I've trained at quite a few Muay Thai gyms over the years. Like a lot of people who move around,…read moreI've bounced from city to city and tried different spots. Most of them were solid. Good people, good workouts. But Jay's Training Grounds was the first place where things actually clicked for me. What stood out immediately was the way Coach Jay teaches. Instead of just drilling combinations, he breaks down the fundamentals and the reason behind every movement. Footwork, balance, timing, defense, how punches connect with kicks, when to check, when to counter. You start to understand the system instead of just memorizing techniques. That made a huge difference in how fast I improved. The atmosphere is also very genuine. No ego, no intimidation. Just people who want to train hard and get better. Beginners get clear guidance, and more experienced fighters still get technical details that sharpen their game. It feels like an authentic Muay Thai training environment, not a cardio kickboxing class. If you're in the Bay Area and looking for a place to train seriously while still feeling welcome, Jay's Training Grounds is worth checking out. Drop in for a class, talk to the coaches, and see it for yourself. You'll know pretty quickly why so many people stick around.

My Muay Thai journey started back in 2014, and from 2014-2018 I was fully committed to training…read moreuntil life hit me with school, work, and relationships that forced me to step away. During that time, I gained a lot of weight and felt like I lost a big part of myself. When I tried to come back, I found that the gym where I originally started had closed due to rising rent costs. I checked out a few gyms in Oakland, but none of them had that same community vibe where people truly enjoyed Muay Thai for the art and what it represents, I didn't feel welcomed Honestly, I felt lost and thought I'd never find that feeling again. I even considered driving far just to train because I missed Muay Thai so much. That all changed when I came across Coach Jay's bio and saw that he had trained under the same coaches I had when I first started. I looked at the photos, saw the location, and instantly felt the same vibe I'd been searching for. From day one, Coach Jay was welcoming, helped me get my technique back, and I immediately felt the support from the entire team. Since rejoining, I've gone from 260lbs to 210lbs, building muscle along the way thanks to the strength and conditioning classes (something I never had access to before). On top of that, I've been training in boxing, improving and learning a lot, while of course continuing with Muay Thai. I've even competed in a PKB and plan to keep competing in the near future. For me, Muay Thai and boxing here have not only helped me get in shape but also pushed me to grow mentally, physically, and spiritually. The training is tough but motivating, and the team always makes you feel supported like family. Everyone trains hard, but there's also real camaraderie and respect. This gym has given me opportunities to challenge myself in ways I never imagined, from sharpening my technique to stepping into the ring. It's more than just a gym, it's a community that keeps you accountable and pushes you to become the best version of yourself. I'm incredibly grateful to Coach Jay and the gym for helping me return to what I love and for improving my health. If you're serious about training or even just curious to try something new, I can't recommend Jay's Training Grounds enough. - Manny

I started here after a few months of Muay Thai elsewhere. I have participated in Muay Thai, Jiu…read moreJitsu (Gi and no Gi), and wrestling here and can say that all of the instructors care about the growth of the students! The environment is great for anyone who wants to train seriously or get a good workout in.

This gym is like a second family. The coaches are knowledgeable, patient, and push you to improve…read moreno matter your level. Training is challenging but structured in a way that helps you build real skills while getting in shape. What I appreciate most is the culture -- everyone works hard, respects each other, and supports one another. It's not just about fighting; it's about discipline, growth, and learning every day. If you're serious about training MMA, jiu-jitsu, or striking, or just want to learn to defend yourself and become more confident this is the place to be.

i played Division 1 football and this is some of the best training i've experienced in my life…read more many of my friends and family have no joined the gym. one of the last authentic bay area spaces. home to a great space and great coach.

Avoid this place at all costs if you're a young woman. Coach is disrespectful and makes sexual…read morecomments repeatedly in front of others, he cussed me out multiple times in front of everyone & would stop class to argue with people about meaningless things as he has a tendency to argue if you don't give him the answer he's looking for... the classes are rather fitness based than learning Muay Thai or boxing. I was only part of this gym for under 2 months before I had enough

This Muay Thai school has excellent instructors, lots of classes to keep you busy during the week!…read more They do a some classes on Sat as well. Training in Muay Thai especially at this school, you instantly become family. People are friendly and it's open for all ages. It's a great experience especially when you want to get in shape!

