This place changed my life. For the better. I'm not an MMA newbie, but I'm not a professional fighter either. Just an athlete with a desire to gain proficiency in another sport. A few things to know: There are a lot of members at Elite MMA and despite it's huge square footage, it can still get crowded because it's an awesome place to be - if you have a problem being around other people, this isn't the place for you (but then, I'd recommend you steer clear of MMA all together, and Disneyland, and the mall...these are all places that are frequented by large swaths of happy people). There's a lot of different body types at Elite MMA, it's a diverse place (which makes us all better) and I'm incredibly proud of that - if you have a problem with small people, tall people, large people, strong people, or anyone else who doesn't look exactly like you, I'd recommend you play tennis, or chess, or you know what, maybe just some light reading and call it a day. Practicing martial arts isn't easy. It's uncomfortable, humbling, honest, requires integrity and strength of resolve, pushes you to your mental limits and forces you to have a sense of humor about who you are and where you are - not yesterday or tomorrow, but today. Eric Williams and Hai Nguyen are two people who exemplify those qualities. They are honest, humble, self-aware, good-humored, incredible MMA practitioners, and fierce friends to many. If you're lucky enough to have a conversation with them, you'll find them to be two normal dudes with families and retirement plans and favorite movies and thoughts about life - delightful human beings who are quite simply, exactly who they say they are. If you're offended by men who speak their minds, protect their integrity, demonstrate generosity, love what they do, and stand up for their beliefs, you wont like these two. Some other reviewers have said this place is a cult - hogwash and poppycock. Elite MMA a team. If you think it's a cult, I can only assume you've never actually been an athlete, or served in the military (or seen a cult, for that matter!), or maybe you just grew up playing ping pong by yourself against a wall in your basement. A team pushes one another, challenges each and every person to be their best. If you get mad when someone doesn't accept that you "can't", then don't bother coming in. I've seen people struggle through classes with every breath and finish, I've seen people struggle for months to get a technique just right, I've seen people lose 100lbs pushing themselves every day at Elite, and I myself have overcome my own ideas of what was possible (head kicks and spinning elbows be darned). You will succeed, you will have fun. You'll also learn actual self defense - which isn't always elegant, but has saved my skin at least twice in the real world. Haters gonna hate, but only the dishonest please everyone. I'm so thankful I can be half way across the world and still know I have a home at Elite MMA. Somebody whip out an ankle lock for me tonight! read more

What sets this organization apart from the myriad other competitors in the martial arts industry? Allow me to convince you; 1) CURRICULUM; No other school in its' class---ZERO--- offers 6am Jiu-Jitsu training. Once I became married with a daytime job, this was a deal maker. But it goes far beyond that; the magnitude of the courses & times & styles is positively awe inspiring. Want to focus on cardio? There's a martial art class for that. All about learning fundamental technique? There's a martial art class for that. Nighttime is prime time with so many options, but the lunch classes are legendary for the serious student with high caliber talent to learn from & work with. The 6am classes with Kubes will teach you how to handle opponents who are much larger than you, with an atmosphere of relaxed learning while challenging you to your limits. 2) INSTRUCTORS; Eric & Hai are proven world class competitors but their enthusiasm for entry level students is contagious! Lucho trains the weekend children's classes where I am honored to have my stepson train. In the last 9 months, my 13 year old has increased in confidence, socialization, and an unquenchable thirst for knowledge that has translated into success in his middle school pursuits. The peer coaching that the kids do (several late teens help facilitate) is really fulfilling to observe when I sneak in to see how he's doing every now and then. A side note about Hai Nguyen---after my ACL replacement surgery, when I doubted if I could come back as a 40 something year old, he spent time with me to show me ways to compensate / adjust my game to keep growing my skills. He had the exact same surgery and was able to teach me exactly what I could do differently so I could keep enjoying my passion of jiu-jitsu. I could have been just a number of the many loyal students of Elite MMA, but that wasn't the case here. He treated me as if I was his first student. Inspirational. 3) STUDENTS; Several of the students I spar with share the same sentiment; We teach each other and always promote a sense of mutually beneficial learning. Check your ego at the door; all students are equals at Elite. Students like Lance Rosser & Matt Quinn exemplify the peer support network Elite has to offer. This school is very female friendly, gender is invisible here. The front office of Gabi & David stay in constant communication with the students. Eric's wife Janel is firmly engaged with making sure everyone's membership is honored to the fullest degree. The legacy this school has perpetuated itself well enough to allow its' expansion to Baytown and Greenway markets, which while I haven't frequented, I still would trust that they carry the torch of ideals that the Westchase center has. read more

