayed at one place for as long as I have and I dont plan on going anywhere else because I am faithful that I will learn all I need to know through Sensei/Sifu. So I was looking for a place to practice Wing Chun. For a few months I practed at some other place on greenfield which was cool but besides not having a wooden dummy it seemed I could only go so far there and that if I wanted to learn certain things I would have to go to another branch of the Wing Chun Association or whatever.... Anyway a year later which was about 4 months ago while getting my Tire changed at Cains tire. I saw a chinese food place on the corner called Confuscios Resturant and went over to see it had been closed down, but to my left was a Dojo and right in sight were 2 wooden dummys. I got excited, got the number, and when I got home I inquired about it and the first week is free for anyone interested so I went for a week. It turns out they also teach Shorinji-Ryu Karate, now Ive learned Karate and after a lot of research, it turned out that it was pretty efffing awesome. They also teach Jujitsu there but by another teacher. So for the first few weeks after my trial week I did Wing Chun and Karate. Now I specifically went to this Dojo for Wing Chun and especially that its off the Ip Man Branch from Lo Man Kam (Ip Mans Nephew) I thought thats what I would be mainly training in. For some reason I still havent figured out was that when I was doing the Karate there was something special about it that spoke to me and before I knew it I was just going to Karate Class and now am training with Sais and am more excited about learning this Karate than Wing Chun which I never thought would be possible. Now not that Wing Chun is out of the question. Once I hit about half a year or a year in Karate I will start doing both together, but the point Im getting to, is this isnt some regular Dojo. Im originally from San Francisco and lived in East Oakland for 6 years and let me tell you when I had to move out here I thought my martial arts days were over because I really didnt think I would find anything authentic in Marin. Well I did, and now I train everyday even when the Dojo is closed because It has changed my life in a way I thought I had already changed. I didnt think I could again surpass a limit so soon. Besides also having fun and having a great instructor who really cares especially about health and doing things correctly. I have definitely found my Dojo. Even if I move, I plan to Study under Sensei/Sifu Will for probably the rest of my life.

I started with Sifu Will and his amazing Wing Chun class 9 months ago today and it was one of the best decisions I ever made. I was recovering from more than a couple of injuries and when I inquired into training at the Martial Arts Academy. Sifu responded immediately and said he could work with me and get me back on the road to recovery and working out again. He was right. His attention to each and every individual and their needs is a special gift he has among many. Sifu Will brings out the best in everyone and with his positive CAN DO attitude he has motivated me in all aspects of my life and has made me a better person for it. Sifu Will has such a deep and vast knowledge of so many Martial Arts, cultures, body mechanics etc...etc...you simply become a better person just being around him. I have enjoyed his Wing Chun and Qigong lessons and discussions immensely. Sifu is approachable, affable and always sharing his love of the arts he has spent a lifetime mastering. I could not be happier having found Sifu Will and I know will be studying with him for years to come. The Martial Arts Academy of Marin is simply the best place to be. There is an amazing group of people that train and share at this gem of a Dojo...!!!

Ive been with Sensei Yturriaga for 15 years, having trained with him since the original location in San Francisco in 2004. Throughout the years the classes have provided a friendly, family-accessible environment for adults and kids and maintain a good balance between discipline, technical explanation, philosophy and personalized training. Senseis attention to detail on body dynamics, kata and practical fighting application is interwoven each class with philosophy and lessons passed on from the teachers of his lineage. The teaching traditions in each art are observed, yet applications focus on effective self defense against western styles such as boxing, wrestling and MMA. The training Ive received at the Martial Arts Academy has challenged me to expand how I think about life and has improved my personal and professional relationships.