Been coming here 4 years and it feels like my home away from home. They are welcoming from day one…read moreand the coaches are high level. The owner Savant was a top 10 featherweight in his prime and always pays close attention to each student. Coach Chris though is light work every time

I cannot stress how much I loved my time at Fight Academy Pasadena. I had been training for 5 years…read moreat different gyms (jiu jitsu) before finding Fight Academy and I stayed there for the last 2 years I was based in LA. EASILY the best training, community, vibes, and biggest improvement in my fitness and combat sports training was here. Savant leads an amazing team of coaches!

I have been coming to Krav Maga Unleashed for about two years…read more I have grown very stroked to come to class, in large part because all the teachers are so good. I'm a university professor so I am very familiar with the art of teaching and I really pay attention to how other people do it. And all the teachers are awesome. They explain everything very clearly, are totally present, pay attention to what the students are doing and give detailed feedback. And the the fact that they put in the effort makes all the students try harder.. Plus, it's a physical and mental work out that really adds to my quality of life so thank you. Hopefully I won't have to use any of this knowledge in the future, but I feel much better knowing that I know how to. Definitely 5 stars

I used to have a much more positive view of this Krav Maga gym, but unfortunately it has gone…read moresignificantly downhill and is now in a noticeable state of disarray. The biggest issues are poor management and a lack of clear organization. Communication is inconsistent, newsletters routinely come out late, and administrative follow-through is unreliable. Even basic things like belt test certificates have been delayed by more than a year after the actual test, which speaks to deeper operational problems. There also appears to be a steady decline in membership, which is not surprising given the current state of the gym. The environment feels less structured and less cohesive than it used to be. From a technical standpoint, Krav Maga here feels like a "jack of all trades, master of none." This is an inherent trait of Krav Maga, but if you're going to steal from other martial arts, you should know the pure form of the art as well (at least at the instructor level) to demonstrate the cleanest technique and explain why you're doing certain things. As a result, students get surface-level exposure rather than real proficiency in any one area. If you are looking for strong fundamentals or mastery of a specific discipline, this is not the place. I have also heard repeated concerns about instructors not being properly compensated. Allegedly, some people taught for long periods with little or no pay, which raises serious questions about how the gym treats its staff and values their time. To be clear, this gym was never the best even at its peak, but it was at least better run in the past. At this point, the lack of organization, declining quality, and management issues make it difficult to recommend. I hope they take a hard look at what is happening and make meaningful changes, because right now it feels like a gym that has lost its direction.

Updating my review after a handful of years. My family's experience at Cosmic has continued to be…read morepositive. My kids have been with the program for many years now and I am very pleased with their progress. Coach Joseph can be strict with the kids during training, but he cares deeply about them. He not only wants them to continue to build on their jiujitsu skills, but he also wants them to grow into strong, resilient individuals who can overcome any obstacle. He teaches the kids to be respectful to their parents, instructors, and peers. Discipline is one of the core attribute of martial arts and it's great to see that in every class. Some coaches may seem tough on the outside, but they're also fun and extremely nurturing because many of them are dads of the kids that train there. The best way to find out is to try out a class!

