My three boys started Muay Thai with Ajahn Ruben a couple months ago. They have forayed into the typical sports young kids try; tackle football, baseball, etc. They also consistently play lacrosse. However, I have not seen them be this eager, enthusiatic, determined, and motivated in a long time. They have so much respect for everything Ruben is imparting on them. As someone who has coached young kids and High School students I tend to be very particular in what I expect from others coaching my kids. That role is something, when done right, is a gift! You become an integral role in a person's life; mentor, teacher, friend, guide, and someone they can confide in, look up to, and respect the word of. Ruben is an AMAZING coach! I have every confidence in him training my boys in something as intense mentally and physically as Muay Thai, but also in being a tremendous influence on them in life. He spends an appropriate amount of time communicating with the kids their responsibilities in life and their accountability in all things. It's so refreshing to bring your children someplace where they are EXPECTED to work, train, TRY, Be RESPECFUL, and yet, I have never, not once, ever heard him yell. He treats the children very much as I treat my kids. Do the right thing, practice what you have been taught, you have skills, use them. There is no babying, or that sense of "everyone gets a participation medal." Through the very real mentorship Ruben offers, what EVERY child or adult should come away from this gym with is knowledge, an anchor in personal ability of reaching goals, and accountability of actions and determination. It is a beautiful thing to watch your children grow under the guidance of such a dedicated, strong, knowledgeable person, who lets them all develop at their individual pace. He SEES each kiddo; recognizes the strengths in each child and encourages them to challenge their weaknesses in a way that doesn't immediately tell them it is a weakness. He listens too! When you have questions or need advice on their home training efforts he is happy to help, and encouraging of any extra efforts. It's a everything you NEED in a Muay Thai/Boxing gym, but may not be everything people might THINK they want. If you THINK you want big locker rooms, showers, multilevels of cardio equipment, all day classes, cardio kickboxing classes, a "safe space", someone to hold your hand and not expect you to really work, then you need to look elsewhere. If you know you NEED a real gym, with CLEAN facilities, every essential bag necessary, a nice restroom with room to change, a separate room for kids classes, and a larger back room where adults train and the kids spar; with heavier bag work, speed bags, sparring, speed ropes, a full ring, multiple Nice! Muay Thai pads, music, mirrors (if that's your thing!) free weights, etc. If you are looking to be part of a gym that has a community vibe, where families are welcome, and the trainer has done so much for so many, then this is your place. No facade, no pointless extras. It's a perfect balance real deal, city style boxing gym. I jumped in both feet for my kids, and I am so glad I did. They love it, and I know my husband and I will end up joining them training too. My three year old has already learned so much as well, just from being present and observing. We are so thankful for this gym, and mostly for such a phenomenal person they have instructing them! You won't go wrong here. read more

