A Truly Incredible Experience at Kugtar MMA!!! We are beyond grateful for the amazing guidance, support, and mentorship our son has received. From the moment he started, we knew we found something special. The environment is positive, DISCIPLINED, and uplifting -- exactly what every parent hopes for when choosing a martial arts school. A huge and heartfelt thank you to the Vanderlipe family, whose dedication and passion for jiu-jitsu shine through in everything they do. Their patience, encouragement, and genuine care have helped our son grow not only as an athlete, but also in his confidence, focus, and character. We have so much appreciation for the time, energy, and heart they pour into their students. We couldn't be more proud of the progress he's made under their guidance. He recently competed in a few tournaments for the first time this year. First tournament received a participation medal, second tournament a bronze, and third was GOLD! We highly recommend Kugtar MMA to any family looking for top-tier jiu-jitsu training, amazing role models, and a community that truly feels like family. Thank you, Vanderlipe family -- we are so grateful for everything you've done for our son! read more

Kugtar Mixed Martial Arts - Martial Arts Near Me - Salinas, California

Came with my friend and his son to see if he would be a good fit . I like the overall quality of the place but when the main female instructor ( i believe she was the main sensei's wife) came to class late loud and disruptive I immediately didn't like it. After class she approached and spoke with us with a sense of entitlement telling us we have to refer to her as ma'am when speaking to her but showed no respect while speaking to us. She then tells me I can beat up your mom and she's choked out guys that thought she couldn't do it. The head sensei showed the traditional demeanor of martial artist's I've met in the past honor and humility which has always been something I've found appealing. There was also 2 younger instructors who acted with respect and were leading the class. It was ma'am that made me not like the place and it seems she'd be there all the time. read more

Good for family: self defense, giving confidence, discipline, self control, respect, physical strength & fitness Highly recommended to anyone read more

Been a member for 6 years. Great family who truly care about the development of their members, youth or adult. Highly recommend for anyone in the Salinas Valley looking to build confidence, discipline and most importantly, grit. read more

Hands down the best kids program in peninsula!!! If you wanna teach your kids strong discipline and self-confidence by learning real life self-defense, you gotta bring them here!!! Best place to learn BULLY-PROOF skill. Specious facility and it's always clean. They make sure the place is well-hygiene. My son started learning Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu here since he was 6yrs old. He's always had very small and skinny body type and gentle personality. Not athletic and rather always be playing with his lego in the house. So we really wanted to push him to be active and tougher. Kugtar not only taught him discipline and respect, but also amazing skill to be able to have great self-confidence. Now, he practices three days a week and has been competing at many major tournaments!!! While helping our child improving his skill, my husband and I both got hooked on the sports as well. We ended up signing up ourself and now the whole family joined the program : ) Thank you, Mater V and Ma'am for providing such an amazing place for all of us!!! WE ARE KUGTAR FAMILY!!! OSS :) They also provide Tang Soo Do, MMA, Muay Thai, Kick Boxing. BJJ & Tang Soo Do kids program has two separate class. one is for 3-5yrs old & for 6-14yrs old. read more

See all

I am so grateful to Kugtar MMA led by the Vanderlipe family. I adore Master Vanderlipe's humility and ma'am Ma'a strict business sense. The life lessons learned at 16 have helped me throughout the last 20 years of my life. The instincts I learned in my teens, continue to guide me in life. Most importantly, my survival instincts gained from Kugtar is invaluable. The instincts have become second nature to me. As a carefree and jolly girl, I can still sense danger like nobody's business. I've enrolled all three young cousins with Kugtar because I understand how much this program has helped me to succeed and survive. I am at home here in this safe haven. I have been a long time student of Master Vanderlipe and Ma'am Ma'a, and I hold them dear to my heart. I will continue to cherish the Vanderlipe's guidance and advice. I am forever indebted to the Vanderlipe family for my survival. I usually do not announce my accomplishments, but I want to illustrate how indebted I am to the Vanderlipe family. As a young woman, I do not believe I would have survived graduating in 3 years from UC Berkeley, backpacking throughout Europe in my early 20's, or a Master's in International Law from London without the one-on-one coaching from Master Vanderlipe in my teens. I've translated what I've learned on the mat to how I approach life. I've faced academic challenges straight on without flinching. So ingrained in me the notion of no challenge too great that I continue to move forward. I've even taught myself code; I've coded algorithms for the stock market. And now, I plan on achieving greater success. P.S. My sister who trained with them as a young adult now has a Doctorate in Education and leads people double her age with ease and confidence. read more

Martial Arts isnt for everyone, nor the sensitive hearted. You cant protect your kids or yourself from everything or you riakcrippling an individual. There is a difference between abuse and the reality of life throwing its punches, curveballs, and for some words. But i have seen and watched as timid kids become tougher mentally, physically, and spiritually. Ive seen shy lil girls become fearless on the matt. Ive seen my son run from the opposition to standing his ground and defending himself. Ive seen disrespectful kids/individuals learn of respect for the first time and/or begin to give it. If you really want to level up and better yourself physically, mentally, spiritually, and allow that to over flow into the other areas of your life and master self control, gain self confidence in self defense, and channel a better mindset for yourself and those around you, or just looking to become healthier and in shape, then the kugtar family may be just what your looking for. I know that it has done great things for my son, my wife, my family, and myself and is continuing to positively influence our lives. I humbly and sincerely thank the kugtar family, coaches, and students for taking us in and making us stronger as a family. read more

See all

I've been training at Kugtar for 12+ years. Love this place. Ma'am and Master V became not just my instructors but Family. Everything I accomplished over the years is because they believed in me and support me every step of the way.. Great People, Great atmosphere read more

