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May 2024 by Monica
I was looking to have my kid join. Went in to ask simple questions. The person sitting at the desk didn't answer a single question. All I got was "that varies" over and over again. I simply said, "Umm, I guess thank you?" Because there was nothing to thank them for. After reading some reviews, this seems to be common. I should have read the reviews first. After seeing them, I wouldn't have gone in there. Will simple look somewhere else.
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January 2024 by Henry Coates
This is Coach Justin, one of the excellent BJJ teachers at SBG Portland. Justin signed me up to the gym, guided me through my entry process, and always has a kind work or thoughtful insight to share with me. Today’s class with Coach Justin was all about escaping your opponent when they’re going for your head on the ground, and boy was it fantastic. And humbling. Coach Justin said today something today like, “if you want to succeed at BJJ you have to let your ego go”, and of course he’s absolutely right. When I got into powerlifting seriously about ten years ago, I took to it like flies take to sh*t—I was naturally strong, and good coaches were able to take me to really incredible strength numbers. But I’m not naturally good at BJJ, and for me to get better, I have to admit that. I have to think through what I’m doing, how I’m doing it, and why in the moment I’m doing it. I absolutely love BJJ, and am grateful that I have this gym within walking distance to train at. The three coaches I’ve worked with—Vanessa, Justin, and Franklin have challenged me like no other, and I’m grateful. And I won’t back down. I’m slowly getting better, but there is a rich depth to this sport that I don’t know if I’ll fully ever explore, but that doesn’t mean I dang well won’t give it my best. I highly recommend this place, both for complete newbies and experienced athletes as well. You will be challenged, and you won’t walk away disappointed.
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January 2024 by GJJ Driggs
I dropped in for both group & private classes. Great instruction. Chill vibe. Other old dudes like me. Will be back.
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January 2024 by Sean Cullen
Great Gym! Skilled training partners (so you know the instruction is top notch) and the instructors are very welcoming. Overall great place to train.
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January 2024 by Dughman Ryan
A middle-aged blue belt visiting family for the winter holidays. Arranged by e-mail to attend a couple of classes before arriving. The e-mails from staff were prompt and informative.Arriving at the gym all the staff and students were welcoming and felt at home immediately.I participated in a CAP and a Foundations class. Both instructors were very knowledgeable and taught in a progressive fashion that was very easy to understand. As a result, walked out to the gym with a couple of new techniques and a few solutions to problems I was having in my game.Highly recommend if you are in the visiting the area or if you live in the area and are looking for an excellent place to train!
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December 2023 by Jason Wilson
Online Member! The scientific method and their constant search for truth and excellence produces great techniques and teaching styles. Coach Matt mentioned the organization was a bit behind with leglocks and would work on it. Coach Frankl puts his brainpower to work and problem solved. Coach Whittier, ahead of the parade with his 40 plus series. Gamification... is a new lingo, concept is exactly what Coach Matt had us do at a seminar. The MMA instruction is excellent. Self-Defense-Fight based education! Very impressive commitment to constant improvement. Highly recommend!
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November 2023 by Morgan Clark-Gaynor
Really amazing gym! Incredibly kind, smart coaches. Really inclusive community. Honest, understanding staff. Highly recommend!!
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October 2023 by Meredith Kirby
Matt Thornton, the owner of this gym, blocked me on social media when I reported a potential serious safety threat to him. Involving someone who might be a child molestor.
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September 2023 by Ryan Cavanaugh
welcoming environment, super cool striking class. was visiting from out of town and wish I could have stuck around for some jiu jitsu
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August 2023 by Ignacio Bilbao
Great gym and very knowledgeable coaches. Traveling thru Portland so I decided to drop in and it was a fantastic experience. Coach James was awesome and showed the side control defense/offense with every detail. Thanks a lot SBG!PS: the monkey rashguard is awesome!
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July 2023 by amanda adamczyk
Everyone at Straight Blast Gym was welcoming and friendly. They offer a wide range of classes, and the facility is clean and spacious. I took Rick and Vanessa’s Foundations- Stand up classes, and both instructors taught techniques with clear instruction and attentiveness to all members in the class. Would definitely commend this gym!
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May 2023 by Zach A
Haven't been here in a few years so may be different but they aren't a gym I'd recommend whatsoever. Unless you wanna get locked in a too expensive contract and not be able to cross train don't go here. Way better gyms in town
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November 2022 by Megan S.
I would suggest looking for another boxing gym to engage your children. The classes are very large, the instructors are inconsistent meaning that at least half of the time my sons boxing instructor is not available and he is being trained by other students. I paid for 6 months of the entry program, he was invited into CAP at 4 months, barely made it to five months before we started dealing with Mental Health Issues and they won't let me cancel the 2 year contract in which my first payment has not even come due...not unless I pay 500 dollars. I am a single, low income mother and they had absolutely no compassion for the situation or my son. This business definitely prioritizes money over people.
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October 2022 by Daniel Suddaby
What a great place!Flew in from France for business. Really appreciated their ethos after researching the gym online. I was not disappointed. Instructor was deeply knowledgeable welcoming and helpful. The class mates were mixed abilities but considerate to my newbie status and open (staff even helped me tie my Gi ?). If I lived in Portland would be here three times a week.
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September 2022 by Dave Stacy
I have twins that are five years old. They go twice a week. I have nothing but great to say about this place. It’s the best thing the twins have done. Great people. Not only are they learning about self-defense. They teach them about everything on the steps to get where are you from time is it will take longer but if you keep trying you will get your there. It’s been definitely worth the money that we pay. You guys are great keep up the good work