READ THIS REVIEW IF YOU ARE A TEENAGER OR A PARENT OF A TEENAGER CONSIDERING ELITE. I walked into elite as a nervous 135 LB 15 year old. I was struggling in school and with self confidence. My medicine treating my ADHD would make me extremely unhappy/rude to my parents and peers. My confidence increased dramatically, Not only could i now defend myself but i had made friends and had a passion for something other than video games for the first time in my life. Receiving my blue belt was the proudest moment of my life. My biggest role models in life have been my coaches, who have taught me a lot about life through the sport. My parent's were scared when i started spending time with "Tattoo'ed Cage-fighters" but the first report card I received their worries disappeared. Teenage Kids: Learning the sport of Jiu Jitsu/to defend yourself is an amazing experience especially at Elite. Be prepared to be respected by all your training partners/adults regardless of your age. It may be tough being 10 years younger and 100 pounds lighter than the majority of your opponents but that is the best way to learn. A side from getting my blue belt at the age of 18, My best moment at elite was a peer who used to bully me a bit in middle school walked into the gym. He wanted to immediately jump into the MMA class (You need some experience to start sparring within the cage). So we let him for the day, I got to spar with him first and caught him in a submission very quickly. Afterwards, I taught him the Americana submission and escape. We bonded and both grew from the experience. When i walked into elite, I wanted to learn how to break peoples arms like him. Looking back on that experience has shown me how much elite helped me grow from a insecure teenager into a mature adult. I would also like to stress anyone can train at elite regardless of physical fitness, weight, age, or disability. If you are reading this review considering training at elite, Turn off your computer. Call Elite Today to set up your free 1 on 1 and group class. Elite MMA is a life changing experience, It was the best use of money in my life. Feel free to send me a message especially teens/parents with any questions as I was one of the few teenagers in the early days of Elite MMA. Ive also trained at 2 other gyms since leaving elite for college so i can give some perspective on what elite offers versus other gyms. read more

I have been training at Elite MMA since Nov 2014 and wish I would have started much sooner. This place is amazing, the staff and instructors are always checking in on you to see if you are getting what you want out of training and are always receptive to any suggestions you may have and to any questions that may pop up during your class. When I first started, it was all about the kickboxing or cardio kickboxing classes till Dave Campbell gave me a gentle nudge to try out the jiu jitsu class. Initially I was a little hesitant to jump in having really no experience other than some military combative training and some other martial arts classes that implemented ground training in the past. This was my first time really doing full on jiu jitsu training. I was hooked immediately! I train at a minimum 4 -5 days a week, sometimes 6 if I can sneak a Saturday session in. If I could come more, I would but I still got to pay the bills. The other amazing thing about this school is that they have multiple locations all over Houston. I have had the chance to train at the Baytown location and the Greenway location (Westheimer is where the cool kids go) when I am out in those areas with clients. And on top of having multiple locations, they have so many classes per day just about every day of the week, so If you miss one class you have several options throughout the day to get in and get sweaty! I have been able to cancel my traditional gym membership that I never went to because it gets boring lifting massive amounts of iron every day, and I now primarily just go to the jiu jitsu classes. It is freaking amazing people, just give it a try!! Its also good for both guys and girls, kids, everyone. The most important thing however is how amazing the people that go to the school are. I have met some amazing people who I truly consider my extended family (I have also been tapped out by most of these people by the way, but I still love em!). It's the atmosphere and the culture that the instructors, owners (Eric and Hai) and all the amazing people that train here have created that make this school such a great place to be a part of. I pass by at least 10 other martial arts/jiu jitsu schools and drive almost 25 miles every day but wouldn't even think of going anywhere else. This is my second home and hope you will come and give it a shot. You will not regret it. read more