Summary Review. I've been fortunate to have trained at many gyms for Muay Thai and BJJ, both as a member and drop in student, while living in multiple cities and traveling over the years. I've trained at some of the big name gyms in NYC, LA, San Diego, OC and Amsterdam. I can say with confidence that this is a special place, and I cannot recommend Extreme Power Gym and Adjarn Ruben Rowell strongly enough. For anyone interested in learning authentic Muay Thai, this is the place. Detailed Review: Extreme Power Gym is focused on authentic Muay Thai training. For any review of the gym, this statement has to come first. There are many things that could be said on this distinction, but I'll highlight three key differences: 1. You will learn proper, Muay Thai technique. This means you will learn striking, defense and evasion with eight points of your body (punches, kicks, knees and elbows). Authentic Muay Thai is unique in this respect as compared to karate, tae kwon do and dutch and american kickboxing. Emphasis on small details to minimize tells, maximize power and effectiveness. Adjarn Ruben Rowell is a master of his craft, patient with his instruction and dedicated to seeing each student (regardless of initial skill level) improve. 2. You will be building towards technical proficiency in the ring. This means competence against an opponent seeking to inflict damage on you. This means partner drills, attacking, defense, evasion and an emphasis on small details that don't matter if fitness, weight loss or stress relief is your only goal. You can learn the base mechanics of operating a car by practicing in an empty parking lot (acceleration, braking, turning, etc.). But you will never learn to drive (e.g. spacing, timing, reading other cars) until you operate with other cars on the road. The same goes for fighting. Proficiency, confidence and fluidity comes with training and sparring (see below) with an live opponent. 3. You will get fit, but fitness is not the primary emphasis (see point #2). If you have ZERO interest in fight proficiency / self-defense, this is probably not the gym for you. There are more efficient ways to get lose weight, and many of the small details will be lost on you. Not judging, just reporting. Description of Facilities. Clean, functional and no-nonsense. Parking lot is well-lit with sufficient room. Multiple sizes and styles of heavy bag (e.g. banana, teardrop, speed bag, etc.). Plenty of high-quality Thai pads (TKB, Fairtex, etc.) in good condition. Full size boxing ring for sparring and fight preparation. Pull-up bars, jump ropes, etc. Description of Classes. Good mix of kids classes, beginner, and fight training classes for people of all skills levels. Open gym hours for putting in your own work. Typical class includes rope/running, technique, shadowboxing, partner-drill sparring, functional training, stretching. Description of Sparring. Sparring is done once a week and is done as the Thais do it. Sessions are generally light and technical (no "hang and bang") to minimize injuries and accelerate learning. Upgrade your software without damaging your hardware, so to speak. Everybody rotates so you'll get a mix of skill-levels, body types and looks. If you're preparing for a fight, or have ambitions to compete, you will see hard sparring sessions as appropriate. read more

My experience with Ruben starts actually 1 year before I even met the man. I had a rough fall riding a bicycle, resulting in a traumatic head injury, temporarily injuring my frontal lobe (controls personality, social interactions). I was 15 when the injury happened and I became very socially introverted and uncomfortable in my own shell, as I had difficulties socializing and being myself. A year later my injury was healed for the most part, however I was still very shy and lacked self confidence. My friends whom were training at Ruben's gym were very excited about their training, and out of all practices, I chose to join them; Muay Thai as an outlet for own self development. At the time I figured if I could learn to fight, I would perhaps be more of man in my own right. I was 16, shy, nervous, and awkward around people when I started training at Ruben's gym. Ruben was informed of my sensitive head condition, and was very cautious in regards to provide a safe environment where I would not be prone to further injury, while simultaneously challenging me extensively to develop a very traditional Muay Thai education. Ruben did not ever once use my head injury as an excuse for me to not challenge myself, or to receive a watered-down version of boxing. Instead, he pushed me, and when I got fatigued, he kept pushing. Ruben did not compare me to any of his other fighters. Rather, he pointed to the man staring me in the mirror (myself) and instilled quite clearly to me that self-mastery is the root of all fulfillment in life. Ruben's coaching was genuine and compassionate, yet had a no-bullshit approach to putting in work. Ruben created an atmosphere where challenging and pushing myself beyond my limits was the only way to feel satisfactory. The environment Ruben cultivates is not that macho-persona of a typical MMA gym; rather humility, respect and a genuine desire to help others succeed. Ego's are non-existent in this gym. Ruben gives very close attention to his students. If there is something out of line with your attitude, he will kick your ass until either you sweat it out every pore, or quit. Ruben has no tolerance for detrimental behavior. Within six months of training at Ruben's gym, I went from a complete novice, to understanding the fundamentals of Black Tiger Muay Thai. I was able to help train and spar with people who were much older than me. Many of whom were Marines and Iraq war veterans. For someone who was prior struggling to be confident just speaking up in a classroom, the experience of having war Veterans take me seriously was a self-development experience that transcended beyond the limitations I once imposed upon myself. Looking back at my experience at Extreme Power, I did not just learn how to fight... I learned self-respect, discipline and cultivated the ability to succeed through a personal adversity. I attribute a lot of the personal success I have experienced in life outside of the gym, to the fundamentals of character I developed within the gym. If you have a genuine desire to succeed and push yourself beyond your limits, Ruben has a vehicle and road to get you there. Just be prepared to provide the horsepower. read more

