Coach Markshawn is the best. His classes are fun, professional, and a great experience.read more

Only dropped into one class, however I had an amazing time! Everyone I talked to besides the front…read moredesk guy were super friendly and welcoming, and I felt like I learned a lot! I would definitely go back.

I've trained at quite a few Muay Thai gyms over the years. Like a lot of people who move around,…read moreI've bounced from city to city and tried different spots. Most of them were solid. Good people, good workouts. But Jay's Training Grounds was the first place where things actually clicked for me. What stood out immediately was the way Coach Jay teaches. Instead of just drilling combinations, he breaks down the fundamentals and the reason behind every movement. Footwork, balance, timing, defense, how punches connect with kicks, when to check, when to counter. You start to understand the system instead of just memorizing techniques. That made a huge difference in how fast I improved. The atmosphere is also very genuine. No ego, no intimidation. Just people who want to train hard and get better. Beginners get clear guidance, and more experienced fighters still get technical details that sharpen their game. It feels like an authentic Muay Thai training environment, not a cardio kickboxing class. If you're in the Bay Area and looking for a place to train seriously while still feeling welcome, Jay's Training Grounds is worth checking out. Drop in for a class, talk to the coaches, and see it for yourself. You'll know pretty quickly why so many people stick around.

My Muay Thai journey started back in 2014, and from 2014-2018 I was fully committed to training…read moreuntil life hit me with school, work, and relationships that forced me to step away. During that time, I gained a lot of weight and felt like I lost a big part of myself. When I tried to come back, I found that the gym where I originally started had closed due to rising rent costs. I checked out a few gyms in Oakland, but none of them had that same community vibe where people truly enjoyed Muay Thai for the art and what it represents, I didn't feel welcomed Honestly, I felt lost and thought I'd never find that feeling again. I even considered driving far just to train because I missed Muay Thai so much. That all changed when I came across Coach Jay's bio and saw that he had trained under the same coaches I had when I first started. I looked at the photos, saw the location, and instantly felt the same vibe I'd been searching for. From day one, Coach Jay was welcoming, helped me get my technique back, and I immediately felt the support from the entire team. Since rejoining, I've gone from 260lbs to 210lbs, building muscle along the way thanks to the strength and conditioning classes (something I never had access to before). On top of that, I've been training in boxing, improving and learning a lot, while of course continuing with Muay Thai. I've even competed in a PKB and plan to keep competing in the near future. For me, Muay Thai and boxing here have not only helped me get in shape but also pushed me to grow mentally, physically, and spiritually. The training is tough but motivating, and the team always makes you feel supported like family. Everyone trains hard, but there's also real camaraderie and respect. This gym has given me opportunities to challenge myself in ways I never imagined, from sharpening my technique to stepping into the ring. It's more than just a gym, it's a community that keeps you accountable and pushes you to become the best version of yourself. I'm incredibly grateful to Coach Jay and the gym for helping me return to what I love and for improving my health. If you're serious about training or even just curious to try something new, I can't recommend Jay's Training Grounds enough. - Manny

This gym is like a second family. The coaches are knowledgeable, patient, and push you to improve…read moreno matter your level. Training is challenging but structured in a way that helps you build real skills while getting in shape. What I appreciate most is the culture -- everyone works hard, respects each other, and supports one another. It's not just about fighting; it's about discipline, growth, and learning every day. If you're serious about training MMA, jiu-jitsu, or striking, or just want to learn to defend yourself and become more confident this is the place to be.

My son wanted to try Muay Thai during a time when he was struggling with depression, and this gym…read morehas been such a positive experience for him. The classes are excellent, with a strong focus on learning solid fundamentals in a supportive and encouraging environment. The staff is patient, helpful, and genuinely invested in their students. We were referred by a friend who is a top-level martial artist, which speaks to the quality of training for all levels. Omar and the entire team are great -- highly recommend.

Best place to train in the bay , it's like Disneyland in here. If you're in the area this is where…read moreyou wanna train.

Avoid this place at all costs if you're a young woman. Coach is disrespectful and makes sexual…read morecomments repeatedly in front of others, he cussed me out multiple times in front of everyone & would stop class to argue with people about meaningless things as he has a tendency to argue if you don't give him the answer he's looking for... the classes are rather fitness based than learning Muay Thai or boxing. I was only part of this gym for under 2 months before I had enough

My son has been training here since last summer and it's made a difference in his training habits…read moreand time management. Master Cheetah, Ms. Cheetah and all of the instructors are great and I see my son growing and excelling here. The students and family, are all treated, literally like family. I'm so happy that I've found a place for my son to train, enjoy, learn and grow with kids his age. I highly recommend Master Cheetah and his staff at Chaiyo Muaythai.

