My two sons have been coming here about 5 or 6 months. They learning discipline, body control and awareness, and becoming fit. All I ask from my sons is that they put in the effort and improve just a little more every time they come to class. We've seen those small improvements that end up being big improvements when added altogether. Overall very happy with Roots. Impressed how much you can get for the price - and we only go to the Muay Thai classes. The only downsides I can think of is - Limited parking - Pretty crowded classes (but not overly) - very small entryway. Hard to get in and out But those are all negligible tbh. read more

The coaches run a great gym for both kids and adults. Everyone is respectful and help each other out. The quality of training is great as well. Whether you're looking for fitness or planning on competing, this place will get you in shape and will get you ready. The owners take a lot of effort into finding tournaments and finding accomodations for the fighters. Best place to train in the area. read more

Our family has been training at Roots for the past three years, and it has truly become a second home for us. Before Roots, we spent several years at another gym, but when it shut down due to Covid, we decided to give Roots a try--and it turned out to be the best thing that came out of the pandemic. Roots is more than just a gym; it's a family-friendly environment where both adults and youth can learn authentic Muay Thai and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, all under one roof. The coaches here are phenomenal--highly skilled, knowledgeable, and deeply passionate about martial arts. They provide structured material and a clear path for learning, making it easy to see consistent progress whether you're a beginner or experienced. One of the things we love most is how inclusive the gym is. Whether you're single or have a family, Roots has a place for you. For us, it's been incredible watching our youngest son thrive. He's not only learning the true discipline of martial arts but also gaining confidence, focus, and life skills that will stay with him forever. If you're looking for a gym where you'll feel supported, challenged, and welcomed, Roots is it. We're so grateful we found this place--it's truly one of the best decisions we've made as a family! read more

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Coach appears to be very engaged in being a teacher. He's patient with kids and also tough. Great combination to teach kids to learn how to build on confidence IMO. read more

Tried out gyms in the area and this one is by far the best! The coach focuses a lot on technique so if you're trying to get good this is definitely the place! I feel like I learned more in just a couple classes than a month at my original gym. read more

Long overdue review. Roots has a welcoming environment for newcomers to Muay Thai and BJJ. Having experienced what it's like to be here for a year now, it has me motivated to show up everyday. Everyone here lifts each other up and works to become a better version of themselves everyday. This isn't a cardio kickboxing / Muay Thai gym- the coaches here try their hardest to teach you real techniques and solid foundations... the fitness levels skyrocketing is just a bonus. The coaches pay attention and understand everyone improves at their own speed, so they won't generalize what you need to work on. They will observe and make sure you're tweaking techniques you need to work on, little by little before moving on to the next (it's a life-long game of improving). I'm glad I stepped into this gym. read more

Why I like this place: The coaches are experts in their field. Passion, Integrity and discipline are the staple of their practice. You can see the many years of combined experience that they bring to the table. There are no handouts here and is as real as you can get with the coaches and the staff. Do you want to know Who our coaches are? Come Take a free class or observe one! ..... What keeps us coming back and referring their classes and location ..... There is a welcoming vibe with anyone who walks in from novice to experienced. As you become familiar with the coaches and their philosophy of educating, their students, you begin to understand that there is a deeply seeded root in their dedication to educated our youth in the importance of respect for self and others, having discipline and self-control, and being a teammate who encourages their colleagues. Kids are learning to be a leader and utilize feedback as fuel to strengthen skill sets. Our coaches see the kids who show up day after day to practice and the potential that these kids have along with consistent dedication, passion and heart. ...What they are Not.... This isn't just a day to day after school program, this isn't something to just keep them busy, there are no babysitters here where you drop off and leave and pick up. This is a family. This is a community that you become a part of even if just a spectator or a parent of a child who participates. Often you will see parents here, tailgating outside their trucks and cars with camping chairs outside talking about their kids and the tournaments that they'll be attending in the near future. It is a close knit family, and we build within the community of ROOTS. These coaches show up not only for their practice each day / six days a week, but they also show up for all the various tournaments for jiujitsu and Mui Thai that are held all throughout Northern and Southern California even as far as Arizona to support their students and ensure that they have a Squad riding behind them! ...When... Classes vary by age group. Best place to check is their website for most accurate classes offered each month. They also offer a trial if you're interested. read more

