I will definitely do the honors and write their 100th review. This is hands down one of the best martial arts gym in the world! Natasha, Babalu, and Ricky are WONDERFUL. They are professional, encouraging, and they are VERY knowledgeable in the world of jiu jitsu and muay thai. We've tried both their Muay Thai and Jiu Jitsu program and it's DAMN LEGIT. If you have children ages 4-54, send them here. They offer free trials for self defense, muay thai, and jiu jitsu. Can I also say that they throw the best parties!??!?! Looking for a place to host your kid's birthday party? LOOK NO FURTHER. What really sets this place apart from other local BJJ gyms is the community culture. They are welcoming, clean, safe and it's full of people who genuinely care about each other. The coaches break down technique and also take the time to teach that ONE child who is struggling, while everyone else is doing their warm ups. That is TRUE dedication. My kid has grown so much in confidence and focus since joining. This isn't just any kind of gym.... it's FAMILY, and a place where you actually look forward to showing up. read more

My boys have been attending this jujitsu gym and we've had such a positive experience. The coaches are patient, structured, and really know how to keep the kids focused while still making it fun. I've seen a big improvement in their confidence, discipline, and overall attitude. The environment feels safe, respectful, and family‑oriented. I'm grateful for the way the coaches pour into the kids and hold them to a high standard. Highly recommend. read more

Professor Babalu is does not hold back encouragement and recognizes when the student is making an effort to improve.

Best Martial Arts school in California! Along with the best professors Babalu Sorbal and Ricky Gonzalez.

My kids love babalu and they inspired me to take classes for myself now too. Which I have never done before and this is the third gym that my kids have attended in Brazilian jiu-jitsu. Third time was a charm, I guess. read more

I choose Babalu's Iron Gym a 10 because the facility & staff are all sooo wonderful! Everyone there including students & parents are helpful & caring in every way possible. Not only is this a gym to learn new things but it has become a family where we would continue to stay for years to come.... read more

The staff is attentive, helpful, and kind, the students were immediately welcoming, and my kids are learning a new way to show respect and have self discipline. They are gaining confidence in themselves and their abilities. A great experience at Babalu's Iron Gym! read more

As a family we are very satisfied with the training, the knowledge, customer service, and family friendly environment. If anyone is interested in joining Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and/or Muay Thai, they offer the best programs for kids, adults & also all women training. Combo classes & prices are amazing! Check it out!! read more

Awesome experience so far and both instructors and students help teach you, its truly a community

Great School , Great Instructors , Very Family Oriented. I recommend this school to all Adults and Kids. 5 stars

Babalus Iron gym is a family-friendly and professional environment. The coaches are knowledgeable, patient, and truly care about each student's growth. Training is structured, respectful, and focused on real improvement without ego. Everyone is supportive, and the culture here is outstanding. The coaches are highly appreciated for their dedication and passion. Highly recommend for all ages and skill levels. read more

Great atmosphere, not judging. Instructor very understanding and patient. All students are very welcoming.

Over the past year, my journey at BIG has been nothing short of transformative. Myself as well as my son and daughter have both trained at BIG. This is the perfect gym for every family and especially for competitors looking for advanced training to prepare for competition. This incredible experience has not only honed my skills in BJJ but has also contributed significantly to my personal growth. The dynamic environment, inspiring mentors, and invaluable lessons have shaped me in ways I never imagined, enriching both my craft and character. read more

I have both my boys in Jiu-Jitsu and as intimidating as it can be to join a gym not knowing anyone, Babalu's Iron Gym is nothing but welcoming and supportive. They teach the kids the fundamentals and techniques of Jiu-Jitsu all while making it fun for the kids! My eldest is now in the adult class and even then, everyone is very friendly and supportive to my son. I definitely recommend this gym to everyone. From kids, to adults, annnnd Women self defense classes too! read more

Babalu's Iron Gym - Kids Activities Near Me - Cerritos, California

Amazing gym for kids! The coaches are patient, fun, and really help build confidence and discipline. My child loves every class.

Friendly professors, staff, coaches. Clean mats and gym. People in the gym were friendly and supportive.

Great place to be, professors are smart and patient. Students are disciplined. They have great specials as well if you want to drop in and try it out. read more

My boys usually don't like getting out of the house for different sports in the past. But they also look forward to BJJ. They love the sport, the instructors, and their friends. Yesterday we also got to see a student get promoted to Orange belt. Not only was it cool to see the young man earn it, but to see the roaring sound of support from all his peers. They were so happy for him as if they all had won the world series, it was beautiful. read more

Nice environment with great teachers. Mainly professor Babalu and professor Ricky. I wouldn't trade this gym for anything.

