SwiftKick Martial Arts

San Diego, United States

4.8

Closed now

20 reviews

Accepts Credit Cards

Contacts

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Telephone:
+1 858-385-1600
Website:
swiftkickma.com
Address:
16775 Bernardo Ctr Dr, San Diego, CA, 92128
Rancho Bernardo
Nearby public transportation stops & stations:
0.3 miRancho Bernardo Transit Center
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Bussiness info

Accepts Credit Cards
Yes
Bike Parking
No
Good for Kids
Yes
By Appointment Only
No

Today

Today 2:00 pm – 8:30 pm
Closed now
Local time (San Diego) 3:39 AM Wednesday, June 25, 2025

Business hours

Monday 2:00 pm – 8:30 pm
Tuesday 4:30 pm – 6:30 pm
Wednesday 2:00 pm – 8:30 pm
Thursday 3:00 pm – 8:30 pm
Friday –
Saturday –
Sunday –

Description

Specialties

SwiftKick Martial Arts San Diego is a Self-​Defense and Applied Martial Arts education program. SwiftKick Martial Arts San Diego is not the typical martial arts gym or school. Our unique training approach blends the best of Boxing, Kickboxing, Muay Thai, Wrestling, Catch Wrestling, Jiu Jitsu, MMA and Street Self-​Defense to teach a highly functional and dynamic martial arts system. At SwiftKick we encourage our clients to become experts in practical self-​defense and fitness.

We use the martial arts as a lifestyle enhancement program to help people be at the top of their game physically and mentally to improve their performance at work, school, in relationships, and in business.

History

Established in 2007.

SwiftKick Martial Arts was founded by Owner and Head Coach Brian Cowell in January 2007. While attending graduate school at SDSU, Brian started teaching martial arts to kids at a church in the Rancho Bernardo area. Starting with about 25 students, the program more than doubled that year. In 2008, word of SwiftKick Martial Arts spread and Brian started a program in Carlsbad. In August of 2010, SwiftKick Martial Arts Rancho Bernardo moved into its own retail location. Three years later, SwiftKick Martial Arts Carlsbad moved into its own retail location in August of 2013. Now, SwiftKick serves over 270 students at both its San Diego locations. SwiftKick is focused on changing lives through the power of martial arts. SwiftKick helps clients set and achieve personal goals and get results in their martial arts training, in their personal health and wellness, and in their personal and professional life endeavors.

Meet the Business Owner

Brian C.

Business Owner

Brian Cowell, SwiftKick’s founder and head teacher is a licensed Trainer with the CMD Program as well as a Fourth Degree Black Belt in Tae Kwon Do. Training in several styles of martial art for over 15 years he has blended the best of mixed martial arts and combat self-​defense to create the Applied Martial Arts system. Brian Cowell has received tremendous benefits from his personal martial arts training. He has taken this training and applied it to all his life endeavors. Brian attributes his ability to complete an MBA at San Diego State University as well as start his own corporation at age 22 to the discipline, tenacity, and life lessons he attained through the martial arts.

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20 reviews of SwiftKick Martial Arts

