I love going here! The classes are intense and super fun! Vanessa, Coach Merv and Couch Rob are…read morewelcoming and motivating and it is a pleasure to work with them. I highly recommend trying them out!

Now I'll be honest, kickboxing is nowhere up my alley, near my road...none of that. Though, a…read morefriend brought me here for a try and I'm so glad she brought me here! As soon as I walked in, everyone was super welcoming. Kickboxing knowledge on ZERO but that was no problem! They quickly got me acquainted with my gloves and the different moves. It was a lot to remember on the spot, but they were great with walking around throughout the workout to encourage + correct. Talk about a workout! 30 minutes on the bag + 30 minutes doing work stations. I think my favorite part was the variety of people. We were spaced out and stations were cleaned after each use. If you're interested in giving kickboxing a try, this is definitely the place!

I signed up for 6months because I loved a specific trainer named Micah. After 4 sessions my trainer…read morewas gone because 9Round couldn't afford to keep him. (Their words when I inquired where Micah was). I went to 3 more sessions after he left and simply did not enjoy the energy in the facility with Micah gone. The owner was running the facility. I have several reasons for not enjoying myself but one can simply say our energies did not align. That's ok. In life we don't always enjoy every person. Instead of being rude and telling the owner I wasn't feeling her I quietly went away. Keep in mind I expressed that I only signed up because of Micah.... After that, I quietly went away, never returned. Closed my credit card and that was that. (My time in the gym was paid in full) I'm leaving a review because they sent me to a collection agency!! I wasn't feeling the owner. She was scattered every time I went back. Something was broken every time I was there, lack of focus with clients, low energy, mentioned they weren't making any money, the music was completely different than Micah's play list. Some energies simply don't mesh and that's ok. I'm sure the owner is a nice lady. I just wasn't feeling her energy and simply would not have signed up if not for Micah. I emailed them and the situation has not been resolved. Ignored actually. New staff is inevitable they said and they have no control over sending me to a collection agency. No concern for my mental state even though this is a place that promotes healthy lifestyles. Micah was the first person I put my trust into in a long time as I'm going through a lot of personal trauma. I want to be around people I enjoy. Enforcing a contract to this extent is a predatory business model. Be warned....Don't sign up for memberships.

I've been at 9round for almost 2 years now and I wouldn't recommend going anywhere else! Love the…read moreatmosphere and workout, Nate is also the bomb!!

East Side Muay Thai is the best Muay Thai gym in the Hampton Roads area! Conveniently located in…read morethe Strawbridge Marketplace Shopping Center. This gym provides a great environment for all levels of traditional Muay Thai with Intro Classes, Kids classes, Advanced Classes, and Fight Team Level! Anyone from no experience to advanced is welcome to class and the community at East Side is wonderful! No big egos and the head coach/owner, Jose is mindful of partner pairing with someone that will take care of you. Everyone is nice and supportive for class making you feel comfortable to train! Kru Jose is an amazing head coach who has a passion for Muay Thai and an impressive portfolio of experience within the Muay Thai community! Jose coaches all classes and provides detailed instructions for class by a combination of learning styles for everyone. What I like the most is that there is accountability and structure for the class to elevate your level of training, and motivate you to push yourself to be better each time. The other coaches Summer and Zedd are also amazing at teaching and supporting the gym! Summer leads women's classes on Saturday mornings and supports intro/advanced classes too making a great impact on women who also train at the gym. The gym has a history of successful active junior and adult fighters with championship titles! The gym is clean and spacious with a full-size boxing ring as well! If anyone is looking for a gym that will teach you the fundamental techniques of traditional Muay Thai and provide a great atmosphere/community this is the gym for you!

Welcoming , clean, and professional. Learning a lot and looking forward to more. Classes for all…read moreages

This was a great experience my first time with sport fighting! The atmosphere was really open and…read moreencouraging, classes were always challenging but I learned something new every time I went and felt good about practicing it on my own. Unfortunately I was only in town for a couple months but I got to attend one of their annual barbecues which was a blast. I mainly did BJJ and Muay Thai here and I would highly recommend it for anyone in the area and all skill levels!

If you are looking for a technique focused training program look no further…read more I have been a member of Grindstone Athletics since they opened in January of 2018, I have been training Muay Thai for over 4 years. The advances that I have been able to make due to the constant critique and attention to detail from my coaches Tom & Chase are unbelievable. I make mistakes daily, but the key is they are teaching me how to fix my mistakes one step at a time. Slowly molding me into a stronger, better version of myself. I have also gained another family in Grindstone, the friendships forged in the gym are meaningful and lasting. It is undeniable when you step onto the mat with these two that they love what they do and they love teaching and helping others learn their art. Under the watchful eye of coach Tom I will be venturing into his weight training program starting tomorrow, I couldn't be more excited but surprisingly not nervous at all because I know he has my best interest in mind. If you are looking for a clean, centralized, laid back gym; it doesn't matter if you are a beginner, a pro fighter or someone looking to bulk up or slim down, Grindstone Athletics is where you can reach your FULL potential if you are willing to give them your potential!

