I've been doing one-on-one training with Coach Ivan, and it's made a huge difference for me. I'm really picky when it comes to choosing a personal boxing coach. I look for someone who's not just skilled but also genuinely invested in their students. Ivan checks every box. He's incredibly supportive, knowledgeable, and patient, and he always knows how to push just the right amount. His encouragement and energy make it easy to stay motivated, even on the tough days. What really stands out is how much he cares about his students' progress. He takes the time to explain things, correct form, and tailor the training to what you need. He already has students who have won trophies, and he has an impressive collection of his own. That level of experience really shows in the way he coaches. I've seen real improvement, and I feel stronger and more confident because of it. I genuinely enjoy training with him and wouldn't want to work with anyone else. I was looking for someone who will meet me where I am and help me grow, Ivan is that coach. read more

Tried a trial class of muay thai and never left. All the instructors are incredibly kind and helpful to beginners and advanced martial artists alike. I've worked with Coach Tony for over 2 years now from a complete beginner and hes been there to help make me better the entire time. Members here are generally amazing as well, they foster a pretty accepting yet challenging environment. read more

Really good gym for general fitness goals, as well as a great team for Muay Thai/kickboxing training and sparring. The people here are very supportive and accepting of people no matter how serious you are about training. read more

Amazing coaches! Martial Arts experience does not matter, beginner or advanced level, everyone will help you get better. Muay Thai class is Fire whether you want to just get good Cardio or work on Technique while also learning how to hold pads for someone. If you want to get in the ring! Coaches will also help get you there! read more

My kids and I have been regularly going to SDCA for the past two years. I've done all their adult classes and my kids have done all the kids classes but they enjoy Jujitsu the most. All the coaches at SDCA are genuine, supportive and want to see you succeed. My kids love their JJ coaches, they have learned so much from them and I'm grateful for all the support and guidance they have given my kids. The skills my kids have learned in their JJ classes are invaluable. All the adult classes are great workouts, and you have the support of educated coaches. If you want to get in shape and learn Muy Thai, Boxing and Strength/Conditioning you must give this gym a try. read more

this is the best gym in all of San Diego, great people and great coaching from all the classes

The best gym out there without a doubt 1- affordable pricing for a single person or for the whole family 2- amazing state of the art facility with a lot of space, mats, a full boxing ring and a weight and power lifting section 3- incredible staff and coaches, these guys are world class in each of their specialties. Tiger Smalls is phenomenal, Tony Palafox is a world class trainer that has worked with the best mma fighters globally, Andy Burke is simply a technical genius, and Karl King is the best coach out there. 4- they help everybody in whatever stage they're at in their training, weather you're just starting out or a professional fighter, child or senior, these guys will will provide you with skills that you will carry for the rest of your life. And most importantly everyone here is very friendly and it's a family oriented environment, perfect to feel comfortable as you learn these amazing arts. Highly recommended! read more

The gym itself needs a little bit of TLC. But my main reason for giving it a bad review is the fact that I always smell marijuana on somebody when I go inside the place. It might be a family business but who wants to bring there kids around weed addicts, I have nothing against it but there's a time and place and if you are working that's not right or safe. The trainers there are fine but very unreliable people too read more

Hello Yelp, This is Brandon B i just started the Boxing program mrTiger, Prince, Berry, Gordon, Tony and unit was exceptionally pleasant in singing up & offering a personal gym tour. Today was my first class mrTiger & Cassidy was supremely professional & seasoned with the training session. Thats Right San Diego Combat Academy!!! read more

The best gym ever! I always feel better after every class. Highly recommend giving it a try.

The art of learning self defence. Is very usefull to people who are weak. Most especially women.

