I've been training Muay Thai at USKO Riverside for almost two years. This studio is run by the Pagliuso family where Joey fought in Kickboxing and some Muay Thai. The evening classes that I attend are taught by lead instructor, Ray. Although I only train in Muay Thai, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Karate classes are also offered here. Onsite gym access is also offered with Gold membership and access to the Orange facility is also offered with the Gold membership. Muay Thai practices typically consist of a warm-up such as jump rope or jumping with conditioning drills in-between, shadow boxing, learning technique by hitting pads, bag drills with punches and kicks and sparring at the last 15 minutes of practice. The workout is great for me as I'm in my 50's and I don't have any aspirations to compete. I attend 2 - 3 times a week, evenings during the week and sometimes Saturday morning. It would be tough to get that high intensity workout by just going to a gym. The staff is is friendly and helpful. My only opportunities for improvement are more clinch training is needed on Monday or Fridays and the mats could be cleaned more frequently. Four stars! read more

Was getting the itch to get back into martial arts training and decided to try out a free class. I tried the Muay Thai class with coach Ray at first. I liked that the class consisted of a lot of partner drills and pad work, with the option of sparring after every class. I signed up on the spot for a twice a week membership. A few months later I tried out the jiujitsu class with coach Paul and got hooked on that as well. My first class we worked on one move then rolled for the rest of class. It was a great workout and no information overload from trying to learn too many techniques in one class. I upgraded to the unlimited membership after that class. read more

USKO Training - They have a nice weight room at the gym. - Martial Arts Near Me - Riverside, California

Please read the fine print; they have no leeway or effort for customer satisfaction once you are signed up. It's hard to get a hold of them and no flexibility whatsoever for all your classes. They're not friendly people once you're there but only when trying the classes. I can't find anyone to talk to, even during office hours. Beware!!! All they have is a one-year commitment, and whatever happens to you, you're tied into paying no matter what and no rollover classes missed. You have to give a 30 day notice every time; Not flexible or suitable for families. read more

USKO Training - Wall of Fame Sensei Joey - Martial Arts Near Me - Riverside, California

This place is a deep part of who I am. I started training at USKO when I was 7 years old. This is back in 1989 or 1990. I trained hard and made lifelong friends. I built a strong personal character growing up and I attribute a large portion of that to my time with USKO. I earned a black at 13 and continued training and teaching until my early 20's. The Pagliuso family (owners) are amazing. I worked with and for Joe Sr, Sandy, and Joey during my 15+ years with USKO. Unfortunately, I live too far to become a regular and my kids have little interest in my favorite sport but I'm very glad to see the positive reviews of USKO. Appears little has changed since my time with the organization. If you're in the area and have any interest at all in martial arts, please make visiting USKO a priority. Support a local business and better yourself mentally and physically while doing it! read more

I'm pumped and ready to get my jujitsu on! This spot is located on Brockton in the same shopping center as my fav Calzone place, (Pietro's). I'm excited and thought it be cool to support a local business. It's a 12 month program ($299 registration/uniform/t-shirt/1st month + 200ish per month). The instructor is friendly and knowledgeable. Overall the staff is nice and place is clean and tidy. I'm excited! read more

I'm really picky with my martial arts gyms. I hate contracts, because it always seems like these gyms just want to sign you up and choke you up for money.. without becoming proficient in the art. Seeing that dilemma, I often use Groupon to try different gyms. I'm an adult and am not trying to train with a bunch of kids or more importantly train with people not trying to see me get better.. that's my big issue. I want you to see my progression and help me get good. I bought a starter session Groupon before the pandemic.. I kept in contact with the gym and realized I could avoid people and take private lessons. I take private lessons with Joey and he looks to my skill level and let's me train in a mask. Literally he never sees my whole face, unless I'm dying. I have taken a few privates already and they're "expensive", but other privates are way way way more expensive. I think Joey and the whole gym have taken to me because I'm serious and I want to be great. I have no idea what the contracts are like.. but tbh I'm a contract/collection lawyer so pretty much all martial arts school contracts are the same.. the key is if you don't want a contract.. don't sign a contract. I really like this gym for a couple other reasons as well.. 1.) there's an actual gym in the gym.. I need to be able to work out at my gym or I don't think it's worth it.. Joey has already told me I gotta work on some weightlifting and core strength 2.) unbeknownst to most people there's bjj, karate and Muay Thai here although being called United States Karate Organization 3.) I always like training with people who have been in major mma organizations or with pro fighters there are some here 4.) I do think they notice anyone in the gym because it's kind of a small immunity, and I like that it's not cookie cutter martial arts class So, in general you have to realize.. everyone's experience is personal. What's right for you may not be right for me.. but so far I like the personal attention with privates, it fits my lifestyle, and I have nothing to complain about because this is what I imagined I needed from an mma school. I'm not here to have a bunch of dudes try to break my arm or to feel unappreciated at the school. So two thumbs up s read more

