Ijo Ija Academy of Kung Fu

A wonderful school offering excellent martial arts training and education. Highly recommended.

I’ve learned so much from my teachers here. The principles of martial arts go so far beyond the realm of self defense! I used to train in Krav Maga and loved it, but I appreciate the refined (but still VERY practical) nature of Kung Fu.
After training with Sifu Earl for a few months I was given an opportunity to teach yoga classes twice a week at IJO IJA. I welcome everyone to join us on Mondays from 6 – 7 pm and Wednesdays from 7:30 — 8:45 am for donation-​based classes! Don’t worry if you have no yoga or martial arts background, we work with absolutely all levels!
Please feel free to contact me at
if you have any questions! Thank you!

The capoeira class is awesome. The instructor CM Versatil breaks down every movement for our body to control our kicks to prevent any injury. Very knowledgeable on the music and background of capoeira.

Sifu Earl is not only an amazing martial artist but an even more amazing person. Very hard to find this combo. His school is great and he is someone I aspire to be like. Other classes her at also great and taught by very skilled teachers.

I went to observe a class and the teachers are fantastic. They have great knowledge and are well qualified. From the kids class to the adults the energy in the room is a community, family, and oriented environment. Plus you will come out feeling like a fighter. A must go!!!

I have been privileged to have trained at the Ijo Ija Academy for the last 10 months. I have been training in martial arts off and on since I was a teenager, and thirty years later, I can say that this school is the best I could have possibly hoped for.
The main instructor, Sifu Earl White breaks down each technique learned in class so you know how and why they are done. His instruction is precise, and free of ego. The style is very fluid and yet powerful and open.
The other class members are extremely helpful and informative to others, especially those who are less experienced. The atmosphere is quite freeing of any fear, but everyone works extremely hard, feeding off everyone’s energy.
Kicks, footwork, hand techniques and defense are all taught in abundance. There is also a stick fighting class and well as a Capoeira class.
The first class is free, so I would certainly tell even the most experience martial artist to try the Academy out.
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I train as often as my schedule allows. It’s an awesome workout and the technique is leading edge. The environment is great because it’s truly a community when you’re apart of Ijo Ija. If you have time check it out. It’s even close to the Vermont/​Santa Monica stop on the Red line. Oh yeah and you learn to kick some _​_​_​_​_​.

Amazing instructors and innovative techniques! You will learn how to defend yourself while getting an amazing work out. There is a strong family vibe in this studio and we have created a martial arts family we are so proud of.
Ijo Ija!!!

Great comprehensive — and practical — martial arts training. I train in the Adult Kung Fu (Wun Hop Kuen Do), Kickboxing and Stick Fighting classes taught by Sifu Earl White, Sifu Paula VanDerZanden and Sifu Pierre Ciofassa.
If you’re looking for effective martial arts training in a capable, hard-​working environment this is the place for you. It is a humble and inspiring studio that I feel very lucky to be a part of.
Come see for yourself! Visitors are welcome at any of the classes to come and watch. Kids, adults — anyone is welcome! The rates are reasonable and it’s walking distance to the metro (Vermont/​Santa Monica Red Line Station).

I come here when I can on Sundays. I go to their capoeira classes which are on Monday and Wednesday nights and Sunday afternoon.
Profesor Versatil is one hip capoeira teacher. I love his style and his students are not only very nice, but super helpful.
If you live by any of the Metro stations, they’re off of the Santa Monica/​Vermont exit.
Drop in classes are $ 20 each