Paresh Martial Arts Introduce
Paresh Martial Arts is a distinguished karate and martial arts school located in San Rafael, California. It stands as a pillar of the community, offering a unique and deeply enriching experience that transcends typical martial arts training. This is not merely a studio for learning kicks and forms; it is a supportive community and a family, one that extends its care and values far beyond the four walls of the dojo. Under the expert and compassionate leadership of Master Kristina Ohlson, students of all ages are invited into a space where they can grow physically, mentally, and emotionally, building character and life-long skills.
The philosophy at Paresh Martial Arts is a testament to the power of consistent, fair, and disciplined instruction, blended with genuine warmth and love. Master Ohlson, the school’s chief instructor, is described as being "disciplined, firm and clear in her expectations" while also possessing an incredible "warmth," "sense of humor," and "loving nature." This balance is what makes the training so effective and the community so strong. The focus is not on instant gratification or quick promotions, but on fostering true self-discipline, hard work, and kindness. Students learn to maintain high standards for themselves, and their success is a direct result of their commitment and effort. This approach ensures that every student's growth is meaningful and well-earned, teaching them the value of perseverance.
Beyond the physical training, Paresh Martial Arts is a place of profound personal transformation. The studio's commitment to creating a sense of belonging and inclusion is at the heart of its mission. The strong bonds formed within the community are a testament to this, with former students continuing to seek a connection with Master Ohlson long after they have left for college. This says so much about the deep personal investment she makes in each and every student, serving as a mentor and even a "second parent" to many. The values taught—respect, gratitude, kindness, and self-discipline—are emphasized both inside and outside the studio, creating a powerful positive ripple effect in the students' lives and in the broader community.
Paresh Martial Arts has recently opened a brand new, beautiful studio located at 777 Grand Ave Suite 102, San Rafael, CA 94901, USA. This location is conveniently situated in the same complex as Starbucks and FedEx, making it easy to find and access for residents throughout San Rafael and Marin County. The new studio is designed to be welcoming and accessible to all. It features a wheelchair-accessible entrance and a wheelchair-accessible parking lot, ensuring that individuals with varying mobility needs can comfortably enter and train. For added convenience, a restroom is also available on-site for all students and visitors.
The studio’s commitment to providing flexible learning options is also a highlight. In addition to their onsite services, Paresh Martial Arts offers online classes, allowing students to continue their training from the comfort of their homes. This hybrid approach caters to modern life and ensures that students can stay consistent with their practice regardless of their schedule. The studio accepts major credit cards and debit cards, streamlining the payment process and making it easy for families to manage their accounts.
Paresh Martial Arts offers a range of high-quality programs designed to meet the needs of diverse age groups and goals.
Tang Soo Do Training: The school specializes in the traditional Korean martial art of Tang Soo Do, providing a comprehensive curriculum that teaches students a disciplined and effective form of self-defense and physical fitness.
Kids Karate: Tailored specifically for children, these classes focus on building discipline, respect, and confidence in a fun and engaging environment. The Tiny Tigers class, in particular, is designed for the youngest martial artists, helping them with focus and body awareness.
