White Dragon Martial Arts – Mira Mesa

We have been coming here for a year. It has been a great experience and wonderful teachers. This has totally been worth the time and effort.

As a long time student of this school, ten years plus, there are innumerable things that I could list as outstanding features of this particular school and organization in general. The top three things that make White Dragon great though, are the enthusiasm and dedication of all the instructors, the caring and comfortable family atmosphere and the diversity of the material you are able to learn, from historical Thai chi forms to modern style MMA grappling.

This is an exceptional school. The training led by Sifu Lau is unparalleled. If you are looking to improve physically and mentally this is the place for you. I have been a member for 5 years and have no regrets. I have also enrolled my Grandson — he has trained here for 3 years. He looks forward to the training and camaraderie of his fellow students and instructors. All instructors are exceptional and approachable and love what they do. I am honored to be a part of this school. I highly recommend the school for all those that desire to improve themselves.

It’s been a year since my last review on my experiences with White Dragon Martial Arts, Mira Mesa (go Team Mira Mesa!) and I’m back to answer the question, «Do you still love it?» to which I can only say, yes, absolutely.
I’m still a Black Sash member and this year I took advantage of the myriad of opportunities that the Black Sash membership included, like Black Sash member-​only training with Tai Sigung Nathan Fisher and Mira Mesa’s own Sifu Lau; it’s really something special to learn from leaders in your lineage. And while I’m on the subject of lineage, I just attended my very first Grandmaster’s Seminar on Tai Chi Secrets! It was amazing! I learned so much I’m still processing it a week later and practicing it with classmates so that we don’t lose his lessons. Next year I’m taking more seminars, that’s for sure. I’m already prepping to renew my Black Sash memberships for both Choi Li Fut Kung Fu and Tai Chi and I’m budgeting in those seminars.
Now on a more personal note:
The purpose of Martial Arts is to live a better life through them and I’d like to share with you how that’s applied to my life since joining White Dragon Martial Arts, especially in the past year. You see, following the car accident I had difficulty with my balance and coordination. Before I started training and into my first year-​plus, I was frustrated constantly because an entire group class would perform a technique that ended on a left foot with left hand out, facing the mirrors, and I would end up on my right foot, right hand out, facing some random wall, or even bumping into classmates; it was a seemingly endless dance of awkwardness. But I’m no quitter and the teachers and my classmates were simply awesome about supporting me and explaining techniques is ways I could understand as I kept trying. This matters because I realized just a few weeks ago that I couldn’t remember the last time I ended a technique facing the wrong way. And my balance is off the charts better than it was when I walked in that door the first time, too. Not once as I rebuilt these skills did a teacher or classmate ever make me feel like I was unwelcome or hindering the class in some way. And feeling welcome helps a lot when you’re battling the frustrated demons inside you.
And if that’s not enough to impress you with how much improvement I’ve experienced in my health, then consider this… when White Dragon Martial Arts took me on as a student, several parts of my training were removed or placed in limbo (for further consideration) to protect my injuries including kickboxing, grappling, or techniques that risked my neck. My teacher and I are doing both kickboxing and grappling this year and I’ve not excluded a single technique due to injury in a test since I started. That’s every shade of awesome, right there!
Yes, I’m advancing more slowly than many (most?) other students but I knew I was going to take longer than other students when I started White Dragon Martial Arts; I’ve got a lot of stuff that needs fixing and strengthening, and that’s just reality. So kickboxing and grappling training are limited (for now) to working one-​on-​one with my teacher instead of the more classroom-​style group training, for my safety, of course. But you never know because once these were «nevers» and now they’re in my training track. Who knows, reader, someday we might face each other at the White Dragon Martial Arts tournament kickboxing or grappling!
I love my school. I love the White Dragon Martial Arts system. It’s worth every moment spent practicing and every penny spent on memberships, events, and gear. Piece by piece through my training I’m reclaiming what the car accident took from me. And if it takes me into my senior years to get that black sash then so be it … but you can bet that I’ll be the granny who actually knows how to use her cane properly for self defense!

