REVIEWS
Below are honest and unedited reviews from students, peers, and guests of the dojo.
Please send all reviews to: islandstyle886@gmail.com and they will be posted here. Mahalo
1. There is a saying, "when the student is ready the teacher will appear." Apparently I was ready because ISK has appeared. Sifu Bob Gomez is without ego, a pleasure to work with, totally focused on understanding the student's needs and tailoring training to fit. I did not believe that teaching as an identifiable process existed before I started training at ISK. Sifu Bob knows many other instructors and is not shy about bringing them in to share what they know or to address a specific issue. Right here, right now, at ISK, I am finding training that I was looking for.
Brian Terry
Fremont, CA.
2014
2. I had been taking Shotokan Karate for 7 months and felt I was not interested in the traditional Karate . I remembered when I was a kid I studied KAJUKENBO for a while and the style never left my heart I had searched everywhere in my city and there where many schools but they did not open until the late afternoon since I work swing shift I was almost losing hope . thats when I went to KAJUKENBO.ORG and found Island Style KAJUKENBO I meet Sifu Bob Gomez and spoke to him about my burning desire to complete the great art he was teaching . From my first class I knew ISK was my Home where I belonged. The morning classes were perfect with my work schedule the instructing is first class just how I pictured it .You will be learning self defense from one of the best . ISK ALL DAY
Richard Ortiz
San Jose CA.
2014
3.
I am trying to think of how I can describe my training with Sigung Bob Gomez at Island Style Kajukenbo. I have had a burning desire to train in the martial arts since I was a kid. I remember growing up I would never miss the weekly television series Kung Fu, and from the first time I saw a Bruce Lee movie I knew I wanted to train, but not in a typical school. I wanted to train in a small group with an instructor who was not only a great martial artist, but a great teacher also. On and off over many years I would try to find what I considered the right fit for me. After my first conversation with Sigung I knew I was in the right place at the right time. Small class size, personal instruction, a teacher that truly cares about his students, and I could tell all of this after just one conversation over the phone. When I met Sigung Bob Gomez I was not disappointed, the class size was small, personal and offered world class instruction. It was not your typical get em in and get em out martial arts school. Sigung tailors everything to ones abilities and body type, he takes his time and because of this one is given the gift to really be able to learn and absorb the art. My Island Style Kajukenbo training has been sharp, realistic, fun, addictive, modern and traditional; I would recommend it to anyone with a serious desire to learn real martial arts. I have made some great friends, had a blast and am thrilled with my decision to join the I.S.K. team!
Bruce Kavich
San Mateo, CA
2014
4.
I trained in Kajukenbo with Sigung Bob Gomez years ago at our old school Golden Dragon in Newark. After being away from the art for many years I wanted to get back into training. I missed Kajukenbo and the training as well as the Kajukenbo Ohana. I was looking for a private one on one type of school. I did a search on the Internet for Golden Dragon to see if anyone from the old school is still around and I came across the ISK website and contacted Sigung Bob. ISK is just the type of school I was looking for. The classes are small, with no more than 3 to 4 students in a semi-private setting with adults only. The training is serious, realistic and intense as well as fun all in a relaxed atmosphere just as I remember from my Kajukenbo training years ago at Golden Dragon. Sigung Bob is very patient with the students, personable as well as a very humble and knowledgable martial artist who is without ego. He takes his time to ensure that the student really understands the different movements and techniques in Kajukenbo. I highly recommend Island Style Kajukenbo to anyone who is serious about learning Kajukenbo!
Mahalo.
Wayne Goularte
San Ramon, CA
2016
5.
Island Style Kajukenbo is a Fremont treasure. Professor Bob Gomez is a Hall of Fame Martial Artist and quality man who deeply cares about his students. The martial arts skills and quality philosophy Professor Gomez and his many high ranking guest instructors teach is absolutely top notch.
Sifu Anthony Magallanes
Fremont, CA
2015
6.
I’ve had the privilege to work with the students at Island Style Kajukenbo and the environment is very welcoming. Professor Bob Gomez welcomed me into the school and since then, he’s became another member of my extended family. If you’re looking for self-defense lessons along with a positive atmosphere, then this school is for you. They combine traditional with modern style combat and give you a blend of what it is, Island Style Kajukenbo. I pop in from time to time, so I hope to see you there! Good luck with your martial arts journey. Stay blessed!
Kwan Jang Nim (7th Dan) Michael Catura
Fremont, CA.
2015
7.
