7641 E Guadalupe Rd b103, Mesa, AZ 85212, USA
Faction Combat Gym offers Krav Maga Self Defense, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai, MMA Mixed Martial Arts, and Kickboxing in Mesa, Gilbert and Queen Creek AZ. Classes for the whole family. Try a FREE class today!
I've been raving about this place for years to friends but realized I should also write a review for other folks to know. Parents- this place is amazing for kids. Our kid has been enrolled for a couple years and we have been beyond thrilled with our experience. Coach Maiston is AMAZING with kids. He meets them where they're at, and strikes a great balance of challenging them, but also not being over bearing. We love how right away, even with such a small introduction to skills, they had my son sparring/wrestling with the other kids. I've seen how having the kids just jump right in helps when to understand what they're being taught and gives them a chance to learn from the other kids through the experience of rolling with them. The kids and culture is very sweet, very supportive. A great blend of being laid back sufficient to allow kids space to learn without feeling overwhelmed, but also opportunities to be well challenged.
My daughter likes going here. It's improved her confidence in terms of interacting with people outside of her family. The coaches are knowledgeable and patient. The people that come here to practice their craft vary in age group, but all seem to share the desire to help each other improve. Highly recommend taking your kids here, even if they are not in any official fighting competition.
An amazing combat gym with expert coached for all disciplines. Our kids have been training here for years and love everything about it! We will be members here for life!
The owner and instructors are great! Friendly and very willing to help anyone of any level. They go out of their way to make sure everyone succeeds. Definitely recommend Faction!!
Great coaches and great teammates very clean gym
Very friendly and knowledgeable instructors. Definitely helped me in my confidence with self defense. Student skill levels range from beginner to advanced, so beginners shouldn't feel intimidated.
I have been a member of Faction Combative since February. In my experience, this MMA gym stands out for its exceptional community and training environment. The instructors and fellow members foster a supportive, family-like atmosphere where everyone looks out for each other. Additionally, the gym offers outstanding value, with rates that are more affordable than other MMA facilities in the area. I highly recommend Faction Combative to anyone seeking high-quality MMA training in a welcoming and encouraging setting.
Great combination of classes and times to adapt to anyone’s schedule. Coaches and students are great!
I go to the Muay Thai class 4-5 times a week when I can and the coaches are great. They really know what they're talking about and have helped me learn so much. I've attended the MMA and BJJ classes as well and have had a good experience as well. Definitely recommend trying a class and seeing how you like it!
Very comfortable atmosphere for my 14 year old son. Learn at your own pace with clear instruction. The hands on aspect is also top notch.
Great teachings and skills. Bring your kids
Way awesome!!! Cece’s kickboxing is so much fun and a great workout!!!
Faction is amazing - the instructors are not only extremely knowledgeable, but they are also great at teaching and communicating complex concepts in understandable terms. Steve has tons of experience and embodies what it means to be a great instructor, and the environment feels like family. I have been training here for almost two years, and my only complaint is that I didn't find Faction sooner.
The warm ups a drills are awesome for that muscle memory and the live roll will humble you. Great class as always.
I've been going for a year and still love it! Highly recommend checking out 1 or more classes to see what the right fit is for you. Lotsof options at different times.
My husband I have been going to Faction for more than six months. We take the street defense/Krav classes. Steve and his instructors are top of the line. Great community, great classes!!! We learn a lot and the material rotations allow us a lot of practice to master content.
Going to Faction has been amazing. Steve is an amazing instructor, and the skills we learn have help build confidence, have helped us feel safer, and have helped us lose weight! Everyone is very friendly and supportive, and there’s no egos to make anyone feel like they can’t do it. We love it there!