Best martial arts school ever! Every time you walk in the door, they greet and welcome you with positive vibes. The staff is amazing, shown through their hard work and commitment to the success of their students. If you wanna get fit, have fun, and learn self defense, stop by this school! They have amazing seminars, tournaments, and classes to keep you focused and wanting more.
I started a few years ago, shy and nervous about how judgmental everyone would be since I’m the «noob», being a white sash. But as soon as I started, I made many friends who trained along with me and kept me positive about my training. Now, as a purple sash, I have never once regretted becoming part of this community I call family.
White Dragon Martial Arts in Mira Mesa… the best place ever! ~(^-^~)

It looks wonderful, and my son, who did the introductory special had a blast. But even their lowest monthly fee is a bit steep for a group class. I wish we could, otherwise we would have signed him up, as well as myself.

Been going to the dragon for 5 years now and I love it! Just finished doing the Ultimate Fist form with Sifu Lau and he makes it look so easy. If you ever get chance to work with Sifu… DO IT!!! :-)

White dragon is the best place to get fit and work out. In this location Sifu Lau is the best in the school. He’s nice, cool, funny, and helps you work out hard. I’ve always go here for some classes with other people from other locations so I haven’t talked to the instructors but I can tell they’re the best and nice to people. Whenever you get done there’s a fresh and easy right next to it so you can get some fruits and like protein shakes after a good work out. Even though I go to Clairemont but every time I walk into Mira Mesa I feel happy and safe with all of the students, instructors, and Sifu Lau.

White Dragon is an awesome place to learn martial arts. The kung fu classes will build your strength and flexibility, the kickboxing classes will give you a great cardio workout. I’ve used the training to keep myself fit and strong over the years. It’s the best!
I’ve always enjoyed the approach to learning martial arts at White Dragon. The school believes that you should learn how to defend yourself in any situation so there are even classes in ground fighting and grappling. It’s all done in a positive training environment.
The staff is friendly, knowledgeable, and expertly led by the chief Instructor, Sifu Lau. You won’t find a group of more dedicated and hard working bunch.

Passion. This very element, this raw human emotion, has a focal point, at least to me, at White Dragon Martial Arts; this place has simply made me a member for life. But first, let me try to enlighten you, fellow Unilocaler, and pose the question, what is passion? This P-​word stands for absolute devotion to a cause, and for me, this cause is kung fu. Every day, I set off from my humble abode to journey to the place of passion, always wanting to get better and ever improve my skills, my conditioning, and my muscle toning with every lesson. But here, I must pause, for every lesson needs its master, and for me, that is the wonderful instructor, Mr. Mendoza. I am a 59-​year-​old man, and White Dragon, through the teachings of Mr. Mendoza, has rejuvenated me, and made me ready to take on any threat to me or my family. This safety, this confidence within my conscience, is absolutely priceless. Thank you, White Dragon, especially Sifu Lau, Mr. Mendoza, and all of the instructors, for bringing me to this heightened level, and giving me the drive to go practice every single night. This, my fellow Unilocaler, is passion.

I joined last month and I cannot express enough what a great decision it was join. All of the instructors are great and the environment is conducive to learning. I have more energy and confidence about life. I highly recommend that you at least check it out for yourself and make your assessment. Mr. Mendoza and Mr. Pelletier are excellent teachers!
Update on previous review: After being here for almost two months I felt I needed to update my review. After getting to know the staff and the students and the program better, I have no hesitation to say that joining White Dragon is one of the best investments I have made in myself. The facility and equipment is top notch. The program is unbelievably amazing and most importantly the instructors are incredible leaders. They are not only passionate about what they do, but they are passionate about their students growth and development. I know that this is something I am going to continue as a life long journey.
Update: it’s been 4 month now since I’ve joined White Dragon Martial Arts Mira Mesa and I am so grateful to Sifu Lau and all the instructors for providing such an outstanding program. I love that you can go at your own pace and that the staff really helps you achieve excellence at all levels. There is high level of achievement drive and support to back it up at White Dragon. Every time I come to a class I learn practical things, but also a lot of intrinsic values such as pushing through challenges, being confident and continually learning.

