Great value for your workout! The coaches are knowledgeable on technique with boxing and form. I bought the Groupon for one month and have made it my goal to be consistent with working out this month. They make it easy to go to a class as you don't have to sign up for a class prior to attending. You can just show up and they can accommodate you. My choose this gym because it convenient from my work and I can walk here after work. The only thing is that they make you purchase their shirt as part of their "uniform" policy if you go and are there for their Groupon. Shirts are $13 each which is not bad, but just beware and know this beforehand. read more

My girlfriends and I have been talking about getting together for a work out class for the past couple of months. When one of them found a Groupon for Empower: 5 group kickboxing classes for $19 (according to Groupon, originally $200), we decided to go for it. Our first class was on Wednesday, August 10th at 5:30pm. Johnny taught our class and he was awesome! Would make sure our technique was correct without making us feel like we were doing it completely wrong. Great in a class atmosphere if you get a little shy in group classes. We started off with jumping jacks as part of our warm up. Then we paired up and he taught us boxing combos. We would take turns punching and blocking/receiving. Great way to get out aggression. Most of the class was spend doing this. Then we went into their version of burpees, running in place, and some kind of crab/bear/spider crawl. When I was giving up during my crawl, Johnny kept cheering me on. We ended with crunches (which luckily for me, weren't too bad) and of course high fives to finish up the class. This isn't in the fine print for the Groupon, but it's only valid for their Monday or Wednesday class at 5:30pm, so keep that in mind before purchasing. For those who get off at 5:30pm or later, I wouldn't suggest getting this as you can't apply it to any other classes. Great first class. I haven't worked out in over a year, so it was nice breaking a sweat and punching out some pented frustration. Looking forward to my second class! read more

I tried a free introductory class and immediately felt welcome. Staff are open, friendly and engaging. I can only speak for the evening lunch crunch 30 minute class and part of the kickboxing class. I enjoyed switching stations and doing HIIT intervals. I also appreciated the instructor showing newbies boxing techniques. The workouts definitely aren't for the faint of heart but it does the job if high intensity is your thing. Only thing is there aren't locks in the locker room so I won't suggest putting anything of value in there just in case things get taken. Although I was assured by the front desk that type of thing doesn't happen since it's a private gym but it doesn't hurt to be aware of this. read more

Absolutely LOVED this studio! Everyone was so nice and welcoming, from the staff at the front desk (Dina!) to the instructor (Josh!) and even the fellow workout buddies. The locks in the locker room are currently deactivated which made me feel a bit uneasy about leaving my stuff unattended. Dina reassured me that the gym was private and safe (which I totally felt!) but I've had bad experiences in the past so she held on to my stuff for me which was extremely kind of her. The facility and people were amazing as well as the workout - best lunch workout I've had and I will absolutely be back. I just visited their website and realized that one of the people who greeted me was Tareq, the founder. Thank you, Empower! read more

Pros: The person at the front desk was super friendly and easy to joke with. She tolerated my inability to locate my groupon code for 10 minutes before I managed to function like a normal human and find it. The space in nice and clean. Most of the instructors were very friendly and welcoming. This is important when you're not only out of shape but also asthmatic and completely lacking hand eye coordination. Cons: Near the end of the class the owner Tareq(?) was showing me how I should be protecting my face when doing a punch and I jokingly said "but what if I'm doing this more for cardio?.. because I don't see myself getting into any fights". He responded with "well then maybe this isn't the place for you, not with your attitude." He then just sort of glared at me. Honestly, I was not trying to insult him or his class. I was joking. People joke.. especially when they are trying something new and difficult. To his credit, the friend I was with said he couldn't tell that I was joking either and understood why Tareq was offended. I'm not really the type to intentionally try to offend a stranger. I felt bad for having unintentionally done so. But seriously.. that is not how any business owner or manager should respond to a customer. He basically told me that I wasn't welcome there. This was said in front of other people though I have no idea who heard it. He could have simply told me that the class and the atmosphere there IS really more about self defense. Hello... it was my first time there. He also could have just walked away instead of purposely saying something to let me know how unwelcome I am at his gym. Now I've wasted $60, have no intention on going back and my friend that went with most likely won't return because he wanted to do the class with someone he knows. I think I would have liked this class after a few more tries. It takes a bit to go from no working out to a kickboxing class and to do well at it. I honestly feel bad that he was offended by my joke but not bad enough to think it's okay to talk to customers that way. read more