USKO Training - Muay Thai area - Martial Arts Near Me - Riverside, California

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If you are looking to get into semi contact sparring my advice would be to train here since its the only place teaching muay thai in the area and they do teach valuable skills you absolutely can become a good fighter here but by all means do not fight for them please just enroll in a legitimate corporation like ikf where there is no favoritism, real weigh ins and fair match ups. read more

Signed up for the 10 class trial and wasn't aware that it's for 10 consecutive days only. Unfortunately, I was really sick the day after my first trial class and was unable to attend any of the other classes. I ended up doing a total of two classes, Muay Thai and karate. Deanna and the sensei for karate are both really nice. I was really hoping to join this gym, but I was left very disappointed after wasting my time driving over to find out that my trial classes have expired. read more

Ray is a great instructor. Very good with the kids and makes sure to give each one, one on one attention. I really appreciate it and feel like I'm getting my moneys worth. Facility is nice and clean. Fair prices and options to choose from. Definitely recommend this place. read more

My son has being doing karate for about 2 years and he loves coming here. The instructors are awesome and the staff. Big shout-out to Sam she works in the front desk she is very friendly and helpful. read more

We signed up our child at usko. Not once in the whole year that my kid attended were we addressed by any coach or talked to about the progress of our child. On the first day when you sign up they are so polite and all this talk about how the gym is a "family." Well after that initial sign up day good luck getting any help, the people in the front desk are so rude and unorganized. It is not worth the monthly fee, testing fees, the expensive uniforms, for the little attention your child will get from the coach. They have one coach with about 8 kids for 45 minutes which means they get little to no one on one coaching. Do yourself a favor and dont sign that contract read more

A great family environment, with activities for all ages. Plenty of class times to work with most schedules read more

USKO Training - Martial Arts Near Me - Riverside, California

Wasn't here for a training session I was here for fight night. Fights were great location is decent. They hired food and beer for the event however I didn't try either. There is also an Italian spot some people in our group ate and liked it. I will say the owner of this spot came off rude to my boyfriend. He was filming for a gym that had a few fighters and he was referred to him for his press badge but he didn't have a clue what was going on in his own venue. He seem greedy and about the money. They did let a lot of people in more then seats so get there early so your views not blocked by people standing. read more

Felt very uncomfortable coming in & place had a weird odor. My 5 yr old son was excited to try karate so we signed him up for a trial class. Unfortunately, he did not like it or the teacher and cried at end of class and said he didn't want to go back. Plus He spent most of class on time out, so I think he felt discouraged. Plus they have you on contract for a year and I don't like contracts. We ended up signing him up for Brazilian jui jitsu with Gracie Barra he loved his trial class there and begged us to sign him up. And no contracts! I will keep looking for another karate gym for him. read more

I've been training in martial arts for 18+ years now and had to do tons of research before finding my new school. And, for the facilities and price USKO cannot be beat. They teach Muay Thai, Karate, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu(Like regular jiu-jitsu but with a sexier accent), and assorted cardio classes including yoga. They have a great set up, two locations, huge gym and even showers. Any equipment you need for practice whether it's an open matt or heavy bag with everything in between. Make sure you purchase your own equipment when you start. This school was nice enough to offer loaner gear for me when I was starting out but, like all loaner gear it is not something you want to wear for too long(kinda smelly) ^_^. All of the head instructors are pro fighters or training to go pro. and the main instructor has fought with the K-1 promotion. In the traditional classes you have instructors with years of experience and the school even hosts the occasional fight seminar with an established pro fighter. I liked that the environment was safe for the kids but still made sure they practiced practical self defense. For sure worth a look. read more

