Tucked away on Old Middlefield Way, Tandez Academy is not your typical martial arts school. Since 2005, founder Adrian Tandez has trained over a thousand students using a blend of traditional martial arts and practical self-defense techniques.
In 1982, Tandez and his family immigrated from Manila, Philippines, to Chicago. While attending the University of Southern California, Tandez lived in Hollywood to pursue his dream of becoming an actor. During his time there, Tandez was mugged at knifepoint by two men who later tried to break into his apartment. This traumatic experience motivated him to learn martial arts in order to defend himself. “Ever since then, I never wanted to feel vulnerable or be victimized,” Tandez said. “I researched and found Filipino martial arts. I decided to learn it because it can help me protect myself in case something like that happens again.”
In the early 2000s, Tandez moved to the Bay Area where he initially taught theater productions and classes. Soon after, he was motivated to start his own business because he wanted to help others defend themselves in moments of danger. “Traditional martial arts is too outdated, not practical, not efficient. I wanted to offer the community something more practical, efficient, reasonable, and honest. For me, martial arts is about seeking the truth,” Tandez said.
Tandez Academy officially opened its doors in San Carlos in 2005 before relocating to its current location in Mountain View a year and a half later. “I named the school Tandez Academy of Martial Arts to pay homage to my teacher Dan Inosanto. His school is called Inosanto Academy of Martial Arts and I wanted to pattern my school after him,” Tandez said.
The academy offers a wide range of martial arts and defense styles including Jeet Kune Do, Kali Escrima, Muay Thai, Boxing, Maphilindo Silat, Francis Fong Wing Chun, and Combat Submission Wrestling. “Nowadays people think martial arts is just wearing a karate uniform and breaking boards,” Tandez said. “I instruct martial arts from different countries because I want people to understand it’s not just what you think it is.”
Tandez is committed to providing practical self-defense classes for the community after experiencing what it’s like to feel exposed and vulnerable. “I grew up dealing with bullies all my life. I don’t want to sell people things that don’t work,” he said. “I teach self defense because I want to save lives. I want to help people develop their confidence and self-reliance.”
Tandez’s advice to aspiring immigrant business owners is to never give up on your goals and dreams. “No matter what, don’t give up your dreams, work hard, and keep going. Even if your goals seem impossible, don’t quit. If you quit, you’re giving up on yourself and the people that have gotten you to this point.”
Schedule a self-defense session with Tandez here. Tandez Academy is located at 1931 Old Middlefield Way, Unit C, in Mountain View.
