I started consistently training around 2024, and at this point Noho MMA has become like a second home for me. I look forward to spending time with the amazing community and the incredible coaches at this gym. As someone who got into training MMA casually, training under Professor Steve helped me build enough confidence to compete in Jiu-jitsu tournaments on a regular basis. You will feel incredibly supported as the whole school helps you get better and improve your skills. If you are new and may feel intimidated to start training, I CANNOT reccomend this school enough for its welcoming and inclusive and highly knowledgable community. Also a great place to make new friends!!! read more

NoHo MMA - Kickboxing Near Me - North Hollywood, California

Used to go there for a while. Miss it incredibly. As in, I have dreams about going back! Great no nonsense vibe. Never felt judged or inadequate. Professor Steve makes it so you feel like you belong there. Always felt safe, respected, supported, but challenged and encouraged to improve. read more

Are you ready to rumble? (You know you heard it in the voice) all joking aside, I checked out 2 other local places to do Krav and bjj. This was the most welcoming for someone who has never done BJJ. Professor Steve is knowledgeable, patient and really breaks down the moves. Whether you are looking to compete or just defend yourself. This is THE place. The higher level students are also great with helping you to learn. I do krav and basic beginners Bjj and I have learned so much. I'm going to start adding the kick boxing class as well. We welcome all new students not like some places where it feels very cliquey, is that even a word? It's all about the training! read more

NoHo MMA - Noho MMA - Kickboxing Near Me - North Hollywood, California

I love this place. This place teaches you more than the cheesy commercial wanna be fighter MMA where they only dress up like super hero's that you will get at other places. The people that come here and teach here actually are here to learn real fighting skills and MMA. They teach you do teach the basic Krav Maga if that is your preference but they teach real self defense and cover all MMA skills from Muay Thai to Jujitsu to kali (knife fighting) even if you love fencing or other fight weapons they teach the techniques thoroughly. There are A LOT of hacks in LA that teach you garbage commercial techniques that you would never realistically be able to pull off. Or techniques that are for fake or just TV/stunt/choreographed fighting. Watch out for gimmicky places. The teachers and students take the classes seriously and you actually learn.if your teacher is an actor that does stunt work. The chances are they aren't real fighters and are not teaching practical real life techniques. NoHo MMA has a lot of serious good fighters. And you need to surround yourself with other good fighters to actually improve. I do recommend this place. read more

This is a solid place to come learn MMA. I tried their free week of lessons and was certainly not disappointed. I was ready to sign up when we went into Covid lockdown mode again. Coach is super knowledgeable and a very patient teacher. read more

NoHo MMA - Small but adequate gym - Kickboxing Near Me - North Hollywood, California

Love this place. Ragtag, casual, small place with all different kinds of people, shapes, sizes, different levels of skill, to zero skills. Instructor Steve knows everyone by name. Not a number. Good with kids and adults. He cares. Highly recommend. Can't beat the price for unlimited classes. read more

Great coaches and team! Everyone is super helpful to new students and makes sure we can learn and be challenged in a safe and clean environment read more

NoHo MMA is more than just a martial arts facility; it is a family. Professor Steve Baca is not only an excellent teacher, but is the nicest, down to earth instructor I have ever met. He holds high level rankings in multiple arts, and his instruction is more than just going through the motions. He really wants you to grasp the techniques and build off of them. The dojo is very clean, and the students are all so cool and welcoming. As an older person giving Jiu-Jitsu another try, I find it very difficult and frustrating, but Professor Steve is always there to help me understand that BJJ is more than just grappling and trying to reach a belt level. Even though I've had a rough start coming back (out of shape and 14 years older,) Professor Steve makes me want to continue the journey. No egos, and just quality instruction and probably the most affordable rates anywhere in the San Fernando Valley. read more

Just walking in the place everyone makes you feel totally welcome, my son has been coming here for 4 days he totally loves it and will continue to come. Steve Baca is a excellent instructor he's hands on kickboxing with the kids. The teacher that teaches kids Jiu-Jitsu she is amazing with the kids she hands on with the kids, I like the fact that they are totally interacting with the kids kickboxing and jiu-jitsu, my son really enjoys coming here. read more

