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Hwa Rang Kwan Martial Arts Center
Category: Active Life Fitness & Instruction Martial Arts Martial Arts [Edit]
371 5th St(between Clara St & Harrison St)
San Francisco, CA 94107
Neighborhood: SOMA
(415) 495-2025
- Hours:
Mon 3 pm - 9 pm
Tue-Thu 2 pm - 9 pm
Fri 12 pm - 8 pm
Sat 10:30 am - 1 pm
Sun 11 am - 12 pm
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
26 reviews for Hwa Rang Kwan Martial Arts Center
26 reviews in English
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Review from Jesse Y.
San Francisco, CA
10/25/2011
I have been taking Kickboxing classes at HRK for almost 2 years now, and I feel like it's finally to give back some love in the form of a review.
My background: As a small-framed kid who always played too many fighting video games and was entranced by movies such as 'Kickboxer', 'Bloodsport', and 'Ong-Bak', I never thought I would ever train in a martial art. I'm not a big guy, y'know? Afraid of being massacred during an epic training sequence or pitted with guys 2-3x my bodyweight, I decided to leave it for the other, bigger dudes. It wasn't until browsing Youtube one night that I saw kids half my age training in Thailand with lightning fast kicks and punches that I decided to reconsider. After doing some homework, I decided to try out Hwa Rang Kwan, and I've never regretted that decision.
From the very beginning, Master Steve and the gang were very welcoming and patient. From someone who had never taken a martial art in his life until the age of 27, I will tell you that it is probably some of the most challenging and rewarding training you'll ever get. The beginning can be brutal, and I remember quite a few points of frustration during the beginning months. I remember asking Gabriel (another kickboxing instructor), "How long until you start mastering those punch combinations?" He dropped a little bit of Zen on me with: "You never do". Even at your 2 year point, you'll find that there is still plenty to work on and you'll still be refining and developing your own technique.
New to martial arts? Hwa Rang Kwan is one of the most welcoming and amazing places to workout (and it's fun!)
Been around for a while? Try some of the more advanced classes with Anuj, Pete, Master Steve or seek out help from some of the more advanced students! -
Review from Daniel B.
San Francisco, CA
1/14/2012 2 Check-ins Here
Tech. ni. cal. Really though, who comes up while you're drilling and tells you to angle your foot in by such-and-such however many degrees? Master Rapport, that's who. Though he commented way less on the rest of me, I did get the sense that his sharp eyes were monitoring my entire form, along with that of every other student. I should also mention that I did not feel "watched" to the point of being anxious over every move I made. Rather, I felt more comfortable knowing that someone was there who really cared about helping me through my mistakes.
It wasn't just someone - it was several people. Some of the long-term students advised me as well when I was paired with them for drills. Just like their master, the students were similarly patient and calm, no matter how many times I did the same funky movement or positioning. I thought the drill combos themselves were a good challenge for the mind as much as the body.
This is primarily a Taekwondo facility, so its Muay Thai or Kickboxing trappings are comparatively sparse. They still have Thai pads and black pads, and I saw just a few heavy bags in the corner, though we didn't use them. Because it's a Taekwondo place, there was a ballet-style bar along the far wall to help with flexibility = kicking higher = taking your foe's head off and yes I just said that. Speaking of which, I don't want to know who kicked or punched the cracks into the mirrors along the front of the class.
Aside from different equipment and different styles and all that, the calisthenics segments are killer. Or at least my arms and chest felt killed from the mix of push-ups that appeared.
Overall, I like what's going on here. The equipment setup for Muay Thai or Kickboxing (the things I was there to do) I'd put between 2 and 3, yet the instruction is insightful despite the lack of materials. For those mostly into Muay Thai, I'd select somewhere else as a main place to practice; if your base is Taekwondo, I bet this is a handy school for widening your background in ways of self-defense / martial arts. -
Review from Jim S.
San Francisco, CA
1/22/2011
There are times you realize you made the right decision. Coming to HRK was one of them. Wandering in because of its proximity to Caltrain and needing a stress reliever, I took the trial class. That was several months ago, and I've gone regularly since.
"The friendly place to condition your mind, body & soul" is the tag line in its advertising, and it is. It's also one of the larger and better maintained martial arts schools in the City. As others have noted, there's a pleasing absence of any pretension within. And speaking of those reviews, though a few are somewhat old at this point, go read the kickboxing reviews. I agree with all the ones over two stars.
It almost seems like a moot point to throw up yet another five star review, but, it deserves it, and there's two points I don't see.