No registration required
Place rating: 5
San Diego, CA
Swiftkick is a values based martial arts academy. My kids have attended courses for the last six years. I cannot say enough great things about the lead instructor and owner Brian Cowell. Our kids not only learn how to defend themselves, but they learn life skills, good values and discipline. I highly recommend anyone looking to build the right skills in their kids to send them to Swiftkick. I apologize if this sounds like a commercial, but it is a testimony to what we have witnessed in the growth of our kids. Thanks Brian!
Place rating: 5
Escondido, CA
My children have trained at Swiftkick Martial Arts for over 2 years. I love the consistency of the coaches and the team atmosphere they provide. The kids are so enthusiastic about the fitness aspect as well as the martial arts. It’s a fabulous program.
Place rating: 5
San Diego, CA
My kids have been members at Swiftkick for several years. Prior to joining Swiftkick, the karate studio we attended always had different instructors, which meant a very inconsistent approach. Our coaches at Swiftkick are consistent — Brian, JT and Jordan are absolutely awesome with the kids. They work with the kids individually and always in a positive and encouraging manner. They are always open to hearing your personal concerns and challenges, and make themselves available for one-​on-​one conversations so they can assist them during training. We have taken a few brief breaks over the years, but we have always returned — I have found that my kids are more grounded and confident when they are in session with Swiftkick. Highly recommend!
Place rating: 5
San Diego, CA
I recently started training at SwiftKick in the champions program for adults. I tried out a class and was immediately sure I’d come to the right place. I had been looking for places to train and SwiftKick gave me the right vibe. You get to train with really good people in a non-​competitive environment where the concept of egos are left outside. The people who’ve been training here for a while help the newcomers to up their skill.
Brian is the head coach along with Jordan and JT and each one is awesome in their own way. They bring their own personality into training and its brilliant to train under them. The crazy monkey defense which is practiced here strives to create a better you everyday and SwiftKick helps you get there
Place rating: 5
Poway, CA
Both of my kiddos have been attending classes in the Pathfinder level for almost 2 years now. They both enjoy the games and fellowship with their classmates. They are challenged by all of the drills and functional martial arts skills that are taught in each class. We homeschool and appreciate the earlier 230pm class that was initially started to accommodate homeschoolers. I like how the instructors know all of the students names by heart and really make a big effort to make sure that all of the kids feel included while balancing strictness and high skill standards for all of the students. They basically adhere to 6 week sessions that focus on a specific tenant/​defense skill set allowing the students to have a good amount of time to really learn and understand how, why, and when to use each skill in close to real life settings before moving onto another 6 week session focusing on a different skill set. I love that they teach mixed martial arts with a high focus on teaching the kids functional or real life strategies. They incorporate a lot of real life «Stranger Danger» defense and safety skills. My goal for my children in martial arts is for them to be able to defend themselves or loved ones being attacked and get away to safety. I also like that the instructors work together with the parents, encourage the kids to work hard, obey and show respect to their parents and siblings, and will only advance a student if all of their martial arts skills AND their attitude and behavior at home are good and pass the approval of the parents. And most important to me, is that both of my children were immediately comfortable with Coach Brian and Coach Jordan. My children are not shy kids, so when they cling to me, I know that they don’t trust the person or situation. From the very first introductory free class that we attended, my kids felt very comfortable with both coaches. And now that we have been attending classes for almost 2 years, they have come to love Coach Green and all of the assistant coaches as well.
Place rating: 5
Vista, CA
I’m an adult member of the Champion class. I love this program, the camaraderie, the coaches and the fact that I now, after only a short time, feel confident in my ability to defend myself. The space is a bit small, but they use it well. I definitely recommend this program if you are looking for a new and different work out.
Place rating: 1
San Diego, CA
My son has been a member of Swiftkick for several years. Early on, we were pretty happy with our experience there but that has changed over time. The number of students per class has almost doubled in the past year and their requirements to advance continually changes making it difficult to understand the requirements to reach a new belt. Many times we have felt they have been slow-​walking these advancements in an effort to keep us there longer. I am not sure if that is the case, but we heard of another student who almost reached junior black belt but Swiftkick decided to increase the age requirement pushing it out years later for them. Recently we haven’t been happy with the coaches and one in particular spoke to me in an negative manner about my 7 year old son in front of him. I felt their approach was unprofessional.
For these reasons, I decided to take my son out of the class. Although I requested to remove my son before the 15th, Swiftkick insists on charging me for the entire month plus the following month. This is fairly upsetting considering we pulled out because of their instructor.
Place rating: 5
San Diego, CA
I love this place! I absolutely love it!
I have started the adult program about 7 months ago and I am really glad i did!
The coaches are friendly, knowledgeable and are just overall amazing, Brian, JT, and Jordan are the ones i trained under and every single one of them is an amazing teacher
A lot of business there have staff that would smile and be friendly, but you can tell it’s just an act, these guys here, it’s not, it’s genuine, they are nice, they are friendly, they are helpful, they knowledgeable, and they are overall amazing. Yes, I am repeating myself!
Every while and then a special clinic will be held, we just had a knife defense clinic with one of the gurus of knife defense, This person got invited to give this clinic
It’s not your typical MMA gym, it seems to be that the typical MMA gym, is the one where a beginner walks in and leaves on the first day with a broken arm. it seems to me that a typical MMA gym is where the students learn to be aggressive with the purpose of causing as much damage and pain on others as possible!
At swiftkick, i do learn how to cause damage and pain, but the purpose is not to go around doing so, the purpose is to be able to defend myself if needed, and in the future, compete if possible.
The aggressive macho man doesn’t exist here, but i know for a fact that the non macho men/​women in this place can kick a lot of macho men’s butts if needed