Perfect for our family. My son has been coming here for a couple of months and it's great. He's always been given the attention he needs and space when he needs it as well. I love the hands on approach. He actually gets to roll around and practice what they preach. Most places are just drills drills and more drills. I understand that training but my kid is easily distracted. In this class you are engaged. Steve is perfect for the kids, strong but not intimidating. Fun and respectful. Years ago I got my black belt in karate so I understand the process. In this place it's about the kids practical application of the art. He also teaches with a gi and without. This is MMA for kids that's fun and engaging. All of the older kids are really helpful. This is traditional martial arts teaching at its best. No intimidation at all but serious training. read more

NoHo MMA - Kickboxing Near Me - North Hollywood, California

NoHo MMA is an excellent place to train. Steve is a total pro & great instructor, plus the students are very friendly. I've been working out there for only a few months (Krav & kickboxing programs), however besides gaining new skills, lost a few pounds and put on a few in muscle. Totally recommend the place to anyone looking to up their fitness and skill set. ***Update: it's now been a few more months & I've jumped into BJJ as well -- still as pleased with NoHo MMA & Steve's instruction as when I wrote the above. read more

This place is amazing. With any sport or activity it is totally dependent on the instructor/coach. Steve works really well with the kids and they absolutely love him. He's also a black belt in multiple arts with super sound instruction techniques but that's just icing on the cake at this age because the main thing I'm looking for is somebody who makes MMA fun for the kids which he absolutely does. One side note, my son really wanted to spar against opponents, and not just hit walls/bags/boards. Every single class they reserve some time for live sparring. read more

I've thought long and hard about how to write this review, if only because Noho MMA and Steve's teachings mean so much to me that it's imperative I convey the heart of it all. Noho MMA is more than just a place to learn martial arts, although that will definitely happen if you join. Steve is an incredible teacher with a gift for passing along his extensive knowledge in a way that's tailored to the strengths and weakness of each individual. Every time you come to class, you'll leave stronger, faster, smarter, better. But that's only a small part of what makes this business special... What really makes Noho MMA a one-of-a-kind establishment is Steve and his wife-- Eartha's-- commitment to creating a community. In a world where people find it hard to connect, Steve and Eartha reach out a hand. In a time when we've forgotten that truly powerful people look out for others, Steve and Eartha remind us to help our neighbors. It's clear Noho MMA is a labor of love for them, built with hard-work, blood, sweat, and tears, all with the intention to bring value to the community and to make the world a little safer-- a littler better-- one student at a time. They are people of integrity, in every sense of the word, and they've created a business that mirrors who they are. If you're an experienced fighter, come to Noho MMA to take advantage of Steven's incredible knowledge base and teaching skills. If you're new to martial arts and afraid to start, come to Noho MMA for his patience, and willingness to help you grow at your own pace. In just one short year with NohoMMA, I feel more centered, more empowered, and stronger both physically and mentally. Maybe it's the moment I claim my space and push back against the person who shoves me out of line... or maybe it's just speaking a little more loudly in that meeting... or maybe it's just the confidence that comes with knowing I can defend myself... but Noho MMA's positive impact on my life shows up on a daily basis. The changes might look small from the outside, but they're everything to me. Join NohoMMA! You'll get all this, PLUS, you'll learn how to roundhouse kick! YAY. read more

I was looking for a place to train in Krav Maga and found NoHo MMA through Yelp. Guys, this place is awesome! I've been coming here for over a year now and I started with knowing absolutely nothing - no martial arts or self-defense training. Steve is a wonderful teacher. He is very encouraging while also challenging. If you have an injury, speak up. There are always other things to do or alternative ways to do them. The schedule is great, the people are welcoming, and the price is good! Definitely worth checking out! I'm so happy I joined. read more

The teacher's here are energetic, humble, and so passionate about teaching... Family-friendly atmosphere. Right here you will gain Cardiovascular benefits, self-esteem,conditioning, strength and learn the best technique... also featuring kids classes the next generation of MMA fighters CHECK IT OUT!!! FIRST MONTH FREE MAKE IT YOUR SECOND HOME read more

Noho MMA is amazing! All of my friends and I go there for Krav Maga classes, and honestly I hate that I can't go to every class. Steve is such an amazing teacher and really cares about the NoHo MMA community. Go here for self defense! read more

