Been coming here 4 years and it feels like my home away from home. They are welcoming from day one…read moreand the coaches are high level. The owner Savant was a top 10 featherweight in his prime and always pays close attention to each student. Coach Chris though is light work every time

I cannot stress how much I loved my time at Fight Academy Pasadena. I had been training for 5 years…read moreat different gyms (jiu jitsu) before finding Fight Academy and I stayed there for the last 2 years I was based in LA. EASILY the best training, community, vibes, and biggest improvement in my fitness and combat sports training was here. Savant leads an amazing team of coaches!

I used to have a much more positive view of this Krav Maga gym, but unfortunately it has gone…read moresignificantly downhill and is now in a noticeable state of disarray. The biggest issues are poor management and a lack of clear organization. Communication is inconsistent, newsletters routinely come out late, and administrative follow-through is unreliable. Even basic things like belt test certificates have been delayed by more than a year after the actual test, which speaks to deeper operational problems. There also appears to be a steady decline in membership, which is not surprising given the current state of the gym. The environment feels less structured and less cohesive than it used to be. From a technical standpoint, Krav Maga here feels like a "jack of all trades, master of none." This is an inherent trait of Krav Maga, but if you're going to steal from other martial arts, you should know the pure form of the art as well (at least at the instructor level) to demonstrate the cleanest technique and explain why you're doing certain things. As a result, students get surface-level exposure rather than real proficiency in any one area. If you are looking for strong fundamentals or mastery of a specific discipline, this is not the place. I have also heard repeated concerns about instructors not being properly compensated. Allegedly, some people taught for long periods with little or no pay, which raises serious questions about how the gym treats its staff and values their time. To be clear, this gym was never the best even at its peak, but it was at least better run in the past. At this point, the lack of organization, declining quality, and management issues make it difficult to recommend. I hope they take a hard look at what is happening and make meaningful changes, because right now it feels like a gym that has lost its direction.

Joined around Thanksgiving (2024) after having been at UFC gym forever. Enjoy the more intimate,…read moreclean, and relaxed environment to take classes in. Instructors are patient and friendly. Would definitely recommend if you want a good workout.

Roger Machado is a rare expert from the original Gracie Baja gym. Learning from him these past two…read moreyears has been a privilege. Master Machado emphasizes safety, technique, and moves that work. For both hobbyists and competitors, you'll find your niche here. It is rare to be able to learn directly from someone like Master Machado and he is a great teacher.

Best of the best and nothing but class is how I would describe Professor Roger Machado and all of…read morehis brothers. With training, it's his attention to the tiny details and his explanations of difficult concepts broken into digestible pieces are what helped me and meeting lifelong friends on the Professor's mats was an added bonus. Thank you Professor for being part of my BJJ path and for all the lessons on and off the mats. You are one of my role models. And thank you to all my rolling partners who've shared generously just like Professor continues to lead by example.

If you have children and haven't been to SBG SoCal, check it out!…read more We have toured all the major jiujitsu studios in Pasadena and none can match it in cleanliness, teacher:student ratios and quality of instructions. Coach Marco and his team really know how to teach and empower kids. Not only do the kids learn jiujitsu and other martial arts, they also learn life lessons. Marco has been a life coach for my son. Teaching him about humanity, friendships, bullying and respect. And it's super clean which I appreciate. If you are searching for a jiujitsu experience with both quality instructions and amazing instructors that care for your children, then check it out. I've learned how to properly execute gentle, yet firm, parenting, just by watching Marco in action. I also want to add that Marco and his team are heroes. During the Eaton Fire, they were helping displaced kids, housing them at the gym, and subsidizing dozens of kids' jiujitsu membership because of their loss. Kindness at its finest. A++++++

I've been to many gyms in my life all ranging from mma to boxing to jujitsu & I always noticed a…read morecommon theme with these gyms. It was either favoritism or egos in the way. When I first arrived to SBG they welcomed me with open arms & they honed in the fundamentals of MMA & Jujitsu. The experience & environment at the gym is unlike any other gym that I've been to. They treat you like family & let you go at your own pace when it comes to learning. The classes are filled with intense fun & are structured. Just within a year I've seen huge improvements in my Jujitsu as well as MMA skills. The coaches are fun & don't take themselves so seriously like other gyms do. They make you feel like you're part of something bigger! The gym is always clean & blasting good music lol. They treat everyone the same & there isn't any egos or bad vibes there. We just recently competed & we did better than anyone could have expected. Coach Marco is truly one of one & without him & his amazing gym we wouldn't have the skill set that we have now as a gym. If you are thinking about trying it out or looking for a new home. Try SBG So-Cal ‼

Alex and Sally run a really great school here. They've somehow come up with a way to cater to…read moreevery experience level and every type of practitioner. They have gi and no gi classes including fundamental classes for both for beginners and the advanced. I say advanced as well because they go over fundamentals but with incredible detail and nuance that even if you've been practicing for years (I'm a purple belt writing this), you're going to pick up details youve never seen before. they're like advanced fundamentals. I describe Alex as a Danaher-lite version. they have membership plans strictly for beginners and also advanced memberships where you can take leg lock classes, takedowns, and MMA classes all the classes taught are from a curriculum curated from Alex's decades of experience. every class builds on each other and it's amazing how much Alex can teach with so much detail. and of course the environment and people here are really friendly if you're hesitant just drop in for a trial class

Came into this with zero grappling experience. Alex and Sally have been a Godsend. Made my first…read morebeginner blueprint session fun and enjoyable. They instill confidence and ensure you're understanding everything being taught. Looking forward to my next lesson.