You'll almost always feel welcome here. Especially if you are a child, for example, a 12-year-old…read moregirl lost count of an exercise she was doing, and he snapped at her & asked if he needed to count for her! He will call the kids boy or girl rather than by their actual name to make them feel worse. He used the excuse that this is a rough sport to justify his abuse. He even laughed at a little boy who had accidentally gotten hurt and mocked his pain by saying, "Blood, sweat, & tears!" And he didn't even check to see if he was okay or tell his parents what happened to him, what if he got a bruise or god forbid was bleeding?! He views their failures as burdens for him rather than obstacles for them to overcome. And the curriculum is seemingly too random and doesn't focus enough on systems. He will sometimes pressure the good kids for no discernible reason; that makes no sense. So if you believe teachers shouldn't be held accountable but children should, then this place is for you! He couldn't even look me in the eye when he told me to trust his process, but he screams at a little boy to look at him when he is carelessly reprimanding him. He will use any excuse to scream at the kids instead of being more patient with them. My entire journey with him was boiling frog syndrome. All these kids he's tormenting with his childlike screaming and lies are gonna have broken brains, good job! It would be extremely helpful if he asked his students for feedback and found ways to improve his methods instead of losing his temper. He just drops random stuff on us and expects us to do it perfectly. He laughed when I misheard his instructions, and he enjoys humiliating his students in front of everyone and thinks it's good. He'd better get it right if he doesn't want his precious trophies to stop coming in. I have lost my temper here before I admit it. And maybe some kids who need to be pushed, everyone is different. But do you really want to take that risk with every kid? And yes, I overreacted when he posted an Instagram story where he joked about not turning on the a/c during a hot day of 2024. He also had this competition training technique, I think he called Red Alert, where if your opponent is being unfair and breaks your arm, he won't do anything about it. And the sweat test, which I previously mentioned. And as mentioned in my previous review, there was the 200 squats group punishment, but what I haven't mentioned about it was how he unnervingly laughed about the way the tears streamed down their face. That is a form of corporal punishment. And I can't abide that because it is immoral. He often lets the kids play a bit after class, and there was one time when a little boy was playing tag with his brother wasn't playing tag. And they acted like he hit him and threatened him 100 burpees if he did it again. Instead of hearing his side of the story and then Coach Nate mocked him for being scared of Coach Joseph. He has done kind things for them from time to time, but that's not going to cancel out all the harshness he has and still is inflicting on his students. Provoking hope amuses sadists. And I may have misunderstood Coach Martinez jokingly calling some kids liars. I also misjudged the capoeira/MMA coach; he is a good man who just has a really intense way of teaching. He used his dog to distract the students during one of the comp classes, and got mad at them for looking at her. It's an imbalanced power disparity. Then there is the matter of those martial arts camps he is a part of. The way he described them made it sound like he'll break the kid's spirits with pain to "help" them. Kids don't have the option to leave unless their parent(s) or guardians say otherwise. And he said, "We will do in a month what the parents won't dare do in a lifetime." Seems like he thinks he can raise them better. Hardly any kids will tell someone about this abuse since most kids don't do that. I should know, I've been there. They often don't know how to express themselves yet. He hates their innocence, and that fake smile and condescending laugh of his. He said no matter what I say about him, he won't hold it against me. All that talk of integrity, and this is how he acts. He called two young boys weak for having soccer practice every other week, something they can't control. He also mocked me in a direct message on Instagram for having a rough childhood and "taking it out on everyone!" Don't trust this man to respect physical boundaries either. He would often snatch away my headphones to check them out or caress me without my consent. He also forced us to ask a question, so I asked the first one that popped into my head. And it wasn't very good, and the next day he said he had a new rule. Where every question will go through him first before asking a guest coach. "Because some of you have been asking some really stupid questions." He says. That's a wonderful way to talk about your autistic pupil. He also gaslights a lot.

hands-down one of the most incredible MMA gyms I've ever experienced! The facility is a…read moremasterpiece--spacious, spotless, and packed with top-of-the-line equipment like a full-size MMA cage, pristine grappling mats, and a professional boxing ring. Led by the legendary Gokor Chivichyan and a team of elite coaches, including experts like Daniel Sarafian, the training here is world-class. They offer a diverse lineup of classes, from Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Sambo to Muay Thai and MMA, catering to everyone from first-timers to aspiring pros. The coaching is phenomenal--techniques are taught with precision, and the instructors take the time to ensure every student, regardless of skill level, feels supported and challenged. The community is what truly sets Hayastan apart; it's a tight-knit group where everyone encourages each other, creating a motivating and ego-free environment. I've already noticed huge improvements in my technique and fitness after just a few weeks. The flexible class schedule, with options throughout the day, makes it easy to fit training into a busy lifestyle. Hayastan's legacy of producing champions like Ronda Rousey and Karo Parisyan is evident in every session, and this new Pasadena gym elevates that tradition to a whole new level. If you're in Pasadena and want to train like a pro while feeling like family, Hayastan MMA Academy is the place to be. Five stars, no question!

Best place in Pasadena for boxing and kick boxing classes. Super clean and friendly environment to…read morelearn the ropes and get a great workout! Mauricio is so helpful! Christian's boxing classes are the best. Plenty of street parking and nearby city lot for $1. You can sign up directly with them or drop in classes using the MINDBODY app. The intro $15 class drop in they provide you with wraps and gloves. then second $45 class gives you your own pair of wraps and gloves! Super friendly staff and peeps here. Sparing, personal training and separate dojo areas for the advanced too! Highly recommended for the beginner or pro!

I'm so grateful to have found this place! Very non-intimidating, and very welcoming…read more I specifically looked into this gym because a friend of mine had previously lost 80 pounds coming here, and I wanted to give it a try--it did not disappoint! If you're looking for a workout that gets you sweating without any judgment, this is the perfect spot--no matter your size, shape, or fitness level. The classes focus on technique and fitness, so you're not sparring or fighting anyone. Mauricio, the owner, is incredibly welcoming and sweet, which makes the whole experience even better. I've been attending consistently and have already noticed a positive shift in how I feel about my body. Plus, it's such a great way to release any aggression! There's nothing like the satisfying thud of a solid punch on the bag. If you're thinking about trying kickboxing, I can't recommend this gym enough--it's motivating, empowering, and a total game-changer :)

My kids have been coming for almost two years (8 year old and 4 year old). I've noticed they're…read moremore disciplined and I like that they can be active in a controlled environment. I appreciate how patient the coaches are and how Professor Mike has high expectations without taking the fun away from the kids. The best part of training at Angel City is the community of kids that come. It's a great family of kids that all get along and want to do their best and help others succeed.

