I took the Women's Basics course after moving to LA and it changed my life! I would sign all of my…read morefriends up for this class if I could. This course teaches essential skills for verbal de-escalation, boundary setting, and physical self-defense, but what really sets it apart is how those skills are ingrained through fully-adrenalized, full-force fight scenarios. That, and the fact that the IMPACT instructors are phenomenal. I'm always impressed by their attentiveness, innovative teaching techniques, and their emphasis on students' safety during physical confrontations. Since taking the Basics course, I've successfully used verbal de-escalation tools twice in real-life situations, including during a frightening incident when a muscular man ran straight at me and blocked my path while I was walking in my neighborhood. I've also applied the skills I've learned in the workplace and most other areas of life. It may sound hyperbolic, but the class really changed how I walk through the world. If you can't commit to the full Basics course, consider taking the Intro Class. It's a great place to start. IMPACT also offers an advanced course and a "Defense Against the Armed Assailant" course for those who have completed the Basics. I took both and highly recommend!

10/10 HIGHLY RECOMMEND! I had wanted to take a Basics class for a long time but kept putting it off…read more(so nervous) but one day I thought JUST DO IT, and I'm so glad I did! It's not like martial arts, there's not a ton of fancy tricks; it's accessible and practical skills..AND you get to fight an actual person. I didn't just learn skills to defend myself, I learned about what I was actually capable of. It changed my life! Can't recommend enough!

Great exercise program for my son with autism. If you have an SDP, I highly recommend giving it a…read moretry.

I started with FightFit to cross train a different sport -- it's been great for building endurance…read moreand speed -- but have stayed on because it's really fun. I never liked open group boxing classes -- it was hard to figure out what to do as an absolute beginner, and the environments never felt very welcoming. FightFit is the opposite of that. The coaches are terrific and they meet you where you are. They do work to find the right fit for your personality and goals, which I appreciate. And they fight traffic to come to you, so you don't have to.

Even after reading negative reviews - I made a mistake and I joined this jiu-jitsu studio over the…read moresummer. This studio has plenty of complaints all over their yelp about horrible billing practices, not offering make-up classes (when out of town), etc. But because it is so close to where we live, I decided to give it a try. When I signed up, I was explicitly told that the membership was month-to-month and that I could cancel at any time. When summer break ended, I called to suspend my membership, but it was very difficult to reach anyone. I called the studio multiple times and left several messages with no response, which made the cancellation process unnecessarily frustrating. Eventually, I reached someone, but I was told that the next month had already been charged and that I would not receive a refund. They agreed to cancel the membership going forward. However, when the following month came, I was charged again. I went into the studio to resolve the issue and was told they use a third-party billing company and that they "have no control" over billing, and that I would need to contact the billing company myself. The staff was unhelpful and took no responsibility for resolving the problem. Based on my experience, this studio seems far more focused on collecting payments than on customer service or student satisfaction. If you're considering joining, I would strongly recommend looking elsewhere and being very cautious about their billing practices.

Been training at PKG for almost two years now. The coaches Rod Malek and Stephanie Ruiz helped…read moretransform me from a total beginner to an advanced Muay Thai fighter. The greatest strengths of PKG are the community, culture, and coaching staff. I have made true friendships at PKG, it's more than just training. There's a very strong sense of family in the gym. The staff and coaches do a great job creating a culture of strength, humility, and most importantly: fun. The coaches are PKG's greatest strength. Their high expertise and kindness allows them to develop fighters from every level of skill. They know how to help complete beginners and highly advanced fighters. I love this gym with my whole heart. Daniel Fenex.

I had a great experience training with Elliot! He is incredibly knowledgeable, patient, and…read moreempowering. He made sure everyone felt comfortable and capable, no matter their skill level. His teaching style is clear, hands-on, and practical, focusing on real-life situations to help us feel more confident and prepared. What I loved most is his supportive and encouraging approach--he truly wants every woman to feel strong and safe. I walked away not just with valuable self-defense skills, but also with a newfound sense of empowerment. Highly recommend his classes to anyone looking to build confidence and personal safety! I was the type of person to go into freeze mode and lock up during tough situations, after taking his class, I'm more confident that I will react more quickly with the skills I've acquired. Ladies, don't wait on this one. Take the 4-hour much needed class for every woman!

I took, my two daughters and I to Elliott for his conscious defense class because I wanted to be…read moresure to do so before my oldest went off to college. I'm very glad I did-this class started with something I'd never thought about before, a question about what you'd be willing to do if faced with a situation where you needed to defend yourself physically from an attacker. The question is important because it was followed by learning all the techniques for doing so, and they essentially consist of doing things to another human being that I hope I will never be faced with having to do, to say the least (but look out if you try to attack me!). I have seen changes in my daughters and myself already, for example my oldest told me about her new habit of what she now does when she enters a dark parking garage at night. Thank you, Elliott, for imparting such a wealth of safety information to us.