Professor Steven is amazing. I recently moved to a different state and tried a new Jiu Jitsu gym, and I can say that Noho MMA is 1,000x better. Professor Steven's instruction style and technique are next level. Also, Noho MMA really feels like family. Everyone there is so encouraging. You can't beat the price, either. I took his Muay Thai, Krav Maga, and Jiu Jitsu classes, and they were all top notch. read more

My son has been training for 6 years. We brought him over to Kenpo evolution 9 months ago to advance his BJJ. His skill set has improved greatly in both gi and no gi. I started cardio training here two months ago to lose some extra weight in Steve's cardio kickboxing classes. I have now lost right at 29 lbs. The Support Steve gives you and motivation that you get from his high intensity is like none other. read more

The BJJ school I originally started at closed but I continued to study with friends and developed a better ground game simply from rolling. But I also developed training scars, bad habits and holes in my game that needed to be corrected. Came by to check the school out and found that I was immediately able to apply the techniques taught. Got holes in your game? Come get them filled at NoHo. Great instruction, various styles of martial arts, no egos, family friendly. read more

Great place for adults and kids! My son does both kick boxing mma and Brazilian jiu-jitsu. It's been a almost two months and so worth it he's lost weight better coordination and here the kids will learn to work better with each other. It's been nothing but a blessing and all worth it! read more

If you're looking for a gym that does BJJ, Filipino Martial Arts, Krav Maga, and Kickboxing then I recommend NoHo MMA gym. Professor Steve Baca is not only skilled in Martial Arts, but is a Class Act! Very nice and treats you like family. His students are highly skilled and have won numerous tournaments! The best part is they're all there to have fun! They work hard, play hard, laugh hard. They are also humble enough to host workshops for others from different systems allowing them to share their knowledge of different Martial Arts. This shows that Professor Steve wants his students to grow and is always learning something new. Facility and mats are always clean! Separate dressing rooms for guys & gals. There's waiting or watching area as well. Keeping tradition, respect and discipline is alive in this place. I've seen his students train with the incentive to help each other grow verses "I win" attitude. This makes a great environment for beginners as well as children and some adults. They usually have some type of hassle-free promotions from a week to a month FREE trial. You have nothing to lose so try them out! read more

Sensei Steve Baca is one of the best martial arts professors in LA! I tried all sorts of different martial arts studios and styles before finding his place. He is not only incredibly knowledgeable with black belts and training over many different styles, but he also makes sure everyone can grasp whatever he's teaching - whether it's your first class or your 50th. He pulls from his many styles of training to help guide students, making sure we have a 360 degree of understanding of not only how to do something, but why, and how to do it different/best for you. Sensei Steve is the best! read more

Steve is an excellent instructor who's passionate about seeing his students improve. He has the spirit of a true martial artist. I've trained at 4 different schools over the course of my BJJ career and he's by far the greatest guy to deal with. In a martial arts culture full of intimidating instructors trying to prove how tough they are, Steve is a diamond in the rough. His prices are fair, the instruction and technique is great, and his gym is typically douchebag-free. If you're looking to train and you're in his area you should definitely stop by and take a class. read more

Sensai Steve is incredible, talk about dedicated, friendly but motivating!!! Now that he has his own place he turned into a powerhouse!! If your looking for amazing practical self defense to be drilled into your very core, this is the place to go!! (plus great sense of humour loll) read more

I have been training at NoHo MMA for the past 6 months and have felt right at home since day 1. No macho vibe here whatsoever. Professor Steve is an amazing coach and has a gift with explaining techniques. He has so much knowledge regarding BJJ, both gi and no gi, and constantly teaches us things that you wont learn at other schools. Amazing Krav Maga program as well! The gym is always cleaned after every class, and well kept. The kids program is great as well. Steve is patient with the kids and provides a safe zone for them to train with a 0 tolerance bullying policy. I can't wait for my kids to be a little older so that they can start training with me here! Please do yourself a favor and train at the best gym in the valley . read more

Their services are terrible. I just got back from a free private lesson. Guess what? No one showed up. I called before to make an appointment with Steve and he happily scheduled one for 4:30 pm. I drove for 30 minutes in traffic to find out that no one was there. I knocked and both doors were locked. What a bunch of crap. This just ruins your day. I'm never coming here again. read more

My brother attended the 30 day free trial. He took the Eskrima class & he LOVED it. If it weren't for his work schedule, he'd still be there. I would take that class, but I think I am more suited for kickboxing. Anyhow, Steve is amazing. Patient & so very knowledgeable. Great energy in this place overall. I took the cardio kickboxing class & it was fun & gave me the best workout. However, I believe that class is no more.... read more

Been a student of Sensei Steve Baca's for 4 plus years now. Still loving every minute of it!

