If you're on the hunt for a gym that feels like a second home, MMT Fitness in Mission Viejo is…read morewhere you want to be. I've been going for a little over a year, and every day I walk in with a smile and leave feeling stronger -- in body and mind. - ** Frankie, the owner, and the entire staff** are incredibly kind, respectful, and incredibly supportive. - They don't just coach; they teach. Their approach is patient, clear, and highly effective, ensuring you truly understand movements and techniques--no matter your level. - The atmosphere makes you feel **safe and comfortable** from the moment you step through the door. It's a place where questions are welcomed, and progress is celebrated. - I've been attending for a little over a year, taking a combination of **private lessons and group classes**. - This gym has become a highlight of my days and weeks. It's where I get excited about improving, setting goals, and tackling new challenges. - Physically, MMT has equipped me with strength, mobility, and confidence I didn't know I could achieve. Mentally, it's been a powerful boost -- a reliable outlet for stress, a source of motivation, and a daily reminder that growth is possible with consistency. The gym culture at MMT is **unbelievably welcoming**. It genuinely feels like you've joined a family rather than just joined a gym. - You'll quickly find yourself making friends, cheering others on, and shared moments of accomplishment that reinforce that sense of belonging. - It's the kind of place where you want to bring friends and introduce them to the community because you know they'll be met with warmth and encouragement. - If you're looking for a **safe environment to grow in a new sport**, MMT Fitness is it. - The combination of top-notch instruction, supportive staff, and a contagious, positive energy makes it easy to stay committed and excited about progress. - You'll come for the workouts and stay for the people who help you become a better version of yourself -- physically, mentally, and emotionally. If you're ready to train in a place that feels like family, where your safety, growth, and happiness are prioritized, I cannot recommend MMT Fitness enough. Give it a try and see how quickly you'll want to book your next session and bring a friend along for the ride.

I started at MMT fitness a little more than a year ago with literally no fighting experience and it…read morewas the best decision ever. It can definitely be intimidating walking into a fighting gym but it's not like that here. From the beginning everyone was so kind, from other students in class to the coaches. My favorite coaches are Frankie & Jeff, they are great teachers. Going to these classes is more than a physical workout, it will push you mentally and emotionally too. If you're looking for a great workout w a good community this is the place!

We were looking all around for a martial arts studio for my son. After searching online, we found…read moreMaster Frank's studio and took my son in for a 2 week trial. Master Frank actually teaches techniques that will save my son in dangerous situations. It's a great studio and Master Frank is patient and consistent with the kids!

This place is fantastic, master Frank is amazing and my son looks forward to his Kung fun classes…read more The classes are offered at a great time for working parents. Super engaging and i think soon he'll be great at self defense. We absolutely love the teacher and everything about this place

I started my 5 yo who's slow to warm up to things and 7 yo who has a hard time focusing just a few…read moremonths ago. They are both excited to train, and it's been the best experience! I expected my 5 yo to go on and off the mat through the class but she stays and participates the whole time! And my 7 yo is loving it and working so hard that he leaves the mat drenched. Teachers and professors are strict yet kind and keeps them in check. Been awesome for us and we hope to continue for years to come.

If you're looking for authentic Brazilian Jiu Jitsu this place has it. They have 2 Brazilin born…read morechampion Black Belts that originally came here as athletes and they're no joke when it comes to what they know and how they teach. They also have several other high ranking coaches that really know what they're doing. We've been at Checkmat V1sion in Ladera since day 1, but my daughter has been training with Coach Annie and Coach Joao for almost 2 years. They've taken her from wearing a "loaner" Gi to competing in 14 competitions and winning 13 medals last year. I can tell you from my almost daily interactions that all the coaches are extremely dedicated to each and every student and supporting their BJJ journey no matter where that takes them. In my case, I've seen my young daughter grow dramatically in her self-confidence under the guidance of Coach Annie and Joao and both of them took their own personal time to attend every competition she had last year. Not only supporting my daughter but the entire team. The facility is spotless and right in the center of town. They have a ton of classes 6 days a week so it's super easy to find a time that works for me and my daughter. Something that makes this Jiu Jitsu Academy different than some others is its competition program. The primary coaches not only teach/train regular BJJ classes they also train champion competitors. My daughter's entire group of about 30 kids in her specific age group competes regularly. But, the biggest thing I love about this gym and the BJJ community, in general, is that it's more like family than anything else. Everyone is really engaged and supportive, especially the parents of all the kids. I myself started training recently and if you're considering any type of martial arts program I'll tell you there's nothing quite like Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and this gym checks all the boxes for me. Like most BJJ gyms you can come in anytime for some free trial classes and get on the mat to see what it's all about. That's how I started.

This is a very authentic dojo that truly focuses on each individual student. My two children have…read morebeen learning karate under the supervision of Nishimura Sensei since they were 5 and 8 years old. Over the years, they have become more responsible and independent--not only at the dojo, but also at home and at school. We are very happy to be sending our children to this dojo and highly recommend it to other families.

Sensei Nishimura is a kind and welcoming person who helps build confidence with kids of all ages…read morethrough the teaching of traditional Japanese Karate. As a non-profit, USA Wado Ryu helps to support the community and empowers both young and adult students. I appreciate the work this dojo does, the time Sensei Nishimura spends here, and hope others, both kids and adults, can come and grow here.