My son has been training here since last summer and it's made a difference in his training habits…read moreand time management. Master Cheetah, Ms. Cheetah and all of the instructors are great and I see my son growing and excelling here. The students and family, are all treated, literally like family. I'm so happy that I've found a place for my son to train, enjoy, learn and grow with kids his age. I highly recommend Master Cheetah and his staff at Chaiyo Muaythai.

I've been a member here for a few years now. The clientele is a broad mix of people at all…read moredifferent levels of fitness and with different goals. Despite the name of the place, you shouldn't think of it as only an MMA gym. They cater to a wide variety of people and I LOVE that. It's clear that the owner, Nick cares about his gym. The facility is spacious, and super clean! All of the classes they offer challenge you until the end and they're various types of classes so you will definitely never get bored! I've gone to a number of gyms over the years and tried personal training a few times. The owner, Nick is extremely knowledgable, and he's the first trainer I've worked with who actually keeps my goals and my fitness level in mind on an ongoing basis. I have been working of mental and physical goals and Nick has helped me achieve a lot of those. If you want a gym that you can feel comfortable in and feel like home -- look no further!

I was a little apprehensive when my son asked to join Bravo Zulu, bc I kept thinking of Cobra Kai…read more(the original Karate Kid version w/ Johnny.) But boy, was I wrong. Coach Nick, an Oakland resident, is strict but kind, and conducts the class in a calm manner. It's strictly a gym that conducts mma classes, not a weird "yes sensei!" dojo situation that I was afraid it would be. It's been really good for my son, learning discipline and hard work in what he calls a "very friendly environment." No "sweep the knee" situation here.

One of the greatest boxing gyms in the greater Bay Area. Old school boxing, with old-school boxing…read morerules. A true boxers, paradise.

Old-school boxing gym…read more I read about this place in the 3/23/25 SF Chronicle newspaper and went to buy a t-shirt for a friend who is a long-time boxing aficionado. Located in a short cul de sac next to the frontage road just east of highway 880. Parking was haphazard. Was greeted by Celeste King, who owns and operates the gym now. Inside it's like a scene out of a boxing movie, old school and serious business. There's an elevated ring where two boxers were sparring, guys skipping rope, hitting the heavy & speed bags. Hundreds of posters and photos adorn the walls and ceilings, including ones that proclaim this the home of Andre Ward! I bought a t-shirt with their logo for a very reasonable $20. When my buddy visits me again I'll bring him here, he'll luv it no doubt.

My son participates in their Kids BJJ program. He is 4 years old. It is awesome! It has taught him…read morea great awareness of his body and movements, which is what we wanted. It also further enhances his understanding of discipline and its benefits. The coaches are sweet and encouraging. Coaches Gabby and Alberto is the best! Diogo, who runs this program, is great at communicating and gets back to you within 24 hours. Our family is really enjoying this program.

This is my home gym…read more I love the atmosphere that Diogo has created at our academy; we train to defend ourselves, but we also take care of each other as teammates both on and off the mats. Good people. Solid teammates. Relaxed atmosphere. No "bullshido." Come train at Rio Combat!

People of color: please be careful. Absolutely horrible experience with some of the staff. Staff…read moremember lied about a conversation we had to get me removed. I asked him for his help with billing at the front desk, he was extremely rude to me, when I called him out on it...he made up a lie that -" I slammed my hand on the table and caused a scene"...and then I just walked away after the scene and just went and did a class.....in a room with 40 people ... no one else saw this. The people they have running this place .... Genuinely sad...they will lie on people of color blatantly.

I've been going to Woodenman for about 4 months now and it's been a great experience. I started…read morewith zero Muay Thai experience/taking the intro classes and have worked my way up to being comfortable in the group classes. All the coaches are welcoming, patient and knowledgeable, and it's always such a killer workout as well. Another plus is that the gym is always clean and tidy whereas some other martial arts gyms I've been to have been noticeably more grungy. Everyone I've met at the gym have also been very friendly so the community aspect is really great too.