After School Programs: Paresh Martial Arts offers a structured and enriching after-school program, providing a safe and productive environment for children after school hours, combining martial arts training with positive mentorship.
Family Karate: A unique program that encourages families to train together, promoting a shared experience and strengthening family bonds through the practice of martial arts.
Women’s Self Defense: A specialized program designed to empower women with practical self-defense techniques, situational awareness, and the confidence to protect themselves in real-world scenarios.
Ki Gong: An ancient practice that combines slow movements, breathing techniques, and meditation. It is an excellent complement to physical training, promoting physical and mental well-being.
Group Classes & Group Training: All programs are conducted in a group setting, fostering a sense of camaraderie, support, and community among students.
Paresh Martial Arts stands out in the Marin County community with its many unique and noteworthy features.
Woman-Owned & LGBTQIA+ Friendly: Paresh is a 100% woman-owned business that fosters a welcoming and inclusive environment for the LGBTQIA+ community, making it a safe and respectful space for everyone.
Affordable & Transparent Pricing: The focus on student development over quick profits means parents aren't constantly hit with extra fees for promotions or gear, making it a more accessible and honest business model.
Community Focus: Beyond the studio, Paresh organizes fun activities like baseball games, camping trips, and movie nights, creating a strong, supportive, and extended family for its members.
High-Quality Instruction: Master Kristina Ohlson is described as a compassionate and gifted instructor who invests deeply in her students, providing a level of care and guidance that is truly exceptional.
World Tang Soo Do Association: Students at Paresh become part of a larger, international family, with opportunities to participate in regional and national tournaments and form friendships with other students from around the world.
For more information, to schedule a visit, or to give the studio a try, you can contact Paresh Martial Arts directly using the information provided below.
Paresh Martial Arts
Address: 777 Grand Ave Suite 102, San Rafael, CA 94901, USA
Phone: (415) 828-9323
When choosing a martial arts school in San Rafael, Paresh Martial Arts is an excellent choice, and the reasons are clearly outlined in the thoughtful and passionate reviews from its community members. The most compelling reason is the leadership and dedication of Master Kristina Ohlson. As one reviewer eloquently stated, she is "far from your average karate instructor," and her approach is not just about teaching techniques but about "fostering a sense of belonging and inclusion." This focus on creating a supportive community of "chosen family" is a rarity and a powerful draw for families. The testament that Master Ohlson is like a "second parent" to many students highlights the deep, lasting impact she has on their lives.
Another strong reason to choose Paresh is the quality and integrity of its curriculum. The school's approach is not about moving kids through promotions for business purposes but about ensuring they have truly "exhibited self discipline, learned the material and demonstrated a commitment to their training." This high standard ensures that a promotion at Paresh is a true testament to a child's hard work and dedication. The additional benefits, such as being part of a larger national association and the fun community activities, further solidify Paresh Martial Arts as a top-tier choice. For anyone seeking a martial arts home that prioritizes character, community, and genuine personal growth, Paresh Martial Arts is a place where you will see "true transformation."
Paresh Martial Arts Services
Karate School
- After School Programs
 - Family karate
 - Group Classes
 - Group Training
 - Ki gong
 - Kids karate
 - Kids self defense
 - Tang Soo Do Classes
 - Tang Soo Do Training
 - Women’s self defense
 
