I've been a member of Fighting Fit / Austin Impact Jeet Kune Do for nearly two years, and I can honestly say that joining this gym was the best decision I made upon moving to Austin. I've always loved training in martial arts because it's a great way to get in an excellent workout all while focusing on continuous self-improvement, but I never imagined how much I would enjoy the community-focused gym environment at Fighting Fit. The coaches and fellow students are some of the friendliest and most welcoming people you'll ever meet, and there's something for everyone. For those wanting to meet their fitness goals and live healthier lives, the Fitness Kickboxing and Boot Camp classes are a fantastic workout, and the gym has a really active private Facebook group and frequently holds team challenges and other fun activities to keep you engaged and feeling like a part of the community. Coach Forrest and Coach Sarah even offer nutrition coaching to fully round out their holistic approach to helping members meet their health and fitness goals. Those interested in advancing their martial arts skills should also feel right at home. I can't say enough about how much I enjoy the Muay Thai, Jeet Kune Do, and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu classes. I highly recommend checking them out no matter your previous experience -- the coaches and other students will work with you at your skill level, and you may even decide to start training for competition like some of our members. Learning from Coach Corey has been the highlight of my year, and I've genuinely loved going to class to learn and practice techniques with my fellow classmates (as well as to spar with the more advanced students). While I'm moving out of state and unfortunately can't pack up the gym and all its members in a box to take with me when I go, I will never forget my Fighting Fit family! I highly recommend this gym for anyone looking for a new one to call their own. read more

Can't get out the house? Dont live in Austin TX? Need guidance from people who really care? Sifu (Teacher) Forrest of Austin Impact Jeet Kune Do invited me to a scheduled Zoom meeting this morning to learn about their "smartly" developed "1 Year "Athletic Muscle" Roadmap" program. I must say I am very excited about joining this well thought out and scientific based commitment to bring me personally back to my goals of desired weight, speed, functionality of my younger years. This not a hype program where one ends up in traction after 2 weeks. It is designed to start you on a path that is comparable to your commitment. I would suggest that everyone with a weight loss and workout dream, that has been shot down by life's twist and turns, get on Sifu Forrest's next call. You will be impressed by this functional and life changing plan to get literally moving from the darkness wanting, back to the light of having. https://www.austinimpactjkd.com/ https://www.facebook.com/AustinImpactJKD read more

Great place to work on your skills, get in a good sweat, and transform your entire life. Coach Forrest and all of the trainers are dedicated to your growth and will give you all of the tools and knowledge you need to become the best version of yourself. Not to mention, it's diverse and welcoming of all different skills and abilities--a rarity in the fitness world. read more

Can you imagine a foot wrapped around your ass and fist in your eye while wanting to hug the instructor of such fun? Yeah, me either - until I came to Austin Impact. Jeet Kune Do in and of itself makes the most sense to me from a defense standpoint; you can't deny Bruce Lee had it Jeet Kune Do going on - not just physically but mentally/emotionally as well. Austin Impact encourages this balance and totally fosters positive interaction at whatever pace you are comfortable with. AI has been the most welcoming and diverse group of people I have yet to encounter in a group-fitness style atmosphere. I think most importantly, Sifu Forrest is by far the most involved and engaged instructor I have ever seen. He's also the most well-rounded in the sense that not only can he do what he does like no other, he knows how to teach it in a respectful, thorough and supportive manner. He has a magical way of breaking things down that never leave you feeling overwhelmed yet you still know exactly where you need to improve and focus. You will get bumps, you will get bruises and you will get smacked around. But you're not exactly coming here for teatime with Gandhi, are you? read more

