While visiting Santa Barbara for a week, I was fortunate enough to train at Paragon's main location…read moreand it lived up to its legendary reputation. I had the honor of taking a class with Franjinha himself, as well as one with James. Both are phenomenal instructors who teach with incredible clarity and precision. You can tell they have a deep understanding of the art. I enjoyed the more intimate classes at noon. It created a great "good vibes" atmosphere where it was easy to connect with training partners. Everyone was super friendly and eager to roll. The training was challenging and technical. It's an amazing place to learn and grow your jiu-jitsu, and I felt very welcomed as a visitor. Can't wait to come back on my next trip!

I don't know how else to say it, but this gym has changed my life for the better! I even sought out…read morea new job to make sure I could pay the membership--worth every penny. I started out kickboxing, and have now trained jiu jitsu for the last two years. The sport is amazing, especially for women in regards to self defense and self confidence. And the instructors are dedicated, extremely proficient, patient, motivating, and fun. As a few others have noted in their reviews--Paragon becomes family! If you've been on the fence about trying boxing, kickboxing, wrestling, or jiu jitsu (GREAT kids' classes for anti-bullying!), start a trial today. You won't regret it--believe me!

This place is so awesome to learn martial arts! My daughter (8) and I (45) train here twice a week…read moreand are amazed at the family friendly vibes. Thank you for teaching us hapkido in such a fun way, Master Austin!

I did the 6 week Kut challenge and I feel so much better than I did 6 weeks ago. They give you all…read morethe tools you need to succeed. I was able to go to so many classes and I feel much stronger for it. The nutrition guide was a bit difficult for me because I am a pescatarian and it is very meat heavy, but they had seafood options, it was just repetitive, and I'm not much of a cook (even though they give you a foolproof guide). Therefore, I had a little trouble and veered a few times, and I am sure if I didn't I would have had even better progress. You get what you put into the challenge. All the instructors are super nice and helpful. They will come up to you during class to correct technique and make it a point to have contact with you at every class you attend. They are also great about reaching out and asking if you need any help with nutrition or classes. I was suppose to receive weekly emails, but the program head had some personal matters arise and a few things fell through on that end, but the classes were always available and it was a lot of self accountability. If you can commit to 6 weeks of trying to better yourself, this is the place you want to go to!

Tried to enlist in a free trial class to see if I like the gym, was told sure no problem, gave them…read moremy name email address and phone number like requested. Thorough multiple venues,( instagram , what's app, their website) Been a week with no communication, I have zero desire to join anymore being treated so poorly. While they actively post on social media. What's app said they read the messages immediately after sending them. What's weird is years ago they were very receptive to me joining I just didn't have time. Now I have little time just want to transfer here possibly but they have horrible customer service now.

Awesome gym, can come in and workout at my own pace ... one of the only 24/7 mma / boxing gyms in…read moretown. Highly recommended to anyone who is looking for a legit gym in town

Both of my boys have enjoyed instruction from Joe and staff. The studio is clean, bright and…read morefriendly. We would definitely recommend this studio to anyone looking to learn Martial Arts or improve physical fitness.

My kids and I totally enjoy classes here. It is a family environment teaching skills as you have…read morefun. The down to earth way of the Masters and Higher belts aid in the learning. Each class is unique and we walk away with more knowledge. Completely hands on and interactive. Looking forward to earning each belt !

Best place to be, people, spirit, good energy and to learn…read more ........,............. .

My son has been going here since he was just under 6years old. At 10 now, he has weathered the…read moreCOVID shutdown and learned so much from this program. To be clear, this is not just a Martial Art. It is a Self Defense form. My son has an older friend (by a year) that does BJJ and swears he can beat my son - sometimes being over-assertive while wrestling around to prove it. My son just tells him, "I can beat you, but I don't need to." This program attests to that response. He is not cocky, just confident. A healthy mix of "Don't start anything, there won't be anything" with a little "F around and find out". This is a great feeling for a pre-teen to have as they enter adolescence. Quiet confidence. Another review sums up Hezi's style well. A unique mix of "karate (kicking/punching) to judo (throws/joint manipulation) to Krav Maga (Israeli street fighting) to [Hisardut] disarming an assailant with a gun/knife/bat." My son is not trained to do katas or a series of gestures and moves. He is trained to avoid a fight, and disengage from a fight if backed into one - by any means necessary. He does not seek a fight. What makes this place even more special are people like Sasha and Ethan. I have had so many supportive and healthy conversations with Ethan (front desk support), that he makes it enjoyable to walk into the building. He makes it enjoyable to walk up to him and say Hi. You are not inconveniencing him... Sasha might be the secret ingredient here. My son is a better young man because of her specifically. She always has the kindest words of support and encouragement for him. Do yourself a favor: Try this place; and then try it again. You won't be disappointed.