Paresh Martial Arts Details
Service options
- Online classes
 - Onsite services
 
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
 - Wheelchair accessible parking lot
 
Amenities
- Restroom
 
Payments
- Credit cards
 - Debit cards
 
Paresh Martial Arts Photos










Paresh Martial Arts Location
Paresh Martial Arts
777 Grand Ave Suite 102, San Rafael, CA 94901, USA
Paresh Martial Arts Reviews
tang soo dofosteringtigerscompetitionindividualself-controlcommunityrespectconfidentdiscipline
★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1This review is a long time coming and given Paresh Martial Arts has opened a brand new beautiful studio on Grand Ave in San Rafael (in the same complex as Starbucks and FedEx!), I thought this was the perfect time to share my reflections.How can I possibly distill how much Paresh Martial Arts and its fearless leader, Master Kristina Ohlson, has impacted my life and the life of others in our community in a single review? Let me start by saying two things:First, Paresh Martial Arts is not just any karate studio. It's a community, a support system, and a family, one that extends far beyond the four corners of the studio walls.Second, Master Ohlson, the chief instructor at Paresh, is far from your average karate instructor. She is disciplined, firm and clear in her expectations for each and every student from her four year old Tiny Tigers all the way up to Black Belt. She is consistent and fair, ensuring the same rules and expectations apply to all, but where she truly stands out is the warmth with which she invites each student into the studio space, her sense of humor and her loving nature. She is extremely gifted in working with small children and growing with them as they age. Many of her former students that started with her when they were only five or six years old continue to reach out and seek an ongoing lasting connection with her, even now as they are off in college. To me, this says so much about how much Master Ohlson invests in her students. She goes above and beyond, and for many of these students, she is like a second parent to them.There are many karate studios out there that are solely focused on a business model that moves kids through promotions quickly (i.e. instant gratification for both kids and parents) in an effort to drive up the number of times parents are hit with a point of sale (i.e. new gear, new patches, new belts, new weapons). Master Ohlson's approach is quite the opposite. It's about fostering a sense of belonging and inclusion and creating a community of chosen family. It's about maintaining high standards for oneself, working hard, and always expressing kindness, gratitude and respect to others, both in the studio and at home. If your child is promoted at Paresh, it's because they've exhibited self discipline, learned the material and demonstrated a commitment to their training. These are the values your child will learn at Paresh, and they will be supported by a truly compassionate and encouraging teacher every step of the way. I've seen so many kids and adults go through Master Ohlson's program and they just thrive.A few other things to mention:- Paresh is a LGBTQIA+ 100% woman owned business.- At Paresh, your child will learn the traditional Korean art of Tang Soo Do and join a larger association known as the World Tang Soo Do Association, that sets the standards for the curriculum and offers opportunities for regional and national tournaments where students can compete against and form friendships with students from other studios. So, students not only join a family at Paresh Martial Arts, but also a larger scale family through the association.- Lots of fun activities offered outside the studio too - baseball games, camping trips, movie nights and more!If all of this is not enough to convince you to give this studio a try, I encourage you to drop in and witness the Master Ohlson magic for yourself. At Paresh, you will find community, your child will be empowered and you will see true transformation.Thank you Master O and Paresh Martial Arts for enriching my life beyond measure.
January 17 · Vanessa DenistonMy 4yo loves going to the Tiny Tigers class with Master Ohlson! She is so patient with them, and class is always so fun. He’s learning to be more in tune with his body through all the different warm ups & stretching, and, also learning to have a still body and focus when that’s required of him. It’s such a fun positive class that you won’t regret sending your kid to!
May 19 · Cristina BarakatParesh Martial Arts is truly outstanding, thanks to Master Kristina Ohlson's exceptional leadership, especially through the Little Dragon program. My son's journey through Tang Soo Do under her guidance has been transformative. Not only has he become a confident young boy, but his overall physical fitness, including cardiorespiratory health, speed, agility, strength, flexibility, coordination, and balance, has seen remarkable improvement.What sets Paresh Martial Arts apart is its focus on individual growth rather than competition. The program allows children to progress at their own pace, boosting self-esteem and motivation. Master Ohlson's approach of breaking down routines into manageable chunks ensures gradual learning, fostering anticipation and mastery.The emphasis on self-control and concentration in martial arts is paramount, and Master Ohlson's program excels in teaching these skills. Despite the challenges, my son has made significant strides in attention and focus, not only within the dojo but also in other aspects of his life.His coordination has improved significantly, and he has gained a better understanding of his body in space, thanks to the structured environment provided by Paresh Martial Arts. The program has also instilled in him the understanding of the power of mind over body.Moreover, Paresh Martial Arts instills discipline and good behavior, leading to positive feedback from his teachers and emerging leadership qualities. The outlet for physical activity helps him channel his energy constructively, enhancing self-control.Master Ohlson's emphasis on respect creates an accepting environment where negativity is not tolerated, and students support each other. Choosing Paresh Martial Arts for your child's training is a decision you won't regret, as it fosters holistic development under Master Kristina Ohlson's guidance.
April 30 · Heidi HeffelfingerI highly endorse Paresh Martial Arts to my friends and family. Upon entering, you instantly feel a sense of welcome, acceptance, and warmth. Master Ohlson, with her extensive experience, is truly remarkable and excels at engaging kids, making learning enjoyable. Witnessing my son grow into a confident and respectful individual has been rewarding. He eagerly anticipates his weekly classes, eagerly earning his stripes. Beyond the excellent martial arts instruction, you become part of a supportive community that feels like an extended family. A five-star experience in every aspect!
February 01 · Mishel DieterParesh is such a special place, we feel incredibly lucky that we found it for our son. Master Ohlson is amazing with these kids. The perfect mix of funny easy going and firm respect demanding. My son has thrived in her programs over the past year and a half. She has created a community that is like family for the kids and even parents. I can't recommend her classes enough!
January 14 · Beth Sayers Van Slyke
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