I have just returned home to London after a two day layover in Houston and attended Elite MMA for their morning BJJ class both days I was in town. This was my second trip to Houston this year, I had also visited in February 2013, when I took part in two BJJ classes and two kickboxing lessons as well. The reason I am writing this, my first ever attempt at contributing to any internet forum is that I am absolutely amazed at how good this place is. As a flight attendant, I visit the USA frequently and try to find a place to train when I am on a layover. I have been fortunate enough to be welcomed into many clubs in many American cities but for me, Elite is in a league of its own. Why? The facility is spotlessly clean, really spacious spread over two floors and well equiped with punch/kick bags, thai pads, and immaculately kept mats. The changing rooms and showers are excellent and never have dirty towels or left behind clothes strewn over the floor. But that would count for nothing if the place didn't provide great training with top class instructors, which is exactly why I am writing this. I first trained Muaythai in England in 1983 and the kickboxing at Elite is as good as I have found anywhere in all those years. I'm new to BJJ though and to be honest I'm finding it a struggle, maybe being 50 years old doesn't help. I leave some clubs feeling like making that class my last and taking up golf, but the instructors and students at Elite are so inspiring that I come away at the end of a session feeling like I have made progress and made friends. Everyone seems to want to help everyone else, I haven't noticed any egos at all and the advanced guys, including plenty of awesome black belts are very nuturing in their approach to beginners. Each instructor I have met has been just excellent and after both classes I went to this week, I was invited to stay and learn by one of the other students. Its a brilliant club with a superb atmosphere populated by fantastic people. Its impossible to overate this place, I just wish it was in my home town here in the UK read more

I've been training at Elite MMA for almost two years and I can state without reservation the impact, both physically and mentally has reinvigorated my love and passion for both training and teaching. As a life-long martial artist with over 40 years' experience, I knew I was receiving five-star instruction from a knowledge perspective as well as passion for what they do. Coaches Eric, Josh, Mitch and Dave are deeply invested in the success of their students and offer a curriculum with a wide range of appeal. Whether your interest lay in Boxing, Kickboxing (both cardio and contact) or Wrestling, they create an environment and value to the training that appeals to top athletes and first-time or family-activity-oriented students alike. You will find an environment that does not crush the ego. It is a true family atmosphere where my classmates welcomed, worked with, and encouraged me to succeed. For the life-long martial artist, they bring a complete picture of the martial arts, from striking to the ground. In addition, what stood out to me was how the character they teach was represented in their community presence and care for others through their fundraising support for the Barbara Bush Literacy Foundation, Mission K-9, and working in an advisory capacity with Texas-based martial arts non-profit Kickstart Kids. I feel my health and well-being are above where I was 10 years ago and I encourage anyone to come and experience the benefits of training at Elite MMA. read more

I turned 40 last fall and was looking for a new challenge in my life. Something to break the stagnant routine I had gotten used to in my 30's. I have played tennis for most of my life but was looking to find something that pushed me in new ways, while also improving my fitness level. The daily stress of life that we all live under needs something to balance it out and that lead me to Elite MMA. There are a lot of MMA gyms in Houston, each with something to offer its students. What drew me to Elite MMA was their time in business (1999) and the experience of the staff. It can be very difficult walking into a gym without knowing anyone or even what to expect, especially if you have no martial arts experience like me. The Elite MMA staff knows this, as does their students, and they go out of their way to make you feel welcome and comfortable. The General Manager of the Westheimer location, David Campbell, checked in with me after week 1, then week 2 and continues to check in with me as I progress through the various classes and disciplines offered to their beginners. The community and culture Elite MMA has nurtured in their 18 years of business is as open and welcoming as you'd want as a beginner. If you need to snap out of your routine and meet new people all while gaining newfound confidence in yourself I strongly recommend Elite MMA. read more

I joined Elite MMA 8 months ago and I can't say enough how much of a wonderful experience it has been for me. Its not like going to the gym and running on a treadmill, where its just you motivating yourself and worrying about strangers secretly judging or glaring at you. Here, everyone is very friendly and supportive of one another. I've had the pleasure of training with John Alfeche. During the classes, he is very attentive and motivates his students on a constant basis. The motivation has boosted not only my self-confidence but also my commitment to the program. I now attend six times a week and within the first few days, I felt more energetic and active. Since I've joined, I've lost ten pounds thanks to cardio kickboxing. I am now taking BJJ training and I am hooked. Elite has an array of programs and if you're curious about one, they offer a free trail to see if that particular class has any potential. The school is not only for adults but for kids as well. Classes are offered every day with flexible hours if you're thinking about a workout plan after work with multiple locations. I'm very glad I made the decision to join. Not only am I getting fit and leading a healthier lifestyle, I am also enjoying my workouts. Never do I trudge my feet and wish to be at home or elsewhere. read more