It has been 10 years since I came down from Washington state as a Nak Muay from another gym. I'd done a bunch: trained up to an assistant instuctor, smoker fights, amateur fights, crossed over to MMA, gave up training when life issues, injuries, and moving deemed I focus on other things. I came to SD with no intention of training but concentrating on work. That all changed when I walked into several gyms just looking for a place to lift and hit a bag once in a while. I saw the level of skill and was content to remain on the sidelines. There were some really good fighters, some really crappy ones too, and a host of people attempting to teach stuff that was fundamentally wrong but could work on the uninformed. No disrespect to anyone, but I wanted more than what I saw. Someone who could see where I was at, make the corrections that I, specifically, needed to advance myself and push me to be better, all the while bettering my understanding of the art. Someone suggested I head to the best traditional guy in the area but that it was a drive to get to Oceanside, 45mins. I had nothing to lose and went up there. I knew the instant i walked in that it was different from everywhere else I had been. While other places had good fighters, or a good training program but no personal interaction, or they were faking the funk altogether, this place exuded THAI. No bullshit. Just the art. The respect. The Soul and Pride of an entire region condensed and placed in Oceanside, like it was just for me. I went in, and Ajahn Ruben didn't try to sell me on this that and a third. He had three rules and said if you followed them, the world was yours for as far as you want to take it in the art, if not, you know where the door is. I learned more in 3 days there than I had in the 7 previous years I had done Muay Thai. I've never left. I never will unless he sends me somewhere to expand his teaching or learn from someone he deems I should. I know where home is. Come in and see if you do too. Its not for everyone. We are content with that. Some will think it too hard, too traditional, too intense. That's okay. You know where the door is. Some of the best professional fighters and athletes have graced its door and either came away as better fighters/ or found the training a bit too much for them and tapped on out. As for me, ten years of being here and having a schedule that doesn't allow me to train as much as I'd like, injuries, and getting old but I'd rather be nowhere else. Sure, I have a place to roll and do Jiu Jitsu, wrestling, or any other skill I have in my arsenal down in SD and they have some excellent Thai boxers, the best Jiu Jitsu and boxing in the area and great instructors, but when it comes to my primary skill, and the art that has had me hooked for 17+ years, its Muay Thai and the only place to get what I need is at Extreme Power. Drop in when you can. I'll be the sweating bald guy with the barrels for legs in the corner. See ya there! read more

I have been training in Martial arts since a toddler. I have had the privilege of both informal and formal training, having trained trained many a style of martial arts, however.. it was not until I wandered into Extreme Power in January of 2016, that I soon found the perfect mix of Hard Work, & a sense of Brotherhood there. Having bee fueled by anger, and lots of self esteem issues, it was with his guidance.. that I began to understand and apply in both martial arts & personal life, a sense of Controlled Agression. I have been in great shape all my life, or so I thought. Although from beginners to advanced individuals, you will find there are challenges to be had and grow there in to be earned..No Short Cuts, but Earned! The other students all come with their own unique knowledge base and we ALL teach and help groom one another. There are NO Egos, there is No need for selfishness, there is No genuine progress without the help and motivation of your peers. Whether you seek a solid way to break a sweat and lose a few pounds, all whilst learning fuctional and proper techniques in self defense, this is the place. If you are advanced, like some are, there is growth for improvment and challenges to be had here. Everyone has a bad day, it is the challenge of pushing through and giving your(You personally), your best 100% you can give. Which helps condition mental toughess and how to expend energy wisely, whilst subsequently keeping the body active too. Remember to Listen, Respect your peers, and Never Give up on yourself, the rest will fall into place with time. Nothing worth having comes with ease, this is the right place to really learn and face yourself, more than facing the person across the ring. Great facility, always clean, well lit, all the right equipment to practice, learn, and grow. Also, there is always music in the background to help keep the energy levels up. His direction is to the point and accurate, Ajahn Ruben Rowell really knows and loves his craft, you can tell by his approach and desire to see you, the student, be the very best you possible, both inside and outside of training. Again, he is Firm yet fair, never to be mistaken for anything less than his genuine desire to see you be successful. Sawasdee Khab to all previous, present, & any new members of Extreme Power Muay Thai read more