Great environment, very family oriented. Enrolled my son at first, and then got bit by the jiu Jitsu bug. Now, I always look forward to attending class, wish I would've enrolled years sooner. The professor's words of motivation after class encourage me to go above and beyond. Love the training and how involved the professors are in one's improvement. Definitely recommend, it's never to late to start training, even for old guys like me. read more

I'm loving Babalu's Iron Gym! I've been going for a few months now so I've had a chance to train with all of the instructors. They're all great and bring their own unique style of teaching while being uniform in their direction and philosophy. The gym culture is solid, starting with Professor Babalu down the white belts. It's one of respect, helpfulness and encouragement. Look no further for a one stop martial arts gym where you can get Jiu Jitsu and Muay Thai in one place. read more

Amazing gym with precision directed coaches and fun/ fitness loving sparing students. i would highly recommend anyone looking for growth in their fitness and health journey all age groups. read more

Hands down, one of the best Jiu Jitsu gyms ever. The instructors are really great with kids. It's also extremely clean, spacious, and a welcoming environment (seriously everyone there is so friendly and cool). Initially signed my son up for Muay Thai as he really wanted to learn how to fight. Prof Ricky is patient and explains the moves really well. Through Muay Thai and BJJ my son learned the importance of discipline, respect, patience, hard work, and determination. My daughter on the other hand, blossomed at Babalu's gym. After a month of BJJ, I started to see her change. She started to feel confident in herself, wanting to be more active, and she wanted to put herself out there by competing! She was also able to finally stand up for herself by going to an adult when the bully tried messing with her lunch. Now, she's still in love with the sport more than ever. She's making goals, pushing herself, making friends, and a lot more happier. As a parent, there's no greater joy than to see my kids happy and thriving. Prof Babalu is an amazing instructor as well. He explains things thoroughly and in detail. He's also extremely kind and is always more than willing to help you get better. Coach Joni is also an amazing instructor! Her classes and women's self-defense classes are great. read more

Great environment, very welcoming. My team and I were here for a kids in house tournament. It was a fun bonding experience for us. read more

Babalu's Iron Gym - Kids Activities Near Me - Cerritos, California

Amazing facility one of the most positive and inspiring experiences I've ever had and the Staff from instructors to the students, everyone was so very nice and helpful I'd recommend this spot to all my friends and family read more

This is a way long overdue review. We really highly recommend this place, this place will not just teach your child the skill but other more important life skills such as discipline, self defense, great sportsmanship and more. My son Adam has been coming for almost 2 years under Professor Ricky's guidance , he has been really an amazing coach, teacher and mentor and I can't wait for my other 2 younger kids to be able to join someday. This place is reasonably priced and worth every penny and a good investment for your children or even to yourself. All the professors and Mrs. Natasha are so accommodating and humble. Thank you and more power to BIG. They are a five star here on yelp for a real good reason! read more

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My kid started a few months ago and he has gained more confidence. My idea was he learned how to defend himself but the classes go beyond that. The level of exigency is high. I am really surprised how students are pushed. Also many times I watched when they are tested and it looks like a real situation but there is also a lot of respect between students and the Sensei. We are really thankful with the gym and Sensei Babalus. read more

Babalu's Iron Gym - Sensei Ricky with the students. - Kids Activities Near Me - Cerritos, California

Please note this review is strictly based on my child's interaction and experience since she started attending the gym about 7 months ago. I have seen a major improvement from when my daughter started at Babalu. Coach Babalu continues to be consistent with his communication and coaching skills that have made my daughters experience enjoyable. We had a rocky start with coach Ricardo, however since my last feedback given to Babalu staff, my daughter enjoys coach Ricardo's class. She understands coaches need to be tough and coach Ricardo has found a very effective balance with my child where she is able to listen without being nervous when interacting with him. I love how coach Ricardo was mindful of this, and took the attention to detail to help us. These are the small, big things that make all the difference and Babalu coaches have won me over. They truly genuinely care for their craft, students and respect tradition. Sorry for the long msg, but my family and I are grateful we found their gym. The families, coaches and staff are truly gold!!!! read more

How do I begin this review... I started my BJJ journey with BIG exactly 1 year ago. The last 19 months was very transformative in a physical, spiritual and personal way. The whole COVID experience forced most people to change their entire life structure. We (my entire family of 4) decided we wanted to add positivity into our new evolving life structure and daily activities and this was one of the best decisions we've ever made. As of today, I've lost 43 pounds from BJJ, Muay Thai and other weight loss camps offered at BIG. My wife told me last year, "I can never do BJJ, because I'll lose my cool and punch someone if the face". She began with Mauy Thai about 9 months ago. After seeing many women training BJJ she got out of her comfort zone and gave it shot. Today she's an absolute beast and loves both Mauy Thai and BJJ. As for my 7 and 12 year old children, they are absolutely excelling at both as well. They constantly compete and are growing into respectful, polite and thoughtful bad-asses that we hope to be productive, helpful and kind citizens. I cannot express enough how awesome professors Babalu and Ricky are with kids. They have a talent and skill to teach marital arts to both, adults and kids along with Osmar and Joni. We are so blessed to have BIG as part of our life! read more

