Mata Leao Combat Sports

I have a background in boxing and decided to take my stand up striking to the next level. I originally did their free 30 day deal and really enjoyed the classes. The trainers are very knowledgeable and experienced. They teach the fundamental Muay Thai techniques to build a solid foundation. I currently have been training for a year and am taking the intermediate /​MMA class. The people are cool and the culture is supportive for effective improvement. Overall positive experience!

I have trained quite a bit at several other fighting gyms and I have to say this is one of the best gyms. The owner is awesome… Incredible black belt in Ji Jitsu with lots of medals. I believe it is important to train with people who have competed (unlike NW Fighting} and I highly recommend this gym whether you want to do ji jitsu, Muay Thai, or get in great shape. They have a 5 pm class Monday through Friday which will kick your ass and get you into crazy good shape. My daughter has been training in ji jitsu here and will be competing next year. The owners are great people. Very compassionate and just good peeps. If you are comparing gyms with the one down the street (mentioned above) just check out the Unilocal reviews first. They speak volumes.

Did the beginners kickboxing class and got hooked (pun intended). Mata-​Leao has a great space with a few workout areas to choose from besides the main floor (where classes are held). There are lots of bags to kick and punch, and free weights, too. Anthony, my instructor, was a really inspiring and informative. His sense of humor made the workout go by quick. A wide range of ages and abilities came to the beginners class, from high school girls, to middle aged guys. The tone was «work hard, have fun.» It’s clear that Omar, the owner of Mata-​Leao, is passionate about his gym. Mata-​Leao has guts and soul.

Earlier this year I decided I was bored with my workouts and wanted to try something new. I’d found a Groupon special that gave me access to Mata Leao and soon found myself in my first ‘Warrior Challenge’ class, aka strength and conditioning.
Initially I was intimated and uncertain of what to expect. But right away others in the class introduced themselves to me and were very friendly. You won’t find «that guy» lifting weights and flexing in the mirrors at Mata Leao, everyone who is there is encouraging you, is happy to see you progress and will push you when you need it.
The workouts themselves are the most intense workouts I’ve ever experienced. Every day is different, you never know what the actual workout is going to be until you arrive and look at the whiteboard. I’ve seen more progress in my fitness in the last 9 months since I joined Mata Leao than I ever did while working out at a standard gym with a personal trainer. At 35 yo I’m in best shape I’ve ever been in and I’m doing things now I never really thought possible for me (rope climbs, pull-​ups, ect.). I highly recommend Mata Leao!

Before I came to Mata Leao, I had no idea what I was looking for in a workout.
All I knew was that I wanted to find something that challenged me, while providing an outlet from my stressful days at the office. As a workaholic I could never find the time (or motivation) to fit in vigorous exercise — unless plopping down on the couch after a long day to Law & Order: SVU marathons counts as exercise. And whenever I tried to go to the big box gyms I felt out of my element — wandering in at random hours (and having to share equipment, space, etc…) with random strangers (some of whom seemed to have a staring problem) just wasn’t my thing.
One day I decided I wanted to take up kickboxing (what the hell, right? Let’s punch and kick things — legally and for recreation!). For the next month I tried a handful of different trial classes at gyms in Portland. They were fine, but all seemed to be missing one thing or another. At one gym the instructor stood in front of the class shouting commands over the sound of music (while I felt like a noob swinging/​kicking wildly without abandon or instruction); at another gym the students barely spoke to each other before, during or after class — sheesh, lighten up! Kickboxing should be fun! The whole search felt like a crazy, time-​consuming whirlwind — one that was (literally) a pain in the butt.
The reason I came to Mata Leao was because Omar (the head instructor) offered a (real, no-​joke, no-​contract) free 30 day trial. A much different approach than the last gym I visited where the instructor acted like a salesman frantically trying to lock me into a sale. Omar offers the trial because he knows that after someone spends a couple weeks with the instructors /​fellow students, they’ll never want to leave.
Annnnnd yes, that’s exactly what happened to me.
As someone with no past sports experience, I was surprised at how quickly I picked up Muay Thai /​kickboxing, and how fast my body adapted to the workout– I was losing weight, toning up, and feeling less stressed. On top of the physical benefits, I loved finding another social circle to be a part of. Mata Leao is like a big family; all the instructors (and students) are compassionate, ethical, and friendly, on top of being fierce fighters (whom, I should note, regularly beat other gyms in competitions to win awards — Booya!).
I have no doubt that Omar is the most talented and highly-​skilled martial arts instructor in Portland. And if you choose to join the gym I know you’ll agree with me.
All in all, I started my search looking for a great workout. I ended my search after I found the place that would give me this and so much more.

I love this gym. I started training in BJJ in January this year… I have grown so much in these 8 months. I am much stronger and more confident as a result. The classes are set up very well with great teachers … including Omar who owns the gym. We always start with the fundamentals and expand from there. I appreciate the attention to detail and the fun environment. Everyone at the gym is very friendly.
Chris H

I trained Muay Thai for about a year and a half in Japan and came across Mata Leao coming back to the states. I love the emphasis Omar puts on technique and repetition. Not to mention the top notch strength and conditioning classes emphasizing core and body weight exercises. The best part is Omar will make sure you’re using proper form to avoid injury.
The overall atmosphere is a great family style, open and friendly atmosphere. Everybody there has been amazingly supportive and great to chat with whether it’s normal life or training.
Mata Leao has become more family to me than just a gym.