USKO Training - The class before the class. - Martial Arts Near Me - Riverside, California

As a parent this place gets 5 stars hands down. If you're thinking of enrolling your child here do it because it is absolutely worth it. At a glance it might seem pricey but this isn't a once a week activity and the kids get a lot out of each class. Not to mention it's an indoor sport!!!! The variety of times they offer classes will work with any schedule and the free trial is great to see which days work best for you. They literally have daily classes in every age group. I've seen a huge improvement in my sons overall behavior and attitude in the short amount of time he's been attending and doing karate. The Sensei's are wonderful with the kids and my son loves going. read more

So unhappy, don't fall for the same mistakes I did. I signed up for the boot camp. The contract you sign tries it's hardest to keep you tied to the gym for 1 year. Without any exceptions. I am really disappointed not just because of this but because it is a gym that is in bad shape it was cheap and initially got me because of the weekly fees but they do add up monthly and this contract is ridiculous the company that they used to handle this contract gives you little wiggle room and provided me with the lease amount of info to proceed with the cancellation process. I can't explain how defeated I feel. Something I thought was going to help me ended up hurting me. read more

Stay away from the 16 week challenge they rob you they keep changing you the won't cancel they charge 69 a momth

This is a wonderful martial arts studio! My kids love it! They don't rush the belts for money, like a lot of studios. All the Sensei's actually like kids! read more

Loved the workout got in a core session, learned techniques, and built friendships. David was a very patient coach and helped me on my first day! Will definitely be back read more

My son is taking Karate and he loves his instructors. They also gave me some flexibility with his scheduled classes, when i was unable to bring him during his regular class times, they allowed us to come on different days read more

I briefly moved to Riverside and enjoyed my time at this gym. You will get great lessons from Coach Evan, Coach Joey and Coach Wellington. If your goal is to do competition then go as much as you can, get private lessons and ask them how you are progressing . I definitely miss everyone here and the training. I enjoyed the family friendly environment. The bathroom and mats are always clean. My wife and I were getting ready for the move to Temecula and our new baby so my time was cut short here. From my experience I'd recommend this gym to anyone in the Riverside area. read more

My son started here several months ago. He's 4 years old. The owners are always here and very hands on. The instructors really try and have a lot of patience but expect everyone to follow the rules and move onto the next level. For the younger students, the sessions are 30 minutes. Good to keep them from getting to distracted. No complaints. We'll be coming here for years to come. read more

USKO Training - Bennet learning how to kick properly. - Martial Arts Near Me - Riverside, California

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Love the gym great vibes for both kids and adults. It's never to crowded and the prices are reasonable. All the coaches are amazing with the children and they put in a lot of work & effort to training. You can tell that they love their job by the way they teach. read more

Just recently started taking boot camp and kick boxing. The trainers are pretty awesome I've had three different ones on different times and they are all different in their workouts which is good because your constantly guessing... one thing I can tell you they are not easy on you every time I go I always get my butt kicked... well, having fun and getting my butt kicked at the same time. I got a couple more months to go but after I'm done I'm most likely going to take a self defense or martial arts lessons just not sure which ones yet they have a few disciplines. Place is clean and very family friendly. read more

USKO is an amazing place to start working out, all of the coaches are friendly and do whatever they can to help you reach your goals. Stop anytime they are willing to let you try some classes for free before you make a decision on signing up... you have nothing to lose. So far I've lost over 10 pounds. Love this place. read more