Fantastic gym that works for both serious and casual people. Important for me, I found the gym to…read morebe a very friendly and welcoming environment - the owner, the coaches, and the other gym members. I came to the gym casually but have had so much fun in the classes that I can't help but get more into it. The gym is traditional and full of expertise so there is a lot of room for growth. Whether you are an absolute beginner just looking to get in shape, or a serious fighter looking to learn the best Muay Thai you can...this is the gym you should try.

I was a little apprehensive when my son asked to join Bravo Zulu, bc I kept thinking of Cobra Kai…read more(the original Karate Kid version w/ Johnny.) But boy, was I wrong. Coach Nick, an Oakland resident, is strict but kind, and conducts the class in a calm manner. It's strictly a gym that conducts mma classes, not a weird "yes sensei!" dojo situation that I was afraid it would be. It's been really good for my son, learning discipline and hard work in what he calls a "very friendly environment." No "sweep the knee" situation here.

I joined back in March of 2024. The reason was because I wanted to learn how to fight and be…read moreconfident in myself. Overtime, I got very fit and became more confident. I participated in a tournament and fell more in love with the sport. Even during a small period when I was out of training, I still kept the discipline of wanting to stay fit and healthy. This gym has great coaching and a great atmosphere and it has helped me to become the best version of myself.

One of the greatest boxing gyms in the greater Bay Area. Old school boxing, with old-school boxing…read morerules. A true boxers, paradise.

Best boxing experience I have ever had in my 30 years of boxing. Gym has everything a real boxer…read moreneeds to sharpen their skills. Trainers are knowledgeable and approachable. Mrs. King is delightful and is vested in every athletes potential. Has a great community vibe!

My son participates in their Kids BJJ program. He is 4 years old. It is awesome! It has taught him…read morea great awareness of his body and movements, which is what we wanted. It also further enhances his understanding of discipline and its benefits. The coaches are sweet and encouraging. Coaches Gabby and Alberto is the best! Diogo, who runs this program, is great at communicating and gets back to you within 24 hours. Our family is really enjoying this program.

This is my home gym…read more I love the atmosphere that Diogo has created at our academy; we train to defend ourselves, but we also take care of each other as teammates both on and off the mats. Good people. Solid teammates. Relaxed atmosphere. No "bullshido." Come train at Rio Combat!

I always walk out of here happier than when I walked in. I also leave exhausted and ready for…read moredinner haha. Coach Jongsanan and staff (Six, Max, etc) have a true passion for Muay Thai that shines through in their teachings and high engagement levels. They truly care about their students' progress. The team does an excellent job of keeping the equipment clean and the environment uplifting / positive. If feels good to be part of a community that cares so much about its tribe. Woodenman also does a great job of embodying the spirit and attitude of Thai culture -- friendly, professional, welcoming, and spiritual. What I find most impressive is that even the most badass fighters here are super friendly and approachable. When I started, I couldn't punch my way out of a paper bag.... after coming for a few months I'm a lot more confident and my strikes are stronger and more effective, much of that is due to the work and encouragement of the coach(es) and advanced fighters. Equally impressive is the squad of female fighters. They're impressive and dangerously good yet very chill and welcoming. If you're a female and new to martial arts, this is the place to start. I've seen a few of the women students go from fresh-eyed to confident students in the matter of weeks. Overall, this is the best Muay Thai gym in San Francisco, hands down. If you don't leave happier than when you came in, DM me and I'll cover your lesson haha.

People of color: please be careful. Absolutely horrible experience with some of the staff. Staff…read moremember lied about a conversation we had to get me removed. I asked him for his help with billing at the front desk, he was extremely rude to me, when I called him out on it...he made up a lie that -" I slammed my hand on the table and caused a scene"...and then I just walked away after the scene and just went and did a class.....in a room with 40 people ... no one else saw this. The people they have running this place .... Genuinely sad...they will lie on people of color blatantly.

The kids' class is amazing! My 4 year old was able to follow along, even though he has trouble…read morefollowing directions at school. He had so much fun with the other kids, he didn't want to leave after class. There are children of all ages, both girls and boys. The trainer is patient, kind, and an expert at what he teaches. Definitely check this place out, you won't regret it. You'll end up making a lot of new friends too!

I started training here when I moved to Richmond from Hawaii.I love working out here. The…read moreinstructors have an extensive amount of Knowledge in Muay Thai/Muay Laos as well as martial arts in general. The atmosphere is very friendly and we are all like family. I was able to go to Thailand twice with The Master Tee from the gym. I got to experienced the culture in Thailand and was taking care of very well. Perfect place for kids and adults to learn discipline and be fit at the same time.