Larry is everything you want from a boxing and kickboxing instructor. He makes your workouts FUN…read moreand something you look forward to, and is REALLY skilled at progressing you from your current level to a level you never expected, both with your skills and any changes in your body you want to see from training. Larry is a professional fighter, and you can tell he loves it. Plus, he's humble and he listens really well. In your sessions, you can tell from his focused attention and warm energy that really cares about YOU and you feel pretty confident that that he knows how to coach you. That's a rare combination in a trainer, and he's got it. I can't say enough good things about Larry!

My son has been coming here for a little over a year. All the instructors are great, they are very…read morepatient with the kids and make sure their doing things correctly. The atmosphere is great and my son loves coming here

Great martial arts gym for children and adults. Friendly staff that take time to provide individual…read morehelp at all skill levels.

I've been training in Muay Thai for about a year before coming RCA. I have been training at RCA for…read moreabout a month, and I feel like I have grown exponentially. Coach Jamie and Coach Isaac really pay attention to detail when we're training. They make adjustments to our technique when we need it, they motivate us during work outs, and they create a safe space to learn and grow. I am happy with the calisthenic workouts, pad work and advice they have provided. They really create a family environment! The community at RCA reflects this. I am excited to continue my Muay Thai journey with RCA!

Great place to learn Muay Thai/Self Defense. I have been training under Coach Isaac and Coach Jamie…read morefor a few years now and there's always something new to learn from these two. They have so much integrity, so much passion, and a drive to help their community through their love of Muay Thai. As someone who has explored many of the martial arts gym out here in the valley, nothing compares to the character these two coaches have. If you want to start learning self defense, this is the place to go. Even if you're solo, this gym will treat you with respect and will treat you like family no matter what background you have. Overall, this is an ego free gym, so definitely leave that cockiness and bad energy at home. Isaac and Jamie definitely makes every class fun, and I have lost weight ever since joining this gym.

Ground Up Muay Thai has Amazing Coaches. Not only do they show commitment, respect and patience,…read morethey teach the proper techniques of the sport to the students. Ground Up shares a true passion of the sport and makes everyone feel welcome. THANK YOU Team.

From the owner: Here at Ground Up Muay Thai, we help everyone stay active, lose weight, meet new friends, build…read morecharacter, learn self-defense, build self confidence, while training in one of our classes. Beginner - Advance Classes MUAY THAI F.I.T (fast, intense, training)

Great coaches. Matt is very knowledgeable and respectable. The gym is clean and sanitary. I've been…read moregoing here for like 2.5 months, and I am very impressed with the establishment. Sawadee ka

Ok. I went in to observe a class and I was happy to see first rate instruction from a knowledge…read morepractitioner with over eight years experience in Muay Thai. The class started with a warm up which is very good at reducing injuries. The movements and strikes were explained in detail and then demonstrated. Students were carefully observed and given feedback on how they were performing. Praise if doing well and helpful critique if they needed improvement. There was an positive atmosphere in the class and everyone worked together as a team. I immediately signed up after observing the class. They do not lock you into a long term contract. You can go month to month if you'd like. That was refreshing. Their rates are very reasonable for the quality of instruction you are receiving. I went to my first class the next day and received excellent instruction on striking and defense. It was a very good workout as well as teaching self defense and the art of Muay Thai. I will be a student here for a long time. F.Y.I. - they also offer a cardio kickboxing class that'll get you in shape quickly. Give them a try, I highly recommend it.

The effort the coaches puts into these kids is pretty incredible. My son started as a shy 4 year…read moreold, after a year he has learned so much. Everyday there's a new life skill to learn from the coaches which has helped him with his Manners and Confidence. To all the Coaches and Helpers, Thank you so much.

Castro MMA has been such an incredible experience for us. The coaches pour into these kids in the…read morebest way, teaching not just skill, but discipline, confidence, and respect. You can see it in how the kids show up for each other too. The support, encouragement, and teamwork they demonstrate truly reflects the values being instilled here. So grateful to be part of this community.