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Updated Review: It's been almost 9 years since I joined Roots. I appreciate Roots more now than I did when I first started. I moved across the Bay but will still drive from Daly City to attend class. I've tried other gyms near me and it just made me appreciate the coaches and team at Roots even more. No matter where I go, this place will always feel like home when I am there. This goes without saying but I highly recommend everyone come by and join the Roots family. read more

Great BJJ classes. Instructor is very knowledgable and the team is there is great and willing to teach you after class. Its a great environment to be in. read more

I've trained at Roots for about a year and it's my first and only Muay Thai gym (after trying out a few others). I've never done a striking sport before and began this journey (past age 40) as a way to challenge both my body and mind and shake up my comfortable suburban reality. Since I began, what started as a hobby has turned into a lifestyle. Coach Jaimie is, in no other words, amazing - IF you trust in the process and embrace the journey. Most gyms have charismatic coaches, who specialize in getting you in the door and keeping you comfortable (and paying dues). The coaching here, however, is intended to keep you slightly uncomfortable, and does so through individualized attention and feedback. No matter your level, there's always room for improvement and the pervasive ethos is one of mutually supportive growth. Fundamentals are drilled and reinforced in a physically safe and welcoming environment. This is definitely NOT a McDojo - advancements are purely merit based. You always are given a higher standard to strive for and the constant pursuit of improvement keeps me coming back for more. Roots is, in many ways, contrary to modern life. They prioritize long term, sustainable growth over instant gratification; personal development over ego. Admittedly, it is not for everyone, but if these qualities are what you value, come on down and let's grow together! read more

I took my kid to this gym and coach Barry assaulted my son. He was upset because my son rolled with his son and his son tapped. He was very aggressive towards my under age son. Clearly his ego has hurt that his kid that has been training since he was 4 was tapped by a kid that has only 3 years in the sport. Barry unfortunately is the owner of this place so he feels he has the right to be this abusive. I saw how aggressive he was towards my son, so i asked my son to respectfully decline future rolls with him. The next time in class my son was asked to roll with him but i had warned my son not to. After class my son and I were kicked out of the gym because he didn't like that my son declined his offer to roll. He made another coach say my son was disrespectful for declining to roll with him. I hope this doesn't happen to anyone else. read more

Roots offers Muay Thai training for all types of individuals. Whether you want to compete in Muay Thai, get in better shape, or even just to learn the art without having to compete - its all there! Coach Barry will take your standup game to a whole new level! It's not just a cookie cutter type class. He really gets you to think about technique and is always willing to give one on one coaching. His knowledge of the fight game is second to none. And yes, his teaching is that good, but him as a human being is even better. A very humble and wise dude and it resonates throughout the entire gym. All egos left at the door. Coach Jaime teaches the basics and intermediate adult class, as well as the entire kids class. His teaching methods go hand in hand with Barry's. The kids really gravitate to his style of teaching. He has the PERFECT blend of serious/fun with the kiddies. The kids class speaks for itself, it's packed! He also teaches M-F 12pm class, which is perfect for days I can't make it in the evening. Professor Vitor is the head instructor for the Brazilian Jiu Jitsu program and is a black belt from the Caio Terra lineage. He is all about attention to details and really ingraines each drill step by step, to ensure efficiency! We truly are fortunate to have his world class jiu jitsu being taught at Roots! A really good dude! I wish he taught a morning or afternoon class at Roots. The other coaches Chris and Ben work with beginners in Muay Thai and BJJ. Those two have been there since inception and are core members of the gym. There are also plenty of students (outside of the coaches) that will also help some of the other students. Everyone like I mentioned is so cool, chill, and friendly! Roots is basically my second home. I can't imagine being anywhere else. read more