White Dragon Martial Arts continues its tradition of exceptional teaching. Based in Choy li fut, the teachings also include a variety of weapons, grappling techniques and yang style tai chi, and are taught by a variety of exceptional instructors from many different walks of life.

Our three girls have been training for 3 ½ years and love the school, their instructirs, and their dedicated, inspiring leader Sifu Lau. The girls all have a goal to obtain their black belt. We love the discipline and respect that is prevalent at the school and to be a part of the White Dragon family. It’s well worth the investment to give your kids confidence and the skills to protect themselves if needed. Please overlook the negative reviews… we have nothing but praise for the school!

I’ve been training at White Dragon for a few years now. When I first started, I was so out of shape. I had a belly and got tired just walking around the mall. I had really low energy and had to take naps in the middle of the day a few times a week just to get through the work day. I was already 39 and didn’t want to be the «over the hill» guy when I turned 40. Something drastic had to be done.
I started my training with a bad right hip, so I told my instructor to take it easy on me. Although I really enjoy my first couple of months, it was really hard. Being out of shape sucks when you’re trying to do martial arts. I listened to my instructor and continued training as hard as I could. My job was pretty flexible at the time, so I was able to train 3 – 4 times a week. I think it was at the 6 months mark when I finally realize that my hip didn’t hurt anymore. Amazing.
After about a year of training, my belly went away and I was beginning to see the start of ABS! Yes! Abs! Finally. I think to me, the best part of White Dragon was the encouragement I received everyday I trained there. Not only from my personal instructor, but also from other instructors that taught the classes as well.
You know that TV show «Cheers»? White Dragon is like that. You go there, and everyone knows your name, except instead of wasting away your life drinking beer, you’re getting healthy so you can live your life. I have more energy now then I did when I was in my twenties!
White Dragon — best decision ever! Don’t waste time, go do martial arts and see what you can become.

Unilocal filtered my last review, so here’s an update for this school. I have 4 nephews attending White Dragon for about two years now. This was the first year their mom was able to watch them compete in the annual tournament. Here’s what their mom said «wow, it was so much fun. Next year I’m going to take the whole day off work to watch them»
Personally, I’ve seen a big change in their behavior. You can imagine how hectic a household is with 4 boys. Since doing martial arts, they’ve learn to calm down. The peacefulness at home is priceless.

My son and I have been attending White Dragon Martial Arts in Mira Mesa for over a year now and I’m still amazed at how great the school is. Sifu Lau is extremely dedicated to his students. He certainly leads by example because all the instructors are wonderful, attentive, and willing to help ANY student who needs help whether the student is theirs or not. I’ve never felt as confident and strong as I do now. It’s reality that we have people in this world who mean to do harm to others and we need to know how to protect ourselves and our loved ones, the self-​defense techniques I’ve learned through White Dragon gives me the confidence and know that I at least know how to defend myself and family if necessary (and of course my son can help). The classes offered are great and if I never need to use the self-​defense techniques I’ve learned, it is absolutely, ALWAYS a great workout!

My kids have been students of the Mira Mesa school for 5 yrs and It never ceases to amaze me how dedicated Sifu Lau is. He thinks «out of the box» and creates innovative methods to motivate and train his students to the best of their ability. He exemplifies the meaning of a true teacher. He’s always open to feedback and strives to improve the Kung fu experience by taking it to the next level. Sifu Lau engages with his students at all levels. You will find him leading the kids grappling class, preparing the students for their annual tournament by actively being involved in their mega group classes, and he coaches his staff to improve the overall experience for their students. He has a great team because of these factors. We are very fortunate to be a part of this school and More importantly I’m so pleased that we chose the right martial arts school for our kids!

Hands down best martial arts place with the best instructors around. I found my home at the Mira Mesa school under Sifu Lau. I loved this place so much that I would travel an hour just to train with Sifu Lau. The school has the friendliest, most professional staff around. Highly recommended if you want to learn Kung Fu or Tai Chi!

