Population leans heavily male which is to be expected in martial arts. Instructors have been informative, ensure safety and seem passionate about teaching. Other students seem keen to learn and receptive to safety tips. Incredibly clean facilities. Ample parking. You can attend whatever beginner classes you like on whatever day which is great flexibility. Price is improved with Black Friday class bundles. read more

Got to visit for Los Angeles. What a great experience. Whether you're visiting or a local trying to figure out if this gym is for you, here are some take aways. 1. First off, Professor Kyle is great. He was very friendly and welcoming. He introduced me around to a lot of the guys and game me a tour of the gym. You can see what type of vibe a gym has by seeing how the students relate to him during class. Here, you can tell they respect Kyle Watson, but are also friendly with Kyle and there's plenty of friendly banter. Kyle is very attentive throughout the entire class and the class is put together with a lot of thoughtfulness. Kyle is attentive the entire time and super helpful in giving instruction and tips. 2. The vibe of the gym is great. Here, you'll find competitor and hobbyists. Everyone was very kind and skilled. No one is off to take off your head and you can tell there are some skilled people on the matts that can turn it on (if they wanted). Great number of training partners. I can see guys getting good here pretty quickly. And if I lived around here, this would be the gym I would pick. Chill vibe but people here work hard. 3. Facilities. This place is HUGE. Upstairs and downstairs mat space. Mens and women's lockers. Showers. Plenty of space to put your gym bag. The place is CLEAN throughout. 4. Schedule. An underestimated aspect of someone choosing a gym is the schedule. Bottom line, if there aren't a lot of options, you're more likely to stop training. Here, there are a ton of options for advance, beginning, go and no gi. Bottom line, give this place a shot. You will not be disappointed. read more

Went to St Louis for a week and needed somewhere to train while I was there. It's a huge facility with tones of class options, new equipment, friendly students, knowledgeable instructors and well, Kyle Watson. Such a nice guy, makes you feel very welcome whatever your level. read more

Watson Martial Arts - Muay Thai Near Me - Saint Louis, Missouri

Best gym in the st louis area imo. Great structured training built for growth, friendly and clean environment.

TL:DR - Beginner friendly gym with very enthusiastic, knowledgeable, and genuine instructors. A bit pricey, but hard to beat the community (pun intended). Man, where to even start? Well, I've never in my entire life done any sort of martial arts, so even the idea of starting somewhere was very intimidating. In addition, usually non-restaurant reviews on yelp can be hit or miss since they're few and far between, so I was a bit skeptical when this place had over 15 reviews while others only had 2 or 3 (i.e., I assumed a lot of these were fake). But I was drawn in with the free week trial. But I signed up through the website for more information and Kyle personally called me to welcome me and answer any questions I had. When I came in a few weeks later he remembered my name and greeted me personally. From the get go, I could tell Kyle was a very nice and genuine. For my first class I got put into a corner in the front where all the first timers (or people who had been there less than a few weeks) got to work in a much smaller class with the assistant instructor. That honestly made me feel a lot better and was not as intimidating. Each day there's a different instructor and I love working with Kara and Nolan. For the most part, the corner group size can range from 2-8, but a majority of the time my gf and I were the only people there, so cheap personal session! But Nolan and Kara are super nice, friendly, and approachable. In addition, the community here seems great. Very active facebook group, and instructors are always encouraging those who have been there a while to help newbies, which they do. I'm def glad I took the plunge and will be back as long as my finances will allow. It's hard to find any pricing anywhere, which is understandable since it's high, but the cheapest option is $129 a month that allows you to come in 3 days a week. There's also a groupon for I think $50 something for a month. On the groupon though it says you can't use in conjunction with the free trial, but Kyle let us use it while subtracting a week from the groupon which I think is completely fair. read more