I never write these things but I felt convicted to write a review for a gym that produces positive results in a short amount of time. (depends on your work ethic) Exercise & challenge your body, mind and spirit. For starters Ajarn (Instructor) Ruben is genuine. He possess excellent teaching skills and has lots of personality. If you're not getting a technique he breaks it down to layman terms so anyone can acquire the skill. Ajarn will train you for whatever goals you have in mind. Whether it be to defend yourself or improve your Muay Thai or boxing skills. There are many advantages of training at Extreme Power Gym vs. other gyms. Here are a few; you will build confidence, learn or improve upon discipline, RESPECT for self and others, get strong and fit but the #1 reason to go there is you will learn how to defend yourself and fight. You can't learn any "art" unless you do it with repetition. i took Karate as a kid and we possibly sparred once a month. Here you're lucky if he doesn't partner you up on day 1. His teaching style puts you in the situation to fight and defend yourself. "This is priceless." There are many levels of students at this gym from professional fighters to amateurs with no experience at all. Do not let this deter you from learning from one of the best teachers in the area. Just being around the energy will fire you up. Give it a try. Nothing worth having comes easy. And don't get it twisted, he's not going to partner you up against a raging bull. Ajarn is wise and intelligent so don't get it twisted. Ajarn Ruben will break you and remake you. Your life will be changed. read more

About 6 months ago, I decided to start training Muay Thai and came across Extreme Power Gym and Ajahn Ruben, after visiting about half a dozen other Muay Thai gyms across San Diego County. That's the only way I could determine, for myself, what was available and what I was really looking for. Yelp reviews are nice, if all you are concerned about is the condition and cleanliness of the facilities and availability of classes, but, if you really want to get a "feel" for what a gym has to offer, try to visit in person. That being said, from the novice, like myself, or skilled competitor, if you are serious about training Muay Thai and challenging yourself mentally and physically, I urge you to visit Extreme Power Gym and speak personally to Ajahn. His expertise, passion and respect for the art of Muay Thai will be obvious. He, not only encourages, but, ultimately, requires that you understand the basics and then continue to improve your technique. Ajahn runs a "program" where all skill levels can improve, not "classes"...there is a big difference. In the short time I've trained, one thing I've learned from Ajahn is that Muay Thai is about building something up from the ground. You need a strong foundation to build upon, without that, you're just going through the motions. Like others have said, if going through the motions to break a good sweat is all you want, cardio kickboxing might be right for you, and there are plenty gyms to choose from in San Diego County. For myself, Extreme Power Gym is what I was looking for. read more

I've been blessed to train at Extreme Power Gym since 2007. If you are looking for top quality, traditional Muay Thai then this is the gym for you. Adjarn Ruben truly lives and breathes this sport and it is evident in how he teaches. He will invest in you as a student and help you grow whether you are a beginner who has never done a sport or a top level athlete coming to improve. This is a no frills gym and the work outs will be hard but if you are willing to put in the work you will grow. Adjarn Ruben will help you grow as a person too not just as an athlete. In the world of boxing the lifestyles of certain fighters (Mayweather for example) are highly glorified. These lifestyles are usually centered around being a loud mouth braggart who only focuses on your self. Adjarn Ruben embodies the opposite of this lifestyle and is one of the most humble people you will ever meet even though he has accomplished so much. Adjarn Ruben is one of the most respectful, genuine, and humble people you will ever meet and he strives to teach his students these qualities as well. It is great to see him work with the children since he not only is invested in their growth into mature athletes but also good citizens as well. There is so much I could say about this gym and how much it has affected my life. Go check out a class and see for yourself the atmosphere. There is truly is no other gym like it. If you want the best Muay Thai training taught by a great, caring coach then go to Extreme Power Gym. read more