I really like KKE's program. The warm ups and drills are very informative. Sensei explains and demonstrate basic moves in details. I can tell you that most of the techniques he demonstrates are moves that I find myself saying ... "why didn't I think of that"? Every time I walk out of that dojo, although tired, I have a sense of accomplishment and/or feeling that I learned something today. I am glad that I am part of something that teaches you honor, respect and to not give up despite the obstacles that are in front of you. Oh by the way, this dojo and all instructors are well versed in teaching kids. My daughter is training there as well and she loves going there to learn Karate/Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. read more

My daughter has been with steve for about a year now and she has advanced tremendously! Its a family oriented place and steve is very personable. He cares about your childs well-being in and out of the studio. Aside from training he addresses many real life issuses such as bullying and how to take a stance against it. For those who want to learn self defense( young or old) i highly recommend kenpo evolution!! read more

I've been bringing my son here for almost 3 years and have never had a bad experience. Sensei Steve is an amazing instructor that truly cares for his students. My son has learned so much from him. This is the best studio in the valley. If you are thinking about training this is the place. read more

NoHo MMA - Kickboxing Near Me - North Hollywood, California

See all

Great place to train. Steve Baca is a great instructor with a lifetime of experience. Very good vibe here. I would recommend this place for anyone that wants to try something new fun and challenging. read more

My name is Michael Hartounian. My son Greg received his Black Belt from Karate Kids. After he received his Black Belt, I knew he was capable of much more and it was a time for a change. I took Steve up on the 30 day free offer last summer and it quickly became apparent of my son's weaknesses. My son loves Steve and the other instructors. My son is 12 years old and the adults help teach one another and encourage my son. I highly recommend Kenpo Evolution for anyone serious about learning Karate and learning self defence. read more

Baca's Brazilian jiu jitsu and KKE provides an excellent atmosphere in which to learn martial arts. The instructors are very attentive, and provide individualized instruction that is rare in most bjj schools. Steve Baca and his associate instructors are very passionate about jiu jitsu, and there enthusiasm shines through in the instruction they provide. I would highly recommend Baca bjj and KKE to both beginners to the art, and advanced students looking to bring there game to the next level. read more

Professor Steve is seriously the best you can learn from! He is extremely skilled in many different martial arts and teaches respect, discipline, and the importance of hard work. NoHo MMA is not just a place to train, it's a family. We are taught to respect and take care of our partners. I have taken the kickboxing, jiu jitsu (gi and nogi), and kali classes, and you really can't ask for a better place to train. I have had the best 3 years there and would not hesitate to recommend it to anyone and everyone! read more

I am so sorry to read Millie ' s experience....my three years affiliated here have been rewarding. I am not alone in recognizing both physical and mental conditioning, gained from the training. I'm impressed that so much more (than expected) has been obtained!! Keep it coming Kenpo Evolution!!!! read more

Steve is so great with his students. My kids have been with him for about a year and they love it. He makes it fun for them and is extremely patient. Definitely recommend anyone interested to check it out. read more

My daughter (8 years old) has been training with Sensei Steve for the last 6 months. She absolutely loves it. Sensei Steve is an amazing instructor and being a dad himself, he truly knows how to train and deal with the kids at the same time. We are very pleased with this place read more

Professor Steve is awesome and has extensive experience (and black belts) in multiple disciplines. The vibe of the gym is a positive one. No big egos in the room, just down to earth people looking to train and hone their skills. A great place for those who are stepping onto the mat for the 1st or 10,000th time. The monthly membership costs are also a steal! read more

Steve is just the perfect fit for us. He has got such an easy going demeanor and is able to keep my son engaged. Of course he is very talented but his capacity to teach a young one (and me) the art of kickboxing is extraordinary. Thank you Steve!! read more