Greatest thing about Modern Combatives is that the coaches will give 100% regardless of your training goals, whether it's to compete or simply to learn basics. I run a software company where I travel 75% of the time, I have a 2 year old (who loves their toddler class!), and my wife is currently pregnant with twins. At times, I barely make it to class once a month. However, when I do get a chance to make it, the coaches are always committed to helping me improve and I never feel judged. Alan (one of the coaches) says that their philosophy is that anyone who walks through the door of the gym is an athlete, and all of the coaches live this. While I'll never be a "great" fighter, I know that as long as I put in the effort, the coaches and members will help me improve every time I come to class. read more

I cant express my love for this place enough. The instruction is very good and very focused on helping to develop strong fundamentals. The training method is great, learning techniques first with very little resistance, and scaling it up as comfort and familiarity increase. Egos are non-existent and everyone is there to help you learn. Whether you want to compete or just want to get fit, this place will get you where you want to go. The AWESOME: Great methods, many classes, great people/community. The less awesome: affordable but not cheap (anything is pricey for a student), a bit further from campus than I would like (but what can ya do right?) read more

Update! At the 2009 US Open Brazilian Jiu Jitsu tournament held in Santa Cruz, CA (October 12), three ModCom students took medals home. Ahmed W took 1st place in the White Belt Adult Super Heavy division, Candace took 1st place in the Middle Weight Female division, and Nic B took 3rd place in the White Belt Master Super Heavy division. At the 2009 Bay Area Jiu Jitsu Championships held in Alameda, CA (November 14), three ModCom students all took home the gold medal in their respective divisions. At the 2009 Brazilian Jiu Jitsu American Cup tournament held in Los Gatos, CA (April 25), Ferdinand S took home the gold medal in his division. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- It's been 4 years now I think since I started training at ModCom. I have been involved in Martial Arts on and off much of my life, having done for various short and longer periods, Judo, Kendo, Tae Kwon Do, Aiki Jujutsu, Karate, and BJJ. I trained BJJ previously at Carley Gracie's gym in SF, at Ralph's on Valencia in SF (for a couple months i think), at the now defunct Academy of Fighting Arts (Royce Gracie Affiliate) briefly as well. Modern Combatives is far and away the best gym at which I have ever trained. The main reason i say this is the attitude of the gym. You can be anybody...I mean anybody, and find what you need there. If you want to fight UFC you can find that path there. If you are a 60 year old grandmother who just wants to get and stay fight you can find a place there. They have a kid's program for little kids...18 months! My son trains there and started before me. He is seven now and has a great time every time he goes because of the "Play is the Way" philosophy for the kids classes. The instruction is top notch. Lily, now a Brown Belt in BJJ, feels like a black belt to me, and has tremendous technique. Alan and Jude are both very tough purples and are both experienced boxers. I was confused by Art's comments above that the training is not likely to give you real world skills. Nothing could be further from the truth and this has been proven by gym members success in tournaments, smokers, and serious MMA fights. The top fight training is very tough and makes serious fighters. Ok, I'm gonna stop now, but I could rave on about this gym. It is, flat out, the best place to train I have ever walked into. Tom read more

I started here about 3 months ago and I've already lost 15 pounds. I'm not sure what all the negative reviews about sales are as I didn't have any trouble. The gym is very upfront about how to cancel, suspend, or change your membership. The coaches are patient and super friendly and the gym is always very clean. I like the training style because it allows you to work up intensity as you get more comfortable. They have a broad range of classes from boot camp style, women's self defense, bjj, kids , and competition level classes. read more

The training takes place in a fun and alive atmosphere, and what you learn is functional as well. I train at the Berkeley location when I'm studying at Cal, and the Fremont location when I'm back home (Peninsula). Here's the address of the Fremont location if anyone is interested: 38487 Fremont Boulevard, Suite #211-A Fremont, CA 94536 read more

