★ 5

I came in for a free trial class and was genuinely impressed by both the atmosphere and the quality of teaching here. Sam is one of those rare instructors who combines warmth, kindness, and real strength. He listens, he pays attention, and he creates a space where you immediately feel safe, respected, and welcomed — whether you're five years old or forty-five.
My class included young children, teens, and adults of all ages, and I was struck by how grounded and focused the students were. The teenagers especially impressed me: confident, centered, disciplined, and proud of the work they’ve put in. It’s rare to see young people with that level of integrity, presence, and purpose these days — and it speaks directly to Sam’s teaching.
He doesn’t just teach martial arts.
He teaches backbone.
He teaches confidence.
He teaches how to stand tall in yourself.
As someone who trained in martial arts as a teenager, I deeply recognize how powerful this kind of environment can be. It shapes character, resilience, self-esteem, and a sense of direction — all essential things for both kids and adults.
I wholeheartedly recommend Eagle Martial Arts for children, teens, and adults alike. Sam is an excellent instructor and a genuinely good human being. His work makes a real difference.

Source: Google

★ 5

In the year that my child has trained with Master Sam, we've seen her physical confidence grow and her emotional mastery profoundly develop. Master Sam is a heart-centered leader that encourages self-discipline from all his students. He offers not just the skills of Taekwondo, but also life lessons that can be applied in school and social life. We are happy to support this local business and look forward to many more years of Eagle Martial Arts in our neighborhood and in our lives.

Source: Google

★ 5

Trained for two years, learned enough to manage my life without fear, Master Sam is a great coach.

Source: Google

★ 1

Same Owner - Same Company SEKANDER HADAF and affiliated businesses We came to his martial arts/bicycle shop located in the same location on Scotts Street. He solicited us for martial arts classes and to purchase an e-bike bike. We did buy a bike and when we returned it quite quickly because we did not get an e-bike - but rather a non-working bike... We were told this was warranted as it was brand news...
I had an extremely disappointing experience with this bike shop, and it's less about the bike itself and more about how the owner handled the situation. We visited the shop immediately when we noticed pieces breaking off the bike, the bike not charging, and the battery not holding any capacity. This forced my son to use it as a traditional bike, which defeated the purpose of the purchase.

Every time we returned, the owner called me a liar and spoke to me condescendingly, often bringing up the fact that I'm a woman. When my son, who is on the autism spectrum, initially bought the bike with his own money using a Venmo debit card, he was excited about his first bike. Unfortunately, all interactions with the owner since then have been highly contentious.

When we explained the issues, the owner would repeatedly dismiss our concerns and call me a liar. We even requested a refund, but instead, we ended up spending about $200 more to have the bike assessed, only to find out it was assembled incorrectly, the motor wasn't working, and the battery was dead.

I emailed the owner, stating that he had plenty of time to remedy the issue and could do the right thing by replacing the battery, especially since he had taken advantage of a 14-year-old autistic child. However, he continued to be belligerent and contentious, often cussing at me.

My son no longer feels comfortable approaching the owner because of his mean demeanor. We're now stuck with an $1800 bike that never worked. We will be taking this matter to the ADA enforcement agency that protects those with disabilities. I strongly advise against allowing your children to be around this man, as he takes advantage of children and disrespects women.

This will be how your family will be approached

Source: Google

★ 5

We love Eagle Martial Arts and Master Sam so much! He has become an integral part of our son's physical, moral, and mental well-being and development. We are so grateful for the discipline, confidence and martial ability he inspires!

Source: Google

★ 5

Master Sam is wonderful and has taught my daughter so much discipline, strength and resilience! She absolutely loves it here!

Source: Google

★ 5

Master Sam really reads each child and works with them on what they specifically need to improve on. He is tough and supportive at the same time; truly bringing out the best in his students by gaining their respect. I am very pleased with the changes in my own child and plan to stay with this dojo for a long time.

Source: Google

★ 5

Master Sam has the unique blend of teaching and discipline. Great teacher/coach and would recommend this dojo for kids to adults.

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

Thank you so much, Master Sam!!!

My daughter started going here about 7 months ago, and she absolutely loves it! He is a wonderful teacher, and a sweet person who really focuses to individually help each kid succeed (while bringing a spirit of camaraderie and respect throughout all levels). Best martial arts place ever!!

Source: Google

★ 5

Our daughter has been a student for almost 3 months and in that time we have seen a noticeable improvement in her focus, listening and confidence. She’s loves learning new techniques and seeing results from her hard work. Master Sam and the team care very much about the students and sharing the art of Taekwondo.

Source: Google

★ 5

WOW WOW WOW 👌.

Let me tell you this. After having my son go to Eagel Martial Arts for a couple of years now, and will be attending for many more years to come he has his purple belt and going for his blue in a couple of days thisi s a 7 year old . His teacher Master Sam puts his heart out to all of his students and makes sure that they learn everything before they move on, not like these other places that give you a belt just for nothing here u must EARN it. Look it's so 👍 great I just joined.

KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK MASTER SAM.

Source: Google

★ 5

Eagle Martial Arts is more than an excellent Taekwondo school, it is a true life school. Master Sam teaches Martial Arts, but more important teaches the skills to become confident and to succeed in life.

Source: Google

★ 5

master sam is the best instructor hes a good professional and this is worth your time training here

Source: Google

★ 5

Master Sam is a great instructor!

Source: Google

★ 5

Master Sam is a great teacher!

Source: Google

★ 5

Best martial arts school ever, for adults and kids alike! Master Sam works hard to bring out the best in every single one of this students. It is a great environment to improve both physically and mentally. Thank you!

