I've been going to Juniper for about a month. I didn't really have any experience in martial arts,…read moreaside from a little taekwondo as a kid & boxing at a fitness gym. At first I started casually with the women's classes. Now I am going 6 days a week and trying to get everyone I know to sign up. I can't believe how much I have learned in such a short time. I also feel mentally sharper and am growing muscles where I didn't even think muscles could grow. Soon they will probably need a restraining order to get rid of me, but I don't think they'd even do that 'cause everyone is really nice. This gym is awesome for many reasons, including: - Very friendly and welcoming environment - both instructors and members. There are people of all experience levels, fitness levels, ages, genders, ethnicities, ages, sizes, etc. There are changing rooms for men, women and gender neutral folks. There are no egos, no cockiness, no drama and no judgement. There's definitely a sense of community with fight watch parties, 50/50's to raise money for traveling fighters, live streams of their fights and a Facebook group for everyone to stay connected. I imagine it will get a lot cooler, once we're out of the pandemic, though. In addition to educating on technique, the instructors also talk about the sport/ larger community pretty often. - There's something for everyone - Classes for kids, women, advanced people, yoga for the sore people, etc. I like to get to classes a little early to watch the tail end of the previous class. It's super cute to watch the kids classes, but also awesome to see them get a little more confident each time. Mixed classes are fun because you get to work with a wide variety of people and there's always something you can learn. If you need a little extra, you can come to work out when there are classes. There's a squat rack, spin bike, hand weights, pull up bar, etc. - Covid safe -This place is very, very clean. Everyone wears masks, everything is cleaned all the time, there are small classes, and attendance lists for contact tracing. But, since you're mostly wearing hand wraps and gloves, you're not really touching too much anyway. If you wanted to, you could just work on a bag and not really be near anyone. - Respectful of women - Whenever I see some kind of combat sport class for women, my ears go up a little. Often us ladies get sold a bunch of BS, preying on fear of domestic abuse/ rape/ etc. The women's class is not is NOT a bunch of "self defense" parlor tricks. This class isn't really any different from the regular Muay Thai class. It's just all women. And all of the women rule. Very nice group of girls. Also, the instructors are pretty adaptable, based on the interests of the group. For example, they'll work in sparring, if that's what the ladies want to do. But, you never have to make any kind of contact, if you don't want. It's flexible. Juniper is great. 5 stars, for sure.

I've been training at Juniper for just over a year. Nothing but positives from coaches to students…read moreto the space and vibe. Everyone is welcoming and respects your experience level. They have a fight team if you want to go hard but monitor sessions to ensure partner practice and sparring is at the right level. I overheard one of the owners pull someone aside and explain friendly but firmly to bring it down or they'll be asked to leave the gym. Outside of training and management that speaks volumes. I train privates w/ Mike C. I'm older and my horizon is short. He's a great coach who puts attention into my technique and progress. That seems comsistent at Juniper. I've trained other martial arts - TKD and Bando for a year plus long ago, southern short fist KF for six years currently. Truly thought I'd be better at MT but being like every other new student, I appreciate the patience and guidance I found at Juniper and it's community.

Sometimes things happen for a reason...I was out walking my dog, and was walking by a training gym,…read moreand had seen someone talking to one of the instructors. I had planned on working out that evening, and asked about their Jui Jitsu class. I was more looking for wrestling/grappling at that time, not realizing what was ahead of me. I came back that night, and one of the instructors, Tim, was teaching class. His students were top notch training partners. I was sold after rolling with Tim; It took me just under a minute to realize this guy really, really knows what he is doing. As in I was getting tapped out left and right, but with real technique, not just getting thrown around like a rag doll. Aside from that, class was run intelligently, and the level of knowledge really shows up when you have a technical question or problem with technique. Since then, I've been at the Gracie Philadelphia location, and it just gets better and better; the more I learn, the more fun training is. All the people I've meet have been super awesome and super cool to train with. I feel as comfortable there as I would in my own living room. And, like many said, they way class is run, they attract people who know how to properly train in a safe environment.

Best Bjj Gym in Philly! Doesn't matter if your experienced or a beginner, this is the spot!!read more

"Woohoo! As good as it gets!" ~ Yelp's 5-Star Rating…read more I think it speaks volumes that this place has a 5-star rating for all its reviews. I bought a 10-class groupon because the gym is close to my work, and I am so happy I did. I had tried kickboxing at other places, but this is 100x better than other classes I had tried. Rob is the instructor for cardio kickboxing and he is always super positive AND easy on the eyes! He really motivates you to work hard and get a good workout, even when I'm tired and really would rather be home. I really like that you actually learn the mechanics of kickboxing in a cardio class, other classes I've been to teach no footwork or how to punch/kick. I feel like I could be an MMA fighter now, after only a few classes - that may be a pipe dream, but I'm still really enjoying myself. This is my first Yelp review, but I think it's a worthy cause to get the word out about this establishment.