Wonderful introduction to kickboxing at this welcoming, ultra friendly gym. Both the owner Alan as well as coaches Nic and Mike were so helpful providing me one-on-one guidance during group classes. Semelia at the front desk was also very helpful giving me a tour and helping with paperwork/admin. Ample mat space for multiple classes or bigger size classes- although I never attended a class that got bigger than 15-20 people so the instruction still felt personal and provided room for one-on-one attention to help you improve. Get ready to work hard and sweat with awesome coaches and super nice people of all ages, backgrounds, and skill levels. Highly recommended for anyone looking to start or continue practicing MMA, BJJ, kickboxing, or just want to get in shape! read more

Modcom is one of the few places I checked out while searching for a dojo to train in BJJ. Their instruction is very clear and precise, and they could not be the nicest people around. After a few sessions, I signed up (around August 2007). I now attend the dojo in Fremont. read more

This place is an amazing place to train! Everyone is friendly and very experienced. The environment is the perfect place to learn both MMA and BJJ. The instructors are great at gaging students experience and work with them in a way that fosters the learning, while not holding back the more experienced. Highly recommend training here! read more

I am reviewing the kids' Jiu Jitsu and adult fitness classes. I love this place. The owners are caring and responsive and they have created a welcoming environment for both newcomers and fitness fanatics. The kid's classes are fun and rigorous. When my son earned his first belt, I knew he really earned it. The instructors do a great job in creating a supportive atmosphere where they emphasize respect and sportsmanship. I was a little dubious about joining at first, since I found the payment plan and sign up deal a little opaque. But I am glad that I went ahead. I have been with the gym for over two years and it feels like a second home now. I also love that I can watch my son's class while I work out since they both take place at the same time in the loft-like open floorspace. Thank you ModCom, we are a happier, stronger family with your influence. read more

Been training here for 4 years now and it's like having a great big family. The family that punches each other stays together :) Great for conditioning, confidence building, serious martial arts training, and competitors. In MMA you can run into some mean people, but ModCom is like a family where everyone is trying to help everyone else get better. read more

I couldn't imagine an environment more conducive to learning BJJ and MMA. This is my first martial arts gym and I feel very lucky to have found MODCOM first. The classes are just plain fun and the other students are great to spar with. I have always found it to be a very respectful, supportive, and ego free place to work out. The coaches are excellent and everyone is extremely generous in sharing knowledge about tips and techniques. Highest Recomendations. read more

I've been training at Modern Combatives for four years and have enjoyed every minute of it. Unlike McDojos, Modern Combatives doesn't claim to teach you how to stop bullets with your teeth or rip someone's heart out with crane stance. What they do teach is functional self defense that works. Since the emphasis is on functionality rather than form, they teach their students how to handle all possible fight situations: standing up, at close quarters, on the ground, and in transition (takedowns and so forth). This means that you learn the functional portions of several different martial arts, including the standard MMA arts - Muay Thai, Boxing, wrestling, BJJ and Judo. This keeps the training interesting and varied, plus gives a great all-body workout. It also means that students become comfortable fighting no matter where the fight ends up, rather than being great standing up or on the ground but useless everywhere else. Even though the instructors teach a variety of martial techniques, the teaching is very structured and technical, particularly at the beginning and intermediate levels where structure is most necessary. The gym also has great camaraderie and friendliness - it is not at all a macho, ego-driven place, even though a number of the fighters train for serious amateur fights. Newcomers are welcomed and encouraged to ask questions, and are given any help and guidance they require. Training at Modern Combatives works, whether you are trying to get into shape, fight competitively, or just learn to defend yourself in the real world. I highly recommend checking it out. read more