Ok, so I don't actually train here. My husband does. And he loves it!!! He happens to have the unlimited pass, so he can go to as many classes as he wants every week. But there are a handful of different options and price ranges. There are usually a couple classes or an open matt session almost every day of the week. Sundays there is sometimes an open matt, and sometimes it's just closed for the day. The different packages allow you to come a certain amount of days a week. For instance, if you buy the two day pass, you can go to as many classes as you want on those two days. The only exception is that there is an occasional advanced class that you can only attend if you've achieved a certainly belt level. Most of the classes are in the evening on weekdays and during the day on the weekends, with an occasional early morning class. The facilities look pretty nice, based on the times I've come in to pick him up. The waiting room has two very comfy couches that are clean and stylish. There's also a healthy vending machine that offers food other than chips and gummy bears. They have their own parking lot and although it's on the small side, he's never had a problem. My husband loves the teacher (Kyle) and the community of people this place attracts. He not only learns from Kyle, but from all advanced belts that he gets to roll with. He seems pretty happy with array of belts around him - sometimes he gets to roll with someone that hasn't been training as long (which makes him feel successful) and other times he gets to roll with someone who has been doing Jiu Jitsu for years and can really put his skills to the test! He was a white belt with no stripes when he started in December and has earned a couple stripes since then. He's been extremely happy with how much he's learned. It takes quite a bit of time to earn your stripes, so when he does get a new one he feels like he really deserves it. He also enjoys taking private lessons a couple times a month, especially if he's prepping for an upcoming competition. If you check in on Yelp, you can get two weeks of free classes! OR you can keep an eye out on Groupon! read more

I was in St. Louis for a business trip and had to get my Brazilian Jiu Jitsu on because I can't go too many days without training, as I'm a Blue Belt and completely addicted. I searched the city for the schools in the area and came across Kyle Watson BJJ, top notch BJJ Competitor and UFC fighter; nothing more really needs to be said. I sent the school an email and Kyle Watson reached out via phone same day and invited me to train while I was in town. Stopped by and he was a super nice guy with awesome techniques. He really explained the techniques and made it easy to drill them. There were a lot of new people in the class and Kyle was very patient in teaching the basics to everybody. Overall, great BJJ class and everybody was super nice. If St. Louis was home for me, I'd be training with Kyle Watson all the time, no questions asked. I also stuck around for the Muay Thai class and it was a killer as well. The instructor for the class was Elmir and the guy knows his stuff. Again, he taught the basics very well and was very patient with everybody while explaining. I was smoked after class. Overall, if you live in St. Louis and are not training here, you're doing yourself a disservice. Top notch people and training. A++ read more

Highly recommended! The schedule and classes are posted online to help you out! You get to try some free time to see if it's a fit for you. Kyle is fantastic in his approach to teaching and welcoming new people. Everyone at this gym are very welcoming and helpful. I can't recommend it enough! read more

What a great place. I started taking the Muay Thai boxing class as a newbie, and it's such a fun experience and of course, a great work out. I was really nervous at first since I've never done it before, but everyone is so welcoming and friendly. The owner is great and laid-back, and will try to accommodate what you're looking for in a class/gym. I haven't been to the gym it's associated with downstairs, but they have deals for Watson Martial Arts clients. SO much fun, and I recommend it to anyone who is trying to stay fit but wants something different and challenging. read more

I was visiting from out of town and Kyle was very welcoming!! He even gave me a brief intro to all his students Matt was awesome and gave a detailed class. Great gym to be a part of!! read more

I was in town for work and looking for a place to train. I messaged Kyle and he responded quickly and called me, he was incredibly welcoming. Having trained at a number of schools around the country with world champions in Muay Thai, BJJ, and MMA I can say without a doubt this place is legit! The facility had everything you could want, it has tons of space, its updated, and clean. The instructions are all top notch and experienced. The other students are welcoming. I wish I lived in ST. Louis so i could train here everyday. Thank you for opening your door and being so hospitable! read more

Highly recommended!! I'm brand new to martial arts and I talked to Kyle about his muay thai kickboxing class. I was a little nervous since I'm a total beginner, but he's always been extremely nice and professional, and he and the other instructors are very helpful during the class. Along with getting a fantastic workout, I always feel comfortable asking them for help if I need a little more instruction with a particular technique. I just signed on to be a full member and highly recommend it for anyone else! read more

Excellent and clean environment with knowledgable instructors. A great, judgement-free gym for those looking up their fitness and/or learn a fun new skill. Highly recommend! read more

