ABK Collective"Move Better, Get Stronger, Live Longer"
The ABK Collective is an outdoor movement and martial arts academy dedicated to helping individuals of all ages move better, grow stronger, and live with greater balance and purpose. Located in the East Bay, California, we blend the discipline of traditional martial arts with the insight of modern movement and holistic health practices to create a complete approach to personal development.
Our programs include traditional martial arts for kids and adults, reality-based self-defense, Universal Motions and Actions (UMA) for all ages, Tai Chi, and health coaching for adults seeking to improve overall well-being and lifestyle balance.
At the heart of our teaching philosophy is the belief that training extends beyond physical skill. Every class is designed to cultivate confidence, empathy, self-control, integrity, curiosity, perseverance, and optimism—qualities that strengthen both character and community.
Through consistent practice, our students learn to build not only physical strength and agility but also mental focus, emotional resilience, and a deeper sense of connection—to themselves, others, and the world around them.
We service the communities of Danville, San Ramon, Alamo, Walnut Creek, Lafayette, Orinda, Montclair, Piedmont and beyond.
Movement Arts and Programs:
ABK (Children Ages 5 and Above)
traditional martial art focused on the development of character traits such as confidence, empathy, self-control, integrity, curiosity, perseverance and optimism. ABK's curriculum includes traditional forms, self defense, sparring, weapons training and test breaking: a well rounded system that teaches life skills to deal with life's challenges.
Accepting new students
To Start: New Student Intro available
MAA: The Martial Arts Alphabet ( Children Ages 3.5-5)
designed and developed specifically for the emotional and physical needs of young children by incorporating skills such as focus, balance, strength, coordination, self control and providing students with an awareness of the sights and sounds of the alphabet.
Accepting new students for a class starting 1/6/2025
RBSD: Reality Based Self Defense (private lessons and seminars)
practical self-defense techniques tailored to real-life situations and lifestyle, enhancing your confidence and personal safety.
Accepting a limited number of private students and special event workshops.
BJJ Defense (age 15 and above)
expert-led training, improving your defense against ground fighting skills, agility, overall physical conditioning and psychology of fighting
Accepting a limited number of private students.
UMA: Functional Fitness (private lessons and group training)
UMA is a mind-body practice for all ages, combining Universal Motions and Actions with ancient and functional movements. Playful yet challenging, it builds strength, balance, cardio, and coordination while promoting overall health and well-being.
Inquire about private lessons or building a class in your area or online.
Holistic Sensei: Mind and Body Health Coaching for Adults (private sessions and small group classes)
Lotus Circle Tai Chi
Tai Chi practice works on body awareness, focus, strength and flexibility, emphasizing natural free breathing. Daily Practice leads to improved Posture, Balance, Core Strength, Circulation, Flexibility, Attention, Concentration, Mood.
45 minute private lessons
Accepting new students
Why we Train Outdoors?
Outdoor Movement Arts: Building Strength, Focus, and Resilience in Nature
At ABK Collective, martial arts is more than physical skill — it’s a lifelong practice that cultivates focus, empathy, and resilience. Our outdoor programs harness California’s mild climate and natural landscapes to strengthen both mind and body through movement, breath, and connection with the environment.
Modern lifestyles often keep children and adults indoors, limiting exposure to the elements that support healthy development. Training outside offers unique benefits — safe sunlight boosts vitamin D for stronger bones, mood balance, and immune health, while fresh air and open space enhance oxygen flow and brain function, improving focus and reducing stress. Research also shows that time spent in green spaces lowers cortisol levels and improves emotional regulation, helping students feel calmer and more centered.
Practicing on natural terrain challenges balance, coordination, and awareness in ways that indoor studios cannot. This adaptability translates beyond martial arts — building confidence, physical intelligence, and inner stability.
Our teaching methodology blends traditional martial arts discipline with modern movement and wellness principles. Rooted in a deep understanding of child development and education, our instructors bring early childhood education credentials and extensive outdoor teaching experience to every class. Through mindful movement, play, and practical self-defense, students develop curiosity, perseverance, and integrity in a supportive community.
ABK’s outdoor academy offers a rare balance of traditional forms, functional fitness, and mobility work — all practiced in nature’s classroom. By uniting the discipline of martial arts with the restorative power of the outdoors, students learn to move better, think clearer, and live with greater vitality — true to our belief: Train outdoors. Grow from within.