My 5 year old twin sons started taking classes there and everything seemed good. One night (3-12-21), the older, African American boxing instructor did not like the way my son was looking at him. The instructor slapped my son's hand and told him "Get out!" Later when my wife was cancelling their membership, he then slapped my son's face and again yelled, "Get out!" It was a complete embarrassment to my son and very traumatizing. I'm extremely happy I was not there, because I am not sure what I would have done. This guy should have nothing to do with children. This place is a complete disgrace!!! read more

It's not a big fancy gym like the others, but that keeps all the less serious people out and keeps it from being crowded. Tiger Smalls is the trainer here and that's the reason why I moved from Und1sputed North park despite the fact that SDCA is far less convenient to my house. He's a legitimate boxer who had a world-class professional and amateur career and there are a good number of very talented boxers training here. If you're a serious boxer and are looking to train in a place that really is about boxing and not just about getting into shape, this is the place. read more

After doing weeks of research and searching for a family gym. I finally came across sdcombatacademy. At the time my kids were 5,9, and 10. They trained for 3 months in 2021. Coach Nadine(which my kids still talk about today) and coach prince(boxing). The adult coaches Andy(BJJ), tiger(boxing), and Tony(Muay Thai) were also great! Can't wait to bring my family back to this gym. Was able to have my kids train and also train myself at the same time. Would recommend this gym! read more

When I first went to SDCA, I felt that I was kinda rushed to sign in. However, I didn't care because I was motivated. I was in SDCA or about 2 or 3 months and attended mostly Jiujitsu classes. It is going to be a great environment for you, if you as a beginner are willing to catch up with people who are advanced. It is expensive to sign in, and break the contract. I spent about 600 bucks in 2-3 months and when I broke the contract, they took my boxing gloves. I really thought I had paid for those boxing gloves. The boxing coach will always be my favorite! Overall, it was okay, but if you go is because you are serious about it. Don't make my mistake, and stop going because they won't take you seriously anymore, and you will feel that rejection. The environment is more a competition type rather than a 'I came to learn the basics' type. Good luck read more

Wow! Love this Gym! So wonderful to train with instructors who are actually professionals in their sport! Prince and Tiger are real boxers who teach you the fundamentals of boxing and will have you boxing in no time! The kids classes ( boxing and jitjsu) are amazing and my kids love both of their coaches and look forward to coming to class daily! So happy to have found this wonderful gym with awesome instructors. read more

I was a member for a year and did kickboxing / muy Thai. It was fun at first but progressively got worse until they eventually closed one of their locations, and I canceled my membership soon after. By the way they do not make canceling your membership easy. As far as the classes go, it will mainly depend on the instructor you get and your level of experience. If you are a beginner, this is NOT the place for you. Chris who teaches kick boxing is awesome but I'm not sure that she's still there. Everyone else pretty much sucked, especially the tall Hispanic guy with long hair. He, along with others, in my opinion bully beginners. If you have no MMA experience you would think they would take it easier on you. No it's the complete opposite. It seemed that they went harder on the beginners knowing that they are pretty much defenseless. I mean we get it, you used to fight in competitions and maybe even won a trophy or two. But now you are washed up and so the next thing to do is beat up on people who have never done this. And I played sports my whole life including football and martial arts so I'm used to hard contact and it's not too big a deal for me. But again, it did not seem right to me how they treated beginners, even females. The only reason I don't give it a 1 star is because I did enjoy it in the beginning when they actually taught you technique and the instructors actually looked like they enjoyed it. Plus it was a great workout. But now I'd recommend looking around before deciding to join here. read more

I signed up for this gym about two weeks ago for the sole purpose of learning Jiu Jitsu and getting in a workout aside from the hamster wheel or the fad of crossfit. I have a few friends that train here, and so that's what made me want to try it out. In the past week I've attended 5 classes in Jiu Jitsu, taught by Walel Watson, and Manulo Hernandez, two guys who are very welcoming to everyone, but very dangerous men. The only reason I pegged it a star down, is because I wish they had more classes at night, I work a 8-5 job, and can't make it to the early classes, and at night I have to choose between Muy Thai, and Jiu Jitsu, and even though I love me some thai food (that's not meant to be sexual I swear) I chose Jiu Jitsu. I've had 2 quotes, one from the Gracie school in Eastlake, and one from Alliance in Chula Vista (both closer to my house than this place) and both were around the $150/month area, with Alliance charging an initiation fee. FUCK that BS, $150/m? I'm trying to learn Jiu Jitsu, not lease a fucking honda. The prices at this place are reasonable, and the training is supberb. And don't feel bad if you don't know anything, I new absolutely ZERO ground moves when I started, and the coaches do a very good job of teaching. Just don't go in with an inflated ego, or you'll be in for a rude awakening. Always stay humble, because if you're not, what the hell are you doing Martial Arts for? I'd definitely reccomend this place to everyone, and if you have kids, get them the hell off the xbox and make them work for their chicken mcnuggets. And while in Jiu Jitsu, always remember, it's only gay if you make eye contact. read more