I got a Groupon for a week of Empower classes and these guys have a totally awesome workout. I'm in decent shape, have done class pass classes and belong to a gym near my apartment that I get to 3x a week, but the 12 pm Lunch Crunch (30 min) class kicked by bottom. It's a great circuit workout designed to push your body to the limit which is probably one of the best workouts I've had in the city. The instructors were super helpful for form and class sizes were relatively small (6-8 people). I'd be a member already if it weren't for the following.. Why I gave it three stars: two weird things that is a first for me seeing in SF gyms. First, they have a uniform policy that you have to wear Empower t-shirts for every class you attend and it seemed pretty strictly enforced. I live in an apartment that doesn't have in-unit washer dryer so the idea of having to buy like 5-6 shirts just to be able to workout for a membership I'd already have paid for kind of turned me off. Second, they have a great locker room with showers/stalls/etc. but you have to bring your own towel... If you live in the FiDi area, that's not a big deal you can go home and shower before work but if you don't or you want to go to the Lunch Crunch class you're stuck with lugging a wet towel around for the rest of the day. I'm still debating joining because the workouts are THAT good, but there are other gyms in the area that don't require uniforms and have towels. read more

I was surprised to see the 1* review from Jane S because I have found my experience to be completely different from hers. But then I noticed that she has written three reviews on Yelp and they are all 1*. Still, I feel compelled to add my 2c. I'm an out-of-shape recovering-nerd 42 year old father of two, working a desk job in technology, definitely not a meathead jock. But I find the staff, the regulars and the newer members like me to all be extremely friendly, supportive and welcoming. That isn't to say that they don't push themselves and each other in class to be the best that they can be, to not quit, to push through. They definitely do that. But it feels very much like a "team". I joined Empower because it is the closest gym to my house, not because I have some long time affiliation with MMA. That being said, I have really enjoyed both the fitness and the boxing/kickboxing classes that I have taken there. I get motivated not just by the workout, but also because I feel like I'm learning something in the stand up classes, adding to a skill base. Tareq and the other instructors make sure you get a great workout, but they also focus on technique. I've certainly seen a huge difference in how hard I can punch by changing things like where I hold my hands, how i move my hips, and if my feet are moving the right way. It's pretty cool to see how these small things can make such a big difference. The facilities are clean, light, and airy. The member base is quite varied. Some of the more advanced classes are pretty heavily male, as you would expect, but the lunchtime, afterwork and early morning classes are usually a mix of guys and girls, with some regulars and some newer folks as well. The staff and regulars are really heplful to newer people. I aim to come here three mornings a week, but because of work travel, I succeed in that goal maybe one week in two. The other week I come once or twice but Tareq will email me a workout that I can do while on the road to try to keep on the program. I really like this place. read more

TLDR Synopsis: If you want a kickboxing and BJJ gym in the area with good team spirit, great instruction and very clean facilities and are willing to pay a little more than your average fighting gym, this is a great choice. FACILITIES: Really clean. Not super large, but they do have a ring, kicking bags, an open space next to the ring for kickboxing and another room with the equivalent of mats for BJJ. Locker and showers are super nice as compared to any other muay thai or BJJ place I've ever visited and there are towels. They have a small set of functional workout type stuff and a squat rack that can be set up for benchpress, pullups, etc. CLASSES: The "Stand" class starts off with a couple of rounds of jumping jacks and shadow boxing, then into a combo where you partner up and work pads, and then transitions into a metcon type burner. As opposed to more pure muay thai places i've noticed more an emphasis on punching combos vis-a-vis kicking, but there is still plenty of that. Tareq usually leads these classes and he's very personable but also good at pointing out technique corrections. The "Flow" class that I attend starts up with a warmup (jogging, snake drills, rolls, penetration step, armbar, armbar to triangle) and then goes into technique work and then closes with position work or rolling. The instructor I have when I go, Josh, is fantastic. I do no gi here but there is a gi class that is taught by Rhelan Gracie, who seems both nice and knowledgeable as well. I have also done Yoga, which is good, but I am not really a yoga expert so I can't give a good comparison. But I do feel like I walk out of there more flexible and relaxed. ATMOSPHERE: There is definitely a core of regulars there, but I also think that the crew is quite friendly in comparison to some of the other BJJ/muay thai gyms I have been too. I found myself knowing a fair amount of the other members who attend the same time I do pretty quickly. Tareq, Josh, Marcy and everyone is very nice. OTHER NOTES: Cost wise its a little pricier than some other BJJ/muay thai gyms I've seen. They also really want you to wear their clothing there and use their gear (like gloves) so that adds a little bit to the cost, but it does have the benefit of giving everyone a uniform look that adds to the idea of being a team. Tareq trains Jake Shields and some NFL players there so its cool to see them and occasionally work out with some of them (though clearly my BJJ will never work against a pro football lineman as I found out when I could not even get my hand around his wrist dilling techniques). read more