Becoming a member of Island Style Kajukenbo was probably one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. Now I’m a social guy and tend to head to house parties and clubs however that all comes with risks. Days after an incident during one night when a gangbanger attacked me and I knew that I can’t let this keep happening, so I started asking around and found out about Island Style Kajukenbo. I was introduced to Professor Bob Gomez from a friend of mine as we sat and he asked me why I wanted to join, and I told him “ I want to learn self-defense and learn how to handle conflict.” I also explained to him that I like to learn new skills and martial arts was something that was missing in my life. He then accepted me to be part of the Ohana and showed me what their values are and how everything we learn can be implemented in life in general. Professor Bob Gomez truly cares for his students success as he not only extremely down to earth man but his teachings are just perfect for anyone. I recommend anyone who doubts in their skills in self-defense to invest in themselves and become a member of Island Style Kajukenbo Ohana.
Rashad Arash
Fremont, CA
2016
8.
Having grown up around those who trained in Kajukenbo, I would never have thought that I would become a student. Thankfully, I was encouraged to contact Professor Bob Gomez. After meeting Professor Bob and watching him teach a class, I knew in my heart that I was motivated to join. I feel blessed with this opportunity. I'm on a path that is not only fun, but challenging and deeply meaningful. I feel like I've stepped through a door to a new life. I look forward to my classes. It's a honor to be part of the Kajukenbo Ohana. I appreciate Professor Bob's genuine love for his art. He is an inspiration. I look forward to continuing on this path to learn and grow into a better human being.
One of the best gifts I could ever give myself and to my loved ones was when I became a student of Island Style Kajukenbo! My character and outlook on life has changed in such a positive way that those around me have taken notice. I'm grateful for the opportunity to train with Professor Gomez who has an innate ability to encourage and challenge me with his wealth of knowledge, experience, and teaching style. If anyone is looking to learn self-defense, I highly recommend checking out ISK!
🤙Thank you Professor Bob!
Gina (Gifford) Nickels
Fremont, CA
2017
9.
Although Kajukenbo has a reputation for being brutally effective I find the Island Style family to be warm accepting and down to earth.
The small class size and the opportunity for private lessons allow for a learning environment that is customized to the student needs whether an athletic adolescent or a out of shape middle aged woman with prior orthopedic injuries. The Teacher Bob Gomez is also good at instilling a healthy philosophy and values surrounding martial arts without getting self righteous or overly mystical.
If you are interested in self defense you will be effective faster studying Kaju than many more formal styles of martial arts.
Dr. Julia Nyquist MD
Alameda, CA.
2017
10.
It has been almost three years that my children are taking Kajukenbo class with Professor Gomez. My son is 23 years old and my daughter is 15, and both of them with great pleasure and excitement are attending every class. Despite the difference in age, gender and personality Professor Gomez have a unique and individual approach for each one of them.
Every class leaves a student with a sense of accomplishment and a great amount of sweat as a result of hard work. The essence of the class that Professor Gomez has a great sense of humor and none of his classes are boring. The dojo itself is very clean, organized, and well structured. The reason that my son has decided to start practicing martial arts is to be able to stand up for himself and his loved one, moreover, he is not only become a good martial artist but a strong young man with a great sense of confidence and integrity. When it comes to making a decision about my daughter attending this school, it was a result of her being bullied at school, low self-esteem, and low confidence. This school not only taught her how to defense herself, but her self esteem and confidence greatly improved. Professor Gomez created a very welcoming and respectful environment in his dojo. Every member of this dojo like family or good friends regardless of gender, age, and race. As Professor Gomez says it is “Ohana”. In this time it is very rare to find a martial art instructor with top-notch skills and great desire to share his skills. Professor Gomez lives and breaths martial art, and it is a great honor to be his student.
Respect,
Feruzon
Fremont, CA.
2017
11.
If I was in search of a school this would be my last stop...there's a certain feeling about the training room which draws you to it. I could almost feel the energy of all the knowledge that has been taught to past and present students. Professor Bob Gomez teaches from the heart. His knowledge and capability as a Professor take him straight to the top as a teacher. You walk in empty and leave full of confidence that your on the road to an adventure in this world called Martial Arts. Trust me this is the place for you.
Grand Master Malia Dacascos Bernal
San Jose, CA
2018
12.
A good man, teaching good martial arts, with the student being paramount. If you're looking to train in the arts, spend 15 minutes talking to Prof. Bob. You won't regret it...
Sifu Dennis Duarte - Owner and Chief instructor at Island One Martial Arts
Pleasanton, Ca.
2019
13.
Review on Island Style Kajukenbo School
“Fun”, “gives you useful tips”, “Professor Bob is a good teacher” are some of the things that my 12 year old son tells me when I ask him how he is enjoying the sessions. We joined two months ago and every session has been fun and helpful. Professor Bob and his team really provide a fun and comfortable environment for you to learn and get better. He and his team are really good at adapting to your skill level, from beginner to those with martial arts experience already. It’s been such an enjoyable experience, and I have seen an improvement in both of our skill levels since attending. I would highly recommend that you give Professor Bob and his team a chance, they’re great people on top of being there to teach you some helpful skills to protect yourself.