At the same time, it’s one heck of a work out. Everyone is friendly, nice and more than willing to help beginners learn, i learned tons from other students. Swiftkick creates an atmosphere that allows for all these great things to happen!
The other thing i really like at this place is the fact that the coaches are so driven to learn more skills! once they master it, they bring it back and teach it to us! it seems we are always learning something new!
Place rating: 5
San Diego, CA
Our children have been training at Swiftkick for over 7 years. It is such a wonderful program! The instructors and owner are very friendly and encouraging and it is a very positive environment in which to train. The combination of mixed martial arts with an emphasis on self defense and discipline are beneficial in many areas of life including physical training and fitness, self confidence, focus, and self control.
Place rating: 5
San Diego, CA
My son started the Pathfinders class at Swiftkick nearly 2 years ago and it has been one of the best decisions we made. We had looked at different studios, however the welcome we received from Mr. J.T. Smith & Mr. J. Egger to the family at Swiftkick was one of the first things that set it apart. Since then, Swiftkick and its staff has continued to demonstrate that they are invested in my child as an individual. I am grateful for the physical training, mental discipline, and most of all the self confidence that my son has gained through Martial arts at Swiftkick. Looking forward to many more years of training with this awesome group!
Place rating: 5
San Diego, CA
SwiftKick Martial Arts is the perfect combination of working hard and fun! I always feel so good after a class. The instructor, Brian Cowell, is fantastic– he really pushes you hard but never makes you feel uncomfortable or discouraged while you learn. This is a great class for both self defense and fitness, and I love every minute of it! Highly recommended.
Place rating: 5
San Diego, CA
My son has been going to Swiftkick Martial Arts for almost 3 years. He’s now 7 and still loves and enjoys the classes. He has 2 different coaches as he attends classes 4 times a week. Coach Jordan Egger is wonderful and knowledgeable; I can see why the kids enjoy his classes. Coach JT Smith is also as fabulous and wonderful and my son looks up to him. They each have a different technique in teaching but ultimately with the same goal!
Coach Brian Cowell is the owner who also coaches every once in a while in Rancho Bernardo. My son loves it when he teaches a class as he makes a class fun and controlled at the same time. It is impressive how well he knows every child’s name without teaching or being there every day. He must have an amazing open line of communication with his staff!
The reason why I like Swiftkick Martial Arts is, the combination of different types of martial arts they teach so your child is able to use in every day life, in case he needs to.
If I have an issue at home or at school with my son, I can sit down with Mr. Cowell and we can work together at solving the matter even though it isn’t happening during Martial Arts hours. He takes every issue seriously and puts the time to resolve it by following up with me.
Every evaluation is taken seriously; Mr. Cowell and his team will not give any child a stripe or a higher belt if the child doesn’t earn it. Couple of times my son didn’t receive his full stripes on his belt because Mr. Smith didn’t think he was ready for it, and that is what I appreciate from them. I know they are not here to just test and collect money on a belt that isn’t earned properly!
I can’t say enough about Swiftkick Martial Arts and the entire staff who is kind and understanding. They have created a friendly, fun, yet disciplined environment for each child to learn a variety of Martial Arts technique and self-​defense.
Thanks Swiftkick for being such a great role model for my son!
Place rating: 5
San Diego, CA
My son has been training with SwiftKick for 5 years. He loves it! They are like family to us and really run their organization with excellence. I also jumped into training a couple years ago and really enjoy the adult program as well!
Place rating: 5
Murrieta, CA
I have been with SwiftKick for almost three years. Although teaching the same material, all the coaching bring their own unique spin to the material. I have found it particularly useful learning from multiple coaches who have diverse martial arts backgrounds, and integrating their teachings into something that is practical for me. I have my third degree black belt in Taekwondo so adapting to the structure and discipline it takes to be a martial artist might have come a bit more naturally to me than others. However, all the coach explain the material conceptually and technically and effectively adapt to one’s own pace of learning.
Place rating: 5
Murrieta, CA
Can’t say enough good thing about this place. If you want to learn how to protect yourself or get in shape and have a great time doing to go here.
Place rating: 5
Poway, CA
I took a self defense course from Brian Cowell and two of his other coaches after being assaulted on the street in front of my home in RB. It was such an amazing experience and I am so glad that I did it! Not only did I learn important self defense skills, but I also regained a lot of confidence in myself. I am 5’9, 136lbs and have to ask my roommate to open pasta jars for me, and by the end of the 3 hour class I could flip a 200lbs instructor off of me from my back. I so highly recommend Brian and his team for anyone looking to learn self defense, confidence, or martial arts. Thanks SwiftKick Martial Arts!
Place rating: 5
San Diego, CA
Our whole family trains here and we love it! It’s very practical self defense and great work out. We’ve been training here now for over a year.
Place rating: 5
San Diego, CA
I’ve been here a few times now and it’s such a great place! It’s not at all macho & intimidating like a lot of martial arts studios can be… it’s very friendly and professional, and there’s people of all ages, sizes & walks of life.
It’s nice that you can have fun, learn valuable skills and self defense, and get a great workout all at the same time!
Place rating: 5
San Diego, CA
Last year, I signed up my child for the summer program. Since then she goes every week to as many classes as she can! This is not your regular martial arts program. What I like about this business is that Brian Cowell teaches children and adults mixed martial arts for settings we can learn and use for self defense in everyday situations. Every session starts with a fitness warm up which is also a great workout in and of itself! There are tests and evaluations. At the same time everybody has fun while Brian also instills the discipline and respect of martial arts to all his students. We love to come here and it is a positive environment while getting fit for the whole family.
Place rating: 5
Mount Pleasant, SC
My 7-​year-​old-​son recently started in the SwiftKick program in Carlsbad. It has made a tremendous difference in his life. Coach Brian Cowell makes the class very fun for the kids while also instilling the discipline that is intrinsic to martial arts. Because of Coach Cowell’s talent for teaching, my son has developed a tremendous respect for him. This has then translated into my son striving to improve not only his martial arts skills, but to also strive to live the life tenets Coach Cowell teaches his students, such qualities as honor and self control. I highly recommend this program for both children and adults.