Good little studio/gym. It's located close to Kokkari in Jackson Square off of Broadway. I think it's more of studio where classes are held on a regular basis, and I took Ritual Yoga through Fitmob there. The studio is bright, a little small, but great for yoga. They dedicate a room with adjustable lighting, light candles, and overall it's a very soothing environment for yoga. When I left the room there was a kickboxing class taking place in the main area. There is a small bathroom with showers, lockers, and towels for people to use. read more

Been a member for two years. Huge fan of the people, the coaches, and the classes. Lots of great energy and rap/hip hop that will get you pumped to workout. Wish I could give a sixth star! read more

Seriously One of the most beautiful gyms I have ever seen. They set the bar for all gyms in NorCal. Tareq is an amazing instructor and these guys really care for their students and have their best interest at all times. Empower also does charity events and that is something that is really important to me. This is a must visit and ladies should definitely learn how to defend yourself because you never know when you are gonna needed at to me if you want peace you better be prepared for the worst. Run over to this place asap and you are sure to be in amazing hands! read more

Pros: This Place Is F***ing awesome!! I'm glad to be one of the first members of this gym. The facility itself is great, the classes are fun and the staff is awesome. Everything is always spotless its never too hot or cold inside and you start seeing results very fast. Bathrooms are super clean and there is always plenty of fresh clean towels. All of the staff and trainers have (REAL) professional experience and are really good and patients with all there students. The price of a membership is also hard to beat compared to any of the other MMA / Jiu jitsu gym's in the Bay Area, But Empower offers so much more then what other gyms do like Boxing, Wrestling, Yoga, and fitness training. After spending time at several San Francisco gyms like, World Team USA, FairTex, & two Graice gyms over the years I can say this is the best so far. Highly recommended. Cons: Only paid parking lots in the area or street parking forgot one more thing, FIRST! read more

If I had to describe this gym in one word, it would be INSPIRING. The owner Tareq, who also teaches the stand up, explains the fundamentals and skills of boxing with such a passion and precision it's hard not to become excited about going. I started 5 months ago for fun. I know Tareq from Fairtex. Now I find myself taking the ground class in the morning, boxing just after and finish with the circuit training before going into work. I feel the best attribute about this gym is that Tareq has found teachers that share the same passion about detail and the arts. Every time you walk into 'Empower' you know their focus is making sure every minute is devoted to sharpening your skills. The establishment is always clean and the employees are very accommodating and friendly. Class times start early in the AM, afternoon and night so it is easy to find time. Cons: sore muscles, sweat a lot and fixing clothes after a couple of months because they are now too big. read more

This place is the gym of my dreams. Boxing Classes The classes are very technical, they focus on detail and technique while incorporating intense workouts. They are really good about going around to each individual and giving really useful tips catered to each person. I was always dripping sweat and super satisfied and happy after just one class. They also keep the floors and super clean and play awesome music (gangsta hip hop jamz) during class =D. Instructors I personally really liked Carl's classes because he is very detailed about form, and obviously Tareq is just awesome all around - he's great at explaining and teaching technique, patient, funny, friendly, and super motivating. I tried out one 1hour personal training session with Billy and I was dripping sweat within 20 minutes and sore for days. He's awesome and will go out of his way to make you feel welcome in the gym. All the boxing instructors here are really friendly and patient, but will not go easy on you - they WILL push you to your limit. =) Membership is pricey but you get what you pay for. I just hope they're still here when I'm done with grad school! read more