My son (who is turning 4 soon) and my 5 year old daughter take both the classroom and private lesson. In roughly two months, they have made friends, learned several combo's and techniques, and learned to push themselves. I've watch my children giggle and enjoy themselves while they're doing push-ups, leg-lifts, and more during warmups. The kids actively participate in questions and answer session. They learned leadership skills by taking turn being bigger brother/sister by helping to teach new/younger students, and learned self-control. They get to experience what it's like to be in the ring and you can tell that the students who've been there for awhile are so advanced and sharp when they spar. It is scary how good some of these tiny little kids are. My children love coming to class. It keeps them fit, allow them to socialize while learning self defense skills. We've sat in several other similar self defense classes around Oceanside, and it doesn't even compare. The instructor, Ruben, makes the class fun and challenging. He is so passionate about teaching Muay Thai and most importantly, he makes sure the kids are throwing jabs and kicks correctly. The classroom and private lessons are very affordable and the training you get is invaluable. I encourage all parents to at least sit in and watch. read more

For Adjarn Ruben, Muay Thai isn't just a job, a workout, not just a sport, not even just a passion of his. It is a way of Life. He lives & breathes Muay Thai on a daily basis, even outside the gym. I have had the pleasure of knowing him for many years. My son has had instruction by him as well. He knows Muay Thai inside & out. You will never find a person more dedicated to teaching the true art form of Muay Thai than he is. This gym is also a 100% Non-Judgement zone. Come as you are, and leave a better person. When he walked in, my little boy was a skinny, shy 11 year old, wearing a brace for a chest deformity, that he was very embarrassed about. He walked out with a sense of calm confidence I had never seen before. He was becoming a man after just one class :) Whether you are a Pro, an amateur fighter, someone who wants to get in better shape, or a parent, like me, that wants to instill confidence in your child, Adjarn Ruben is the right choice! read more

I have been a student of Extreme Power Gym for over 17 years. I have been actively studying Martial Arts for over 40 years. I have studied several styles of martial arts from hard style karate to the softer styles of Akidio, and Kung Fu. I have had some excellent instructors. But never have I had an instructor that has left more of an impression than Ajhan Ruben both inside and outside of the ring. Ajhan Ruben has done more to develop the body, mind and spirit, not to mention real fighting capabilities than any other instructor, hands down. If your looking for real training that you can take with you anywhere in the world. If your looking for a gym that demands a safe learning environment for both young children and the seasoned adult, then you have found the right place. I can't say enough good things about this gym, it's instructor, or the attitude of the students I work with. Ron DiNicola read more

If you're looking for a Muay Thai Gym, make Extreme Power Gym your first choice. Ajahn Ruben has a passion for Muay Thai and teaching it traditionally. Training at Extreme Power has helped me to overcome previous sports injuries, assists in balancing my life (work/play), and has instilled newfound confidence. I find myself more focused and calm when dealing with all situations, both sparring in the gym or diffusing an angry customer at work. When I see Ajahn Ruben put his heart and soul into each class and private, I know that each participant is growing to be a better person. I'm years off from having kids, but I'd be honored to have them train at Extreme Power. Everyone can benefit from Muay Thai; kids, parents, teens, adults. I'm proud to consider Ajahn Ruben as one of the few truly inspirational role models in my life. You owe it to yourself or your kid to come in and meet with Ruben. read more

Extreme Power Gym is absolutely hands down the best and authentic traditional Muay Thai gym in the area. Do not be fooled by the big name mma gyms or cardio boxing workout locations who seem to only care about class size. Ajahn Ruben Rowell is a tried and tested honorable teacher of Muay Thai and traditional boxing. His only care is your training and that you want it more than he does. If you are looking for a place to really learn and test all of your limits you need to look no further. As you step into the gym you will smell a gym and see what a gym should look and feel like. Regardless if you just want to be able to learn a legit fighting style to defend yourself if needed or you want to become a world champion you are in the right place. Everyone who trains there is there for the same reason which is to better themselves. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain so give it a shot! read more