I signed up for the 3 class deal which was 19.99. They called me immediately after signing up…read moreseveral times to schedule my first class and even when I did finally schedule, they were still calling me trying to get me to follow there Facebook, and confirm that I was coming to my class. The staff also would call and ask me several questions about why I'm choosing this gym and just all kinds of unnecessary things in my opinion so I had to quit answering the calls. There's nothing wrong with selling but sheeshhh, the sales thirst is real here. When I arrived to my first class I was given the grand tour then I received my free pair of gloves which were in the color black. I wanted pink instead and had to pay 15$ extra for that. You will also need to purchase wraps for your hands. so keep that in mind. when you purchase the bundle, only the gloves will be free. Long story short, I made it to my first class and loved it. The instructors are really good, and take there time with you. But of course after completing my first class more sales pitching was pushed my way. I wish they would start trying to sell you the membership after your last class which makes sense because damn Pam, its my first class, can I try all 3 to determine whether I want to join or nah? What was more annoying was the membership fee which was a whopping 145$ per month for 12 months! With an initiation fee of 150! but if you sign up your first class (hence why they pitch the member ship to you so soon) the initiation fee will be brought down to 50$. I was sooo looking forward to getting a membership here. I really like this place, its a very fun way of working out compared to the gym but 145$ a month is not affordable for me. I used to belong to Title Boxing and there membership was only 74.99 so I came in expecting a price point of that nature not 145$. Oh well, back to the gym I go.

Don't show up @5:27am for a 5:30 am class when it's raining crazy outside. They lock the door and…read morewon't let you in. The "rule" is 5 min before class they lock the door and no entry, no exceptions. This "rule" is not in the contract but on a note on the front door that you can't read in the dark doorway. Drove 30 mins to be turned away; although the class had not begun and the person at the front had the time to explain the rule at the front door to my face after unlocking said door, she was unrelenting about the "rule". I'm new to the place so I'm very disappointed that this person felt so self empowered to enforce this "rule". Rude is an understatement ! Angry and frustrated is where I am. OMy name was on the class register that day so it's not like I was a random drop in. I have a 3 month contract that I WILL NOT BE RENEWING!!! BE FOREWARNED ABOUT JOINING THIS MILITANT PLACE AND PAYING A VERY STEEP MONTHLY FEE TO BE DENIES ACCESS TO SERVICES YOU PAID FOR! Bravo ILKB Chesapeake

The coaches here are excellent - knowledgeable and good at conveying information. So far, I've…read moretried the Muay Thai, bag class, strength and conditioning, and MMA wrestling classes. All of which are fun while maintaining a good intensity, and there are plenty of women to train with. Everyone I've met have good vibes which also makes training great.

Muay Thai class was so awesome! There is strength and conditioning class as well! I had such a…read morewonderful training!

As a 47 almost 48-year-old with no martial arts experience I was a bit apprehensive about starting…read moremy journey. After a bit of research, it was suggested to train in Muay Thai at my age, after further research, and visiting and speaking with head instructor Wahsei I made the decision to train at Eastern Academy of Mixed Martial Arts. I have been only training, for a little over a month and I am really glad I started Muay Thai and chose to train here. Head instructor Wahsei is extremely patient no matter what your skill level is. He is extremely knowledgeable in a multitude of martial arts and spends a lot of his own resources to attend further trainings and seminars in order to improve upon his own training and teachings. A great example of this, is when I had some issues getting my foot work correct during a drill. Instead of trying to keep the drill up and causing frustration for myself, he switched to two different drills that covered the same exact principle but was easier for more to conceptualize. The students in the classes are very patient as well and are very welcoming. You can easily tell they are well trained, disciplined, and follow the golden rule. If they see you struggle with a concept or drill, they will stop and help you within the moment to get you back up to speed. They understand they were beginners once as well and are always willing to help you. Not a lot of people have that mentality. The facility is well equipped, extremely clean, and always being updated. I have really enjoyed my time here so far. I am starting to feel better about myself and have been getting into a routine for a healthier lifestyle. If you are thinking about a martial art, whatever skill level you are, do not wait (I wish had not) and stop by or contact Head Instructor Wahsei.

My husband and 9yr old son both attend this school...my husband received his black belt from here…read moreand has been at this school for over 10 years and son for almost 5 years I think. Both have learned so much. The head instructor Wahsei is absolutely amazing...he is knowledgeable, patient and thorough. Discipline and confidence are some of the key things he tries to build into his teaching which I appreciate. I would recommend this school to anyone who wants to learn mixed martial arts!

Wow!!!!! This was the beesssstttt workout I have ever had in all my years of being an adult. This…read morewas such an intense workout. I've been wanting to attend a class here for yearssss. But I'm not going to lie I was a little intimidated taking a class when I watch their videos on Instagram. But a couple of days ago. I said to myself life is to short. What the heck! Just go for it. I didn't want to go alone. So I bought my little brother along with me. If you want to take a free intro class just go online to their website and sign up. The intro class is so worth it to actually see what it's all about. I've seen kickboxing on lifetime shows. But let me tell you. It's nothing like what you see on TV and how easy actors and actresses make it seem. It was a serious WORKOUT!!! But a great workout! At one point I did feel a little light headed. And thought I was going to pass the hell out. Lol! Smh! I look over at my little brother like helpppp!!! Lol! I couldn't make it to my water. So I just leaned on the wall to take some deep breaths. I couldn't go out like that and pass out on my first day. Everyone motivates each other. No one judges each other. I loved that! You don't find that at most places. Wow those women and men had me all pump up! I'm trying to be fit this winter just like them! The membership prices weren't to bad too. They also have punch cards for a certain amounts of classes too. I'm not going to share all the juice. Cause what you need to do at this very moment. Yes you can do it!!! Go and sign up for their intro class to see what it's all about. Its super worth it! Then you can go from there!!!

Pretty good gym, but i've never see the owners/main trainer not even once in my time thereread more