I love Empower. I have been coming for a year. It is a blend of pro fighters, NFL players and novices. There is a tight knit group of students who have all become friends. The instructors are patient, talented and supremely skilled. The ethos comes from the top in Tareq himself. Johnny Ricci is only 22 but teaches an awesome stand up class, SE2, that also introduces students to ground game. He is always in a good mood and smiling but don't let that fool you. Carl is also a beast who has a contract with Bellator. Josh has competed in Strikeforce and teaches an awesome wrestling class. Alex teaches Jujitsu. He is also 22 and has been training since we was 11. He is a patient and skilled instructor who distills complex moves to us novices. I come to Empower 2-5 times a week. There is a supportive and serious atmosphere that has changed my life. I recommend Empower anyone of any age! read more

I train here often enough and it's been great so far. I try to make at least two classes in a row now but it's all dependent on my schedule. If my schedule allowed, I would definitely be here 5 days a week. The best part is that they have showers here so you can always wash before and after a workout. read more

Not my style of gym. Very arrogant owner and gym has weird vibe. Feels like people have something to prove. Did not feel comfortable working out there. It's more for people who want to be "seen." Attitudes and vibes trickle down from the owner(s) so if the person with most control at the gym is arrogant and rude, then that's the vibe that you get when you walk into the gym. Would not recommend. There are definitely other gyms out there that offer high quality training but without the attitude and pompousness. read more

Went in and was welcomed right away. Tareq the owner is amazing. Got to be a part of the 'flow' class which is jiu jitsu. Instructors are very motivating and the members as well are very welcoming. Very impressed and hope to take a stand up class. Thanks again. read more

I been going to Empower gym for 3 months now and love it. I checked out a lot of different gyms in San Francisco before trying Empower and I am so glad I decided to join here. The classes are very focused on you learning the proper techniques rather then just boxing to get a good workout. (Which you will get) Tareq and the other trainers are all amazing. The environment is very positive and all the members are very encouraging. Definitely give it a try. read more

The staff is super friendly and you learn a lot about form here. Great workout. Wish they had a closer location.

Dina is warm, patient and helpful with my inquiries. Josh at 7am is professional, knowledgeable and serious about his team goal. Facility is clean and well organized. Location and parking is no issue at all. Thank you Dina and Josh! read more

Want a place that takes you to the limit is a supportive and fun environment??? Don't pass this gem by Empower Gym will push you until you reach your goals!!! Duke Nukem said it best, " Come Get Some!" read more

I visited Empower Gym for a Beyonce vs. Jayz hot yoga class (SO MUCH FUN) that I found through Sosh and loved their facility. Although the gym is on the smaller side, it is very clean and the instructors and staff are really friendly. I loved the yoga class I signed up for and am definitely planning on going back to attend another class soon. read more

I was looking for a good place to train and found Empower online. Walked there to take a look and was warmly welcomed by staff and members alike. The owner was there an offered to lend me equipment to try out a class, which ended up being very fun and informative. Overall, I felt that empower had a high degree of professionalism, quality of instruction, and friendly atmosphere. I would highly recommend Empower to anyone interested in experiencing martial arts the way it's supposed to be. read more

Would leave a zero star review if possible! I bought a 10 class groupon to this place in November. After calling over several days without anyone answering the phone, and when I finally went by in person, the place was under construction. Called again today and someone finally picked up. Her answer, in short, was: we don't offer groupon anymore, no refund, not my problem. She offered to comp me one class, which I declined since that's not what I bought. She also insisted that they had taken the offer off of groupon, which is incorrect. Looked it up right after getting off the phone, it's still on there. Unprofessional, rude, terrible costomer service. Don't do business with this place! read more

Dropped in with a friend that trains at Empower last week. I was welcomed like a regular in the no gi class. Many thanks to Tareq and all the staff. read more