Our Programs by Age Group
Pre-K Classes
Kids ages 6-12
Teens and Adults
Seniors
Class | Name of Class | Class Description | Frequency | Find out More | Request more Information |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | MAA (Martial Arts Alphabet) | Pre-K Martial Arts group classes | 2 times/week | FIND OUT MORE | CONTACT US |
Testimonials
What our clients say
Rafal U
A year ago I enrolled as one of the first students of the new RBSD program, which is a self-defense system designed and constantly developed by Master Lerma. Although we live abroad now, I have regular online classes and continue my journey with martial arts. The RBSD is a very practical system that allows one to feel confident in most of the real life situations. The idea of sets of basic eights helps memorize and establish proper reflexes to respond immediately to various threats no matter if they come from someone, who practices popular martial arts like kick boxing, BJJ, MMA, karate or someone who is simply experienced in street fights. Master Lerma proposes new drills regularly and changes the focus of our private classes so that, I can stay engaged, have fun and grow my skills. I fully recommend their school, ABK classes for kids and youths, and the RBSD system for adults.
Dave M.
Absolutely the best training by Master Lerma who delivers over 30 years of practical and formal training to each lesson. He is calm, patient, and truly listens to his students teaching them in the way they learn best.
I have the privilege of being his student that started in February 2023 with uninterrupted 1 hour session per week. Master Lerma’s training has advanced me with knowledge of the Art, the purpose for each technique, and its history.
But it doesn’t stop there, through Master Lerma’s coaching and inspiration, I have lost 27 pounds and I have increased my body definition!
You’ll find it is fun to have him coaching you, builds confidence to managing potential encounters in today’s uncertain social climates, and has excellent physical fitness and health benefits!
It is with my sincere and most humble pleasure to highly recommend Master Lerma’s program for all ages, even beyond my age of 67 years old!
Todd G.
Our son was born with some minor learning and physical disabilities, including low muscle tone and weak gross motor skills. We always felt he could benefit from a self-defense class, but were always unsure about when to start him. We can assuredly state that your class has been extremely beneficial for our son. Aside from the obvious physical growth and improved coordination, his self-esteem, confidence, work ethic and even grades have improved immensely.
Paul VL
My son and daughter are in karate at ABK. Karate at ABK has been especially helpfun to my son, who started in the A to Z program at age 4 and is currently a brown belt at age 7 1/2. He loves Master Lerma!
The disciplined environment is key, where consequences are immediate and non-negotiable, where he must fit in with the rest of the class and not deviate from instruction. Most important, an environment where he must focus on the task at hand even though he has other things on his mind. These are the things that karate provides, and the things that will serve him well the rest of his life.
S. M.
Dear Master Lerma,
I want to take a moment to thank you for all the time and effort you have devoted to our daughter. We brought her almost two years ago, a shy and very withdrawn 4 1/2 year old child. During the fourteen months she studied in your A to Z class, my husband and I watched as you patiently helped her to learn and master various moves. As a result of your patience and mentoring over the last two years, she has developed a measure of confidence that shows not only in her Karate, but also in her school work where she is an above average student. Thank you again for working with my husband and I to help our daughter develop into her full potential. We consider you a co-partner in her development, and look forward to many, many years working together.
Rafal U
A year ago I enrolled as one of the first students of the new RBSD program, which is a self-defense system designed and constantly developed by Master Lerma. Although we live abroad now, I have regular online classes and continue my journey with martial arts. The RBSD is a very practical system that allows one to feel confident in most of the real life situations. The idea of sets of basic eights helps memorize and establish proper reflexes to respond immediately to various threats no matter if they come from someone, who practices popular martial arts like kick boxing, BJJ, MMA, karate or someone who is simply experienced in street fights. Master Lerma proposes new drills regularly and changes the focus of our private classes so that, I can stay engaged, have fun and grow my skills. I fully recommend their school, ABK classes for kids and youths, and the RBSD system for adults.
Dave M.
Absolutely the best training by Master Lerma who delivers over 30 years of practical and formal training to each lesson. He is calm, patient, and truly listens to his students teaching them in the way they learn best.
I have the privilege of being his student that started in February 2023 with uninterrupted 1 hour session per week. Master Lerma’s training has advanced me with knowledge of the Art, the purpose for each technique, and its history.
But it doesn’t stop there, through Master Lerma’s coaching and inspiration, I have lost 27 pounds and I have increased my body definition!
You’ll find it is fun to have him coaching you, builds confidence to managing potential encounters in today’s uncertain social climates, and has excellent physical fitness and health benefits!