Simply an awesome place for beginners and experienced BJJ practitioners alike. Super welcoming atmosphere and the bathroom/mats are really clean too. Additionally, Kyle puts together a evolving meticulous instruction series every week so you're getting the most practical and current techniques, not to mention he is one of the top instructors I've ever learned from. Highly recommended. read more

Two thumbs up for Watson BJJ! I was in St. Louis for a business trip and stopped in one night and attended a BJJ Fundamentals Class. The instructions were clear and concise. Kyle was very welcoming and professional. You can tell he his passionate about BJJ. The first 10 minutes of the class was a warm up with jogging, high knees, bear crawls and a few other joggin excercises. He then broke the class into two sections advanced and beginners. The beginners watched as he took a few minutes to give instruction to the advanced class. He quickly followed up with the beginners giving instruction on a sweep and keylock from mount. For the rest of the class Kyle would alternate between the two groups. After about every 10 minutes or so of drilling he would add to the beginners series with another move, and ultimately ending with some instruction on armbars. I think the advanced class rolled for the last 10 minutes while the beginners continued to drill till the end of the hour. Kyle followed up with some team building by introducing all the new (myself included) and newer members to the class. Highly recommend Watson BJJ to anyone thinking of training in St. Louis. read more

Great facilities. Great instructors that will always find time to make you improve your technique. Lots of classes and good dedicated attendees. They also have good gear both for use and for sale read more

I highly recommend Watson Martial Arts! I've have been training under the instruction of Kyle for many years and must say that his ability to teach all levels and ages is incredible! He is very personable, professional, and truly cares for his students! read more

Great space and very welcoming people. They post their schedule online and makes it easier to coordinate with your own, unlike some places. Prices are fair and there is no pressure to join. Guys and gals are welcome and everyone I've talked to have been warm and friendly. There is a supportive and willingness to teach and learn from each other atmosphere. It's great if you're looking to challenge your mind or if you just want a great work out and get a good sweat in, you should just try a class or two. They have classes that you can come in and try out and see if you like it. It gets active and fun pretty quick.. read more

No matter where or why I travel, I pack my gi along. First night in St. Louis on business and got my roll in at Watson Martial Arts. I've trained for three years under a Ribeiro affiliate outside of D.C., but had never heard of Coach Kyle until I looked up the closest gyms to my hotel. What I found really surprised me. First, he's the real deal. Tough and experienced MMA competitor. Second, the instruction. It's clear and scaffolded. He teaches a technique, reviews it over subsequent classes while layering in practical, realistic scenarios for application. In this way, you're not learning just one move, but it's a sequence. And one you'll remember cause you've done it in real time. Third, the large, diverse student body. It's huge. The night I dropped in (Wednesday), there were easily 40+ on the mats. That's amazing. Huge pool of white belts and a really supportive and competitive group of upper belts. And it's diverse in gender, ages and backgrounds. Again, a huge testament to whatever culture Coach Kyle has fostered there (he publicly thanked his visitors and the blue belt and purple belt assistant coaches. Lastly, there's the gym's facilities. Clean front lobby with clear layout? Check. Dressing rooms and bathrooms for both sexes as well as a unisex bathroom? Check. Shoe rack? Check. Showers? Check? Water fountains, huge mat space, Muay Thai equipment and pads, extensive schedule? Check. Great vibes and good leadership. Check it out if you're in the area. Terrific training. Oss! read more

I would highly recommend this gym to anyone in the St. Louis area. Great atmosphere and really good instruction.

I have trained at a lot of gyms and this is a great place, expert instruction and great people.

Love this place . I drive 30 Mins each day to get here. its my home away from home . Been fighting for years, and didn't think i needed ground game as bad as i did. Humbling fo sho. Great atmosphere top learn and grow. Its like a family here and the egomaniacs get weeded out quickly. I''ve trained at numerous places, and love this place the best. If there is any fault , i would have to say that Kyle is so calm and cool and speaks in low tones and my deaf ears sometimes cannot hear him. Class sizes can sometimes get big. But this is because anybody who tries it , normally signs up. I've seen very few people leave after their 2 week trial. Its addictive. Do yourself a favor and roll with us. The class time flies by. Cant say enough good things about this place. you could drop a $100 bill on the floor and it would be there the next day. everybody helps everybody here. Its the way Kyle teaches us. Honorable does not even begin to describe him. read more

Great gym, everyone is really nice, welcoming, professional, and helpful. Highly recommended! Love this place.

