Guardian Mixed Martial Arts

To follow up the previous reviewers question about kids classes, Guardian has an after school program and kids jiu jitsu classes included with the program fee of $ 75 (you provide snack, but the program ends at 6, and they do homework with the kids and it’s very much a big family environment, so it’s worth it to me). They take care of each other and all of the kids. It IS just like an extended family.
The coaches are lovingly tough on the kids and it really helps teach the kids self-​control and self-​discipline. Left your shorts in the locker room because you can’t be bothered to keep up with your own stuff? 20 burpees. Goofing off in the snack room when everyone else is putting their gis on? 10 push-​ups. You sass anyone and there’s a consequence, and they REALLY emphasize respecting the women who help with homework and take care of the kids before class. I love it, because they also praise ALL of the good. The kids get excited praise whenever they finally get a move right, and lots of encouragement if they don’t get it, and a stern comment if they aren’t paying attention. So much good, healthy balance, but without any of the PC you see with places where the coaches don’t get onto kids when they’re being disrespectful with lack of attention or a smart mouth. The kids can see the clear hierarchy, but feel treated with respect as well, so there’s nothing cruel about it. They love it and they feel secure.
After the first week I haven’t seen any whining, crying, sassiness, or blatant disrespect. You still see kids playing sometimes instead of listening, but they get corrected quickly and do so much better. It’s such a tight knit community that you’ll see other parents even correcting any misbehaving kids and the kids listen and no one gets mad. It takes a village, and everyone understands that and is cool with it and doesn’t get defensive. So refreshing!
My son had issues with zoning out when he’s feeling impatient or bored at the beginning. A few weeks in and he keeps his eyes on the coach almost constantly, pays careful attention, and loves practicing moves at home with me. He’s very invested and corrects anyone who asks if he does karate with a slightly offended tone, lol. He’s very proud of the gym and his coaches and his hard work. Can’t wait to see his face when he gets that first stripe!
I know this is a huge, huge essay, lol, but we really can’t emphasize enough how much we love our gym and the family we have there. Newcomers are greeted like old friends, and everyone celebrates each other’s successes and are so encouraging. My son will very likely be there for life.

I was visiting the area for a few days and I needed to find a Muay Thai gym to continue my workouts. I settled on this gym despite the lack of reviews. The Muay Thai class schedule fit my schedule and well, TJ over the phone sounded very welcoming.
I show up 30 minutes late for a 1 hour class. D’oh! But they didn’t give me any grief. Sean greeted me warmly and told me to just join on in. Matt (or Mark? o_​O Oops, Sorry!), the Muay Thai instructor, just told me to prepare for combinations since they were done with the warm-​up part of the class. He didn’t give me any grief for being late. He was more excited that another student joined! I like that. I mean, what teacher wouldn’t welcome a stranger who drove 30 miles to a 30 minute class? (Yes, I was that desperate for Muay Thai. Drive 30 miles to go to an MMA gym rather than some Zumba class at the local rec center.)
I was paired up with the only other girl and we started our drills of knees, push-​knees, push-​kicks, roundhouses, etc. At my home Muay Thai gym, I am used to more complex combinations and intense drills which leave me super sweaty and spent but overall the class was good. Matt/​Mark gave me good pointers with explanations. Explanations are always a plus! He also commented on how I definitely had done this before … UNLIKE ANOTHER CRAPPY GYM IN SAN JOSE, CALIFORNIA WITH A CONCEITED PRICK OF AN INSTRUCTOR, Matt/​Mark gave me constructive criticism and complimented me. He also invited me to join in the jiu-​jitsu class right after. Unfortunately I couldn’t.
Overall, first day impression was very positive. I was also able to talk to Sean and TJ after the class for a few minutes. Great guys as well. The students (~6) also were welcoming. You could tell they had a family vibe already.
This sport is already intimidating to people, including guys, that a little ol’ girl like me walking into a strange gym might be put off by any ounce of ego (very common in male-​dominated MMA world). But this gym did not have that whatsoever. They want you to learn. They want you to try. They want you to be your best.
Next time I’m in the area, I will definitely be willing to drive 30 miles to pay $ 10 for a drop-​in Muay Thai class.
PS — I think this sport is great for kids. I don’t know whether this gym offers classes for kids but just maybe they do?