At age 52, I am two months into my jiu-jitsu journey. Especially since I was starting relatively…read morelate in life, I was intimidated to walk into any jiu-jitsu school. But at Renzo Gracie I have been thrilled to find not only amazing coaching but a welcoming community of training partners. I roll with much more experienced bjj players every week, and they are welcoming, accommodating, and happy to share their wisdom. And for praise I'll single out Ruben, who teaches most of the no-gi fundamentals classes: the guy is just a profoundly gifted coach. Lots of people can demonstrate techniques, but he has a terrific understanding of the basic principles that each of those techniques are based on -- you get to understand not just how to do things, but why, and how they tie into the broader goals of jiu-jitsu. I love jiu-jitsu now, and I'm sure that this place and these people are a big reason why.

Really high class instruction and overall level here. No gi and gi classes were packed with…read moretechnique but still easy enough to digest. I dropped in for two days as I was passing through on my roadtrip up north. The sport of jiu jitsu is safe and sound here in Portland!

Great place for the family all around! My previous gym stopped offering kids class, but I loved it…read moreand after I found out my instructor was filling in here, I brought the family to try it out. The facility is brand new! New mats, showers, loaner go's for kids and adults and the owner, Jay, was really cool about letting me drop in to decide on the move. I wanted to focus on doing a tournament and my wife wants to get her conditioning and technique (nothing crazy). This gym is great for all! FYI, I hurt my knee and Jay was cool enough to let me use part of the mat (during class) to keep my conditioning and do light exercises on my own! Stop by and try it out, the place is legit!

I've been training at Gracie Barra SW Portland for five months, and have found both excellent…read moreinstruction and camaraderie. Professor Bruno Rocha, the head instructor, is a third degree black belt who has trained BJJ for 20 years. He regularly competes in gi and no gi competitions across the world, and it's an honor to learn from someone with that caliber of experience. My daughter also trains here, and the kids classes are a nice mix of general physical activity, BJJ techniques, and instilling good values like grit and respect. Jay Stahl, the owner and a coach (he holds a purple belt), helps foster a safe and welcoming environment for adults, kids, and parents alike.

Today was my daughters first class. She's 5 and wants to be a wrestler when she grows up (just…read morelike Bayley). My husband took her to the first class, and reported that they were amazing. Our daughter is usually shy, and nervous about trying new things - but they let her go at her own place and watch when she wanted. I can't say enough great things about this place! I'm even hoping to convince them to let me bring some of my clients to a few classes!

Love this facility and the owners for giving my son the chance to do Judo when times are tough for…read moreour family! They are extremely understanding and work with us with classes! They care about each and every student and take the time to teach them well!

Impact coaches have no learning structure or idea what they are doing. With no plan, the…read moreinstructors ask what the kids want to learn and end up trying to teach "arm bar from half guard"... that's not a thing, and anyone who even allows such incompetence in instruction shouldn't be running a gym. Will not be going here to learn anything about jiu jitsu!