Thorough teaching. Class kept me engaged and excited. Teachers are very knowledgeable and…read moreexperienced. Informative and empathetic while corrections are made. Looking forward to furthering mt skills.

The negative reviews? Yeah... I'm not buying It…read more As someone with decades in martial arts--two black belts, former MMA general manager, and lifelong student of combat arts--I tend to approach any new training environment with a discerning eye. I've been around long enough to tell what's legit and what's just... noise. So when I read some of these negative reviews, I have to call BS. Or, what you perceived is not what's reality. YOUR reality maybe, but not the truth. They don't match anything I've experienced, and frankly, some of them feel suspicious. Like they were written with an agenda. Maybe by a competitor? I don't know--but what I do know is this: Nobody here has ever cold-called me, hassled me, or been anything but respectful and professional. Claims like "they just want your money" or "students don't actually know kung fu"? Completely off base. I've never heard Sifu Edwards say, "You need to learn kung fu here for self-defense," and I've definitely never seen him misrepresent what he teaches. Quite the opposite--he's honest, knowledgeable, and has a clear passion for passing on authentic Northern Eagle Claw Kung Fu. Here's my actual story. I hadn't trained in about 15 years. I've got a black belt under the legendary Shihan Gordon Doversola in Okinawa-Te, and another earned privately under Master Ylagan in Armas de Mano. I ran Old Town Fight Club in Monrovia from 2009-2012 and spent years teaching and cornering fighters in the cage. I'm not saying this to brag or to impress you, I say this to impress upon you that I've been around the block. I've fought and trained, taught (and still teach), coached, and lived martial arts. So at 58, I started searching again. Not to relive glory days, but to learn. To grow. To be a student again. That journey led me to Northern Eagle Claw Kung Fu. I visited multiple dojos. I researched styles. I read books on Master Shum Leung. When I met Sifu Edwards, his philosophy aligned perfectly with mine. Watching him teach kids? They love him. Speaking with the black belts? Their skill, humility, and loyalty spoke volumes. Everything told me I was in the right place. Now that I've been training here, I can say it with certainty: this school is the real deal. Sifu Edwards is a master - period. He's patient, precise, and passionate. The curriculum is structured, the culture is respectful, and there's real lineage behind every form and technique. I show up as a white belt every day. Even when something resembles what I've learned before, I don't insert my way, I learn his way. That's the point. Everything is different, and everything is the same. And if all goes well? Five years from now, I hope to have earned another black belt, this time in Northern Eagle Claw. Don't let shady reviews mislead you. If you're looking for an authentic martial arts experience with a great teacher, great people, and a deep tradition, this is it.

Came to try Japanese classes here and although they didn't have my level, I loved my experience!…read more Class sizes here are small, the teachers are very knowledgeable, energetic and friendly. Tuition is considerably more affordable than Fuji School in Little Tokyo. They offer many varying levels of beginner Japanese throughout the week and both virtual and in person. The building is a little bit older and a bit creepy at nighttime but it's in a relatively safe and quiet area, parking is free, and the administrators are very responsive via email.

I go here because of kendo classes. Today's class was difficult because of the heat. Pasadena had…read moreto have been in the 100's meaning the room was at least that. Good if you wanna sweat.

Gracie Jiu Jitsu Pasadena exceeded all my expectations…read more Training has genuinely changed the way I see myself--building not just physical skills, but confidence and resilience that carry over into everyday life. One of the most meaningful parts of the experience has been the community. I've met incredible people here, and some have become my closest friends who support and motivate me both on and off the mats. The instructors are truly exceptional. They treat every student with respect, patience, and genuine care, regardless of experience level. You never feel out of place or overlooked--everyone is supported and nurtured every step of the way on their jiu jitsu journey. GJJP has shown me that jiu jitsu really is for everyone, and I'm so grateful I took that first step to walk through the door.