Forrest Caudill is the instructor at Austin Impact Jeet Kune Do. I've seen a lot of JKD instructors, and after watching him teach I can say that not only is he highly skilled, but he also teaches the authentic version Bruce Lee's Jun Fan kickboxing system. I was surprised to find out that Forrest actually trained under Chris Kent, a well-respected Jeet Kune Do instructor and author who is widely known as an authority on Bruce Lee's system. Forrest obviously paid attention during the many years he spent training and teaching as an assistant to Mr. Kent, because his footwork, kicking, striking, trapping, etc. is top-notch. Not only that, but he has all the attributes as well. Anyone who knows about Bruce Lee knows the Little Dragon was all about getting and staying in shape. So, when I see guys who say they teach JKD, but they are overweight and out of shape... well, I'm a little skeptical. However, Forrest definitely fits the bill. Finally, he's a nice guy. Classes are taught in a relaxed, friendly atmosphere. Everybody is sweating and smiling, but the training is still intense. So, if you want to learn a practical martial arts system from someone who really knows what they are doing... and you want to train at a school where you are treated like an adult... then check out Austin Impact Jeet Kune Do. read more

A few months ago, my wife and I decided to look for a martial arts class to do together. Austin Impact JKD was the first one that we checked out, but after seeing what a few other places had available, we decided that Forrest's style of teaching was our favorite. I had almost no martial arts experience, but Forrest Caudill (the Sifu/Instructor) is really friendly and was it was not at all intimidating to start learning from him. I like the focus in Jeet Kune Do of really being a practical means of defending yourself in a street situation. The person you are fighting doesn't need to have the same form as you have in order for the moves to be effective, a complaint I have heard about some other martial arts. JKD trains your muscle memory to react to situations (like a unforeseen punch) without needing to take the time to think about it. It is also a pretty good workout, which is pretty important to me. Forrest is a very effective teacher. I feel like I am picking up the basic moves pretty quickly and already feel more confident if I were to end up in a self-defense situation. Forrest has the high caliber training for serious martial arts people (being only 3 degrees removed from Bruce Lee himself), and is friendly and approachable to total novices like myself. I can honestly say that I am pretty happy with the classes and level of instruction. read more

The system that Forrest Caudill teaches is based on Bruce Lee's original art of Jun Fan. This particular style combines aspects of kickboxing relating to practical striking techniques, timing, and distancing with aspects of Jun Fan that add a layer of trapping and muscle-memory counter-attacks to the martial art. Aside from being an all around nice guy, Forrest is a competent and empathic instructor who will gauge your level of experience and work with you to make sure that every student learns something new in every class. read more

So I'm brand new to martial arts. I'm also a huge klutz with a history of joint injuries (more specifically, I've had an entire ACL replaced). Sifu Forrest's teaching methods have managed to make a klutzy, injury prone newbie feel welcome and comfortable. The class is great - it's very intense as workouts go, I always leave feeling like I've improved and accomplished something that could very well save my butt in the long run. The art taught is Jeet Kune Do, a combination martial art born in the West that combines Wing Chun kung fu, boxing, fencing, and anything else Bruce Lee found worthy to "Add to the toolbox". From day one, the instruction has been dead-on with everything I've learned about JKD and there's a strong emphasis on fundamentals, while providing enough complexity to avoid boredom. Not once have I stood in a line of people punching the air. That brings me to the classes. Everyone is SUPER friendly and very helpful. I have more of a problem with remembering all the new names than with meeting people! While I'm still really new to the school, I have no plans to leave. read more

Sifu Forrest highly exceeded my expectations for both the class and himself as the teacher. You will not feel left in the dark about something that you don't understand, without having to have a private lesson. He stresses on technique and being self-disciplined about establishing that. I myself am a teacher and I learn some techniques to teach music based on the way i was taught by Sifu. The exercise aspect is awesome as well. Should you be able to go the 3/4 days a week that are JKD days, you will feel it in your body. It's also highly addictive. The more often I make it the more often I want to go. HIGHLY recommend the free 2 week trial. Also, the students really do make a community of it. The students that have been there longer really seem and act like a family. It's awesome. read more