Quynh & Bishop Truong
Fremont, CA.
2021
14.
My low confidence after manipulative relationships, as well as the Trump era's attacks on people of color and women, led me to sign up with Island Style Kajukenbo two months before the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Grandmaster Bob Gomez's awareness of women's concerns, consistent encouragement, and top-notch online teaching skills have built in me not only an embodied confidence but also an identity as a martial artist. The resulting decrease in poor habits and concurrent increase in life-affirming ones have been priceless. Much appreciation and gratitude to you, Grandmaster Bob!
Anuradha Advani - Teacher
Palo Alto, CA
2021
15.
I have been in practice with Kajukenbo for almost a year now. I want to share my story in how I manifested it.
In my past, I have been bullied, been put in a situation where I felt helpless, threatened, intimidated, abused and I decided that enough was enough. Which then began my healing journey.
I was looking for a self defense class for years. One morning I told myself, I will find A self defense class today. So in the fall of 2020 around November-December, while picking up a to go order from a sushi joint in Fremont, here comes this guy with a black hoodie on (mask on) as he walked pass me and my best friend, I looked at his sweatshirt and see a logo that said Island Style Kajukenbo, self defense... in my head I heard a ring... and said this might be the one.... so I told my bestie about the conversation I had with myself that morning about the finding a self defense class, soon after she stood up and started walking towards him and started talking to him. I was like uh ok, where doing this right now then. Lol.
Long story short, we got his business card made contact, a few days later, visited his dojo and talked to him briefly. As soon as he started talking about life and his philosophies, and how they're not about EGO, that its not always about the belt, how the practice can be applied into life, I knew this is it. I got goosebumps...
So I joined. It's been a slow process. I wish I could put more time into it, but a year later I found myself facing my fears and dealing with challenges head strong and pushing myself even when my body did not want to show up at times. I pushed myself.
Professor Bob Kato Gomez, not only teaches the art and technique, he also imparts a lot of wisdom and shares his own experiences with his students. There is a sense of family, Tribe. His caring philosophical and professional sensibility teaches me that the practice applies in life as well. And I have learned so much in the span of almost a year. I am grateful to have decided to eat sushi that night with Shermagne Marie and I am grateful that my best friend is crazy AF that she walked up to Professor Bob and asked what his sweatshirt was all about. Lol. I am grateful for Professor Bob for his patience and dedication to his students.
Maria Clara Adamos
Alameda, CA
2021
16.
My son has been a student of professor Bob for a month now and looks forward to training with him every week. Kajukenbo has a beautiful history with outstanding tradition's. I appreciate the effectiveness of professor Bob's teaching methods so my son can understand. Professor Bob is phenomenal and has raised my son's fighting IQ so he can better understand how to defend himself. We plan to stay here for as long as we can.
Eddie Rodriguez Sr.
Milpitas, CA
2022
17.
When you read the words "Island Style" you automatically think of a relaxing, enjoyable vacation. Believe it or not Grand Master Bob Gomez delivers that very environment. His welcoming energy and commitment to his students can not be described any other way. It feels like family. The "Kajukenbo" part is personified in the results the students experience. The art has been tested and reformed through years of tough training that GM Bob Gomez survived and is now able to teach the students to be tougher, stronger of body and mind. Learning when and how to express the ferocity innate in Kajukenbo through care, understanding and hard work. Effective self defense taught in a relaxed and nurturing environment. Truly one of kind school.
Kuya Nain Guzman - Owner and Chief instructor at Instinctive Protection Concepts
South San Fransicsco, CA
2023
18.
I love this place. For anyone who’s ever wanted to learn real-world, no-nonsense, highly effective self defense, I’d recommend ISK. I had never heard of Kajukenbo before I met with GM Bob Gomez. Now it’s become an integral part of my life.
I came in wanting to learn realistic, “street” self-defense. After literally the first class, I felt so much more understanding about how to defend myself against the most common attacks. After a year, I feel even better. I’m by no means perfect - there’s still so, so much to learn - but each week I feel more confident in my form, arts and application. I can see real results and it’s exciting.
GM Bob is a gift to martial arts, a knowledgeable teacher who demands your best, but who’s also hilarious and encouraging. As a teacher myself, I know how good he is at what he does. Regardless of age, experience and physical ability, he can help you become more equipped for the most dangerous situations. Also, because it’s a smaller martial arts school, the individual attention he provides is something I can’t praise enough. It’s difficult to find personalized attention at such a high quality anywhere else. As for the student body, the camaraderie of the ISK ohana truly reflects its professor. Supportive, encouraging, funny, and always ready to help you better your skills. Thanks for everything, ISK.
Robert Blaine - Professional dance instructor at Arthur Murray Dance Studios
Fremont, CA
2023