Started researching good MMA places in the area recently for my husband. He and I used to go to…read moreChampions for Cardio kickboxing and muy thai. It got to be too expensive so we had to pass it up. I had found Mission MMA through a google search and I guess I had signed up for their email list. On 4th of July they emailed me that all their three class pass were half off-- at $9.99 that is really a steal. I entered some incorrect info when paying which led to me not getting an email. I facebooked them and they answered the next (since it was a holiday). They were really nice, courteous, and helpful. They even called my husband the next day and went over everything with him. Excited to start going here!

Located in University City VIII Limbs is a warm and inclusive Muay Thai gym that offers boxing,…read morekettlebell training, and of course Muay Thai. They offer a quick start program that is cheap and a great way to dip your feet into the sport. A shirt and gloves comes with the two week package. The owners, Charlie and Kate, are experienced coaches and both have fought before. Charlie has a really vibrant personality and always has a smile on his face. Kate is a bit more of a drill sergeant so there is a good balance between the two. Assistant Coach Mary Bee is a great addition to the staff as well. She's fought several times in Thailand and is an active competitor in America. She has a real passion for teaching and has a wholesome demeanor making her very approachable. Mary teaches a weekly LGBT class which really helps the gym be inclusive. The membership of the gym is quite large so if you're looking to make friends this is a great place to go to as well. They have a large fight team as well for those of you looking to enter the ring. That of course isn't mandatory though. On the downside the fight team is pretty green but since the gym is only about 4 years old that is to be expected. With reasonable prices, good coaching, and lots of people to work with VIII Limbs is a good spot for those of you looking to enter the world of Muay Thai.

If you live in the Philly area and want an inclusive and fun gym to build strength I would…read morerecommend 8 Limbs. Unfortunately I didn't get to work with them long but the intro class was great. Seems like folks who frequent there really enjoy it. I didn't feel too overwhelmed by the class size. They do ask you to take your shoes off so make sure to wear socks if that's a thing for you...

I've been training here at least weekly for about a year. I love it. It has a 'get to work' gritty…read morefeel, but the place is clean and the machines are new. I've gotten leaner and stronger, and I know the right ways to do a bunch of exercises now that I wasn't really getting results from before. The circuits change frequently and I'm always challenged. So much better for my body! I'm no fighter, but I've been to a bunch of boxing and kickboxing classes elsewhere over the years. This is unlike anything I tried before. I love these heavy bag classes. I'm not just punching away. The trainer fine tunes each student. Learning proper skills has been a real difference. They also have instructional classes so you can learn the moves. Bonus: everyone is really nice. Not cheesy overly fake nice. but real people. No muscle heads or scary fight club vibes. Real people putting in the work... That matters to me.

This is a boxing gym and one of the instructors, Randall, has been boxing since 1989 and opened the…read moregym three years ago. We did a bag class which was a lot of punching intermixed with floor work including my most hated burpees. The class was challenging and educational. At the beginning of the class they wrap your hands and give you boxing gloves. The studio and gym space was large and did not feel crowded or hectic. I liked the fact that they had real gym equipment so even if there was not a class going on you could go there and work out. I was surprised to hear that they offered yoga and hit classes too. The gym is very affordable for all that it offers. We did an intro class but we are considering joining now. Thank you Randall!

Absolutely love this Pilates studio. Classes are small allowing for plenty of individualized…read moreinstruction. Instructors are knowledgeable, friendly, and professional. They offer memberships and individual class options, as well as private lessons. If you're in or near Brewerytown, be sure to check out Brewerytown Pilates. It's addictive!

Cute little Pilates studio in a residential area. They have a beginners package where you can take…read more3 classes for $50. Would def recommend it as a way to get a feel of the instructors and classes. Individual classes range from $25 - $28.

Our family loves going to Action Karate in Drexel Hill! We attend group kids lessons at least twice…read morea week. All of the instructors are wonderful! They're kind and supportive, joyfully teaching my daughter about discipline, commitment and self-confidence. She's doing a great job progressing through the requirements of their belt system. We look forward to many more years learning and growing here at Action Karate!

Action Karate - South Philadelphia is awesome. The owner, Mr. Fernandez, is one of those lucky few…read morethat loves what he does and does what he loves and it shows. He brings an unbelievable energy to each class and the kids feed off of his enthusiasm. Mr. Fernandez takes a genuine interest in every kids development and takes the time to help each kid without losing focus on the enrich class. 10 out of 10. Would definitely recommend.