This gym was the best MMA gym on the east coast. Sadly for us, Phil Dunlap moved out to Las Vegas. Lucky for you, people on the west coast now have access to an encyclopedia on combat that is Phil. Nobody has ever trained with Phil and been unimpressed. There are no super secret moves, no formal bows or pretentious titles. Phil creates an atmosphere of learning and mutual respect. He holds nothing back from his students and he is genuinely interested in making you as good as you can be. He is humble, down to earth and just a really great, friendly guy. You really couldn't have a better instructor. Phil is an expert in stand up and grappling, and is the best teacher that I've ever met. He excels in combat sports and in teaching them to others because it is his passion. It's not all he knows in life, it's not a hobby, and it's not what he has to do to get by. He teaches others because he loves to train. He loves to coach. And that passion has made Phil the best MMA coach that you will find. If you train or are looking to train in kickboxing or grappling anywhere near Las Vegas (I'd legitimately drive 2 hours to train there), you have to check out The Asylum. You will not regret it. In fact, you'll only regret not stopping by. Even the most advanced martial artists will learn a great deal from Phil. read more

After over twelve years as a student of the martial arts, Phil Dunlap was the first one to teach me how to really fight. I trained with him for a year and change when Asylum was in New Jersey. I've never met a better man or a better coach. He took me through all three of my amatuer fights, picking me up when I got knocked on my ass and teaching me how to stand back up on my own. No matter how bad I failed, he was proud of me for taking the walk. I owe him a lot, including at that point in time, my sanity but he'd look at me like I was nuts for suggesting that. Especially given the gym's name. He, along with the other guys in the gym, created an atmosphere when you could learn about and test yourself with other like-minded people. Everybody was included as long as you were willing to work hard and Phil never failed to inspire us all to do that. He taught by example and was often in the training pit with the rest of us. He teaches a cohesive style of fighting from standing up to the ground, a hard-hitting collection of techniques that will serve you well whether you're looking to step into the cage, protect yourself on the street or grow and develop your body and spirit. Train with him. I can't speak about this man highly enough. read more

I've known Phil Dunlap since December 1994. We became friends. In June 2008 I.needed self defense training so I called Phil. And began training June 4th 2008 under his tutelge. Months later my husband thought Phil could train me enough to become a fighter. My husband felt Phil was someone who could teach even a person at the time like myself who'd only competed in long distance running and not known any form of,martial arts, wrestling or boxing, even though I enjoyed watching such events. By March 2009 I began ground training and by May 2009 I competed in my first grappling contest. By July 2009 Phil started to work on my stand up skills. My first amatuer MMA fight was October 8th 2010 just sixteen days before my 48th birthday. After 91 grappling matches, sixteen against men, and seventeen stand-up matches at age 53 I'm an active Professional MMA fighter. Having my precious bout on October 16th 2015. Phil knows what he's doing. He understands and works towards each individuals strengths. Awesome teacher. read more

I have trained in various martial arts over the past 25 years. I have been fortunate to work with many great teachers and instructors. Phil Dunlap and his organization is one of the best experiences I have had in training. Phil is very open in sharing his knowledge with anyone that wants to learn how to become a better martial artist or fighter. He teaches stand up, grappling and basically all aspects of fighting. I personally train for basic self defense and conditioning and his classes work great for that. I know that he also coaches professional fighters. I think that there is a place for anyone interested that can benefit from this training. All levels! Sometimes it can be intimidating to visit a new training place but I wanted to post this review to let people know that you shouldn't be afraid to give this gym a try. Everyone has always made me feel welcome. This is very functional training from a person that loves what they do. Check it out. read more

I have checked out many martial arts, BJJ, and grappling schools in Las Vegas and all around the country and most of them have been great from coaches to overall experience but I must say at Asylum fight gym with Phil I truly feel at home what he has put together there is unparalleled!! The staff at Asylum does their best to work with each student and makes sure to show them individual attention on top of the group training whether it be getting us ready for a speciffic fight or helping us shread that extra 5lbs a few days before the competition or even getting us booked for events they do it all on top of that Phil regularly gets other technicians and blackbelts on the mat with us so that we can get an outlook on the sport that might better fit our styles anyway this gym is amazing and it has put me back on the mat and kept me here for 2years and it has been great so I highly recomend checking it out read more

I have known Phil for well over a decade. He is a gifted coach. Having trained in his gym and witnessed his skill cageside I can attest to his knowledge, talent and absolute care for his team. When Phil moved to Vegas, the east coast lost a hidden gem of the fight game. What we lost, Vegas gained! Phil is not your run of the mill MMA coach. His unique background and experience can offer anyone who wants to train recreationally, amateur or professionally as a fighter can expect a fresh approach and viewpoint from Phil. Don't miss out. read more

I trained with Phil for a Summer in New Jersey back in 2006. It was a memorable experience, one I'll never forget. I have never received more capable and usable training or better physical conditioning as I got at Phil's gym. He inspires people in a way I've never seen and has a real tight-knit following. Phil is really impressive as a person and a martial artist and he gets my very highest recommendation. read more

The best place to train if you want to be a pro fighter! Phil Dunlap is incredibly knowledgeable and capable! He opened up a whole new world of martial arts for me!!! read more