First, it's incredibly easy to get there. The above mentioned Caltrain is nearby, parking's a breeze, the 27 and 47 bus stop nearby, Powell station's within walking distance, and HRK is a bike-friendly place.
Second, and more importantly, I like that it's primarily a Tae Kwon Do dojang; the kicks aren't just an afterthought in the kickboxing. The hybrid class on Fridays is always great and a perfect end to a work week. -
Review from Hyewon C.
Berkeley, CA
8/12/2010
I am having a great time learning Tea Kwon Do in Hwa Rang Kwan. As a beginner, it is an awesome place to be, because everyone is very friendly and helping, you don't feel left out, and classes are really fun.
I'm definitely getting strong and toned. I couldn't do even one push up before, now I can do 30 in a minute! :-) I recommend Hwa Rang Kwan to all of my friends and co workers!!
Two thumbs up!!!!! -
Review from Cyn W.
Arlington, VA
3/5/2009
Kenya is no longer teaching at Hwa Rang Kwan. He has now moved to his own space in Pacifica. It's a bit of a drive, but he makes it worth your while. The price and the caliber of teaching are still unbeatable. Check it out at: http://www.yelp.com/bi...
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I am in my third week of muay thai training now with Kenya Prach. He is not listed as an official instructor but an "affiliate" (I think he just rents the space), but he is AMAZING.
The class feels like a true community - everyone is very supportive and friendly. Kenya is humbling. He is one of the best instructors you can find in the US for kickboxing and he's a font of knowledge. This is no exaggeration. We have some professional boxers in our class, and the national champions of jiu jitsu and judo sometimes drop in (they are former students of Kenya's!). The icing on the cake is that the class is very affordable.Comment from Steve R. of Hwa Rang Kwan Martial Arts Center 2/25/2010
Kenya's back! He's still teaching in Pacifica, but he's also… More » -
Review from Shannon B.
San Francisco, CA
6/12/2009
**This is a KICKBOXING review, I can't speak for the TaeKwonDo***
Gold's canceled my regular class. (That's all I'm going to say... I'm still bitter.)
After researching and trying out a couple of places, I settled on HRK and I am so glad I did!
I do kickboxing here about 3 times a week and I love it. Seriously. They have lunchtime classes (which I can never make) but they also have 1-2 classes every weeknight and one each day on the weekend. It's a bit pricey if you can't pay upfront, but I signed a 6-month contract and got a reasonable monthly rate... plus with so many options, I make sure to get my money's worth!
Master Steve is a great instructor, so knowledgeable and patient. Pete (on Tuesdays) is tough, and won't take any whining or quitting. My former instructor at Gold's, Gabriel, now does the Sunday class here, and he is always mixing it up. We have a nice little community among the kickboxers, a really friendly group.
The facility isn't huge, but it's a rare night where the classes are packed (I'd say average is about 10 students, maybe 4 girls and 6 guys). There are locker rooms and restrooms, with one shower, plus weights and a treadmill if you are so inclined (incline- like incline bench- get it? Ha!)
Seriously, if you've ever been interested in kickboxing (and I mean real kickboxing, using Thai pads and focus mitts, training as if you were in a real fight!), then come do a trial class. Ladies, it's a really welcoming environment so don't feel intimidated at all! And guys, you will enjoy a healthy amount of competition. This is a great place for beginners or for those who have been training for a while.
I love to come here, rock my PINK boxing gloves AND handwraps at most classes, and get my fight on. Go HRK! -
Review from Karen C.
2/18/2010
Kickboxing Review -
The people are great. Everyone is nice, and the environment is welcoming... but if you are trying to learn REAL kickboxing.. this isn't the place. I came for my intro class and it was my first time trying out kickboxing so I didn't really know much. But after comparing it to multiple places... I've never gone back.
The place is too nurturing. In the classes you get partnered up and you practice punching with each other (not sparing but punching hand pads, etc.) So you get a good amount of breaks. They don't necessary teach great form either. They do show you how "it's done" and correct you but honestly it's from a martial arts point of view. I mean, the place is a martial arts center not a boxing gym. They don't teach you the proper way to box, block, or stand. After all kickboxing is just boxing with kicks added in so it should be taught the way you teach boxing.
The membership fee is pretty high and they offer you free gloves (which kinda suckers you in) if you sign up for a 6 month contract which is more than a few hundred dollars... but you can get Everlast gloves for only $30.
Currently I'm no longer kickboxing, I work out at a boxing gym getting a workout with proper form and for a lot cheaper price. Watch out if your in the ring! -
Review from Is K.