I started training at Austin Impact Jeet Kune Do just over a year ago. I had been looking for a place to learn practical self defense. From the places I found, most of them were either too traditional in their approach to martial arts (i.e. not practical), or too competition oriented (I was not interested in competing in a fight, nor did I want to deal with the possibility of showing up to work with a broken nose or black eye after each training session). I finally chose Austin Impact Jeet Kune Do because it seemed to offer just what I was looking for. Obviously, as Bruce Lee's style of kickboxing, I already thought highly of the art itself. When I met Forrest Caudill (the owner/instructor) and went to a training session with other people that trained at his school, I was hooked. Forrest presents the information in a very accessible way. The other people who train were also very welcoming and helpful as I started to learn the different techniques. Probably the thing I like most about this school is that it is ego-free. Often in martial arts, I've seen a lot of "posturing". Not at this school. And the students take care of each other. When you train at Austin Impact, you'll get a workout, you might get some bruises, but you'll always feel safe. The best proof of my recommendation is my tenure there. As I said, I've been training there for over a year now, and I have no plans of leaving. read more

Austin Impact is awesome! The teacher, Forrest, is very talented and encouraging. He really makes it easy to learn. Forest is actually a few generations from the Jeet Kune Do creator, Bruce Lee, so you know you are getting authentic Jeet Kune Do training. It is an awesome place to learn this fun and useful sport. I love knowing that I can defend myself on the street if I need to. Thanks Forest! read more

I joined Forrest's class several months ago and I have had a total blast. I have some experience in other martial arts including Brazilian Jiu Jutsu and Tae Kwon Do, and comparatively I get a great workout and really like this Jeet Jun Do Class. I find the art extremely practical and the focus on traditional Jun Fan gives the style a flavor you won't find in more Philippine influenced JKD programs. read more

I've been training with Forrest Caudill at Austin Impact Jeet Kune Do for almost five years, and I've watched him grow the school from an hour-long class in the park with a small group of dedicated JKDers to a full-fledged business with his own gym and classes ranging from Jeet Kune Do, to Fitness Kickboxing, Self-Defense, and even Yoga. Forrest is one of the most dedicated instructors I've ever met, and if you let him, he'll guide you down the long and winding road to JKD mastery. Austin Impact JKD is no UFC gym; you won't get hurt working out here. Nor is it a Theory of JKD class where you only punch the air. Through years of refinement, Forrest has found just the right balance of drills, sparring, and instruction. I cannot recommend this place enough. Bring your friends. Learn a skill. Teach your body to react before your mind realizes you're being attacked. Whether JKD is a passing interest, a hobby, or a passion, you'll find your home at Austin Impact JKD. read more

This review from a 72 years old I have been training at Austin Impact for a year and a half. I was almost to the point of needing to quit due to Sciatic nerve issue, leg and knee pain levels 6-8. Sifu Forrest suggest taking his yoga class.. The nerve issue has improved greatly. I am attending more classes now because my body loosening up and doesn't hurt hardly at all. I can now get off the floor with minimal effort, where it was difficult before. Now , I attend jeet kune do ,kick boxing , and the yoga class. Oh, it is one heck of alot of fun.. all the students help each other, meaning no bullies here. read more

The nicest kickboxing I have found in Austin TX. I am always on the go... fitness and being in the top notch shape is my priority.. I live all over the world and I am used to the top of the top trainers to get me in shape quickly. My main trainer in NYC is former champion that trains all the worlds top lingerie supermodels. My standard is quite high. Austin Impact Jeet Kune Do meets the standard. Its such a perfect way to burn calories and to tone up. My favorite part is the super fast bag punches. I don't go there for the kettle belts (bootcamp) but the kickboxing part kicks my butt. read more

