Best gym in the area 100% I would recommend this place to anybody that I know. These guys really know their stuff.

This gym has been the best thing for my confidence that I've ever tried and I've tried a lot. Joey is an excellent teacher, he tells you the why behind everything that he teaches and you know it's good stuff not only because he's been in the game for over 20 years but because he still has a deep passion for it, something that you are going to have a tough time finding else where. Highly recommended to anyone who has a fears related to other people in any sense. After 6 months you will feel settled in yourself and confident in your ability to defend yourself. Free week trial, you have nothing to lose and confidence to gain. read more

Went to check it out because my sons wrestling season was almost over and I wanted him to continue with a sport but mostly learn a life skill. I'm a little nervous with contact sports and want my kid to be safe. So it was important to find a gym that had the knowledge and experience to teach my child the right way. When we walked into the Hammerhead Mixed Martial Arts gym, there were many members training, some in gi's and some in plain workout clothes, but everyone was engaged and the atmosphere seemed relaxed and friendly. Joey, the owner and head coach was able not only to answer all my questions but also educate me and gave me advice for what to look out for in a mixed martial arts place. He didn't seemed concerned for me or to sign up with him but rather to sign up with a martial arts gym that can do more harm than good. We got a seven day free trail and my son was able to try out every class Joey teaches. Long story short, we signed up. We felt part of the team from day one and everyone is helpful and patient with my son. I learned later how much experience in various contact sports the trainers have and how well they apply their techniques to teaching. I am very confident that my son gets the right training, support and is in a safe environment with the best trainers. He is excited about his progress in his training and enjoys being at Hammerhead Mixed Martial Arts. Definitely recommend it! read more

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I have tried most of the well known Brazilian jujitsu /kickboxing schools in the olympia and lacey area. Sure, they were good, but what sets Hammerhead apart from the rest is the atmosphere. I am an introverted and shy person, the guy in the corner that Noone notices and on the first day it felt like I have already been going there for years. It's really hard to walk in there as an introvert. I was accepted even during my trial period (in my experience in the other gym you were welcomed but you definitely felt like the new guy) Everyone's constantly wanting to help you and wanting to get to know you. When I first walked through the doors, I was Greeted by Joey (head instructor) and he was immediately super easy to talk to and answered all my questions (the other schools were not like that I was lost and had to find someone to talk to for help and it just felt awkward). Another thing that sets this place apart to me is what they teach (the other places I tried was mostly just jujitsu and kickboxing) this school blends judo and Brazilian jujitsu which is perfect since judo focus on the stand up grappling (trips and throws) and Brazilian jujitsu (which focuses on submissions and grappling on the ground) In my mind it's perfect for competition and self defense. The Muay thai class is also very fun and after kickboxing he will also teach some awesome catch wrestling. Your not obligated to do judo, bjj, catch wrestling, etc. For instance if you feel you don't want to be thrown, you may sit out during that portion, It's totally fine. From all the instructors in town, I'd say that Joey was the best, what he says makes perfect sense and he explains the technique that understandable and he's really patient and understands that your body obviously isn't used to moving in certain ways and you have to build that muscle memory. He is really good about reminding you and will say something like" don't worry you'll get it, you'll get it". I've observed him teaching children during my warm ups before class , and the kids are having blast . He is really good at teaching children. You don't really see them running around like some other places. What's cool about this place is that you usually have a couple or more instructors going around checking on everyone while some other places is usually just one instructor and guess what you just spend more than half the session doing it wrong. What I find funny is that Joey always has his instructor hat on, when class is over and you have open Mats (where you can roll around with others/sparring ) while Joey is sitting and chatting with someone about God knows what, someone's martial problems maybe? , he would yell out instruction in the middle of that convo "turn on your left hip!! Turn on your left hip!!" and he would walk over and correct you. Then go back and Continue whatever convo he had. What also helps was that there was no enrollment fee. Most schools will charge you to simply get started. The monthly rates is very fair and tottally doable and I feel your getting alot out of it. Don't be intimidated to spar.. Especially if your starting out. Often times it feels like an extended class, where your rolling around and your not sure what do is, your partner would help guide you and what you should be doing and you just end up Learning something new . Sparring is very controlled and no one's trying to hurt anybody. This was a summary of my own personal experience with other schools compared to this place. I'm always looking forward to the next class and it's just a blast. Sorry about the long review. But I just wanted to share my experience since I was once that person that wanted to get started and you wanted more out of a review then just a " great school, come try it" kind of stuff. read more

Amazing place to train! Best school I've been to in over 12 years of martial arts experience. Come by and get a great workout, with great people! read more

I've done judo for nearly my whole life and really enjoy being one of the judo instructors at Hammerhead MMA. I look forward to coming in on non-judo days especially and getting the chance to be a student and learning about other styles of martial arts. Joey Guel is incredibly seasoned and knowledgeable and it's a pleasure to work with him. The team has become a second family to me. The vibe and atmosphere at Hammerhead is warm and welcoming. I would most definitely recommend this gym for anyone wanting to do BJJ, judo, muy Thai, kick boxing, etc. read more