San Francisco, CA
8/12/2010
This review is for kickboxing only.
Especially considering the other kickboxing gyms in the city, I would not recommend HRK. You get much better instruction (nobody ever corrects you here), more class times (all the kickboxing classes start at 7:30pm, which is really late), safety (I kept on getting paired up with super strong partners, when I was still just beginning and kept on getting knocked up in the lip), better equipment (WTF is up with the pathetic jump ropes? -- they're all either way too small or way too big), and...
WAY LESS SKETCHY MEMBERSHIP PRACTICES: I'd originally signed up for a month-to-month and paid my last month up front, but when I canceled my membership, Sleazebag Steve told me I had to give 60 days notice, so I'd be charged again! What the hell? -
Review from Corey V.
4/10/2009
I've been training with Kenya at Hwa Rang Kwan for about 8 months now. I haven't done any serious training in over 10 years, but since meeting Kenya I feel like I'm in better shape than ever. My endurance, strength and knowledge of boxing has improved dramatically.
I'm incredibly slow when it comes to learning new things and Kenya is very patient. He makes sure you understand small technical moves as well as broader theories on strategy.
Thanks Kenya for passing on your amazing knowledge and also for letting me see that I did have muscle under that round belly of mine.Listed in: Get your sweat on!
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Review from Dae Woo S.
San Francisco, CA
9/25/2010
I've been going here for about a year now. I have to confess that one of the reasons I chose Hwa Rang Kwan out of the 50 billion martial arts places in the Bay Area is that this place featured attractive ladies on its website. This isn't the only thing I was looking for, but it's nice to go to a place that doesn't exclusively have a meat head clientèle.
Before coming here, I've had a year of Muay Thai and a few more years of other miscellaneous martial arts (because I enjoy perpetuating Asian stereotypes), but I was very very rusty. The kickboxing classes here got me back into shape to the envy of my obese friends and coworkers. You will sweat a lot in class.
I'm a big fan of Master Steve and some of the other instructors like Gabriel, who is pretty badass (his business card says that besides a kickboxing instructor, he is a model, dancer, and 15 other things). This is a good place for people of all levels to learn kickboxing. Both the staff and other students are very nice and generally happy. -
Review from Jason A.
San Francisco, CA
8/24/2010
This place is exactly what we have been looking for.
Our company wanted a positive and healthy activity for employees to engage in together - we decided to give Master Steve a try.
Before our first class there were many concerns - this video pretty much sums them up:
http://www.youtube.com...
Rest assured - Master Steve is nothing like that.
He is professional, funny and a great teacher - just what we needed! -
Review from Katherine B.
San Francisco, CA
7/26/2009
I have been to 2 trial classes here. I really like Steve a lot - he is very freindly, serious about your form and extremely energetic. He personally teaches most of the classes and makes sure you have individual attention.
The $10 trial class buys you 90 min of exercise (Wed class) and a free pair of wraps. I learned a lot during my 2 trial classes and I am definitely thinking of joining depending on my new schedule. Otherwise, I will pay the $20 drop in fee whenever I can.
I did an hour long class yesterday and my arm muscles are sore, sore, sore. Everyone was really helpful and patient with me as I learned the ropes.
Speaking of ropes - each class starts out with about 10 minutes of jump roping - an easy 100 calorie burn!
They also offer TKD classes. -
Review from chris i.
San Francisco, CA
9/22/2006
Anyone that wants to kick up their work out a notch (and even those of you who are just looking for something different), you HAVE to visit the Hwa Rang Kwan Center. I've been taking the kickboxing class for 2 months now, it surpasses any other form of exercise I've had in the past.
From yoga to spinning, I'm always looking for a workout that harmonizes the essentials: cardio, strength training, core, and flexibility. So far, the kickboxing class here has it all. The instructors pay attention to developing your form and foundation, in addition to carefully watching your technique. Plus, it's fun and gratifying just to hit and kick something over and over, especially if you need to release built up frustration from work or home.
The Center has a class for just about anyone, from the newbie to the experienced kick boxer and advanced martial artist - everyone seems to get a comprehensive work out and leaves the Center fulfilled. I highly recommend it for anyone. Every person I've brought from work ends up loving it.... -
Review from m A n I k.