In 2007 and 2008 I used to attend Capitol City Cage Fights (CCCF) in Salem as a spectator, and then…read morelater as an announcer for a few fights, which featured mostly amateur MMA fights with the occasional pro fight. It soon became apparent from watching the fights and interacting my with the fighters during the CCCF bouts, the technical skills of the Impact fighters (from various Oregon Impact locations) were a standout amongst the other gyms that had fighters competing. Their averages for wins were above the rest. I also never observed an Impact fighter show up ill-prepared or overweight. Impact's professionalism and discipline was apparent; and their fighters were great ambassadors for their brand and the sport. I haven't kept up with the Oregon fight scene in a long time. A lot has happened over the years including the successful spreading of Impact gyms down from Portland to Sherwood, Newberg, Salem, and McMinnville. In 08 I became a dad & money/time became extremely tight as I sought other entrepreneurial ventures. I trained occasional with friends or my bro-in-law when I had a chance but never Impact. Years later around 2017, still a cop, I started at the Impact location in Salem training off-and-on always having phenomenal experiences. I would also train BJJ separately with some of my cop buddies. Fast fwd to today. I haven't trained with Impact in a couple of years (not Impact's fault), but I continued to train with weights and work on the heavy bag to keep up some level of grappling conditioning in view of Impact training sessions at the Courthouse gym they operated out of. I will say this about Nic Gilardi (Salem owner). He is dedicated to his coaches, students, and their betterment. I've seen how the children's, women's, Muay Thai, boxing, BJJ, and MMA specific classes are all run. What I have seen consists of good folks all working together to get better where egos are expected to be checked when one steps on the matts (read the signs they have posted). It's also worth noting Nic Gilardi (Salem Impact owner) has also devoted his own personal time to training law enforcement officers. For those that don't know, as a former 'defensive tactics' (title for law enforcement's version of martial arts, so to speak) instructor (which doesn't make me anything special by the way), when the public sees what they deem as excessive force, it's generally a result of a poorly trained cop who panics and use poor techniques when faced with a physical fight or resistance out of their comfort zone. Good training like what Nic offers for cops to take part in during their off time directly results in more cool-headed confident cops, who can more efficiently and safely take a resisting subject into custody, vital for the wellbeing of the public especially in the bipolar political environment that at times can be at odds with law enforcement. I digress.. but will say one more thing. Some people gripe about the price BJJ gyms, but I will say Nic is a self made guy who scrapped his way up to earn and continue to earn his BJJ black belt plus a few stripes while dealing with all the trials and tribulations of being a business owner including during COVID. Salem Impact continues to help people become better people. Current estimates are that only .0006 % of the world (maybe 50,0000 out 8.1 billion people) walk this earth that have a legit black belt in BJJ. His instructors have put more time into gaining their ranks than it takes to get a bachelor's degree, with a few who have more time in than it would take to get a PHD, with 3 black belts having been created in the under Nic. For those who don't know who are used to seeing 10+ black belts walking around in kata-based 'traditional' martial arts dojos, developing 3 BJJ practitioners (all of whom have humbled me on the mats in a way where no ego was involved that made me better) is a huge feat which contributes to the Salem-Keizer community as whole. Their presence quietly and humbling walking amongst us makes our community safer. The level of expertise offered is at bargain compared to other specialized trainings found in the professional or corporate world. Training in BJJ or any worthwhile martial arts that includes sparring made up of more than just katas (not talking trash on katas) makes better humans and is a great antidote to the Victim mentality that has become a cancer in today's society(my views do not necessarily reflect Impact:). It's import to note, I have no dog in the fight in regard to Impact. I have not talked to Nic in a couple of years. I also have nothing financially to gain by this post. Whether it's with Impact or somewhere else... Get your kids and yourself signed up. OSS!

I've been training at this gym for 2 years now. They are very professional and highly skilled. They…read moreaccommodate to your skill level and take you from amateur to fight ready level. I improved my overall skill set, strength, conditioning and confidence. Started with just one class a week and now I go there every day. Coaches are very patient and take their time to teach you the right techniques. They offer multiple classes like boot camp, boxing, Muay Thai, Jiu-jitsu. Whether you like to have a consistent gym routine or want to learn martial arts this is the place to go in all of Hillsboro/Portland area.

Martial Masters is a friendly, welcoming, and most importantly a motivating environment. I…read morestarted there two years ago. I am a complete beginner and was instantly welcomed and made to feel at home. Which is what this gym has became to me, my second home. With hard work my skills have improved and have lost over 40 pounds. Thanks to all the staff and other members. T

This is a great gym. Here are a few things that stood out to me compared to other BJJ places:…read more -Very clean (mats and hygiene protocol) -A ton of mat space -Multiple programs (gi, no-gi, kickboxing, classes for children, etc.) -Advanced coaches, including several MMA fighters -Open 7 days a week

My oldest son has been taking classes for a couple months. The 2 kids' coaches are great.read more

Best gym ever! You will get a great workout, learn new skills and meet some truly amazing people.read more

I am not from here, but was in the area visiting a friend. Though I'm not a regular, all the…read moreinstructors and students have been welcoming since I walked in the door. On top of the great atmosphere, the instructors and lessons have all been top-notch; every class I went to, I was able to learn and utilize something new. Simply put, this place is the epitome of the best side of the martial arts community.