Watson Martial Arts is a great place to train! I was in St Louis on a business trip and I reached out to Kyle by email to ask about joining his class. Kyle was fast to respond and welcomed me to come out for a roll. The gym is clean and has plenty of space for students to work. Kyle and all of his students were all very friendly, I did not feel like an outsider. If I lived in St Louis I would definitely want to be a student at Watson Martial Arts! read more

A very clean and professional gym with great instruction from Kyle Watson. Be sure to leave your ego at the door, or it will get tapped. :) I highly recommend this facility if you're in the downtown Saint Louis area. Great Jiu Jitsu with even better people! read more

I've been training at Watson Martial Arts for about two years, taking the fundamentals courses in both jiu jitsu as well as muay thai. I could not recommend this gym enough due to the high level of experience and competency of the instructors as well as the friendly and positive atmosphere. Kyle Watson's dedication to his craft and motivation to elevate the gym are forces of nature that truly set a clear model for everyone at the gym. His background in education is clearly evident in his thoughtful lesson planning and active teaching style. Regarding the gym itself, it is a great space with all of the amenities that you might hope for with this size of gym: changing rooms for men and women (separate), bathrooms, a few showers. Although it is a good sign and reflection of the quality of the gym, the space can certainly get crowded and hot--as to be expected. There is a small parking lot on the side of the building and street parking is available but expect to compete with other entities on the street with growing demands; you may have to get there a bit early to secure a spot. Literally next door to the gym is a branch of the police department, so you always feel safe regardless of the hour you arrive or leave. The students are good-natured and any ego that someone comes into the door with is swiftly broken such that those who have been at the gym for any length of time are generally approachable, friendly, and willing to help by sharing what they know. Due to the proximity of the gym to the SLU campus, there are a majority of students currently training (in the fundamentals courses at least) who are in their 20s and maybe early 30s. There are also a few older students who train in the beginning courses as well as well who don't stick out obnoxiously in the crowd by any means; I expect that the advanced courses instruct a slightly different demographic. I have never seen anyone younger than maybe 16 train here but I am not aware of an age restriction if there is one. Women and men train in the same group, which I have always preferred, but there are generally a few women at least in every class such that if you are a woman you can choose to train with another woman in jiu jitsu or muay thai. This is a vibrant and exceptional gym with fair market prices that you will not regret checking out. read more

Awesome describes it all here. Started doing jiujitsu here about a month and a half ago with no experience and am eager to keep training and getting better! Kyle is a fantastic instructor and is very respectful and helpful. After just moving to St. Louis and trying out something new I always feel welcome here. Definitely cares about everyone at the gym and there is a definite inclusive team mentality. Everyone is friendly and respectful and willing to help each other, i learn tons of new things every class from multiple people. Also the gym is moving soon to a bigger and better location so check it out! read more

Note: Reviewing private lessons with Kyle Watson. Kyle is very knowledgable and highly experience. Although very easy-going on the mat, his instruction is thorough and professional. I have been particularly impressed with his attention to detail and his concern that all questions are answered and the subject matter is completely explained. Highly recommended. read more

my name is chirs hart. Approximately a 4 stripe blue.(Since my gym dosent give stripes my intstuctor said im a high blue almost purple). From Akron ohio.Anyway. i was in the st louis area and i needed a place to train for the week. i almost went to the hit squad gym but i had a feeling it was not a freindly enviornment. Full of egos and hardass's. Thats not the place i was looking for. I chose watson martial arts and its exactly what i was looking for.Everyone was humble and friendly.Which means alot in this sport . Because being in a ego maniacs triangle is not very fun.Everyone at watsons gym was just like home.Top notch instruction. Very tamily friendly atmosphere that i would strongly reccomend to anyone in the st louis area. Happy rollling everyone and be sure to stop by watsons martials arts! train safe. train hard. read more