My family has been attending various classes at Faction Combat Gym for about 2years. All of the classes have been amazing. We started my youngest child in the MMA class with Maiston Hattery because he was being bullied at school. As a concerned mom, I wanted my child to have the confidence and skills to properly defend himself. Maiston is extremely kind and works well with all of the children there. Recently, my kiddo decided he wanted to try the Kids BJJ class with Brenden Richardson. Brenden is another amazing instructor. He is always patient with the kids and keeps them actively engaged by adding in a "ninja course" game during class. The kids love it. My child loves attending the classes and making friends here. I also started taking the MMA and BJJ classes here. The instructors I have worked with are phenomenal. I decided to try out a few classes to add into my regular gym routine. As an older woman trying martial arts for the first time, its daunting. The instructors are always welcoming and other attendees have been awesome. I have been taking the Adult MMA classes with Maiston Hattery. He does a great job at giving clear and concise directions and answering my many questions. In the Adult BJJ class, I have been working with Mike Lin. Mike is another amazing instructor. I appreciate his thorough directions when teaching a new technique. As a newbie, I appreciate that Mike breaks down a technique, then gives a general idea of when and why its useful. Mike will also spend time with each participant to answer any questions and to make any corrections. Our experiences here have been great for our entire family. The owners Steven and Kimmy are lovely people. They are also in and out of the gym to answer any questions and check up on everything. They have created an amazing and welcoming environment here.
I've been attending the jiu-jitsu class for almost two years and I can honestly say this has been an amazing experience for me. The coaches are very good (Brendan Richardson, Mike Lin, Steve Heilman- all black belts and Maiston Hattery- purple belt). Great facility and a good environment to train. Sharkside!
The kid's Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu/combat class is amazing. Their instructor, Maiston, is an amazing teacher. He is so patient and wonderful and encouraging for the kids. Even when the kids are disruptive he corrects them respectfully and with positive reinforcement. We went to other Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu facilities before switching and my kids have learned so much more with Maiston in a shorter time frame than any other place. I couldn't be happier. Money well spent.
I've been here for about 18 months and I'm so happy to stumble upon this place. I started taking classes with Steve and did Krav, but then added jiujitsu and eventually mma. I'm blown away with the personalities of the coaches- super patient and kind, but will also try and push you into being a better practitioner in your art. They'll help you find your weaknesses and work on those and then sharpen your strengths. My kids are also in the kids mma class and I can't say enough about Maiston. Far more patient in teaching than anything I've ever seen, but structured enough to assure they're actually getting taught something versus a "karate mill". The family feel in all of the classes is mind blowing.
Excellent, practical self-defense training. I strongly recommend this training to anyone who is interested self-defense or competition style fighting. The instructors will meet you where you're at and build you up from there. I started with no training and after just a few months I feel a lot more confident and have a piece of mind as I'm out performing daily tasks with my family.
Everyone is like family, I've been with Factions for almost 2 years and they have the greatest coaches. They are attentive, caring, and will transform you into " a lean, mean, fighting machine". I am more fit, confident, and absolutely enjoy my passion of mma. You truly couldn't ask for a better gym. Love you faction combative family!
Such a cool place! They were so friendly and invited myself and my kids in to check it out. Evan was awesome and I’m so excited for my first class!
Excited to have my son try out MMA. We're here for a free class and other activities. First impression has been extremely welcoming and the facility is clean.
Love it! Dawson and these guys are really good! Best combative gym in town
I just started here. The culture at this gym is amazing and everyone has been extremely supportive. I'm already addicted to the sport and I can't feel my legs. It's great!
I don’t know what to say. This place is awesome and the people are friendly and professional. I will definitely keep going back.
This establishment is amazing!! I’ve learned so much from Steve and the crew there. All the instructors are awesome I’ve met great people here who have become friends. Also the benefits are huge weight loss, self defense and confidence building, I study the combatives portion but you won’t go wrong with any system learned here! GET AFTER IT.
I just signed up this month for the Combative class with Steve and am loving it! Steve is an awesome instructor and I can definitely see how effective his training can be used in real life. Wish I started sooner.
Steve is amazing. When I first took a complimentary class, I noticed a few things. First; the people working out and the instructors were very welcoming. Second; as the class started, I could tell Steve was extremely knowledgably in the subject area. His teaching style was one of patience, guidance and motivation. Third; the gym was clean and full of equipment. The whole workout from beginning to end was incredible. I was hooked the first 30 minutes in. I signed up immediately and have been enjoying the workouts and meeting new people ever since. Amazing place.
We love Steve (Krav) very welcoming. It's always a mixed class, skill and gender, so it's not intimidating at all. Literally life saving skills, every woman should try something like this out!! Very well priced too.
Great place! Welcoming and great instruction.