I have been training with Prof Mike Medina for over two years. He's an excellent instructor who is…read morehere to help his students learn and thrive. He has built a team a team of a great instructors, which includes Prof Fig and Coach Nate, both of whom are extremely detailed. This academy prides itself on providing quality instruction. The academy is clean , the environment is welcoming and Mike always makes sure that the curriculum suitable for all levels. Highly recommend

Personally, I haven't taken any classes here but my boyfriend is taking Jeet Kune Do (Bruce Lee's…read moreMartial Art) for the pass two months and he absolutely loves it. Whenever I get a chance I like to go sit in and watch them. Guru Sunny Bee is amazing. His style and techniques of teaching is like no one else. He has patience teaching everyone and he really puts his mind and heart into it. Men and women are allowed to take the class. I'm considering of taking it myself. He also teaches kids Taekwondo. Hopefully, I can sign up soon.

My boyfriend has been taking Jeet Kune Do (JKD) at Bee Martial Arts for the past few months. I…read morehave to say, Master Bee is a great instructor. He is patient, kind and really wants to see his students succeed. He has taught his students to be more focused, disciplined and really determined to learn the art of JKD. I highly recommend this martial arts facility to anyone who is interested in learning JKD, Kali, or Tae Kwan Do. You won't be disappointed!

I've been doing Muay Thai for 14 years, give or take…read more Most of that time was spent doing it one-on-one with trainers, which was awesome for personal attention and scheduling, but expensive and hard to stay consistent with. But they were able to be patient with me, to explain things repeatedly--I'm very visual and super literary but much less intuitive when it comes to athletics--and this helped me learn the basics of the art of Muay Thai. And then my last trainer got too busy to keep going. So I tried a bunch of Muay Thai gyms, never really finding anything that matched the return I got from 1-on-1 training. Then one day I spotted NELA Combat Fitness on a Figueroa corner and got intrigued. I tried a class and loved the energy of the space. Highland Park is a wildly creative area, and the experience at NELA Combat Fitness mirrors this: The people are diverse, upbeat, inclusive and very dedicated to the art of Muay Thai. You might find a 50+ year old like me training with someone in their early 20s, and this dynamic is always approached respectfully. Ed, the owner, is a true gem of a human being: warm, funny, and with deep history with and knowledge of Muay Thai, and he teaches with a razor sharp eye and the communication skills to help keep things safe and to level up your game. The gym itself is spotless, well-designed and comfortable. One way that the absolute courtesy with which the gym operates shows up is when we go return Thai pads or kick shields: cleaning wipes are shared and pads are stacked in an orderly way. Every teacher approaches class a little differently, but if you show up, know that you are in for a wonderful workout that is easily tailored to your skill level. The music is always different and always good. You will be inspired to push yourself beyond your limits, outside of your comfort zone. You will grow, you will sweat, and you will learn. And you will emerge a stronger person. And about Muay Thai overall? It's the best. I feel elevated and calm afterwards, able to take on anything life throws my way with compassion. That's the irony - punching, kicking, elbowing and kneeing it out for an hour actually makes you a calmer, kinder person. Your baseline is reset and your cardio and strength gets better and better. I truly feel like I've found a gym that I want to stay a part of. Thank you, Ed, and thank you NELA Combat Fitness community.

If you're looking for a place that combines killer workouts with a welcoming community vibe, look…read moreno further! NELA Combat Fitness is IT! I was so pumped after my first class ever, I signed up straight after. Being a beginner myself, I was happy that everyone here took the time to show me how to do the moves. The kickboxing class was intense in the best way possible - a hard but awesome workout that left me feeling like a total champ. I have a long way to go in my journey, and girl I know it, but I couldn't have found a better place to go to. The owner, Ed, is incredible. You can really tell he cares deeply for the community as he's not just running a top-notch gym, he's building a fitness family. He was motivating and supportive, pushing everyone to give their best without ever losing the fun vibe. Shoutout to Derrick too for teaching me the moves in my first class! I can't wait to make this my new home for kicking and punching my way to a healthier me (and to release some after-work stress too)! See you on the mats!