Mod Com is the best martial arts gym you belong to in the area. My child has been going for two years in the youth BJJ program. He started out as an "Explorer," the lowest level (not dependent on belt). After a year, he earned through good behavior at school, home, and BJJ class, "Submission Samurai" (the highest level). The extra cost for the advanced class is worth the benefits of 5 day-a-week program, plus access to a special class on Fridays. Students in the advanced class learn responsibility by helping coach younger students, and direct instruction on coaching. Mod Com has all the levels you may need to train and will guide you to improve your martial arts skills. You will have the perfect balance between fun and training. In class, you will not only grow your technique but your sense of self. This has been a great experience for my son and I recommend it to all. read more

I've been a member of SBGI Norcal (formerly Modern Combatives) since 2012. I can't speak highly enough about the gym or what it's meant to me and my family. I started training kickboxing and MMA as a means of getting out of a rut and eventually added jiu-jitsu to the mix (and now focus on it). What makes this gym special is that it's the antithesis of all of the very real downsides of martial arts schools. Students are brought along at the right pace rather than rushed. Doing things right is what matters, not trying to score points on gym mates. Technique, safety and community are paramount. I can only speak for myself but here's what the gym has meant for me in a nutshell. I've lost a considerable amount of weight. I can do things physically in my 40s I couldn't do when I was in my 30s. My daughter has trained since she was three and has received incredible support and encouragement. I competed in jiu-jitsu for the first time this summer at age 43 and plan on doing it again. I have tapped into a supportive community that cares about every member and believes in important values like trust, honor and dedication. You can also choose your path and receive support here. Our gym has successful MMA fighters, jiu-jitsu competitors and people who just like to train. Everyone is supported; everyone grows. I've read a few of the other reviews below and they honestly seem like grievances from people who were only in our gym for a few hours or would likely have a hard time being a good training partner at any gym. I've been here for a while and I know what makes this place special. There are many more who feel the same way. read more

If you are like most people, you want to train hard but have fun and genuinely like the people you are training with. Modcom fits that bill. I have trained there several times. Without fail I am welcomed with open arms and a smile. And hey, you get top notch instruction as well using the best teaching method I have ever seen used. These guys are pros. Check em out! read more

I've been training at Modcom for about 3 years now, and really love it! The family atmosphere, and variety of styles, makes it quite unique as a martial arts gym. I don't think you can find another gym offering a fitness class, kickboxing, jiu jitsu, judo, MMA, and a kids program for roughly the same price as a regular martial arts gym (offering only one style). I think the best thing for me is the focus on safe, no-ego training. It makes it easier to want to come to class and train, without the fear that might be associated with less structured fight schools. And you always train with a partner, rather than doing too many solo drills. I'm a teacher in East Oakland and want to thank Alan and Lillie for their generous donation of equipment to our after school program. Your support has made many underpriviledged kids very happy! read more

a great meathead-free zone. the school focuses on fundamentals in a positive environment. while i am not training to be a hired killer, i still want to be solid at at the basics, compete from time to time, and help the other students reach their goals. modcom is definitely the most practical no nonsense gym ive ever trained at. the people are very supportive, articulate and well informed. i couldnt be more satisfied. read more

Update - three months after I joined and I am in nearly the best shape of my life. I have learned a ton and gotten a lot stronger. Love the community at this place too - on days when I don't feel like getting over to the gym, I always end up going because I don't want to let my people down!! read more

The level of BJJ instruction is as high as any other gym (most bjj gyms also teach kick boxing and/or mma these days) As of 11/2007 Lily has a brown belt and Alan has his Purple. read more

My favorite place to train! I have been involved in functional martial arts for the past four years, and being a bi-coastal (NYC/Bay Area) person I've experienced a number of gym vibes and training methodologies. MODCOM truly stands out. The workouts range from mellow, technical BJJ all the way to rock-em, sock-em, knee to the head MMA 301 class. Even when it comes to the folks on the competition team thrashing each other everyone is chill. No overinflated egos to deal with and jackasses are quickly shown the door. I can't recommend this place enough for serious functional training. Several things I have only seen taught here have helped me immensely at other gyms, including the awesome snap down sequence and wall takedown series. Yeah SBGI! Whatever you do, don't look down. read more