I have been training here for several months now and by far THE BEST and most professional and…read moreknowledgeable instructors. JJ does an amazing job and is the best instructor period. I have made sure to tell anyone interested in training to go to Sparta Academy. Thank you, JJ, and team.

when I worked in the private security business I was looking for a martial arts gym since we were…read moreexperiencing a healthy amount of physical altercations at the bars and clubs we serviced. A friend recommended this Sparta Academy so I called and spoke with one of the instructors. Mind you, I was already sold by my friend's recommendation and I wanted to sign up for the annual package that day. I called and was polite over the phone but right off the bat the guy was already annoyed by me calling. I asked if they taught street self defense such as how to defend yourself against an armed attacker with a knife, gun, 2X4, etc. and he became very rude after that. As if that question was offensive but to the other Martial art gyms I called that question didn't phase them. I didn't think that was an out of pocket question because I have been to gyms that solely focus on MMA cage fighting and they do not teach you how to disarm weapons from an attacker. Another important question I had was the parking since in LA it's insane finding street parking and I told him that I am very big on being on time. Then he threw a light insult at me insinuating that I must be late all the time for me to ask that. The final jab for me was when he told me that they have a parking structure available for their students located at the plaza their gym is at so I drive down there after the call and was still willing to sign up but as I pulled in to the parking lot the tenant yelled and stopped me telling me I cannot park down there then I told him I was trying to get to Sparta Academy and the tenant said that I needed to find parking on the street. I drove around and I couldn't find street parking for 15+ minutes so I just left and went to another MMA gym located 45 minutes away from me and just signed up with their annual package instead just because they were kind. It sucks because I just got a bad vibe all around from this gym and I pass it everyday since it's right near me. I was excited but I guess god really didn't want me to go here. It's like a fat person walking into the gym, if the receptionist is hostile over the phone they will go somewhere else that is inviting even if its a farther drive.

The Sensei has been studying karate for over 60 years. He is amazing. The family atmosphere is…read morewonderful as well as the training. I find it very spiritual as well as maintaining good physical fitness. I highly recommend.

My daughter has been a part of this dojo for 10 years, we love it! Sen-sei Vassie is an amazing…read moreman. They are all family to us.

We love West LA Jiu Jitsu! The discipline, sparring, techniques, and fun it adds to my kids (9 &7)…read moreis so great! Coach Dennis and all the teachers are excellent in communicating and encouraging the kids to reach their potential and grow in knowledge of strength and technique. And they have so much fun! And it's such a wonderful community on the westside- a true little family!

From the owner: At West LA Jiu Jitsu Academy, we are committed to fostering a nurturing environment where…read moreindividuals can thrive both physically and mentally. Our mission is to cultivate not only skilled martial artists but also confident and resilient individuals. We believe in the power of diversity and inclusivity, creating a space where everyone is encouraged to grow and learn at their own pace. Our values are rooted in respect, discipline, and community, guiding every aspect of our training and interactions

Sensei Bill is absolutely outstanding. My older son has been training with him for two years, and…read morethe growth in his confidence, focus, and discipline has been incredible to watch. He looks forward to every class, which says everything about the energy and dedication Sensei Bill brings to his students. Now my younger son, who just turned 2.5, is already itching to join. It is a true testament to how fun, welcoming, and inspiring the environment is. Sensei Bill has a rare gift for meeting kids at their level while still instilling respect, perseverance, and a love for martial arts. We feel so lucky to be part of Brentwood Martial Arts & Fitness. Sensei Bill is the heart of the dojo, and I cannot recommend him enough.

We love the ultimate self-defense! The instructors are knowledgeable, fun, and very well skilled!…read moreThe private lessons and group classes make our experience so much fun! Thank you for allowing us to be part of the ZUltimate family.

Truly an honor being able to learn from a world champion. He's motivating, smart, competent and…read morepatient. Will train you in a way that's motivating without unnecessarily pushing you to injury. No boot camp screaming or disrespect. Just great informative teaching by a world class Muay Thai, Boxing, and MMA, expert. So surprised that there aren't a ton of 5 star reviews. He offers one on one training that you can't find for this proce point. 5 stars for sure.

Amir is an amazing Muay Thai trainer. This was my first time and it was one on one. He was patient…read moreand kind as he helped me deliver some punches. Very kind and informative! I hope he succeeds in his business

Sensei Neda is a great teacher. My son has learnt a lot…read morefrom Sensei Neda, her traditional karate has given my son self esteem and confidence. I recommend her whole heartedly.

Neda Alborzi is very dedicated to her students and not only teaches them Martial Arts but also how…read moreto be a better person. I highly recommend her school.