I had emailed them mentioning I was checking out different mma gyms to find a good fit for me. I show up take a poorly instructed class and at the end of class they took a group photo that I didn't feel comfortable being in considering I didn't sign up for the gym yet. I asked about prices they were hesitant and took awhile just to write some numbers down and also refused to hand out a price sheet. They are very good at feeding you bullsh.it. Their idea of customer service is also talking to you like a 2 year old. Not going back. read more

If you're looking for a gym for the entire family to go to, then this is the place...it's your one stop shop..well sorta..cause they have two locations, Convoy and Mission Gorge...so more like a two stop shop? You get the picture. Their class schedules are not the same, however. The Mission Gorge location has more classes for the kids (Boxing, Muay Thai, MMA, Jiu Jitsu), the Convoy location currently only has boxing & wrestling for kids. But other than that, if you're an adult, both locations are great. I really don't know much about Boxing, Muay Thai, MMA or Jiu Jitsu....but it's something my kids wanted to start doing. My version of self-defense is similar to the 5 D's of Dodge-ball (Dodge, Duck, Dip, Dive, Dodge) - but I don't see that panning out so well for my kids if they needed to defend themselves. So being the awesome Mom that I am, we went on adventure searching for the perfect place for them to get started. Name any gym in San Diego that has combat classes for kids, we've tried them all. Ultimately the kids chose SDCA. SDCA has the most affordable price in town, variety of classes for the entire family, awesome instructors, two locations, and a friendly staff. For the kids jiu jitsu class it's no gi, which is great! I didn't have to spend more money for something they don't really need. In real life, if they were to get bullied....there's 100% chance the person bullying them will not be wearing a gi. So...score! And Coach Manny is really great with the kids. Hopefully they give him more room for his classes cause his class does get kinda big on some days. My youngest was a bit hesitant to do boxing, but once he got a taste of it..he turned into a little Tasmanian devil. Coach Prince teaches the kids boxing and is great with the kids. My little mini me looks up to Coach Prince and looks forward to his classes all the time. The kids Muay Thai and MMA class is taught by Liz Carmouche, she keeps the atmosphere upbeat and fun for the kids so they don't lose interest. My son tells me "She's crazy! But like awesome at the same time. Make sure you get me three bottles of water mom" If you're used to fancy expensive gyms like 24 Hour Fitness or LA Fitness, reprogram your brain and get ready for the real deal when you enter any SDCA location...and just like Jean Claude Van Damme said in Double Impact "Take your fancy clothes, black silk underwear, and go back to Disneyland!" (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vVraKeDbyzQ) After my kids leave the gym, they get home, look in the mirror and say "You're Welcome" read more

The San Diego Combat Academy is the BEST MMA/combat/fitness gym in San Diego. I've trained at other gyms around town and the quality of instruction here is only surpassed by the quality of human being these trainers are. They LOVE what they do, what they teach, and it's easily reflected in their every action. Whether you already are a pro or it's your first day walking through the door, everyone is treated like family and they go out of their way to make you feel welcomed. SDCA has a broad training schedule with tons of classes everyday. Boxing, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Muay Thai/Kickboxing, Wrestling, MMA classes, kids jiu jitsu/boxing/mma classes, conditioning programs, abs classes. Whatever your current fitness level is, the trainers and staff here will help you reach your goals as well as find new ones for you to strive for. They are all here for YOU to succeed and you can tell after training here for a while that every member is valued and encouraged to have fun while learning how to kick butt! Ladies!! You won't feel out of place or intimidated either as most of the classes are packed with other chicks getting down and hardcore too, but not so hardcore that they won't help a newbie out :) they also have great kids programs too if you're looking to get your child into a new sport or martial art! This gym was recommended to me by a good friend of mine. He told me stories about how awesome the coaching staff here is, as my own journey as a martial artist seemed to fade a bit. It wasn't until I came to SDCA and met coach Manolo Hernandez (Team Hurricane Awesome) that I felt like I met the people and team who would give me the tools to take my skills and training to another level. Every day I leave here excited to come back, see all my friends again, and work hard to improve myself. The support and morsels of training knowledge I've been given are a blessing! I'm proud to be a part of San Diego Combat Academy!! :) I came into this place looking to improve myself as a martial artist and I came away with a family. Can't top that! read more

