Testimonials

Mark Mead

I’ve had the good fortune to train in progressive Wing Chun and mixed martial arts under David Kerr since 1996. We’ve hit the bags, blocked center line, thrown kicks, and rolled on the wrestling mat countless times in Sifu Kerr’s dojo, but he did not begin as my martial arts instructor, but as my high school linebacker coach. His characteristic intensity and strategy helped me improve in technique, fitness, and dedication to success. Sifu Kerr continues to infuse these goals in his students in every lesson.

David Kerr was teaching mixed martial arts before the term became popularized. From the first, Kerr was not afraid to remove extraneous techniques or incorporate successful strategies from all styles. I remember practicing triangle blocks on the bag, only to have a Wing-Chun block and strike followed by a left hook to the kidney. We might practice aikido throws one night and incorporate Thai hook kicks on the next. While the techniques often came from diverse arts, they always had one thing in common: high success rates on in real fighting encounters, the ones without referees. In this manner above all, Sifu Kerr has always excelled. His style is reduced to highly effective, devastating self-defense methods that work.

I feel fortunate to have trained with him all these years. I have learned an encyclopedic amount of self-defense strategies from him and am grateful to him for the years of mentorship and support in and out of the dojo.

-Mark Mead,

Christopher Yo MD, PhD.

I am one of the oldest students of Sifu Kerr. Old, in terms of age and also in terms of the length of time I have trained with David. In 1996, I walked by Dr. Robert Kerr’s office and saw an advertisement that his son was offering martial art lessons. Initially I was just intrigued by it, but later on, I was completely hooked by David’s methodology and dedication in teaching the subject.

Life is like martial arts and sometimes confrontation is unavoidable. The best thing I have ever learned from David is to avoid confrontation by all means. However, one should be fully prepared to defend oneself or loved ones if situation warrants retaliatory action.

In the last 10 years, I have religiously attended David’s classes. Sometimes dead tired after a day’s work or not even having slept, but I felt rejuvenated each time after attending his class. Besides being a great martial art instructor, I also think of David as a great personal trainer, he has helped me keep in shape and maintain flexibility even though I had no previous athletic background.

Being a busy eye surgeon, one of my initial fears was accidental injury. However, under the supervision of Sifu Kerr, I must say that I have never been seriously injured. I view minor injuries such as cuts, bruises or broken ribs as reversible injuries, they heal rapidly without intervention and serve as a good reminder that we live in a dangerous world; and this is realistic martial arts training. I am well aware that mishaps can occur in martial art classes, but I also understand that life is full of unpredictable events. I actually feel safer and more confident after having trained with Sifu Ker

-Christopher Yo MD, PhD.

George Esteves

Software Systems Engineer

A few years ago I saw an advertisement card for “David Kerr Progressive Wing Chun/Applied Self Defense” which touted striking, kickboxing, grappling and ground fighting. It sounded cool, but I did not give it much thought to it at that time. Being in my mid-thirties with minimal exposure to martial arts, I figured I was past my prime to undertake any intense physical activity. However, the more I thought about it, the more I wanted to know more about it, so eventually I made the decision to call. Talking to Sifu Kerr on that initial phone call, I explained that I’ve had no relevant experience but like to learn more about it. He invited me to check out the class and five years later I am still going.

I have learned more about myself taking martial arts classes from Sifu Kerr. I discovered an explosive side to myself that I hardly knew I had. Sifu Kerr’s studio has become a place of empowerment for me. Being a busy IT computer professional, I deal with a fair amount of stress every day and I look forward to classes to help burn some of if off. The support that you get from David and from the other students is incredible. There are no egos here. And as advertised, in a few short years, I have trained in striking, blocking, kicking, knee strikes, various types of takedowns, grappling and ground fighting. David’s methodology is direct and to the point. Perhaps unlike other studios, he encourages questions and observations from students. He compares what other styles do and then challenges us to simplify the technique. Through repetition, you discover ways to perfect the technique. In time, you acquire the confidence to be able to confront any situation. You learn also the preferred course of action is actually avoidance, because, unlike the movies, there are real life consequences. The confidence gained from taking classes from Sifu Kerr has helped me enormously in other areas in life, and overall, has improved my physical and mental well being in ways I would not have thought possible, especially for someone my age (giving credence to the adage “you are never too young to start something new”).

-George Estevez

David Martinez

Studying under Sifu Kerr has been a great asset to my life. I’ve learned how to further control my ego, gain more confidence, and explore the world of MMA. The Kerr Fighting System specializes in diplomacy and combat. You’ll learn how to talk your way out of an altercation, while still keeping your integrity. And at the same time, you’ll know what to do, in case talking doesn’t work (unfortunate but true).

Sifu Kerr teaches Mixed Martial Arts in very clear detail because his methodology is grounded in real life situations. In addition, I enjoy working with his clientele of hand picked students. They’re all stand-up guys, who come here to learn and help each other out. It’s no non-sense and a lot of fun. I highly recommend it!

-David Martinez

Nathan Lind

Walking into David Kerr's class for the first time I was a greenhorn with little to no experience in martial arts or any sort of self defense. However, after observing my first class I felt that there was something more to this program and was looking forward to what this new experience would bring. Granted to this day, I'm still very much a newbie when it comes to the amount of time that I have spent with Sifu Kerr, but in my short tenure, I have been able to find a strong sense of pride as well as a new-found level of self-confidence that has helped me become successful in all my daily aspects of life.