Source: Google

★ 1

Very bad attitude

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

Master Sam is a great teacher and the other students are so welcoming and lovely! Will definitely be back! ❤️

Source: Google

★ 5

This is an amazing program. Master Sam is amazing with kids and has helped both my boys with their confidence and self discipline. I am excited to be part of this program for many years to come

Source: Google

★ 5

He's a great teacher, and they provide a wonderful and safe learning environment for the kids.

I recommend this place out of anywhere in the San Diego area, Sam is by far the best instructor! Definitely check him out!

Source: Google

★ 5

Master Sam and all the instructors are such a great people, passionate knowledgeable​ and most important, very human, they really care about their students.
Thank you !!

Source: Google

★ 5

My two children have been taking tai kwon do with Master Sam for a 1.5 years and it has been an exceptional experience for them. Their confidence, focus, strength and level of discipline have grown exponentially, which has carried over into other activities and school. I would highly recommend Eagle Martial Arts for parents looking to expose their children to martial arts.

Source: Google

★ 5

I have my 2 kids enrolled here for the last 2+ years. I can see their confidence grow, they're willing to try new things, and of course their ability to defend themselves against bully improve.

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

We have been taking our kids to Eagle Martial Arts for five years now. I can't say enough about how happy we are to have our kids working with Master Sam. He's not only a great coach for martial arts, he's teaches the kids respect, integrity and discipline. Even if our son and daughter don't stay with martial arts forever, I know what they have learned will stay with thrm forever!

Source: Google

★ 5

Fantastic program! Sam and Adnan are so patient and provide the perfect mix of discipline and fun. My exuberant 4-year-old has been a better listener and improved focus. My 6-year-old is stronger and stands more confidently. My kids always look forward to going to class.

Source: Google

★ 5

The beauty of this school is that not only will your child be able to earn their black belt they are also learning core values of respect, honesty, discipline, etc. It's wonderful to see my children learn these valuable lessons that are not just taught but are also modeled by the instructors. They are running a top notch program and that's why once you take their classes you don't go anywhere else and you see the many values that come from them.

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

We are very happy with the instructional program at Eagle Martial Arts with Master Sam and Adnan. More is being taught than just the physical side of marital arts. Focus, respect and skill development go hand in hand. Vince and Sandy Coletta

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

Un petit club avec une pédagogie très bien adaptée pour permettre aux enfants de s'épanouir et de progresser. Deux masters impliqués, je recommande !!!

Source: Google

★ 5

Master Sam and his padawan Adnan are great teachers! They play such an important role in the development of our child... Very thankful to be part of the community at Eagle Martial Arts.

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

This has been one of the best experiences for my children. Master Sam is an Incredible teacher and I cannot thank him enough for the time he puts into nurturing these children.

Master Sam is able to assess each child individually and give them the praise when needed and the discipline when needed. He also teaches them superb values about life outside the Tae Kwon Do class. Teaching them discipline, courage and respect.

Thank you!!!

Source: Google

★ 5

Fantastic! Excellent! Top Notch!

My review will address Martial Arts instruction for children as I have not taken nor watched any of the adult level instruction. Although, based on several years of bringing my children here and watching "Master Sam" in action, I have no doubt his adult level teaching skills are superb as well.

First, I have no background in Martial Arts other than being an avid Bruce Lee fan since childhood & Ultimate Fighting Championship watcher literally since the beginning, UFC 1 with Royce Gracie. So, I cannot comment on techniques or methodology other than as a very interested and long time observer.

My observation is that Master Sam is a fantastic teacher & role model for children. He also happens to be an expert in martial arts. This "Dojo" is his third (he has one in New Jersey & and another in Texas) which demonstrates the success of his teaching as well as solid business acumen. His sons are also black belts & instructors, they "guest" teach on occasion and are fantastic as well.

My daughter was his first client here in La Jolla (she started at 4 1/2), my son started at 3 1/2 (because he had to do what big sister was doing). My daughter will be 8 in January. Sam has perfected the balance between pushing them to be their best, and still making it fun. He doesn't just teach TKD. He teaches discipline, self-confidence and focus. He has taught them selfdefense moves, anti-bullying techniques, and interaction with strangers. All the more important when you have things like the attempted kidnapping in Solana Beach. He teaches them respect and good manners. We often use: "Would Master Sam want you to do that?" or something similar. The kids love him, and they love going to practice.

As for pricing - we did not go to a bunch of studios/dojos, we just looked online. We live very close, so that was also an influencing factor, but we found his pricing to be very competitive, and in fact, if you are able to attend all the class sessions, cheaper per hour of instruction than many other studios.

We have discovered other benefits that had not occurred to me before my daughter said "I want to learn karate". There is a definite emphasis on fitness as an integral part of success, not only in TKD, but also in life. My children run on the lean side, but I have watched other students shed the "baby fat" and gain the confidence and increased ability that comes with that. In the "Black Belt Club", he introduces grappling (jujitsu), which dramatically improves my children's ability to defend themselves in unwanted conflict.

Maybe I can be accused of confirmation bias, but I can honestly say this is one of the better choices I have made for my children. My daughter recently went to her first competition (Poomsae) and it ignited even fiercer determination & focus. We will come here until they lose interest, which I don't think will be for a very long time.

"Master Sam" is not just a successful martial arts school owner, he is also a great guy who you will be glad to have your kids learn from.

Source: Google

★ 5

I joined Eagle Martial Arts about 8 months ago to take Kickboxing! I LOVE this place and the quality instruction here. Master Sam is an excellent and patient teacher. He is a true technician and believes in challenging the class and us as individual athletes. I really like the other students in the class and the camaraderie with them and the entire Dojo. It is really like a family! This is a quality studio, meticulously clean, really professional and a whole-lotta-fun! They also offer yoga, taught by a really skilled Yoga Instructor Extraordinaire!

Source: Google