I would absolutely recommend Gracie Jiu Jitsu Pasadena to anyone. Regardless of age, gender or…read moreexperience it is a welcoming, fun, supportive environment with excellent instruction. GJJP is unlike any martial arts gym I've been to. Extremely clean and upscale. Kind of like equinox gym but jiu jitsu. Personally, my experience with this gym has been so good I have invited my dad to train (now a 4stripe white belt) & have invited my close friend to train as well! Fred & Aida foster a non toxic, encouraging environment & I am very grateful to be able to train here . Additionally, the kids program is amazing, fun and informative while also focused on really life tools that kids need & heavy focus on growing morals and responsibility. 10/10 school. I drive daily from Van nuys to train here. Can't get better training than this.

Been training in the ancient art of boxing with kicks for more than a decade now at a few gyms in…read moreand around L.A., and Classic Kickboxing by far is the CLEANEST. In fact, of all the gyms I've been to - including the ones that fit into the LA/24 Hour Fitness mould - this spot in the heart of Old Town Pasadena still remains the most diligent in terms of hygiene. And that's something that's often overlooked in gyms, especially ones that specialize in contact training and use mats. You can easily pick up a case of staph or any other crap that will do serious harm to your body if your gym floors and equipment are filthy and unkempt. (Google Ben Askren if you want to know what can happen to you if you train in a filthy gym.) Mauricio, Classic Kickboxing's owner/instructor, absolutely ensures that his establishment stays clean by reminding everyone to sanitize their stations after each session. That means wiping down the bags, mats, and everything else you've soiled. On that tangent, I know some other reviewers have complained about Mauricio being too militant about his gym's cleanliness, or - strangely enough - even bitched and moaned about the facility not being clean at all. I seriously doubt they've been to many other gyms. His cleaning regimen is not only for your safety, but others as well. Speaking of Mauricio, he is an excellent technical instructor and a really approachable guy. Don't be afraid to ask him questions. He is there to teach you! If you watch his instruction closely, you can see why he is a former Colombian kickboxing champ; his form and technique is excellent, especially his kicks, which he was known for during his career. You will definitely learn proper technique here if you pay attention. Mauricio's kickboxing classes are group instruction and ALL levels of skill are welcomed. Classes run for about 40 to 45 minutes or so and they involve striking and kicking drills, with some form of plyo in between. The last few minutes are meant for core/abs work and light stretching. Is it difficult? It really all depends on how much effort you put into it. You can move at your own pace for sure and nobody will call you out on it (I know some gyms use shame as a type of tactic to motivate you; works for some, most others not so much). But Classic Kickboxing really is a stress-free establishment that rewards those who put their all into their workouts. Other things to note: - The gym is big and beautiful to look at. Lots of heavy bags, lots of space. The other side of the facility has a full ring and another large room. This area is for private instruction only. - They have secured lockers on-site in case you'd like to stow away your valuables. - Parking is paid on the streets nearby, which is ideal. But if you can't find a spot, there are a lot of garages in the area within walking distance. - Mauricio is the primary kickboxing instructor. He has a couple others, but I'd recommend taking his class first (see their online schedule) if you're new. - His other instructors teach boxing and judo. One of his boxing instructors, Christian, was a sparring partner for former world champ Vasiliy Lomachenko. That says quite a lot. - Monthly dues are fair, and compared to the other kickboxing gyms I've been to, actually a bit cheaper. You schedule classes online through their website, or on the Mindbody app. - Best of all, this gym is MEATHEAD-free. Of all the contact gyms I've been to, there's always at least one fragile, big-ego type who walks around like they're the next big thing and tries to pick up on anyone who walks by. If they're here, I haven't seen them at all. And I'm here quite a bit. I believe Mauricio can spot these alpha fail types very quickly and "discourages" them from coming back. Bottom line: Classic Kickboxing is a fun, great workout in a stress-free, meathead-free, and super-clean environment. You couldn't ask for much more than that.

There is a reason I have been coming to Classic Kickboxing for 15 YEARS!! Not only is it a…read morephenomenal workout class, but you learn all about proper kickboxing technique. The gym is beautiful! Mauricio is so kind & talented at teaching. & they keep the gym super clean! I take both group classes and private lessons. I couldn't recommend this place more!

I've been working out here for years and have thoroughly enjoyed it. Great customer service thanks…read moreto the great people working there like Carlo and all the staff. Highly recommend giving SP fitness a shot if you're looking for a great gym in the LA area.

South Pas Fitness has become my go‑to gym because it consistently delivers on everything that…read morematters to me: cleanliness, great service, and ease. The staff is always genuinely pleasant and helpful -- the kind of people who greet you with a smile and make the space feel welcoming. I love the infrared sauna, especially because you can book it in advance, which makes planning workouts so much easier. Their variety of weight machines keeps things interesting, and I never feel like I'm waiting around for equipment. It's rarely crowded except for the usual New Year rush. Parking in the lot can be a little tricky since it's small, but there's plenty of free street parking right outside, so it's never a dealbreaker. They also offer a great lineup of workout classes, which adds even more value. Overall, it's a gym that makes staying consistent feel effortless. Neighbors and friends are all members so it's fun to work out together and there are perks for referring new members too!