When I knew it was time to get my son involved with martial arts, I decided to check out USKO because a lot of people from Sandals referred me. I went in and was offered a free class for my son. Only to find out that other people were offered a free week. After my son took the first class, he loved it so much that we decided to enroll. That evening when we signed up the woman that we had spoken with originally was not there and someone else did our paperwork for us. When we signed up we were told that my son will receive a uniform; which consisted of: gloves, a t-shirt and shorts (Makes sense, right?). The next day the manager or office manager or whatever she is called to tell me that I "was under the impression that I would be receiving shorts but my impression was incorrect". She refused to take ownership of the fact that someone on her staff had miss informed for me while writing up my contract. She advised me that the Muay Thai shorts would be an additional $40. Coming from a background of operational management myself, it was very hard not to coach her on her approach and aggressive behavior over the phone. I find it unacceptable to push blame onto the customer. She should had apologised and offered a discount or sucked it up ate the expense of her employees' mistake. Unacceptable business practice in my book. The Mauy Thai trainers are awesome. My son has been going for more than a month now and I can see his confidence building and emotional discipline greatly improving. Unfortunately he started using his moves at school and got suspended a few times, but upon my request the trainers diligently reiterate the fact that it is for defensive purposes only. Nothing against the trainers but a personal training session is $50 for 30 minutes. Which comes out to $100 an hour for somebody to show my son how to shuffle his feet and punch bag- seems exhorbitant. The trainers are skilled professionals and I respect their time. Perhaps the younger kids could be offered a discount with maybe a junior traininer? If there is a such thing. Just an idea. The facilities are nice, but not clean. I always notice a thick layer of dust and dirt near the chairs that are provided for the parents to sit on. The bathrooms for the most part are maintained. To my surprise they are shared with the day care that is provided for parents working out. On a few occasions I have walked in on 2-3 year olds using the restroom unsupervised. Clearly one wouldn't assume they would lock the door, but a grown up needs to be supervising them. Young children with their pants down alone in a bathroom is bait for pedophiles. Granted most of us there are parents ourselves, hopefully nothing bad happens. It does get stuffy while everybody is on the dojo and I'm apprehensive to find out what Summer is like inside. I took advantage personally of using a free week for fitness kickboxing. The class I attended was phenomenal. The instructor worked our butts off and I had a blast. Unfortunately I WAS NOT taught how to kick properly beforehand and ended up fracturing my foot during the class. The gloves that I was given were loaner gloves. They were wet from other people's sweat and they smelled so bad that halfway through the class I had to rip them off and run to the bathroom and scrub my hands with hot water and soap. I'm astonished my hands didn't rot off. Would I refer this facility to my friends and family? Yes, I already have. The trainers are amazing! However, I belive that under proper management things would be vastly improved. read more

USKO Training - Martial Arts Near Me - Riverside, California

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Since this didn't have any reviews yet, I thought I would highlight my experiences at this Dojo. I did karate at USKO for about 7 years. Initially, as a youngster, I had a blast! This was a no-nonsense type place and the Sensei's knew what they were teaching you and we all wanted to pay attention. (it did help most of them were nice to look at) It's definitely a great workout and you feel you're learning potential strategies in case you are put in a sticky situation. It really was a "family" experience; all of the parents and other students knew each other and spent many many hours training together. It was great to be able to see your friends so often as well! It is a bit pricey, but the classes are fairly small and you definitely get one-on-one attention. However, this sport is not for sissies. The Sensei's don't put up with crap, and if you start messing around, well, get on the ground, start some push-ups and hopefully they will eventually let you stop! I enjoyed my time there, albeit some male-chauvinist pigs who thought girls couldn't "fight and take it" like boys. Psh. Watch me punch your lights out dude! read more

I went here with a friend on a week free trial. We thought the building smelt horrible, like overwhelming and worse than any "gym" smell I've encountered. Both classes we took had great instructors but the gloves and etc were really gross to use, so I would highly recommend bringing your own gloves if possible for the kickboxing class. Also we were annoyed we couldn't just pay a per class price. They want you to sign a 6 month contract. If you have other workout activities, this is not a good solution for you. read more