This is a really good looking school. Clean and many mats to roll around in. I like the bags. The over all look of this place is A+. The price is another thing to think about. $150.00 Per month is a bit much. I really think that you will have a great work out here. MMA. BJJ and a few other classes that you can take. Showers and parking in the back. Overall you will have a great training session. Black belt Vinnie is cool dude. You will be welcomed if you have train before. Each of the guys are fun to grapple with. If you are looking for a place that will push you, this is the spot in Salinas. Great bunch of guys.Cheers read more

My child enjoys her classes and going to Kugtar. The owners master V, ma'am, coaches, & secretaries are all respectful and kind people. Master V and ma'am are great teachers and take pride in what they do. It is as important for them to teach their students the value of respectful as it is important teach them self defense. Love this place. read more

Kugtar MMA is a great martial arts establishment. In that not only do they teach the combative aspect of Martial Arts, but that also teach the art aspect, by instilling discipline and motivation in children and adults alike. They offer Brazilian Jiujitsu(3 resident black belts), Muay Thai kickboxing, and Tang Soo do. I've had the pleasure of spending the last year helping Coach Art (Head Muay Thai Instructor) teach Muay Thai and learning BJJ under the guidance of Master Vanderlipe, Master Olivas, and Master Thomas. This place has become like a second home to me and the Masters and my training partners have become family to me. My training partners are very talented and we push each other to the limit every training session. There is a reason Team Kugtar MMA is the best team on the Central Coast. That is the direct result of the tutelage from all the coaches and hard work by the fighters. I strongly suggest that you stop by and check it out. They have a 3 day trial pass for anyone, beginners who have never thrown a punch or who doesn't know what an armbar is, to several 10 ten ranked CAMO(California MMA Organization) fighters. The environment is very welcoming, and egos are checked at the door. The two main things you should look for when looking for a gym. read more

The worst place to train in the county, the philosophy here is you can't train anywhere else or with anyone else, very old minded people, not the true martial art experience. If your looking for the worst place to train look no further. read more

Great place , respectful and disciplined ,my sons have gained confidence self respect and kept them in good physical health . I would definitely recommend Kugtar martial arts academy read more

I've been with Kugtar since its day one, in the early 90's. This is by far the best place to learn from. This place is my family and am proud to be a part of this place. All age groups are welcome, whether it be for fitness or sport you will not be disappointed. read more

I love this place. My son takes 2 classes here and they teach discipline, respect and overall good health.

Kugtar MMA teaches world class Brazilian Jiujitsu, kickboxing, and MMA. The coaches and team are friendly and dedicated to helping you achieve your best. The workouts are challening, but well worth it. Whether you want to become a serious MMA fighter or you're just looking to get into shape, Kugtar MMA hands down the best choice you can make. read more

Train here whenever i can. Mats are always clean and classes are always good. Good place for all levels of jujitsu, muay thai, mma. Great kids class, teaches them discipline and respect while having fun. read more

this place is a good martial arts school for kids and adults. I always go and train over there two times a week. I stay and watch the kids classes and see that the kids are having fun learning self defense. This a place I would suggest your kid to. It is the number one rank in monterey county California. read more

I started my son here when he was 3 1/2 years old. I was very nervous because he was/is a total mamas boy which is exactly why my husband and I wanted to put him in martial arts. Needless to say it is the best choice I have ever made for him. It has worked wonders for his confidence, discipline and self image. Kugtar has clear expectations and a no nonsense teaching style. I must admit at first this was hard for me to get used to as a super overprotective mom but it has made me realize how much I was holding my son back by coddling him. He had so much potential that I didnt even realize or even knew could be pulled out of him. He is also just as impressed with himself with what he can accomplish and believes in himself. I was so impressed with the teaching and the results with my son who is now 5, I have also started my 7 year old daughter who is now in her 6th month of training. I cant say enough good things about Kugtar. I highly recommend them. read more

I learned about some inappropriate behavior, by son who is a former student. The owner who calls herself "Mam" would make comments or say offensive things about his mom to him. I am his mother. Never did I say or do anything to this woman to deserve any of it and even less, my son. Her reason or motive is still not clear, but I am certainly going to ask her in person. This is not professional which is the least of the problem. The issue at hand is that this is mental abuse at its finest since my son went in and was excited, viewing her, her husband, and staff as role models. Now, I can see the disappointment, betrayal, and anger when these people or their business come up in conversion. His illusion has been replaced with failure and anger. I am taking this further, since I can see the damage this will have on my for a very long time. I believe his trust in others has been greatly tarnished as a result of the owners behavior. It is my responsibility as a mother, to make potential future victims, aware of the situation that took place for months and only learned about it recently. I believe this has happened to others, especially vulnerable children, such is the case with my son, in the past. read more

Great group of guys and great training. The best place to train in town! Top notch facility with everything you need. There is plenty of mat space, bags, fighting cage, shower and a sauna! read more

My son and daughter take classes here and they love it! It is very challenging and rewarding. The gym is always clean and the instruction is disciplined. My kids have improved in behavior and have excelled in other activities they participate in since starting at Kugtar read more

I love the Martial Arts environment at Kugtar. It's a great place for children, youth, and adults to learn respect, discipline, work ethic, confidence, and humility. And, of course, it's a great place to get improve your physical health or fitness. I love both the adult MMA and Jiu-Jitsu classes. I have learned a great deal and if I ever had to defend myself or help assist someone else, I feel extremely confident to do so. Until then, I enjoy practicing and roughing up my family and friends, LOL. Love Kugtar. Love the facility. Love Master V, Ma'am, and the coaches; for they are insightful, experienced, encouragers, and great teachers. read more