If you're looking to learn mixed martial arts as Bruce Lee had originally intended then Austin Impact Jeet Kune Do is the place to go. Sifu Forrest Caudill comes from a direct "lineage" of instructors from Bruce himself. He is a super nice guy. His teaching style is creative and focused on making sure students grasp the techniques. He is continuously expanding his own martial arts knowledge and improving the gym/dojo. So you can expect some new and exciting stuff all the time. The students are a gear crowd and I've made a ton of friends over the years. Go punch and kick stuff while making some awesome friends and memories! read more

If you want a place with great people, amazing coach/trainer/sifu and great atmosphere for learning and evolving as a human being, this is the place! I've been training there for more than 2 years and I've learned a lot, sifu Forest is very patient and takes you from a total beginner to as far as you want to go. There is always respect and patience to the new people, advanced classes for the ones that are looking to enrich their technique and its always so much fun!!! Do yourself a favor and try it out, you won't regret it! The worst it can happen you will end up meeting some great people and make some good friends along the way :) read more

I found this place when searching self defense classes and immediately got pulled in and have been training for well over a year. I take private lessons from Forrest and it has been great. I never felt overwhelmed or uneasy, he is patient and balanced with his lesson plans. You'll break a good sweat kicking,punching and trapping whilst listening to his favorite Modest Mouse tracks. (I could bring music if i wanted) Jeet Kune Do is great if you're looking for defensive training without rituals. The new location is easy to find near ih35, parking isn't too bad. read more

I moved in to Austin sometime early last year. It has been one full year of association with this place. One thing I figured out is Coach Forrest is more invested in my training than even me, and that helps for someone like me who is at level 0 (or even lower). Being a teacher and a good martial artist are usually two different things and usually mutually exclusive, Coach Forrest is both. And then he went and found Coach Corey who started training us in JKD with the same energy and fervour. Coach Corey is also a BJJ practitioner and we now get BJJ training too. Coach Corey is always around helping out with detailed instructions and showing it as many times as one needs to see to practice the moves right. He also comes around when you are practicing giving words of wisdom. For some one like me who doesn't even know how to fall properly, this is important. I can see the progress on the ground, just needs to make sure that you don't miss any classes. Believe me, they will push you to not miss any classes and keep hitting the gym on a daily basis. I, as some one who didn't even go out to play when I was a kid and have tried multiple ways to learn martial arts, finally have found something which makes me wish not to miss on a daily basis. Inch by inch progress is being made on this body which hasn't been worked much and I am seeing the results and also having fun while doing it. read more

I highly recommend this class to anyone looking to learn a practical martial art as well as get in good physical shape. Sifu Forrest is an excellent teacher, very patient, really knows his stuff, and makes each class fun and feasible for every student. The students are great training partners as well as friendly and welcoming. I've been going for less than a month now and while I've had other martial arts experience, it's been like cross training for faster results in the sense that I've learned so much in a short amount of time. I live 35 minutes away and I think its totally worth the drive. read more

This is a great place to study Jeet Kune Do, with a community of dedicated and enthusiastic coaches and students. Coaches Forrest and Corey are very experienced and knowledgeable, and are fantastic instructors. The school is very accommodating, with JKD offered every weekday, and also various other fitness and kickboxing classes offered throughout the day, so you can work to develop the level of fitness or martial arts skill you desire. All-in-all, a great place to train. Highly recommended!! read more

Awesome gym for training in JKD concepts and getting exposure to various other martial arts. Sifu Forrest has a wealth of knowledge and is an expert in breaking down the techniques, making it easy to learn and retain. Great learning environment with awesome people at all levels and dedicated coaches to help you along the way. Highly recommend! read more

Go See Forrest! He is a great teacher and will get you into shape. He is such a nice guy, and really cares about what he is doing. He is a great person, and a knowledgeable instructor. read more

Forrest Caudill is truly a great teacher, I'm a personal trainer with some experience in Muy Thai. And I must say I get a great workout in this class, He really knows his stuff and can make anybody more confident and a better person. If your looking for a great workout and a martial art that truly challenges you. Than Austin impact Jkd is what you need to take, with the greatest instructor around. I really look forward to class on a weekly basis, Thank you Forrest. read more