Came to this gym after moving down here from Los Angeles looking for a place to "keep the blades sharp". As a former amateur competitor, I was in search of a no-nonsense Muay Thai gym that puts an emphasis on applicable techniques and solid fundamentals. No cardio-kickboxing, throw endless combinations at a stationary target until you get tired while listening to club music. If you're looking for those kinds of classes, you might want to re-evaluate whether Muay Thai is for you. Ajahn Ruben runs a real deal gym. After meeting him you could tell that there is no BS here. Don't get it twisted, training Muay Thai is hard but worthwhile if you stick to it. There are a lot of coaches in the game but very few teachers. Ajahn Ruben is both. Come in and learn a thing or two about muay thai, fighting and life while listening to some golden-era hip hop. read more

Get your sweat on, while you strengthen your body and mind! If you are wanting to learn authentic traditional Muay Thai, Extreme Power Gym is THE place! Ajahn Ruben is the real deal and he will make sure that you learn the true martial art of Muay Thai that will serve you in competition and in life. You will learn the techniques that you need to defend yourself and to be a top competitive fighter with Extreme Power. FAIR WARNING - If you are looking for a fluff cardio kickboxing gym - this gym is NOT for you. This gym is for serious students only... I started a couple of months ago and I LOVE it! If you are a woman, who is looking to be able to protect yourself, you'll definitely learn that here as well. And, if you have kids that you want to feel safe while growing up, Ajahn also has a track for younger students too. read more

I am 47yo and have been training at this gym for about 6mo. I've always been active in extreme sports including surfing, snowboarding, motocross, football, rodeo, etc. I have always wanted to get involved in some form of martial arts / combat sport. I've tried many gyms over the years only to be disinterested quickly for a variety of reasons. Then I found Extreme Power Gym. Its exactly what I was looking for. The people are very encouraging in helping me grow and learn. I enjoy challenging myself and that's a must here. If you're lazy and want to buy a new color belt every few months, go somewhere else. If you want to challenge yourself to work hard and the prize you desire is real results then this is for you. Absolutely my favorite sport at this point in life. read more

Ajahn Ruben and Extreme Power Gym are a very rare and amazing example of authentic traditional Muay Thai outside of Thailand. You would be hard pressed to find someone with a more sincere appreciation for the art and the dedication to teach it in such detail in pure authentic form. In addition to possessing an impressive collection of tangible results with fighters at a variety of levels, he is also exceptionally talented when it comes to working with and training children. He has a no-nonsense, firm but fair approach that instills and refines important qualities that kids must learn to develop in order to grow up to be productive and successful adults. The overall gym atmosphere is a healthy mix of serious focus and approachable friendliness. read more

My 4 sons have been training at Extreme Power Gym for over 10 years. I have watched them blossom into very confident and powerful young men. I never worried about them being targets of bullying, when they were younger, because I knew they could and would defend themselves if necessary. I also knew that they were not abusing their fighting skills in any way shape or form because of the respect they have for their training and their coach. Now that they are adults and touring the world it pleases me to know that they are physically and mentally prepared to defend themselves should they find themselves in danger. I am certain that they will continue training as long as we are anywhere within driving distance of the gym in Oceanside, CA. read more

This is not a McDojo franchise. This is a legitimate Muay Thai school. The head instructor is a 9th Khan in Muay Thai! I've trained Muay Thai before at another gym, but never got the appropriate instruction. Most places will teach you watered down Muay Thai used in MMA or cardio kickboxing. At extreme power gym you learn traditional and authentic Muay Thai, there is no need to go to Thailand for training. They teach you the exact same techniques they use in Thailand. The gym is family friendly and instruction is given to all age groups. If you want to learn real Muay Thai to become a professional fighter or just to learn self defense, this is the place for you!! I would give the gym more than 5 stars if I could!!! read more