I love a good paradox. So, I was pleased to learn that some of the nicest people I met on my first day at SDCA were also the most dangerous fighters in the gym. Before I came to SDCA, I was training at a gym in Boston that I absolutely loved. Coming to San Diego, I wanted a gym with a friendly feel that was tough on technique. After trying four other gyms in the area, I found that in SDCA. They appreciate your presence and they definitely care about you, but they make you feel accountable and they push you at the same time. I was already training when I joined SDCA, and I still lost 7 pounds in my first 7 weeks there. When it comes to working out, if you want to phone it in, this probably isn't the spot for you. A lot of the gyms in San Diego will talk like they'll treat you like family, but SDCA shows you that they do. I missed a week of training when I was sick and they called my house to make sure that I was ok. I was shocked. You can't go wrong with this place. read more

Best gym ever! I have been going to the owners (Bill) gyms for about 5 years now and wont go anywhere else for personal training. Everyone treats you with respect and like family. He is so accommodating and flexible with my schedule and makes time for me last minute and short notice always. He knows my goals and helps me to accomplish them and sustain my appearance. I originally joined in college and have taken boxing, kick boxing, and "bar room brawl" which is my all time favorite cardio class great for guys and girls! The teachers are patient but push you and are some of the most talented. I used to live down the street and go twice a day because even I was just there a few minutes I always felt better being there. They go out of their way to help out in any way possible and look out for my best interests always. The price is by far worth it and they are extremely generous and fair. I got 10 of my friends to join and every one has been extremely happy! read more

Let me just start by saying that San Diego Combat Academy is awesome! I began training with them last December at a different facility while they were at LVL5 and although the facility and name has changed... the attitude and personality hasn't. The coaches are great! Very friendly and very experienced. They take the time to make sure you're learning. As far as the training goes, it's very fun. Whether you're interested in learning Muay Thai kickboxing, Boxing, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Wrestling, or MMA (Mixed Martial Arts)... or if you're just looking for a great workout to be healthier and get in shape, this is the place you want to be at. They've got all the necessary equipment. Experience levels range from beginners to pros... kids to adults... everyone is welcome. And the best part is that they make you feel welcome. All the people that train there are good people and it shows. Bottom line... if any of what I said is something that you might be interested in, then come check it out. They have all that to offer and more. read more

Came specifically for the jiu Jitsu coaches, Andy and Nadine. Andy's classes are super welcoming to newcomers spending time explaining moves and techniques the same he would for his seasoned students. Nadine is so amazing with the kids keeping the classes fun! My daughter and I observed the classes before signing up. My daughter, age 6, wanted to sign up immediately after her first visit. It's the only place I could find in the area with concurrent kids/adult classes so I could do jiu Jitsu while my daughter did her class. Highly recommend and you don't have to be a former wrestler or in any kind of shape to join, you'll get better as you progress through the classes. read more

What a terrific place! I am new to martial arts, MMA and boxing, and the staff SDCA has helped me learn and grow and get in shape. All the teachers are champions in their respective discipline, but they love to teach all levels: from the pros to the newbies like me. Being new to the scene, I was worried that there would be a lot of macho posturing, but that's not the case at SDCA. There's a fair amount of women in most classes (some classes are all almost all women) and students try to help each other. All in all, it's a very fun relaxed vibe. I just got done with a workout and I can't wait to go back. read more

club is clean and well kept. group trainers are enthusiastic, engaging and well prepared. i love that you have 'more mature' trainers... makes for great role models" read more

The best gym if you are, or aspire to be a MMA fighter. I've known Manny since college, and he had always had a deep passion for fighting and training, even if it came at his own expense. You will not find a better MMA trainer anywhere in SD, and his resume of big show fighters validates that. Parking can be a real pain here, especially if you go during peak hours when several classes can be running at the same time. They are always running specials so call to find out their current offerings. read more