San Francisco, CA
12/9/2010
I scored a http://Homerun.com deal a couple weeks ago--$30 for taekwondo basic training, which is usually $60. You get three one-on-one lessons, 40 mins each. I've never done martial arts, so I had no idea what to expect. The formalities of the discipline (e.g., bowing upon entering and exiting the dojan and mats; addressing your instructor as sir/ma'am/master) required getting used to. Beyond that, though, I really enjoyed learning the stances, kicks, punches, and blocks of taekwondo. My instructor was knowledgeable and pushed my abilities w/ firmness AND patience--a balance that I appreciated.
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Review from Queenie C.
San Francisco, CA
2/1/2008
I have dreams of being a streetfighter (blame the videogames) and while I'm never going to be as kick-ass as Chun-Li, kickboxing at HRK lets me live out that silly dream for an hour at a time. The staff is knowledgeable, friendly, and accomodating and the location has plenty of street parking but is also convenient for non-drivers like myself. Considering the size of the classes, there is a good amount of one on one attention for students who need it. I prefer activities based workouts over just going to a gym, which I find rather boring, so HRK is more ideal for me. There are treadmills and weight benches to use on your own as well but the classes focus on kickboxing and calisthenics with hints of yoga and pilates movements scattered in. The instructors don't force unrealistic expectations on you but they don't let you be lazy either...
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Review from melissa m.
San Francisco, CA
9/19/2006
What a cool place! I have been coming here since 1999, and I love coming here still. There are so many classes to choose from, 7 days a week. I was worried that before I got into martial arts I would only be able to train 2x a week, but here, I can go as many times as I'd like. I also enjoy going to the kickboxing classes, but Tae Kwon Do is my main passion.
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Review from David S.
4/20/2007
The kickboxing here is the general lifeblood of this SOMA dojang. Few people don't realize this is one of the last if not the last remaining Kukkiwon/World Taekwondo Federation (WTF) studios in San Francisco. The TKD style is 'Hwa Rang Kwan' style (really kind of a 'dialect' of Kukkiwon's style), which was started by the grandmaster who runs the dojang under the same name in nearby Redwood City. Unlike the kickboxing classes, the TKD classes are fairly small and you get a good workout and plenty of attention. If you need WTF TKD in the city, this is the place. If you want something more traditional in a TKD style, you'll have to look outside of San Francisco.
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Review from Jennie S.
San Francisco, CA
8/20/2008
Hwa Rang Kwan is probably the best place in the city to start (or get back into) kickboxing, and lose weight. This is because Master Steve and the other instructors are friendly, patient, and knowledgeable, and encourage the same from students, making it much more comfortable and less intimidating than some other studios. Students partner up in every class to practice techniques with a real person, rather than just bags, and by doing so, encourages everyone to help each other learn.
Starting up kickboxing (real, non-aerobics kickboxing) can be intimidating, especially in gyms where there are a bunch of MMA and kickboxing pros sparring and taking each other out. However, Hwa Rang Kwan maintains a clean and welcoming atmosphere that's friendly and helpful for beginners, while at the same time enabling more intermediate and advanced students to learn a variety of styles and difficulty levels to improve on technique and skill. The studio teaches Taekwondo and a variety of martial arts as well if you want to mix it up.
Two years ago, I was doing capoeira, but switched over to kickboxing when a few friends referred Master Steve's classes to me and my coworkers. In the 3 months to follow, I attended class after work twice a week, and lost almost 15 pounds (in tandem with a healthier diet), and another 6-8 pounds 3 months later (I'm 5 feet tall, and started off at 140lbs). In the first year, I lost over 20 pounds, and since then have lost another 5 pounds. I've been able to maintain my weight by going regularly, my kickboxing skills have improved, and I feel much safer walking the streets at night.
My boyfriend started attending class about 6 months ago and we've been going together since. It's a lot of fun, and actually a great interactive way for couples to workout.
The studio's location and street parking availability are also very convenient for a regular after-work workout if you're in the downtown area. There's also a community newsletter that Master Steve sends out regularly with event and class schedule updates to keep his students in the know, as well as different Strikers tournaments that Kenya and his students compete in that are posted regularly.
If you're looking for a good balance in your workout that combines cardio, strength training, and flexibility, kickboxing could be just what you need... it's also a FANTASTIC stress reliever after work (especially on those awful days). It never hurts to try one class, you might even get hooked. -
Review from Jade L.
San Francisco, CA
8/21/2010
My most favorite, like second home, place to get my sweat on and stress off. Let this super duper awesome martial arts school instill in you practicalities of martial arts, endurance of the body and mind, and lasting friendships. Go in, absorb the atmosphere and take an intro class. Then decide if this school or way of teaching suits you. Be cool. Ciao!