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Long overdue review and I'm surprised there hasn't been much recent reviews given how crowded this place can get. I've been at Roots for over a year now and so far loving it! I've tried out several fight gyms and I would say Roots has the best coaches and structure relative to other gyms that I've tried, and the main reason why I switched over from another one. I do Muay Thai only so can't speak on the other classes, but I've heard only good things. What sets Roots apart from the other gyms can best be summarized into the following: 1) Excellent coaches and classes that focuses on techniques and safety, while building up your cardio. Coach Jaime is extremely passionate at teaching and he's by far one of the best coaches I've seen. He is not shy about providing constructive feedback and will call out bad habits that may result in injury to yourself and/or others. That's what a martial arts gym need. I can't tell you how many times I've witnessed students and even coaches getting injured/hurt because of the lack of safety and common sense. Also, he knows what each person needs to work on which is quite impressive given the hundreds of students he sees everyday. You don't just follow combos like a robot, Jaime explains why things are done a certain way which I feel like most coaches I've trained under don't explain in that level of detail. Understanding why helps me remember these details faster and incorporate into my training. The other coaches (Barry, Chris, etc) are also great! They know their stuff and are super friendly. Coach Barry teaches the sparring class and he gives more advance drills for students to work on, while making sure each student is improving. He also spars with his students which is hard to find nowadays! Coach Chris teaches the intro classes and he occasionally goes around and provides little feedback to improve your game. 2) Great community. No egos and everybody just wants to improve. I never once felt uncomfortable or at risk while sparring at this gym. I used to get lots of cuts/bruises from sparring, and even though I feel more challenged here, I end up with less cuts/bruises now. They focus on technical sparring and are careful who they allow to spar. I feel like that is extremely important, especially being a female and lighter than most people. The more advanced folks are friendly and match to your level and speed so you don't feel like you're getting beat up. 3) You'll progress and improve if you continuously take the classes. As I mentioned earlier, bad habits will be called out and the structure of class will encourage you to improve and focus. Also the cost is much more affordable relative to other gyms! Because of these pros, they easily can overlook the cons (e.g. parking is limited, equipment in need of upgrade, MT classes late at 730, packed gym, etc.). Those can easily be fixed, but finding good coaches and a family friendly environment is hard to find. Thanks Roots for existing! read more

Long overdue review for Roots Kickboxing. I've trained Muay Thai here for almost 6 years and I can confidently say this is the best gym in the Bay Area. The coaches at Roots are top notch and the technique taught is like no other. You can see and feel the dedication and passion they have for martial arts. I highly recommend Roots to people who want to start something new or to those who love the sport. Shout out to the best coaches, Jamie, Barry, Vitor and Chris! read more

I've been training Muay Thai at Roots for 6 months now and I can say that you get such a high quality coaching here from all the coaches -- even the smallest details are being observed and corrected. If you like detailed learnings and a sense of community, Roots is your gym. read more

The front desk person who runs the gym is extremely rude. He yelled at my 7yo in front of whole crowd and for a reason that even years old attune to do. Jamie, I think his name is, I called him Coach so I don't remember his name. He is the main guy in the front. He need to work on his basic courtesy and communication. This is the third time he has been disrespectful with his foul tongue. I am taking my Son out of here. The other Teachers are good and dedicated trainers. read more

I can't say enough great things about Roots. Our son has been training in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Muay Thai for a few years now, and he really loves it. His coaches in BJJ (Coach Vitor, Coach Barry) and Muay Thai (Coach Jamie) are World Class teachers. They truly have a command of the art of teaching martial arts to children, they are on-point with their methods and approach, and it shows it how much the kids truly understand and respect the discipline, and progress. I am most impressed with the lessons of sportsmanship, work ethic, effort, and achievement ... and it doesn't hurt that in our son's first BJJ Tournaments, the whole crew, coaches, teammates, and parents ... were all united together to root the kids on. It is a Family environment, and we are so fortunate we found such a great place, very close to home. Thank you Coach Jamie, Coach Vitor, Coach Barry, and all of the Roots Family, we really appreciate you all! read more

I have been at the gym for a while now. I can't say enough good things about the people and coaches at the gym. Martial arts is a tight-knit community; during this training, we find many things about ourselves as individuals. I can't say thank you enough to our coaches Jaime and Barry (Muay Thai) for the time they take to put into each of us. Through my time at the gym I have grown personally, became mentally stronger, and have gained great friends and get to be apart of this amazing community. read more

It's a great place to learn a life long skill the people are welcoming and supportive

This is a long overdue review! I trained at Roots for about 2.5 years and I can honestly say this is one of the better Muay Thai gyms in the East Bay. The instructors here really focus on drilling the basics and correcting any bad habits. This gym helped refine my Muay Thai foundation and I'd recommend them to anyone looking to train in the East Bay! read more