I came to elite right out of a college rugby program with intensions to stay fit and train to fight. I needed something to match the intensity I was used to but without draining me before the weeks end. The gym has everything you need from user friendly weight machines to world class trainers on the mats! AS SOON as i began attending classes everyone was friendly and eager to help with any questions I had, students as well as instructors. I have been attending elite 6 nights a week for multiple classes for almost 1 year and I wouldnt want to be any where else. The instructors depth of knowledge and willingness to help everyone is a huge factor of why I have bought in to everything they teach. The motto "one team one family" has shown itself to be true everyday by the way everyone supports one another as we all reach our goals, of weight loss and health to winning first fights. The schedule there is perfect for everyone! The fun we have in the gym doesn't over shadow the hard work we put in each and every class but that is one reason why its easy to show up day in and day out. It has become a second home and family to me. This is the place to be for the average person turning the corner on health issues or wanting to be the next great fighter. They are ELITE for a reason! read more

I've been going to Elite MMA for more than six months now and truly love going. It's part of my daily routine now. The instructors and students are great - helpful, encouraging, positive and motivating people. They are there to help you accomplish whatever you goal you want. The classes are enjoyable - I take the jiu jitsu and kickboxing classes. They are high intensity and exciting - something always new and fresh so that your workouts don't get stale. There are a lot of different classes to choose from and the times are convenient - both morning and evening. Kickboxing is a great workout and you get to improve your technique and strength. There are lots of higher belts in the jiu jitsu classes - and black belt instructors - that all there to learn and improve from. I feel comfortable in class, and there are other women that take all the classes. I'm rarely the only one in class. I definitely recommend joining - I was new to kickboxing and group classes and was a bit intimidated, but have adapted well. I've made great friends at the gym, making it a place I want to come to each day. It's a great environment to get a great workout and improve your overall well being. read more

I truly love Elite MMA. I did my private introductory session with Hai about two months ago, from that point on I was hooked. All of the instructors really care about my progress. I don't get in the gym as much as I would like to, but I always go at least 3 days a week between the different locations. I am in love with cardio kickboxing ( really great sweat) and Brazilian Jiu-jitsu ( great for endurance and learning self defense) . As of current I have lost 2 inches over all on my body as well as 1.5% body fat percentage. Its a perfect way to get rid of stress. The more I am there the more I want to be there. I began doing private lessons for Brazilian jiu-jitsu at the beginning of june and I couldn't have found a better way to help better myself. Its a big stress reliever. They also hosted a youth buddies week not to long ago that my son got to participate in. Ana was very patient with him, he is only 4 years old so that was very important. My son had a great time and always asks about going back. I feel he's a bit to young for the group classes just yet but I am working toward getting him some private lessons with Ms.Ana. read more

I am currently 21 years old and a college student at Texas State University, but Elite Martial Arts is where I called home as a child. I started at Elite Martial Arts when I was about 13 years old. My older brother Travis, had started taking the cardio kickboxing classes. I was young with no success in traditional sports that all of my teenage peers excelled at. At Elite, I felt at home, from the guidance of Hai and Eric I began taking the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu classes for kids.As began to outgrow my competition in the kids Jiu-Jitsu class. I was finally allowed to join the adult classes and spent the rest of my high school days training here. I have very fond memories of this place as a child. I spent many of my teenage nights, training and gaining wisdom from older classmates and the instructors themselves. I long for the day that I can return from college and begin training at Elite full time again. This place is an incredible training environment for all kinds of people and Elite Martial Arts is a family. read more

I joined Elite MMA about 6 months ago and have found it to be a very rewarding experience. I cannot say enough great things about the staff and other students. Everyone is very supportive of your particular goals. In my case, I was simply looking for a different kind of workout. I got tired of running and especially running in the Houston heat. Elite keeps you indoors and proved to be a new type of cardio workout for me. What I did not expect, was camaraderie amongst the students and the positive feeling you take away from each class. I only wish my work and personal obligations allowed me to attend more often. At age 39 with no previous training in martial arts, I was a little aprrehensive about my new endeavor. I was also concerned about reinjuring my post-op knee and ankle; or them hampering my training in any way. None of these concerns have had an impact. If you're undecided about whether or not to pursue training, you have nothing to lose by trying it. I look forward to seeing you in class! read more

