Training at SMAC in Plaistow feels like coming home. I've always had a passion for the martial arts…read morebut not the egos or competitiveness. None of that here. The staff is great and the emphasis is on challenging your own self imposed limitations. They WILL give you the tools to transform yourself. I have never found another martial arts community that could deliver that. They have a pedigree you will not find anywhere else. Check their credentials. You will see a LONG line of well respected teachers and masters in their lineage. If getting your lights punched out in a cage and losing teeth in front of a blood-thirsty crowd appeals to you, then you should probably look elsewhere. If you want real-world protection skills and insights on how to accomplish what you need to in your personal life, then be prepared see what you are truly capable of.

if youre looking for trophies find another place if you want to truly defend yourself this…read moreis the place to train self defense for real life

love it here. always clean, staff is friendly and it's never too crowded. locker rooms are spacious…read moreand clean. plenty of parking and a place to lock up your bike.

From the owner: Specializing in: - Martial Arts Instruction…read more- Self Defense Instruction & Equipment

This gym is the first gym I have EVER felt fully comfortable at. The members are all there for the…read moresame reason as me -- to work out, have fun, and gain something bigger and better along the way. The staff here is always so friendly, helpful, and caring. I never feel intimidated to ask if I don't know how to do something, whereas some gyms are full of ego. There are always classes taught by professionals that keep you motivated and moving! I would reccommend this gym 10/10 times. It's like having the option to do crossfit style classes without the price point. Oh-- and the MyZone feature is the coolest thing ever! You can purchase a MyZone heart rate monitor, and see EXACTLY what you've burned, heartrate, and MEPs on a TV screen. I will always be a member here!!

This gym is great I love the high quality equipment, great staff they honestly are amazing and…read morehelpful. Great people that go there too!!! Been going here for a month and I love it however they aren't open very long on the weekends which could be improved and also they don't have a bring a friend policy. I wish they did because of the price you have to pay to go there. 50 dollars isn't too bad I just wish that you could invite a guest and that they were open longer. Otherwise great gym I highly recommend

I started ladies kickboxing classes at Spero's about 4 months ago and since then my 2 kids, ages 8…read moreand 4, have started in the pups classes. I've noticed a dramatic difference in my athletic abilities and I can always count on the coaches to push me to my limits. They give great instruction and make suggestions according to my personal goals. When I started, I had no experience with boxing or kickboxing, now I am confident with my technique and I'm eager to learn more so I recently started jiujitsu and MMA training there as well. The coaches are friendly and no matter if you walk in knowing nothing or have some training already, you'll get an amazing workout and great results! My kids love the classes as well do I and my spouse.

Where to start. Being a 50+ year old woman, who hadn't had a hard work out in a long time and…read morereally wanting to get in better shape. I went in Feb of 2012 and took a free class. Dave worked us pretty hard. But it was such a good hard work out. I figured i better sign up for the next month then and there or I would probably find an excuse not to go back! LOL. The other women (i was clearly the oldest probably by about 15 years) were in various stages of getting in shape and there were some younger HS students as well. Every one of them made me feel welcome, there was no avoiding me because I was the oldest etc. In fact there was this particular exercise that we did and since I was the slowest i was still going to finish my 20 wall touches ( you had to do situps and then run and touch the wall so many times. ) I will NEVER forget how one of the youngest students and one of the 30 year old student , hopped down to the mat and finished them with me and pushed me on and the other students cheered. This isn't just martial arts at Spero's...;this is family. I went there for several months and only stopped when i got a new job with hours til 7 pm, but if I can move up my shift soon by a half hour, i will surely be back! Besides, I need more stripes! Yep I even earned a stripe or two! i also enjoyed going in the cage and working out and sparring! Boxing was my favorite part, the warm up jog my least favorite. When I needed to be pushed Dave knew it and the few things I wasn't able to do physically he knew I tried and that was all he would ask. If nothing else, see if he has any self defense classes coming up. We would do that on Saturdays and it was awesome!! Trust me, you will love this place. I have seen Daves kids classes and those kids have a blast and Dave has boundless energy and patience with them. I will say too that all the men that attend there are polite and eager to encourage everyone too. Its just a great vibe there. I miss all my fellow students and know that you haven't seen the last of me yet! xo