I travel a lot and was lucky to have 2 months to train here in San Diego. I've been to many many martial arts schools and have a background in a lot of martial arts, Asian and western. But I've never seen a school have so many GREAT instructors to form a balanced whole all under one roof (I trained at the Mission Gorge location). I've seen schools with one instructor teaching several martial arts, but having a specialist in each discipline is just something else. They even seem to have some Cross-fit type functional exercises going on that I personally think is way more effective (and fun!) than a normal fitness gym. I looked at a few other schools and knew this place was going to be special the moment I stepped in to visit. The first feeling you immediately get hit with is the sense of family from everyone. Everyone knows everyone and its just a great friendly and energetic vibe when you step in. I am a small guy, almost always the smallest in the room, but it was never an issue because everyone who trains here trains serious and trains hard, but there's no ego flying around and so I never felt unsafe during the sparring sessions. And the folks are also just plain fun to be around. It's a wonderful environment whether you're an athlete looking to compete or a casual person off the street looking to get a great workout and learn some martial arts. Due to my student budget and schedule I could only take the submission grappling class regularly (very reasonable prices, by the way) but I got to try out an MMA class and some conditioning classes. You get an insanely great workout from any one of them and even on the "slow" days, which were rare, I still loved it because I got to learn a lot more techniques. Really wish I could have attended the full-on MMA class more. On that note the instructors are AMAZING. Genuinely impressive. Each and every one has a wonderful attitude and make you feel welcomed but they're all competing fighters and know their stuff and just as importantly, really know how to TEACH it. I was surprised how quickly I progressed and I know it wasn't just me because I could see new students progress just as quickly. The other students more advanced than you can also be great resources to learn from. Everyone goes out of their way to help you out here because, you know, they're just awesome like that. I just had my last workout here as I will be leaving San Diego. This place will definitely be the memory highlight of my visit here. Again, if you are looking to compete OR you want a great workout that's way more fun than a regular gym, I HIGHLY recommend you check out this school. They have a drop-in for $15 for you to try out all the classes they offer for the entire day (they offer a lot, just check out the website). I can't imagine anyone not wanting to join this school after the drop-in trial, because I got hooked bad. CHECK THIS PLACE OUT. read more

There are a lot of muay thai/kick boxing gyms to choose from. I drive 35 minutes everyday to go to this one. Beginner friendly, motivating atmosphere, and great coaches. read more

San Diego COMBAT ACADEMY. The Academy of Combat. You can learn to fight at any "fighting" gym. However, if you want to win fights and be a master of combat, you need to trained BY masters of combat. The trainers straight up rock! Of course they are dedicated to the pupils and are friendly. But a master has both perfected their skills and knows how to hand down this perfection to their students. They don't just teach basic repitition, but theory and fundamentals as well. Plus the level of personal instruction in class is impressive. They know everyone's skill level and how to progress you to maximize your training. Like I said, Masters of Combat. Both facilities are outstanding. If you like the health club feel, the Convoy location is your spot. It's fresh, it's clean, it's fun, it's still the Combat Academy so come ready to do work and feel good when you leave. However, if you want to take your combat training to the highest level, I'll see you at Mission Gorge. There is nothing "cutting egde" about this place. It shares a building with an auto repair garage giving it an underground feel. No hype, no BS. Just sweat and adrenaline. With the exception of the Seals, and maybe MCRD, it is hands down the best workout in town. Honestly, you can get in shape and even learn some good fighting moves at any gym, but if you want the best, come here. My fellow trainees range from soft bunny types (although I don't recommend picking a fight witht them) to hardcore pro fighters, even kids. If you want to compete in boxing, MMA, muay thai, come here. Otherwise you run the risk of going up against Team Hurricane Awesome, and we both know you don't want that. Don't be scared, SDCA has love fo ya. See you soon. read more

Great coaching staff,for novice to world class, many types of disciplines to choose from. If you got kids great way to get them active and spend some time off the good ole' electronics.... read more