I have been training Muay Thai here for just over 1 year. I have tried lots of other gyms (dojos) in the Inland Empire and this one is by far the best. The instructors are very talented, encouraging, and helpful. There are several different classes each day so it really works for anyone's schedule. The gym is large and they have a full sized regulation ring for sparring and training plus a full weight room and lots of cardio machines. The locker rooms are large and kept very clean. A lot of the students are actively fighting on the local circuits so it makes it even more fun to go out to the fights and cheer them on. Just remember to wear your U.S.K.O. t-shirt! You can also sign up with the personal trainer if you are not into martial arts. It is definitely a family atmosphere, but there are separate classes for adults and kids and they are in different rooms. You can sign yourself and your kids up for Karate, Muay Thai, and/or Ju-Jitsu.They even have movie nights and do other events throughout the year such as demonstrations and BBQs. If you want to get into great shape, have a blast, learn a skill that will build your confidence, and meet lots of great people, I highly recommend you stop in and check this place out. read more

Let me start by saying that the teachers are not bad. I would of enjoyed more insight to what i was paying for but OK my kids enjoyed. As far as the front desk and management it's horrible. I am a single mom so things like this really upset me.I was almost through with my contract and was told that i could not cancel until my contract was completely over. That's fine and all and then we had the mishap of covid-19 not my fault or i say. After almost two months of no contact from this place I get a call telling me they will be doing a soft opening for their business. I explain to the lady that called, that I have been trying to cancel since the beginning of march and she stated she recalled the conversation. how ever we still need to give a 30 day notice( Not cool since i been trying since the beginning of march.) I explained that her acknowledging our conversation of me wanting to cancel should be enough to just cancel my account and her reply, it did not work that way and that the owner would not allow it. I explained that because of covid-19 they should allow this and she said ill call you back, i am still waiting 4 days later. oh and just so every one knows they are still taking my money with no services rendered. i cannot believe the way they are treating people front desk has always been horrible but omg this tops everything. read more

Signed my five year old up two weeks ago for Karate & Muay Thai and he absolute loves it. The instructors are so good with the kids, I am super impressed. read more

Love the staff, love the classes offered, and the facility. Great place for the family, kids love karate. We love the front desk girl Sam she is super helpful. read more

Bastards...remove me from collection I owed you nothing I only signed up for a 16 week program and paid You ducking business needs to shut down. Damaging peoples reputaulion and life by doing badbusiness read more

I have been a customer and member of USKO for a little over a year and it's an amazing gym. The coaches are top notch and my kids love it.

Great Place for anyone who wants to start training. My daughter loves coming here she takes two different classes (jiu jitsu and Muay Thai) and loves every minute of it. All the instructors are very patient and helpful! I highly recommend this gym if your looking for fitness or self defense classes. read more

This is an exceptional muti-discipline karate and fitness studio. There is literally something here for the entire family, from karate, to fitness training, to Muay Thai, etc. The instruction is first rate, my son has been going here for over nine years now and he still loves it! ; ) read more

USKO Training - James M., Red Belt - Martial Arts Near Me - Riverside, California

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We've been training here for about four years, great Sensei's and a great dojo I highly recommend this osss! read more

USKO Training - Martial Arts Near Me - Riverside, California

I just began here at this Fitness Center after a few experiences at the traditional fitness centers. I can already tell that this center has an advantage in that they offer the personalized one-on-one experience. I may not need the attention once I get acclamated to the machines and the workouts, but I surely need it now and USKO Family Fitness Center is definitely providing that for me. Conveniently located in Riverside, I drive in from work, get my children, and head over to the center for a night of exercise, fun and training. What could be better than that? It's a great atmosphere to keep your children in and the knowledgeable staff is right up my alley. I couldn't ask for a better situation for myself or my family. This is definitely a no-nonsense place. I tried to walk out of my first session because I felt "discomfort" coming on and the instructor was right on my tail, coaching me and persuading me to keep to the class. I am glad he did!! The results are amazing, the energy is great, and I couldn't be more proud of myself and the center, at this point. I thought the price of the membership was a bit steep, but I see now that they are adequately priced for the attention and the training you receive once you walk through the door!! Great place!!!! read more

great place for kids, family friendly, they even have child care available the young lady who watches my kids is great I do the Muay Thai and Bjj classes they are hard and rewarding, no egos no body gets beat on and the instructors are compete so they know what works... lots of space to train and they even have weights and machines in the back read more