My wife and I trained in Muay Thai at Roots for 6 months in 2021. Roots is an authentic martial arts gym, complete with a boxing ring. The students at Roots are very nice and serious about their training. Coach Jaime is one of the best martial arts teachers I've ever had. His physical IQ is very high and he is excellent at explaining techniques to his students. read more

Whether your goal is to learn Muay Thai/Brazilian Jiu Jitsu or just get in shape, I highly recommend Roots. I started attending the Muay Thai classes about a month ago and I'm addicted! Beginners are taught by Chris to get you up to speed. After a couple weeks, you join the rest of the class which is taught by Jamie. Both of them are very patient, and legitimately love teaching. You can tell they are passionate about their craft. Although the evening classes can get crowded, they will find their way to you for some individual lessons. Also, they have great attention to detail. They will not allow you to form bad habits. Each class is different, and you will always learn something new. Most importantly, the entire Roots community is very supportive. You're not alone in the struggle. Everyone leaves drenched in sweat with feelings of accomplishment. If you have at least some interest, don't hesitate. Go train. read more

Best place to get your workout on - whether it's improving your cardio, conditioning, bjj, or muay thai experience, Roots is the place to go! Instructors are extremely personable and will help you throughout the classes to ensure you're using the proper technique. Carl T. - best conditioning/cardio coach ever. Inspirational and charismatic to the beat. He will motivate you and get you sweating. Not only that, he will adjust the daily workouts to make sure it fits YOUR speed. I've trained under him for at least a year and lost 10-15lbs in fat. (I went from 140lbs to 125lbs) He's a great nutritionist/health advisor since he's given me strict yet manageable diets due to my work schedule. Jamie, Ben, Chris, and Barry are amazing muay thai instructors! Unlike other commercial gyms where I didn't get the personal experience, these guys will help correct your stance, balance, footwork, technique, and anything you need help with. An abundance of equipment to train with, the members are truly amazing and are helping you every step of the way. p.s. great for kids classes too! woop woop! read more

Roots Kickboxing - Class schedule - Brazilian Jiu-jitsu Near Me - Union City, California

My daughter started at Roots about a month ago and it's now one of her favorite activities. In this day and age all kids should be able to protect themselves. She was shy at first about taking a class since she wasn't sure if it was a "girl" activity. But the coaches recognized this and made her feel comfortable. Coach Jaime and Coach Barry are excellent teachers!!! They are very patient with the kids from the youngest to the oldest in the class. They make learning fun and the children respond very well to their method of teaching. They take their martial arts VERY SERIOUS but they also keep the environment non-threatening and no pressure to the beginners. I looked around a lot of places before finally choosing Roots. The times worked well for us and their prices were very competitive compared to the other schools in the area. So if you've been looking for a great school with great instructors there really isn't any need to look any further then ROOTS! read more

Roots Kickboxing - Ready for action - Brazilian Jiu-jitsu Near Me - Union City, California

Worst place ever disrespectful I did not like how he talk to my lil sister not a nice instructor this is not meant for kids sorry won't be taking my lil sister here no more read more

Signed my kids up for the MT classes and they love it! Coach Jamie is great at teaching technique, discipline, and has such a good fun sense of humor. read more

(FOR YOUTH CLASS) UPDATE FEBRUARY 2016: My last review was in August of 2014. My little brother, Aus has started off with private lessons to get him up to speed with the rest of the class and get him actually interested in the art. It didn't take him long to develop his interest and it's been a year since Aus took began practicing here. He has improved on his behavior- slowly but surely- with the help of coach Jaime and professor Kim. Classes are 6 days a week, kick boxing on MWF, jiu jitsu on T TH Sat mornings and each class is an hour long. If you can't make it, no worries. Both coaches are wonderful and the class size is not ridiculous to where the kids are horsing around. The kids get to interact with one another, they get a good workout, and the coaches are both stern, understanding, patient, and knowledgable. They are keen on improvement and are very encouraging. They acknowledge the amount of effort put in by their students and their improvement, no matter how small. Coaches are also quick to correct student behavior and technique. After a year here, I can safely say that both coaches are passionate about their arts and the development of the kids. Note: if you're a parent interested in this place for your kids, you need to sign your kids in at drop off (or later on during class) and your kids cannot walk out without your presence. Safety first. If you're looking for a clean, safe, fun, learning environment for you or your kids, this is the place for you. And pricing doesn't even compare to the other places (Thank God, I'm trying to eat too, you know). If you have any questions, the coaches can be a little busy but their phone number is available and they get back to you in a timely manner, you can also visit their website to schedule a trial class and I think there's a groupon floating around... hmmmmm... you're welcome (: PAST REVIEW IN AUGUST 2014: I have yet to actually enroll my little brother here but I have visited twice to talk to him about the possibility. I have taken him to 3 other places, one was not structured enough, one teacher couldn't handle my mischievous brother, the other was just ridiculously expensive! Jaime agreed that my brother was a bit of a task but agreed that his habits could be changed and he would have fun. Jaime had a one on one session with my seven year old bro and he was very strict but managed to incorporate fun into the session. I am excited to bring him here regularly! read more