Fun place to be MMA professionals who share their skills and create a great workout regiment both fun and strong learning experience. The owner and all the instructors including the yoga teachers are friendly, very straight forward something I can appreciate. I'm not too fond of smooth talkers I'd much rather have very honest, down to earth trainers than those who b.s. around. One very important factor this gym has is that the entire staff work together with licensed physicians to offer a safe and healthy training program. If need be the physicians are there to assist the members but also advise instructors when training a member who may have an injury previous and/or present. Another plus, they've all COMPETED and have used the skills to compete both MMA and jiujitsu instructors. I'd rather have actual professionals who have used the moves a time or two live than those who have never competed at all. Definitely a place for children to learn discipline and self defense while having fun. A place women can get in shape and learn self defense techniques. read more

Dont love it but it gives a good workout. I bought a groupon so I could work out during work days and thought it was a deal too good to be true since it averaged out to about 3$ per class. Stand empower class starts with jumping jack warm ups followed by shadow boxing with the routine you do and finally you get to pair up with your partner. The place didn't really give me a welcoming feel like my gym or other gyms I have tried around in the area. I've only used 2 of my 10 uses for groupon and dont intend to go back. I had Carl and he was nice and helpful, he checked in to make sure everything was going well. I didn't find Tareq friendly and actually a little rude...it was my first class and you dont have to call me out for running to the side to put something away (this wasn't the only occurrence that I found off-putting with him). During Tareq's class, I was partnered up with this girl who was basically new and he noticed that she was having a hard time keeping up with me. Yet he still continued to help this other guy who already had his turn to box so he basically Tareq caught punches for this guy for every single round so the student got more punches in the class. If you see some one struggling you should probably intervene one way or another. This is how I have seen it happen in multiple gyms around the city. read more

I train jiu jitsu in Chicago and was visiting family in San Francisco over Christmas Break. I visited a few other gyms before Empower and let me tell you, I don't think I've ever walked into a gym where I felt more at home. First off, upon entrance, you would think that witnessing two actual UFC fighters training together would deem you insignificant. Contrarily, I was greeted at the front desk with a smile that made me feel as if I had reunited with family. Tareq the owner instantly greeted me and made me feel at home. The facilities were state-of-the-art, the equipment was top-notch, and the inspirational quotes on the walls were something I could get used to. What blew me away more than anything however was the level of instruction. It's not a coincidence that several UFC fighters train here. Off the top of my head, some of the classes included: boxing, yoga, conditioning, jiu jitsu, wrestling, among others and each class is taught by a certified professional. The jiu jitsu instruction was off the charts. Having the privilege to train with Rhalan Gracie, son of Grandmaster Relson Gracie and grandson of the innovator of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Helio Gracie, was an experience like no other. He gives a lot of personal attention to his students and has a keen eye towards the finer details of the art that he no doubt acquired only after thousands of hours of training with jiu jitsu legends. It was a genuine pleasure to have the opportunity to train here and rest assured, if I lived in the city, this would be the first place I would frequent. read more

Empower has a very uplifting, positive, and motivating environment. The instructors take the time to demonstrate technique and take a true interest in the students/teammates. There is no attitude here and the students help one another. Very clean environment. Also, you may join in whatever shape you are currently in and you will work at your pace if needed. read more

At first, I thought the gym was great but quickly learned not to judge a book by it's cover! Yes, the facility is nice but it is extremely limited by space and lacks equipment. While the classes are challenging, they seem to be haphazardly put together with no rhyme or reason and no day to day progression (the same muscle groups were worked every single class for 2 weeks straight). The House class, for example, is just a series of football drills and lets see who can hold a plank the longest or who can do the most push ups? Most of the members, if you can call them that, are friends of the owner or his brother. There is a real fraternity like feel to the "membership group". The owner, Tareq, is a real charmer but comes across as to arrogant for my liking. I really wanted to like this place but I never felt welcomed (I guess this is because I was trying out the gym on a voucher and wasn't a member). I just wanted to find a gym where I could meet nice people and get into shape. But, instead I found a group of arrogant testosterone juiced MMA wannnabes! This place is not empowering!!! read more