I have been both a Martial Arts practitioner and instructor for several years. I have had the privilege to train with many great people at some really great gyms over the years. But I have never been as happy with another gym as I am at Elite MMA. Whether you're a beginner or an accomplished Martial Artist, Elite is an amazing place to train. Whether you're looking for a Martial Arts gym to learn self defense or something extremely fun to Do to stay in shape, Elite MMA is the best in the Houston area. The staff at Elite are top notch, not just as instructors but as examples of good human beings. They instill in their students a positive outlook and a very family oriented environment. The vibe is very friendly and laid back where you can learn at your own pace with positive reinforcement, but also be motivated to push yourself to your potential! I highly recommend you come in to see for yourself! Keith B "Buck Fu" read more

I've been going to Elite MMA for 16 years, and I'm 61 years old. So at 45 I took my 9 year old son, and just watched the kids class for several years. Then I started taking Cardio Kickboxing for several more years. Finally I got in to Jujitsu and grappling. In all my time, I have only seen high quality instruction delivered with humor, safety, and kindnes. So much so that I enrolled my daughter at Elite when she was about 3 years old. COVID is keeping me home nowadays, but the online classes are fun, motivational, and educational. In fact, when I return to Elite after COVID, I plan on still taking some online classes. That's how great the online classes are! Finally, I'm so grateful to be a part of Elite MMA. My entire family (myself included) is better off. My plan is to continue training for a very long time. At 61 years old, I'm just getting started. I hope you will join me on my journey. read more

My family (me, my wife, my two boys 6 and 10) train at Elite MMA. We decided to train first aiming to lose some weight and to learn how to protect ourselves. Mission accomplished!!! As a father of 4 kids I strive to get the best for my kids and preparing them for life is my top priority. I'd like to thank Elite MMA instructors and staff for helping me getting my boys more confident, disciplinated and respectful. Everyone at elite is very welcoming and the coaches are the best. Doing kickboxing and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu made my family stronger to face a very difficult time we had in life. My beautiful wife had cancer since 2016 and going through the treatment process was very hard for us. Thanks God, now she's okay!!! Keep training had helped me keep stronger every time I felt weak. Great atmosphere and community. I highly recommend Elite MMA!!! read more

I am a traveling nurse & have trained in several gyms franchise & non-franchise gyms. Elite is a very friendly gym- it has all fitness levels training there & if your like me looking for something special or different this is the place- I went there to learn jiujitsu & it was awesome, there were other women there like myself to train with & the guys were gentlemen & made me feel welcome & would actually help me improve my technique. The owner & instructors are all professional, they train right a long side of you & you actually have a good time while learning an art & self-defense. What this place has is very special as far as the "whole package" it's a fun & friendly environment- they train safely & you will be challenged physically & mentally. I hope you try it out, it really is a great place. read more

I've been training at Elite MMA on and off for more than a decade. I have seen the school grow from the racquetball court to a two story facility with two huge mat areas. Elite is a great martial arts school with talented instructors and great training partners. They have different classes to choose from 7 days a week which makes it easier for me to keep training while raising two young kids and keeping a busy professional career. I've been very satisfied with this school and made a lot of friends over the years there. I can't wait till my son gets a bit older so he could start training bjj at Elite. It's probably not the cheapest option out there but you get what you pay for. If you want different classes options, clean, safe environment, Elite is your place. read more

Elite MMA on Westheimer is amazing martial arts facility with friendly stuff and instructors and family environment. Both of my boys ( 10 and 5.5) are attending classes over there. I am very grateful to the coaches for creating such an atmosphere. I like that they care that all students getting the best instruction possible. Very patient with kids yet at the same time keep the classes disciplined - so important if you want kids to learn! I can see a lot of positive changes in my boys. ELITE MMA teaches them to build confidence, discipline and self defense! Schedule is flexible and convenient. 5 classes per week ( 1 hour). Recently they started kids king-boxing classes and my boys love it too! Facility wise - big and clean with convenient parking lot. read more