I've been signed up at Roots Kickboxing for about 3 months and it is great place for anyone looking to train in Muay Thai, or simply get a good workout in. Roots offers classes for kids and adults at both the beginner and advance skill levels held on Monday-Thursday and Saturday mornings. Recently added to the class schedule is TAC Strength and Conditioning headed by Carl T. and boxing emphasized for Muay Thai. Each and every one of the coaches/trainers constantly provide advice that will help improve your game as well as motivate and inspire you to live a healthier life style. So if you are looking to try something new while still getting an intense workout, Roots Kickboxing is the place to go! read more

I love Roots, and what they have done for my kid! Several of my friends and their children attend the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu training here - really convenient because the youth class is right before the adult class. My kid participates in running, swimming, and tennis, but due to the solitary nature of those activities, I thought it might be fun for him to have an activity where he can interact closely with other kids, make friends, maybe learn a little discipline. Roots delivers on all counts. The coaches are strict but helpful and most of all, patient. They're awesome with the kids. As someone who occasionally attends the adult class, I can say that they are equally awesome with people like me who are jiu-jitsu beginners, out of shape, and prone to random bouts of flatulence. Even the other students in the class are super helpful and will work with those who are beginners, so no one ever feels left out or overwhelmed. Once I'm able to attend more regularly, I feel confident that I too will get that great feeling and burst of energy that my kid has at the end of every class. I can't make any promises about the flatulence, though. Baby steps. read more

Roots has got to be the best martial arts school I've ever been too. They really take teaching seriously and really want to improve their students' technique. They teach you as if you're training in a fight camp even though you're just in it for the excercise, which means you get an excellent teaching quality. Another really good thing about Roots is that it feels like a family. Even if you're new or you've been going there for a while, everyone is nice and welcoming. I really recommend checking out Roots Kickboxing. read more

If you're looking for a Muay Thai gym, look no further. They are one of the best if not the BEST Muay Thai gym in the Bay Area. Whether you are a competition level or beginner or just want to stay fit, they have what you need. Coach Barry, Coach Jamie and all the coaches will make sure that every each one of the students gets instructed properly so that everyone will be able to keep up the class with many people on the mat at the same time. Best time to visit is everyday. Did I also mention that they have one of the best jiu jitsu(BJJ) class in the Bay Area. Our Professor is Vitor Paschoal and also a world champion in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in a very high level of black belts. Roots Kickboxing is also affiliated with Caio Terra. So if you are looking for a great gym then look no further. They are very friendly, family friendly and they also have kids Muay Thai and kids Brazilian Jiu Jitsu classes. Whether you are a fighter or not, they got what you need!!!!! Don't take my word for it, try out a free complimentary class and see it for yourself. TECHNIQUE CONQUERS ALL!!! read more

Roots Kickboxing - Consistency over intensity. When you feel like you want to quit, think about why you even started. Keep going - Brazilian Jiu-jitsu Near Me - Union City, California