Being a father of 2 boys and a Peace Officer, I wanted to ensure my boys learned to defend…read morethemselves, self respect, respect for others. I brought both of them to the Dojo to try out a class and they both loved it. Now they look forward to every class and are sure to try their "new moves" on me at home. Seeing the positive impact Sensai Jason and Cortez Full Circle was having on my boys, I decided I would sign up myself. Since signing up just 3 months ago, I have gotten in much better shape, met new friends from all walks of life and I have began to learn ways to defend myself to help ensure I make it home to my family. I would recommend, training at Cortez Full Circle to anyone. It doesn't matter where you come from, or what you believe in, you are welcome to come give Jiu Jitsu a try and will be welcomed with open arms just as I was! Lastly, I'd like to touch on some of the negative reviews that are on here. Sensai Jason and Lillie are 2 amazing people who I believe are out here making a difference in the world. When my boys and I signed up, everything was explained to us in complete detail and further explained if I didn't quite understand something. I am sorry you had a negative experience but Sensai Jason and Lillie are here to help and never ever in the business to do people wrong. I will continue to support Cortez Full Circle as they are making a positive impact on both my life and the future of my boys. Do not let a couple people, out of the thousands Sensai Jason has trained sway your drive or decision on giving Cortez Full Circle a try!!!! I'll see ya on the mat!!!!! If you are not training, someone, somewhere is, and when you meet, he will win!!!!!

Enrolled my 8 year here about 4 months ago. We came from another studio that was just too cramped…read more Its been a great place to be. Academy offers more that Jui jitsu which is nice to keep training options open and fun. Sensei Jason and his helpers are great and keep students focused on the mat.

I have been to a few MMA gyms in my life. I did attend this gym for several years when I attended…read moreundergrad at UC Merced. To any UC kids reading this, COME HERE. This place is legit. First of all, if you're a noob, don't be scared. The people here are the kinds of people that will make you grow smarter and stronger. If you don't get stronger, neither do they. So you WILL be able to learn. BJJ takes time to get good at. I'm just a blue belt, but even THAT took me years to obtain. And I still suck a*s. But if you keep coming here, you will become a better person. Second, Professor Marcos is a very good man. He sticks up for the little guys and will make sure you are ALWAYS safe while rolling. If some bigger person is slamming you to the ground, Marcos will put an end to it. And if not him, then someone else will. Marcos cares about everyone, and it shows. Marcos teaches the most realistic moves for self-defense, and he knows A LOT. Third, the people here are amazing. Amy working the front desk is dope. Dragon is super dope. Everyone here is dope. I'm not sure who still attends this place, but I'm sure the rest of the people there all have a good heart. I never encountered a bully when I attended here. I'm not sure the price nowadays, but it's still dirt cheap for the quality of training you will receive here. I have attended a Ralph Gracie gym, and it was trash. Super expensive, and I encountered bullies there. This place is not only reasonably priced; you also get great friends here. No bullies go here. I miss this place. About once a year you can train with Grandmaster Flavio Behring. If you've never met him, you must. It's an amazing and unforgettable experience that not even the "Gracie's" can brag about. Another perk is that you can attend the other gyms affiliated with this place. Like the Oakdale gym. I hate the Central Valley, so I'll never live here again. But if you're in the area and you're looking for a place to train, this is it ladies and gentlemen. You have the BEST MMA gym in CA right here in the middle of nowhere Merced. Any UC kid reading this should check it out. Your first class is free.

Awesome instructor! They have helped my boys out with not only their Jiu Jitsu and Wrestling…read moreskills, but also their self confidence. I definitely recommend them to everyone.

This is a great place to train. The people are amazing and make anyone feel welcome. The classes…read moreare great and support anyone from beginner to advanced. It is a gym that simply feels right, a gym where you know you can count on the person beside you.

Amazing gym, family focused, clean with great staff. all levels help one another, from just for fun…read moreto tournament focused they offer classes and training for you. Reasonably priced. Focused on safety while maintaining proper technique. Family owned and ran. Gym feels like extended family. Positive confidence building atmosphere. Highly recommend!