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Review from Nina N.
Santa Monica, CA
9/27/2009
Hardcore Awesome friendly people! Not too crowded, so you get to know everyone. Gabe is a fun teacher dj-ing good music during class. He's in great shape and his punches/kicks makes you wanna be just as strong! He is laid back but makes sure to point out how to improve your form constantly. The entire class is encouraging! Time really flies in this class, so dont go to the gym today to drag yourself through your routine 30 minute treadmill thing at the same speed you were at half a year ago. Change it up and have some fun! It's so cheap too! $10 for your first class and includes free hand wraps (they have pink for us girly girls!)
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Review from russ m.
San Francisco, CA
12/3/2009
My six year old son Mitch has been a member of the Hwa Rang Kwan Tiger Tots for two years now. We go to the center about two times a week for intense but patient and caring instruction in Tae Kwondo. Master Steve is a wonderful instructor and I think my son learns a great deal from the hour long classes. Mitch's balance has improved dramatically as well as his sense of directionality. I also think his self confidence and independence has also been positively affected. I am always impressed with the stuff Master Steve and gang have the kids do (as a respectful team) during their instruction. I would definitely encourage anyone with a child interested in martial to give the instructions at Hwa Rang Kwan a try. It has been a wonderful experience for myself and Mitch.
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Review from cwkodo c.
New York, NY
5/2/2008
I trained at HRK for a year and a half in kickboxing. I started out as a beginner and found the place to be very beginner friendly. I got a lot of one on one attention from the instructors and everyone is there to learn martial arts, get fit, and make friends, not to be macho and beat each other up. I didn't realize how great of a studio it was until I moved to New York recently, not only the NY kickboxing studios ( at least three of the places I checked out) charge twice as much as HRK, you never get any individual attention from instructors.
I will definitely go back to HRW when I move back to SF next year. I was in the best shape ever when I trained there! -
Review from steven s.
San Francisco, CA
8/22/2008
Hwa Rang is an excellent place to learn martial arts. I had never taken a martial art before and I felt very award at first. The staff provides patient, consistent and fun atmosphere where I now I am completely comfortable practicing taekwondo. The other students also provide much encouragement as well. There are several classes to choose from with varying focus. I learn something from every class and enjoy training with the other friendly dedicated students. This is a fantastic place!
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Review from David R.
San Francisco, CA
8/28/2008
I started going to Hwa Rang Kwan about 5 months back. I'd fallen woefully out of shape over the last year, after a bad back injury, and needed to find a workout program to supplement basic gym stuff, which focuses on flexibility and coordination. From that, I decided a martial art would be a good place to look to fill said desiderata.
Initially, I was quite concerned, as my flexibility is rather poor, as is my coordination; I felt that in a class of mixed abilities I would not get terribly far.
Fortunately, I was wrong. The instructors and senior students at Hwa Rang are patient, diligent and flexible enough to work with students around strengths, weaknesses and pre-existing injuries. Additionally, Master Steve, the head of the school is always accessible for questions, either in person or via email
If you've been considering a martial art, but fearful that you might look a pillock whilst learning the bare basics, I recommend that you give Hwa Rang a shot. I highly doubt you'll be dissapointed -
Review from Scott S.
San Francisco, CA
3/5/2010
Hwa Rang Kwan is a fantastic place to learn taekwondo, practice kickboxing, get a workout, and practice mental and physical discipline. I've been going to classes for six weeks, and I absolutely love it. I've already highly recommended Hwa Rang Kwan to friends who are considering starting taekwondo.
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Review from Vik P.
San Francisco, CA
3/23/2008
I have recently joined Hwa Rang Kwan to get training for taekwondo. I wanted to learn some martial arts for a long time but for some reason it never happened and I was stuck on to the same old gym for a long time. I have been training in HRK for last 12 day or so (about 2 or 3 times a week) and its been great so far. The people are very nice, knowledgable. Currently I am taking mon n wed beginners (master ann lundbom) class is pretty intense and is very good. Master Ann is a 4th dan and is really awesome and gives a great class everytime. I am really glad that I found this place. Its little more expensive compared to the gym but its totally worth it. Plus if you sign up for taekwondo you get kickboxing lesson with Master Steve (if you are interested in trying out kickboxing, which i haven't done yet) and if you sign up for 1 yr it gives you free uniform and is at a much cheaper price compared to going mnth to mnth. I would highly recommend it to anyone who is interested in Martial arts and want to be dedicated and consistent