I am going to openly admit that this review is based on what happened to me a few years back but I still feel strongly about what happened to me that I needed to post a review. For starters be sure to read the fine print! Before signing anything or giving out your bank account number. In fact because of White Dragon I learned that any practice that requires you to give them your bank account number pretty much is just going to screw you over.
White dragon is the equivalent to the micro transactions you have to deal with on mobile apps. They try to nickel and dime you. What else is that they did the whole bait and switch on me in regards to the 1 on 1 training. Before I actually became a (unwilling) paying member the 1 on 1 training was with an actual Sifu (teacher) after I started the program however my 1 on 1s were now with someone that was really just recently sharing the training mat with me. Don’t get me wrong the kid did really well however I did not appreciate that whole change up because after all the selling point for me at the time before jumping on board was the 1 on 1 training with the Sifu.
Needless to say when I couldn’t make the training due to work constraints I was all but forced to pay out the monthly charges. In hindsight I should’ve just closed my checking account but that pretty much would be the only way to keep them from getting my hard earned money for absolutely nothing.
So if money is not an issue with you then the program may be ok for you. I see they do a lot of work with kids so parents and anyone else interested in checking white dragon out please be sure to go over every detail before signing anything with this business.
My one token of wisdom I got from white dragon is that the devil is always in the details.

The used car lot of San Diego martial arts studios. I was a member of the Mira Mesa White Dragon studio for one year back in 2010. I signed up to learn Tai Chi; my decision to select this White Dragon studio was based solely on its location very near where I live.
They charged me $ 399.00 to «join» White Dragon for one year. This «join» fee got me nothing but the privilege of subsequently authorizing White Dragon to automatically withdraw $ 150.00 from my bank account each month for one year. This level of payment got me 1) unlimited group Tai Chi classes at the studio (there were 2 – 3 group classes per week in the evenings as I recall) and 2) one 30-​minute private lesson with an instructor per week. Note that these are 2010 prices; I would not be at all surprised if they have gone up and are higher today.
They also charged me over $ 100.00 for my uniform, which consisted of the common $ 9.99 martial arts pants (available anywhere) and a gi with the White Dragon logo on the back. I asked about my program of instruction and if I could get a list of the beginning Tai Chi forms I would be learning and the sequence they would be taught in. They would not provide this to me unless I paid them an additional $ 12.00 for a photocopied sheet listing the forms and their sequence. Note: the 24 forms of beginning Tai Chi and their sequence are fairly standard around the world, but White Dragon tweaks the standard sequence just enough to make it proprietary and prevent students from learning the sequence via books or the internet. So unless you pay them that extra $ 12.00 you will not know what you will be learning from one week to the next.
The group classes (they were really more like group practice sessions) did not start at the beginning; they assumed you had been taking the private lessons for awhile and could understand and immediately start practicing along with whichever of the Tai Chi forms they were doing in the group class that day.
The private lesson, instead of being conducted inside the studio where there always seemed to be empty practice rooms, was always conducted outside in back of the studio in the service alley behind the strip mall the studio was in. This was an asphalt surface that was not level, which added an extra degree of difficulty to learning the forms. We would frequently have to stop the lesson and get out of the way as cars and mostly large trucks rumbled up and down the alley.
Perhaps the biggest downer of my White Dragon experience was the fact that after all of this expense just to take some basic martial arts lessons, they were constantly trying to upsell their students on additional stuff. Sometimes when I showed up for the group classes I felt like I was walking on to a used car lot. For example, after I had been a member there for only a couple of weeks, an instructor I had never met or been introduced to started encouraging me to participate in an upcoming tournament. «A tournament? But I just started and I don’t know anything» I told her. «That’s OK, just get up there and do as much as you know. If it only takes you 10 seconds that’s OK.» she said. This seemed really weird to me, but then came the punch line: «Come on over to the desk and I’ll get you signed up for the tournament. The fee to enter is only $ 39.00 if you sign up today, but it goes up to $ 49.00 if you delay.» This is just one example of many. It seemed like every week they had some expensive special seminar or event they would put the hard sell on you to sign up for. I eventually stopped going to the group classes when I realized that all of the smiling, glad-​handing instructors were salespeople first, and martial arts instructors last.
I’m awarding a second star to White Dragon Mira Mesa because the instructor who gave me my weekly private lesson out in the sloping alley, Mr. Hurley, was a knowledgable instructor and a very cool guy.