-Nathan Lind

Evan Richards

I've always been a big mixed martial arts fan, from JKD to UFC. With 2 years of Tae Kwon Do, and 1 year of High School Wrestling under my belt, I thought I knew a little something about how to fight. Then I met David Kerr. Two of my buddies had been training with Dave for about 2 or 3 years. At the time I was totally convinced that grappling was the way to go. We sparred a few times and I always had the upper hand. A few kicks, double leg, submission, you know. Well, one day that all changed. My buddy kept tagging me with these powerful linear shots. He blocked everything I threw. And when I tried to close in for a grapple, he either trapped my arms or cycle punched my gut till I let go. I soon realized this shit was the real deal.

I've been training with David for 5 years now. In that time I've learned more about fighting than I could have possibly imagined. Not only have I developed quick, powerful hands and learned a few cool traps. Dave showed me how to put real power into my kicks. And I'm a better grappler than ever before. Anyone who has felt David's speed and power knows he is a true MMA master, the stuff of legend. His theories and methods concerning the 3 ranges, footwork, angles of attack, etc, would make Bruce Lee proud. Sifu Kerr is a great instructor. His sincere desire to share all he knows, and his ability to put it in plain English, makes him one of a kind. This is truly "the art of JKD without JKD."

Finally David is my friend and mentor. There are always a few laughs at lessons, he's a pretty funny guy. Once in a while, the guys will go out for lunch or a few cold ones. When I lost my job and was dealing with depression, Dave was always there to listen, to offer sound advice. The man has a lot of experience. His training and advice helped me gain the confidence to get back on track. I'm now happily employed as a highly trained armed security guard for L.A. County. Looking to get serious about MMA competition. David is that perfect combination of expert, teacher, and friend. In the real sense of the word.....He's my Sifu.

-Evan Richards

Eric Cadena

I have been a martial arts student for over fifteen years and I have spent the entirety of that experience with David Kerr. I have remained a student for several reasons but there are three that stand out to me. First, David has spent a life time perfecting his art. He has several real world experiences with the principles he learned as a student and teacher. Over the years those experiences have allowed him to refine and perfect his system so that his students only learn those tools that are battle tested and proven to be successful in any scenario. I am a perfect example of a man who put a lot of faith in the things he has instilled in me and I have reaped the benefits of applying his lessons. I have been in intense army martial arts tournaments and training. I have applied his techniques in real confrontations and the outcomes have fortunately been positive. In ever arena where I have used David’s techniques, I have found myself saying “Wow! He was right. That worked and it was so easy to apply”

David is also a master at using martial arts as a tool to teach his students about being a successful person in life. His students come from all walks. They are teachers, doctors, computer programmers, police officers and college students. Each student comes out of lessons with a better understanding of how to be successful in those arenas. I was a high school teacher for many years and I now serve my country as an officer in the United States Army. I owe much of my success in those professions to the deep wisdom that he gained from life and generously handed down to me. I will speak for his students when I say that you cannot leave his classes without becoming more confident, more humble and more prepared to handle the tribulations that life and a profession will inevitable bring.

Finally, I will continue to be a student of Dave’s because he is well aware of the power of his techniques, and he is deeply concerned about the moral use of his martial arts system. In every class, there is a lesson on when to walk away from conflict, when to handle conflict non-violently and when to fight if it is necessary. Over the years, Dave and I have grown to be good friends and I have witnessed many occasions where he put his ethical teachings into practice. David expects his students to live by the same high standards. He has rejected people if he did not think a potential student had a strong enough character and he has kicked men out of his studio for lack of a concern for treating his system and its application with the utmost respect.

There is no doubt that David Kerr teaches the finest brand of martial arts in the market but studying with him is much more than learning how to throw a punch. Any student will become the beneficiary of his many years of excellence, wisdom and character. After a few months in his studio, I am confident that you will arrive at the same conclusion I came to. Learning from David has been one of the great gifts to my life.

-Eric Cadena

Taylor Hawkes

I recently moved to California and after living in Pasadena for two days a Mixed Martial Arts Add on Craigs list caught my eye. I called David to see if I could check out one of his classes and he welcomed me in to attend. After the first class I knew that attending David’s lessons and learning Martial Arts was something I needed to do. These classes quickly became an outlet where I could relieve stress and a tool for gaining confidence. Although I’m still a beginner, after just a few classes I felt significantly more calm with myself. The more I learn about Martial Arts and being able to take a guy to the ground before he knows what hit him; the less I feel the need too- it’s all about gaining true confidence.

As for David Kerr; he is a great instructor of all sorts of throws, kicks, takedowns, punches, and the list goes on. But he offers more than just Instruction in Martial Arts. Knowing that I was new to town David immediately helped me get my feet planted and acquainted me with the City- he even used his resources to find me work. Once you become a student of Sifu Kerr he makes a note to take care of you in whatever way he can. David’s teaching pushes past just using the proper techniques and form in Martial Arts, but how and when to fight, how to have and maintain true confidence, and even generally how to live. I immediately recognized that David had seen and experienced a lot in his life and his teachings were truly valuable. My first class I remember Sifu Kerr saying “Being a real man isn’t having the ability to pound another guys face into the ground…. Taking care of your family day in and day out – that’s a real man. ” Kind of funny thing coming from such a great fighter. And although knowing how to fight is a great skill; a skill that I look forward to learning in David’s classes -I believe there is much more to learn and gain through training under David Kerr.

-Taylor Hawkes