First time, wow. First of all, it was the only work out I…read morehave ever actually enjoyed. I immediately felt like I was home and welcomed once I arrived. I was taught, one on one, an easy beginner technique that allowed me to begin sparring right away. The respect the students have for the master, both young and old was mesmerizing. He made you feel like you were important and focused on you while you practiced. I would receive advice and coaching while practicing with my opponent. There is a healthy amount of teasing that makes you feel like you have been life long friends with all inside. They made me feel safe, comfortable, and able! I would have never willing walked on a mat to get punched in the face, yet I did it over three times. The control the master has taught to his students makes it safe and fun for all ages and skill levels. Whether you're seeking a new workout,self defense, a fun date idea, or something to enroll the kids into, I recommend trying thisFirst time, wow. First of all, it was the only work out I have ever actually enjoyed. I immediately felt like I was home and welcomed once I arrived. I was taught, one on one, an easy beginner technique that allowed me to begin sparring right away. The respect the students have for the master, both young and old was mesmerizing. He made you feel like you were important and focused on you while you practiced. I would receive advice and coaching while practicing with my opponent. There is a healthy amount of teasing that makes you feel like you have been life long friends with all inside. They made me feel safe, comfortable, and able! I would have never willing walked on a mat to get punched in the face, yet I did it over three times. The control the master has taught to his students makes it safe and fun for all ages and skill levels. Whether you're seeking a new workout,self defense, a fun date idea, or something to enroll the kids into, I recommend trying this once you walk in the door you'll agree.

Over the past 20 years, I have seen Master Parson advance from 1st Queue (Brown belt), to the…read moreMaster level (8th Dan) he is today. He is a highly respected martial artist on an international scale. Having more than 30 years as a martial artist myself, I will tell you he's one of the best natural fighters I've ever seen, and his ability to instruct foundational techniques as well as advanced fighting skills is 2nd to none. He's top tier in the American Kenpo Karate Federation, and so are those Black Belts he's instructed. If you are a parent seeking a martial arts program to instruct, guide, inspire, as well as teach your kids how to legitimately protect themselves, Master Parson's program should be highly considered. If you (YOURSELF ) want to learn a genuine, no-nonsense style of self defense, I encourage you to attend his classes. And yes, he's a personal friend whom I'm very proud of; not just because of his fighting abilities, but his passion to teach those skills to anyone whom enters his Dojo. From beginners to advanced level fighters, his door is always open.

Amazing place. My daughter will be going away to college and it's a perfect place for her to take a…read moreself defense class

Bottom Line: This is a great gym with people who actually care…read more This review is for the kids classes only as I have no knowledge of the other classes. We tried to get our son interesting or excited about a variety of group sports as well as individual sports. He just had zero interest in any of it. Something about this place has captured his attention and imagination and now he talks about it, looks forward to going and excels on a daily basis. Whereas in the past it was a struggle to get him ready to leave to go do something, he's ready to be out the door in a moment for Krav classes. As a parent it's SUCH a hard line to walk, the line between fun and discipline. This place does an amazing job allowing the kids to actually be kids but at the same time provides them with a level of discipline you would expect from a Martial Arts facility as well as instilling a work ethic. On top of that they also have fun kid events like a Halloween gathering and I've heard rumblings of a Nerf war. If you're looking for a place to go to learn some amazing self defense techniques or even a little community of people who look out for each other, this is a great place to start. I have learned a ton just from watching the kids go at it. Highly recommended.

Best jiu jitsu academy in Santa Barbara by far, good coaches, and students that are really…read moresupportive .

First off I should give reference that I'm Brazilian Jiu Jitsu black belt and have traveled and…read moretrained Jiu Jitsu around the world for over a decade. 10th Planet Santa Barbara is a world class Jiu Jitsu academy. I've trained with the head instructor Jeremiah Vance for many years now. I can tell you there are few instructors in the world with as much knowledge and teaching abilities as Jeremiah. He coaches UFC champions, Jiu Jitsu World Champions and at the same time beginners with zero experience. It doesnt matter if your out of shape and never done a sport in your life, Jeremiah will help you. If your looking to get started, look no further!