The gym reopened and this is their newest location. My husband and I come here every week. My…read morehusband has been with the gym for about 6-7 years (I think), and I only started going recently about 3-4 months ago. You really can't beat the price, especially with the amazing coaches who lead the classes here. One thing I've found that's incredibly rare is finding good coaches--it's so hard to find them in SoCal. Edith, Manny, Rudy, and Older Manny are wonderful teachers who push you to your limit. They care about a lot and really get to know you. As a woman, joining a combat sports class can feel a bit intimidating, but they make it easy to put in the work and see great results. Love the team and the people at this gym. So many good things to say!

I am so sad to hear about the closure of one of OCs best gyms. This place was more than a gym but a…read moreplace many caked home. The couple that ran things facility were loving and humble. They gave many a reason to change and be better. Thank you for all you did for the community. I pray that God continues to guide you and bring you propserity

Master Lockhart and Miss Lockhart are amazing instructors. My son has been attending for a couple…read moreyears now and both confidence and resilience have improved greatly. Highly recommend!

Master Lockhart and his amazing daughter Brittany are wonderful teachers. They teach the kids not…read moreonly karate but respect for others, but discipline and manners. Our grandson started taking karate with them when he was 3 yrs. old. He got his orange belt right before he turned 5. He has made a lot of friends in class and loves karate.

I'm new to martial arts, but this place has been amazing for our two kids over the last several…read moreyears. All the masters are super great with kids, keeping them motivated and disciplined. The kids' participation instills confidence along with great focus which has helped them in all aspects of their lives. Looking forward to have our kids continue all the way to reaching black belt!

Overdue review! This martial arts studio is phenomenal. The coaches teach respect for adults, teach…read moreself confidence and regulation, and an array of self defense. I can't say enough wonderful things about sunrise. It has changed my sons outlook on himself it's invaluable.

This place is great. Learning the Samurai sword is a blast, more fun than all other martial arts…read morethat I've done in the past. Far superior to fencing, and the swords used are great and pieces of art as well. Very highly recommended!!!

From the owner: The Bushido Research Group is dedicated to studying and spreading the traditional arts of kenjutsu…read moreand the overarching philosophies that guided the ancient Samurai warriors. Our organization practices the common core principles of Japanese swordsmanship that is prevalent throughout most kenjutsu schools in Japan. But our studies extend beyond sword techniques, as what is also taught in our organization are reasons and philosophies behind why the sword is worn and for what purposes as mentioned in various ancient manuscripts written by famous, as well as lesser known, sword practitioners.

I moved to California from New York and started training at AOJ based on my coaches recommendation…read more I can't speak more highly of my experience. Such a welcoming community, coaching on another level and i love how they have 6am classes every weekday because that's the only time i can train as a father. Shout out to Professors Zack, Pablo and Luca

I've been training at AOJ MV for almost 2 yrs, I'm there 3-4 times a week for adult classes and my…read morekids go twice a week in the afternoon. We came from Gracie Barra Headquarters, I was there for 4 years before I decided to switch to AOJ. It was the BEST decision I've made in regards to BJJ training. I love everything about AOJ, the classes, the professors, the facility the bathroom! They are often cleaning the mats, windows, bathrooms. The Professors are all highly skilled and the techniques they teach are so much more complex but they break it down so it's easier to understand. I love how the kids group is separated into smaller clusters giving kids more personalized training. AOJ encourages kids to train multiple classes a day/week if they are able to, our previous school limited kids to 2 classes a week. Not bashing GB but they are more of a intro to JJ school, AOJ is more focused on detailed/higher level instruction.

Gracie Barra Aliso Viejo has been an amazing experience for our entire family. Professor Diogo,…read moreProfessor Matheus, Coach Ji, Coach Pedro, and every coach and student made us feel welcome from day one. They're patient, encouraging, and genuinely great teachers. Seeing how much our kids enjoy training inspired me to join the adult GB1 classes, and now I'm hooked! My wife is even planning to take her free trial class. The academy is clean, fun, and welcoming, and the training provides a great workout for both your mind and body. We've already seen an incredible improvement in our family's discipline, confidence, and everyday attitude. Easily one of the best decisions we've ever made!

When I first joined Gracie Aliso Viejo, I was looking for something physical. I'm not really into…read moreyoga or Pilates. I love weightlifting and hiking, but I wanted something that would not only challenge me physically, but also benefit me in my everyday life. I signed up for a free trial and after my very first class, I immediately understood why I needed this. As a mom, I often do things alone with my daughter. It hit me that if anyone ever tried to hurt me or take her, I wouldn't have the skill set or the size to confidently protect us. That realization is what pushed me to sign up right away. I'm not the best at it (yet!), but the instructors are incredibly patient and kind. From Victor to Ji (apologies if I misspelled that), they are excellent teachers. They break things down clearly, encourage you, and create such a supportive environment. I still catch myself saying "sorry" or freezing in certain situations, but every class reminds me why I'm here and why this training matters. It's challenging in the best way like solving physical puzzles. If you enjoy testing yourself and learning something completely new, this is perfect. Even if you've never thrown a punch in your life (like me!), it's fun, safe, and welcoming. Everyone is kind and nonjudgmental. The studio is extremely clean, family-friendly, and professionally run. I'm already so excited for my daughter to try soon!