It is with my sincere and most humble pleasure to highly recommend Master Lerma’s program for all ages, even beyond my age of 67 years old!
Todd G.
Our son was born with some minor learning and physical disabilities, including low muscle tone and weak gross motor skills. We always felt he could benefit from a self-defense class, but were always unsure about when to start him. We can assuredly state that your class has been extremely beneficial for our son. Aside from the obvious physical growth and improved coordination, his self-esteem, confidence, work ethic and even grades have improved immensely.
Paul VL
My son and daughter are in karate at ABK. Karate at ABK has been especially helpfun to my son, who started in the A to Z program at age 4 and is currently a brown belt at age 7 1/2. He loves Master Lerma!
The disciplined environment is key, where consequences are immediate and non-negotiable, where he must fit in with the rest of the class and not deviate from instruction. Most important, an environment where he must focus on the task at hand even though he has other things on his mind. These are the things that karate provides, and the things that will serve him well the rest of his life.
S. M.
Dear Master Lerma,
I want to take a moment to thank you for all the time and effort you have devoted to our daughter. We brought her almost two years ago, a shy and very withdrawn 4 1/2 year old child. During the fourteen months she studied in your A to Z class, my husband and I watched as you patiently helped her to learn and master various moves. As a result of your patience and mentoring over the last two years, she has developed a measure of confidence that shows not only in her Karate, but also in her school work where she is an above average student. Thank you again for working with my husband and I to help our daughter develop into her full potential. We consider you a co-partner in her development, and look forward to many, many years working together.
Rafal U
A year ago I enrolled as one of the first students of the new RBSD program, which is a self-defense system designed and constantly developed by Master Lerma. Although we live abroad now, I have regular online classes and continue my journey with martial arts. The RBSD is a very practical system that allows one to feel confident in most of the real life situations. The idea of sets of basic eights helps memorize and establish proper reflexes to respond immediately to various threats no matter if they come from someone, who practices popular martial arts like kick boxing, BJJ, MMA, karate or someone who is simply experienced in street fights. Master Lerma proposes new drills regularly and changes the focus of our private classes so that, I can stay engaged, have fun and grow my skills. I fully recommend their school, ABK classes for kids and youths, and the RBSD system for adults.
Dave M.
Absolutely the best training by Master Lerma who delivers over 30 years of practical and formal training to each lesson. He is calm, patient, and truly listens to his students teaching them in the way they learn best.
I have the privilege of being his student that started in February 2023 with uninterrupted 1 hour session per week. Master Lerma’s training has advanced me with knowledge of the Art, the purpose for each technique, and its history.
But it doesn’t stop there, through Master Lerma’s coaching and inspiration, I have lost 27 pounds and I have increased my body definition!
You’ll find it is fun to have him coaching you, builds confidence to managing potential encounters in today’s uncertain social climates, and has excellent physical fitness and health benefits!
It is with my sincere and most humble pleasure to highly recommend Master Lerma’s program for all ages, even beyond my age of 67 years old!
Todd G.
Our son was born with some minor learning and physical disabilities, including low muscle tone and weak gross motor skills. We always felt he could benefit from a self-defense class, but were always unsure about when to start him. We can assuredly state that your class has been extremely beneficial for our son. Aside from the obvious physical growth and improved coordination, his self-esteem, confidence, work ethic and even grades have improved immensely.
Paul VL
My son and daughter are in karate at ABK. Karate at ABK has been especially helpfun to my son, who started in the A to Z program at age 4 and is currently a brown belt at age 7 1/2. He loves Master Lerma!
The disciplined environment is key, where consequences are immediate and non-negotiable, where he must fit in with the rest of the class and not deviate from instruction. Most important, an environment where he must focus on the task at hand even though he has other things on his mind. These are the things that karate provides, and the things that will serve him well the rest of his life.
S. M.
Dear Master Lerma,
I want to take a moment to thank you for all the time and effort you have devoted to our daughter. We brought her almost two years ago, a shy and very withdrawn 4 1/2 year old child. During the fourteen months she studied in your A to Z class, my husband and I watched as you patiently helped her to learn and master various moves. As a result of your patience and mentoring over the last two years, she has developed a measure of confidence that shows not only in her Karate, but also in her school work where she is an above average student. Thank you again for working with my husband and I to help our daughter develop into her full potential. We consider you a co-partner in her development, and look forward to many, many years working together.
Contacts
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