I absolutely love this class! I have only been to 5 classes so far and I have already learned so much. Forrest and Pete are amazing coaches and they are both incredibly patient with beginners! The private lessons are very instructional and at a pace you can follow. All of the members are friendly and encouraging. I highly recommend Austin Impact Jeet Kune Do! read more

I enjoyed coming here to try a different martial art that what I was used to. the guy, Forrest, who taught the introductory course was very patient with me. I liked that he wanted to work with me even with my budget issues. as i could not afford it all at once. im still a new student but am enjoying his straight forward approach to teaching newbies like myself read more

It's been 1.5 years since I've joined this school. I've tried a few different martial arts classes around Austin and this one fits my needs the best. It's a really friendly environment. The students have different backgrounds and levels in martial arts and they always try to help each other in learning and improving. I never seen a newbie get beaten up by someone more advanced. The school has a lot to offer. The classes are 5 days a week and they include JKD, kickboxing and boot camp. In my opinion it's a good choice for anyone either you just want to stay in shape or become a better fighter (all levels besides maybe Pro). read more

I have been training here for a few months now in the jeet kune do classes and I absolutely love it. Sifu Forrest is a great instructor - he is full of knowledge, good at explaining both the "whys" and the "why nots" of strikes and blocks (extremely valuable for a student), and his in-class talks and demos are often quite witty. The classes are varied but build off of each other within a week so you get several chances to practice the drill in short succession. Perhaps most importantly for a school where most of the class is spent in partner drills, I love the people I'm training with, who come from all backgrounds and skill levels. Everyone really looks out for each other while simultaneously pushing you to improve - and we all have a lot of fun while doing it. read more

I started coming to Impact JKD after moving to the area from a different state. I had experience with several other martial arts and extensive experience with Wing Chun. I specifically looked for a JKD school due to my background in Wing Chun and JKD's use of Wing Chun principles. I have been very pleased with Sifu Forrest and the school as a whole. Everyone there is very friendly and always willing to talk to you. Having just moved here, this was a great way for me to meet new people with some similar interest. Now, many of them are close friends and we even hang out outside of class and will get together to practice outside of class. This is a great school for beginners getting started or seasoned martial artists simply looking to expand their skill level. The classes cover a good range of techniques: kicking, punching (obviously), shell defense, interception, trapping, and more. read more

In each class or lesson, I'm improving faster than expected. Due to both the quality of instruction from Forrest and the helpfulness of everyone here. Friendliness and patience is all I've seen from the other students who train here. As a bonus, since starting the JKD program with Forrest and Pete, my stress level has gone down. Which sounds odd, because I'd never have linked martial arts with calmness. Looking back, I'm glad I made myself take that leap of faith, to start training. read more

I meant to do this for my wife and young children, good ol' Martial Arts. But it wasn't for them. It was for me. They dont' attend but I instantly felt a connection to using my body, and signed up. A year later I am a better person from having attended training here. What I do know is that I am in the best shape I've been in 10 years, and Austin Impact has made Jeet Kune Do a focus in my life. Sifu Forrest has been nothing but encouraging, accommodating, and tough. Every person in the gym is great too. You know why? Because the culture that's developed there is a continual showcase of Bruce's philosophy. Be open minded. Be like water. Work your ass off. Push through the superficial to the core. Everyone here is on a different lane of the same path. And be nice. Because you'll be full contact sparring in 3...2...1.... read more

I can't say enough how much Austin Impact JKD has positively affected my life. I have more energy, confidence, and strength than ever before. I feel more focused and calm. And it's so much fun! Sifu Forrest is an incredible instructor, and he fosters a sense of camaraderie among all of us in class. I highly recommend this to anyone interested in fitness, self-defense, or just blowing off steam after a day in front of a computer. read more