I consider SDCA my second home. From the fabulous instructors to the awesome and friendly atmosphere you'll find no gym better suited for your training needs. I never trained in martial arts before I signed up and I was definitely nervous at first. But after taking classes with Landon, Walel, and Manolo you'll feel like you definitely belong there. The people who attend classes are also extremely helpful. Don't worry about sparring partners looking to fight instead of train or students in jiu jitsu rolling "too intensely", that rarely happens here. (Unless you want it to happen.) You'll probably make a couple new friends along the way. read more

San Diego Combat Academy is a new facility put together by some of the greatest most well known coaches and trainers in San Diego. Whether you are a fighter or just a regular gal like me that likes to get an amazing workout and pick up some skill along the way, SDCA has everything you can ask for from Boxing, Muay Thai, Jui Jitsu, Wrestling...the list goes on. Best of all the staff are friendly individuals that really care about you as a member. I've worked with Tiger, Frank and Walel and they have got mad skills to teach! I highly recommend SDCA. You won't be disappointed : ) read more

Very knowledgable front office. Went down and looked at the facility yesterday after reading the reviews here. Very straight forward, no frills, atmosphere, a place for serious training in a wide variety of martial arts. Minus any type of negative attitude. Feel comfortable starting my own Muay Thai training here, and after meeting Tiger Smalls and a few of the other instructors I'd be comfortable having my daughter train here. Unlike a couple of other studios I have visited there is no need for a loud sound track to keep kids motivated etc. Instead, they are focused, attentive and pay attention to the class thanks to the instructors. read more

San Diego Combat Academy is the best Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) gyms I have experienced in San Diego. I went with a few of my friends to check out different MMA gyms around San Diego and have experienced several things: 1) The gyms are filled with intimidating MMA fighters or wanna be MMA fighters who are trying to prove something and does not matter who they hurt or 2) The sales representatives push for the hard sell. The staff and members at SDCA are very nice and friendly. It is a family friendly environment with kids boxing, MMA and jiu-jitsu available. I started out knowing nothing about the world of Mixed Martial Arts. Now, with the knowledge of the trainers and members, I have a great understanding of the sport. The gym will not hard sell the gym. The price and training is the best bang for your buck in San Diego! I would highly recommend San Diego Combat Academy!! It is great for people who want a great workout, learn to defend themselves, learn a new sport, or train professionally. read more

A great MMA gym in San Diego. SDCA offers a variety of classes that are meant to work with various schedules. Most of the time I attend muay thai and conditioning classes. They accept all skill levels and understand that everyone has a different reason for joining. The staff is amazing and care about the members. Everyone is family at SDCA. I am sad the convoy location closed but they've expanded this original location so much to fit more classes. My experience so far has been amazing. I've taken classes with Liz, Bill, Manolo, Jose, Gina, and Manny. They have convenient monthly rates for members (especially students!), along with a free set of wraps when you sign up. Sure they sound a bit cynical and sarcastic during class, but everyone is there to help. No judgements And one final tip: don't park at the taco shop. There's a high chance of getting towed, so it's best not to risk it. Lots of parking along the street of the boxing gym. read more

This place is awesome! I had trained elsewhere before and this place is just on a whole new level. The people are so welcoming, the coaches WANT you to succeed and get to where you want to be! They emphasize "family" a lot and believe me they show it. The coaches and students are friends and when they are training you they push you to your limits and help you surpass it. My trial lesson was such a wake up call. I had been lazy for a few months before coming here and the Muay thai instructor pushed me to the point where I threw up (at home obviously) and that made realize how out of shape I was and see their dedication towards their students. After that I signed up because I knew they weren't just after my money. They do want to train you! This is a great place to train! read more

This place covers so many different styles and has many trainers. I've trained before and SDCA is great for beginners and well seasoned veterans. I always leave class knowing that I greatly benefited. I highly recommend this place. So glad I come here. read more

This is, hands down, THE BEST MMA training gym in San Diego! At one point I tried them all and I had one or more issues with other places. SDCA has an ongoing schedule from am to pm classes- and they cover everything in MMA including wrestling, boxing, kickboxing, BJJ (gi and no-gi), MMA and conditioning. The vibe is super cool and laid back. The trainers are amazing!! Its a safe place for females to train and many females do train there. Hands down, SDCA is the best in town!! read more