Modcom is now called SBG Norcal but it's the same owners. It's great for kids. I am writing to share my son's experience. My son is 5 and for years I couldn't put him in any group classes because he would just refuse to participate. I set up a free trial class with Alan but warned him that my son may only want to watch. When we went for his trial class, the people there were so nice and welcoming and gave my son a little gi to wear that, to my surprise, he actually did the whole class. They didn't give him a white belt that first day but instead made him earn it with a simple assignment before his next class. He was so excited to get his belt at the next class. After about a month he received his first stripe on his belt and that was a big deal. Yesterday he went around with a roll of tape giving us "stripes" and telling us we had to earn them. At one point he said he didn't want to go to class. I responded if he continued he would get another stripe and he sighed "okay." What actually prompted me to write this review was the amazing kindness and patience Coach Gabe showed the other day when my son got hurt. I heard my son crying and thought for sure he was going to come running over to me and then refuse to finish the class. When I looked over I saw my son sitting in Coach Gabe's lap on the floor. Coach Gabe was talking gently to him and checking his hand for injury. Even after my son stopped crying Coach Gabe continued to hold him for a long time and carried on the class from that position. Eventually my son got up and finished the class happily. He never once looked in my direction. At the end of class Coach Gabe acknowledged my son in front of the whole group for having heart even though he was injured. He handled it so beautifully. Thank you Coach Gabe! read more

SBG NorCal - Boxing Near Me - Berkeley, California

The best martial arts training I've received. Focuses on "Aliveness", which is working with a live partner with increasing resistance. The school is part of Straight Blast Gym Int'l (SBGI), which was founded Matt Thornton. As opposed to many schools, which focus more on forms or techniques done in mid-air, this school focuses on actually using what you learn in a real life situation and also does competition if that's what you are geared towards. The school trains in the arts most seen in mma events ( (thai) boxing, bjj, judo, wrestling)The training is top notch and the instructors are extremely professional and friendly. You'd have a hard time finding martial arts training of this caliber anywhere else. read more

I've been training at Modern Combatives for a bit over a month in BJJ and Kickboxing. The instruction is high quality and everything runs smoothly. Quality students and instructors, everything is well-organized as they evaluate each student and provide them a progression to higher level classes. When I went to sign up one of the coaches gave me a quick run-through/evaluation ranging from striking to grappling and ground work. The techniques were all easy to grasp and highly functional. No alpha male BS, it was made clear everyone is there to learn. My one tiny criticism is that I'd like the class schedule to be posted online. Other than that, top quality gym. read more

I don't really have any input on the actual classes/training but that is why its getting the bad review. I work near this gym so it seemed like a good place to train. I went in one day and spoke with Alan who was very nice and ave me a schedule and an email to contact about pricing. I sent the email that day but got no response for a week so I went back in to see what was going on. Alan said he would make sure someone responded to me that day. The next day I got a response. My initial email can be summed up as follows: 1. I can only do month to month payment. 2. I can't come on the weekends. And 3. I want to know pricing/program options. The response from the gym said that there are a number of different option; for example a 12 month unlimited program for close to 150 a month, and that the best thing to do is to pay 50 dollars for a "tryout" group class and a couple privates. Then she asked if I could come in on saturday for it. Now I don't like to pay for them to assess my ability and I especially don't like to pay for me to assess their program. And of course I already said I couldn't do a 12 month contract or come in on saturday. I responded to the email and after another week of no response I went back in. I spoke with the lady this time (also very nice) who eventually gave me pricing for one other program via email. I responded a few days ago but hhavent heard anything yet. Pacific ring sports and rio combat club responded right away, are cheaper, and offered to have me come try a class for free. I'm going to sign up at one of those. The people were nice so they get 2 stars but as much as I've tried they don't seem to want my business. The facility looks nice though read more