Joined Roots at the beginning of last summer. Took a break because of school, but started training again at the end of December. In reality, I've only been practicing Muay Thai for about three to four months, and while I've only started to dip my toes in this form of martial arts, I feel like I've already learned so much! Being a part time music teacher, I can really relate to Jaime, Barry, and the rest of the coaches. Music and martial arts are two totally different activites, but to excel in either one requires the same point of emphasis: STRONG fundamentals! The coaches understand that not everyone who goes to Roots is looking to start a career in Muay Thai (or Jiu Jitsu), but that doesn't stop them from keeping everyone in check. If you show up to class, you WILL learn AND get a hell of a workout at the same time. Nothing more satisfying than getting your fifty right & fifty left kicks in at the end of a class! If you are unsure about joining, come to a night class to do your intro session and maybe try it out for a week. Don't feel intimidated or embarrassed if you've never thrown a punch or kick. Nothing but good vibes at Roots. We're all there to learn and get in shape, not to judge! Now get off Yelp and hydrate. You've got class tonight :) read more

I started out using the $30 Groupon offer they had for one month and boy, am I glad that I took that offer! Jaime, along with the rest of the staff, are friendly and super helpful! I have never done Muay Thai Kickboxing before so I was a bit intimidated. However, all their classes teach the fundamentals so that everyone is on the same page. I haven't been able to continue due to my hectic schedule, but I just have to say that the time I spent training with them has been amazing because I felt myself getting stronger every time I went to a class. The instructors help you in your forms and techniques so that we don't get hurt. I loved the fact that the exercises are different in each class so you won't be bored doing the same thing every time. Thank you, Roots! You guys are the best and I hope I'll be able to have more time to come back in the future. read more

Roots is an excellent martial arts school for men, women and children at all levels. They also offer a strength and conditioning class through TAC Fitness and Nutrition (http://www.taclifestyle.com) if you're just looking to improve your overall fitness. It's great to be around coaches that are passionate about what they teach. Whether it's Muay Thai, Boxing or Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, it's hard not to get excited about what you're learning. I highly recommend! read more

This review is only for the Muai Thai kickboxing only (as I have not tried the Jujitsu class yet). If you want an intense cardio workout, this is the place. Ive been to 5 classes and the instructor (Jamie) knows how to mix it up so you dont feel youre doing the same thing for every class. Jamie is an easy going nice guy but when it comes to squeezing in those last reps, hes a great motivator. He's also very knowledgable in his craft. (ie. do you know why you aim for the chin and not the nose?) During the class, youll see yourself shadow boxing, punching or kicking the bag, or punching or kicking your partners gloves or the instructor. And the music in the background really helps elevate your adrenaline. The noon class has fewer students, so you'll get alittle more personalized training compared to the evening class. The students there are very diverse and as one yelper mentioned, the vibes are positive, friendly and encouraging. For those on a budget, I recommend trying the free trial class first, then getting the $30 groupon deal which is good for a month. If youre still hooked, then sign up for the regular membership. Parking is easy to find and neighborhood appears decent. Overall, a great place for a great workout! read more

Excellent gym for both adults and children. If you're thinking of bringing your kids here to learn, I highly recommend it! Schedule a trial class, they'll love it. All the coaches are fantastic with the kids, and get along with them like a friend, while still having their respect. This is absolutely a hidden gem. read more

Roots Kickboxing - Master Kim Terra having story time with the kids - Brazilian Jiu-jitsu Near Me - Union City, California

You'd be surprised how much you can learn about yourself at Roots! I subscribed for the 1 year membership, and had the best workout sessions of my life. I owe this excellent gym a review. Great staff, great training partners, great place to be! read more

This Place is Legit!! Barry, Jaime and Ben are really great at what the do at this gym. This place is very friendly to everyone and all levels are welcome to train. Offering Muay thai, BJJ, conditioning, and lots of good female energy as well as male, this is a well rounded east bay destination for excellent training. read more

This place has very dedicated and friendly martial artists. I especially loved the jiu jitsu class! Will be back!

I came to Roots last summer on a visit from DC and I was delivered! It's the right amount of space and the classes are challenging and adjusted to all levels. I really mean it too as a person in a fitness career field. I take the Muay Thai All Levels, Beginner and Boxing classes.. I get wiped out every time and keep coming back for a challenge. Ben, Jamie, and Barry will give you training but they're also teachers. They answer questions, they explain why, and they look at you every time you come in and let you know what you can do to be better. It's not just learning combinations either; it's finding your stance, distance and throwing effective (muay thai) strikes. They have high standards. If you come into Roots you'll leave better than you came. A rare find for even the gyms I've tried out on the East Coast read more