Babalu's Iron Gym - Kids Activities Near Me - Cerritos, California

I joined Babalu's Iron Gym less than a month ago in December of 2021 and I would recommend this facility to anyone looking to start their BJJ or Muay Thai journey. Not only will you get top notch instruction from Profs. Babalu and Ricky, but you will feel the support and encouragement from an entire community. My fellow students of all belt levels have been so helpful and motivating that you could only improve as long as you show up and put in the equal effort. I have a TKD background which is probably the exact opposite of BJJ but haven't practiced in almost 20-years. I've been interested in learning BJJ for almost 10-years but I'm older now and not in the best of shape, so finding a quality gym that fits my situation was a bit intimidating. I have zero BJJ experience but since my first class, I quickly realized that Profs. Babalu and Ricky emphasize technique which helps you grasp the movements quickly. Then you add in the support from your humble peer students, you can't help but grasp the instruction successfully. This gym welcomes all levels and ages and has something for everyone. For me, my journey is just starting but I feel confident in saying that I found my new home. read more

My kids love this gym and have learned so much that will greatly help them in life.

We have been part of this gym family for 11 years. We have taken breaks & every time we come back they welcome us with their arms wide open. This is a place where the whole family is welcome. You can stay & watch, you can take Jiu Jitsu classes, Muay Thai, & wrestling (kids only). You can make friends who also become FAMILY. Thank you!!! BIG for the 11 years. read more

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I came here to BIG to train when they started offering capoeira classes through Instrutor Mosquito from ABADÁ Capoeira. My first time coming here I was a little nervous because it was a new place with a lot of new people and I am typically a shy person. However, coming into the academy I was welcomed and greeted by so many friendly faces. I immediately felt at home. Training capoeira was not easy for me at first, I am very uncoordinated and also very non confrontational. Through capoeira and the guidance of Instrutor Mosquito, I have learned how to defend myself from kicks, take downs, and attacks. I have learned kicks, take downs, acrobatic movements and fluidity of movement as well. I feel more confident and also more balanced, my hand eye coordination has improved tremendously as well. Capoeira not only is a great workout, but it helps in so many areas of my life. My daughter who has ADHD trained capoeira and was able to focus better in school and during homework time, and also no longer needed to be on medication because capoeira was helping her so much on releasing that extra energy and focusing it on something she loves. It forces me to think fast, stay alert, and to work on memorizing the movements. It not only works out your body, it also works out your brain. I would recommend everyone trying capoeira at least once in their life. Instrutor Mosquito specializes in working with special needs and can teach anyone capoeira regardless of your mental or physical health or "handicaps". There is always a way around it and he is very patient and knowledgeable with almost 30 years as a capoeirista. All the students are super nice and more than happy to help you learn. I am excited to continue this journey in capoeira at Babalu's and could not ask for a better "family" to be a part of. read more

Babalu's Iron Gym - Kids Activities Near Me - Cerritos, California

Great gym. I am 54 years old and was a little nervous walking in. Something I have always wanted to try but have been putting it off. From day 1, it was awesome. The instructors, and even the members, were very welcoming and helpful. Such a great work out. I wish I would have joined sooner. My advice...stop putting it off and join. You will love it! read more

Renato is a legend in this sport and his professionalism and care for students is exactly what you look for when joining a gym! Look no further ! Kids class are the best ! read more

Both my daughter and son love it here. Even though they are in many other sports this is their favorite, and will be attending for many more years to come. read more

From the moment I entered the doors I felt welcomed, even thought I'm not exactly in fighting shape. Everyone is full of smiles and covered in sweat, and no negative feelings. Instructors teach at a moderate pace, keeping a balance of comprehension of technique and execution, and making you work out and feeling your time there. I'm now been coming for a little over a month, and have been happy with the results (over 15lbs this month.) I'm currently enrolled in the BJJ course, while my fiance is enrolled in Muay Thai. Both of us can't wait to see ourselves later on in our weight loss journey! read more

Babalu's Iron Gym - Don't let the face fool you, I love this - Kids Activities Near Me - Cerritos, California

Very well ran family owned small business that makes everyone feel like they are family. Nothing but positive energy and love for the art, customers and surrounding community. We are a group of individuals coming from all walks of life that come together with the same mindset and goals. Honestly, this Gym is probably one of the only reasons my family haven't moved back out of Cali. read more

I love Babalu's Iron Gym!! My husband started training here first and then brought me in to check it out. It didn't take long at all to get me on board! The absolute BEST professors, amazing coaches and such a family friendly environment. Coming to the gym doesn't feel like a drag, it feels like a second home! Everybody here has become like family. Professor Babalu and Professor Ricky are so detailed and patient, while at the same time always giving that extra push. I trust their guidance and they make me better everyday. The training is great and intense. Whether you are doing it for self defense, competition training or just as a hobby, you are in great hands at this gym! They will exceed all of your expectations. I wish I could be here all day every day. Thank you for all you guys do. read more

Babalu's Iron Gym - Professor Babalu and Professor Ricky with some of the ladies during the adults jiu jitsu class. Safe & friendly environment! - Kids Activities Near Me - Cerritos, California

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We love to see the happiness of our kids when its jiu jitsu day at Babalus Iron Gym. They love the coaches and the extremely friendly staff. Thank you so much for your love dedication and patience. read more