My children have a great time working out. The instructors for the teen class are so patience, and helpful
Steve is very thoughtful and thorough. He explains the technique and why we are doing it and gives multiple scenario techniques and outcomes. I was very impressed my very first class. We practiced a move I had practiced for 2years elsewhere and through his guidance I had it down properly finally in his 1hr class whereas before I was scrambling through the motions in another dojo. That amazed me actually. He also showed us a few other ways to do it. I’ve only been here a week but I can already tell it’s exactly where I need to be. I know for sure I will gain more perspective and more confidence for everything that is taught. I highly recommend this place. I also had fun. That’s a plus for me.
My 14 year old son has been training with Faction Combatives for a couple months. He really enjoys the classes and the instruction. He has a new found confidence and his athleticism continues to improve! I highly recommend the program to any parent looking to build confidence in their child as well as getting them active.
We just started the teen combative classes and already seeing a new level of confidence in my 13 year old son. The classes show kids strength, fun, protection and overall techniques that they can use in today's society. Highly recommend!
I had been searching for a class for my 9 year old to attend that would allow him the opportunity to learn life skills and discipline all while having fun. He has only been going for a few weeks but absolutely loves it. Maiston is his teacher and he works so well with the kids. Thank you Faction Combative for being just what my son has been looking for and needing!
I wanted to wait to share my experience until I went at least 3 times. Here are some general observations that made this a place I’m excited about coming back to: 1. Steve is great and super patient. Anytime I need help with a technique or have a question about being left handed in certain instances, he has been super patient and thorough to ensure I am able to master the presented material in an efficient and safe way! 2. The people I have met are great and genuinely nice! It’s a very friendly gym a place where you want to spend time at! It’s a great experience and I highly recommend checking it out at least once, im sure you will be hooked just like I was!
Love this place! Steve is a great trainer, and a great guy. He knows his stuff! He is always willing to work with you, explain why this method is used, and is open to feedback. I recommend the combatives class, although full disclosure I have not taken any other class FACTION offers, due to the simplicity, effective, and usefulness of Steve's lessons.
Straight to the point, effective, and valuable. Love it!
I've been coming to the combatives/krav maga class for 2 consecutive weeks now, after having a free week a few months ago I decided to sign up. The atmosphere is awesome, the teachers are super knowledgeable and encouraging and I feel very comfortable and safe. Honestly I couldn't recommend this place enough. As a woman looking to learn self defense I can personally say it's exactly what I needed.
This place is awsome, great atmosphere great people. Steve the instructor is knowledgeable and great at communicating with the students. I would recomend this place to everyone.
I have been attending classes at this gym for a year now and I love it. I felt welcomed since day one, everyone is so friendly! Every class is fun, yet challenges me physically and mentally. I have learned many valuable self defense skills. The instructors are very knowledgeable, motivating, and teach simple but effective techniques. I highly suggest checking out classes for both kids and adults!
Great instructors and small classes. Practical instruction for real application. Highly recommended!
I have been training at Faction Combatives for just over a year and can not say enough good things about this gym, Steve & all the people involved and associated with Faction. It was my first time ever getting involved with combat sports and from the first day I felt welcomed and met with an extremely friendly and knowledgeable staff. I would highly recommend Faction Combatives to anyone who is intrigued, interested or is considering getting involved with some extremely functional self defense. If you’re looking for a great gym you found it.
So it’s been 4 months since I started at Faction Combatives. I’ve been taking the MMA class with Maiston every day at 8:30am and sometimes hitting the evening class. I’ve managed to learn a great deal In this time as we focus on BJJ, Kick boxing, Muay Thai, and wrestling. One of my biggest reservations about training earlier in my life is that I just didn’t want to get seriously injured or knocked out in sparring. I discussed this with Steve the owner before hand to see what the vibes were. I was assured that they do not run the gym in that way, and now I can confirm this. Everything is focused and controlled so if you have any reservations like I did, ditch em and jump in. Best thing I’ve done in a long time. As an individual I’m hyper focused on music, so I needed that interest Outside of my main focus. This has checked all the boxes for me and I don’t feel like I could have lucked out better than getting a trainer like Maiston. He’s such a well rounded athlete with a super inspiring attitude toward combat sports. I’m even thinking about enrolling my daughter in the kids class. Other members are rad, super respectful of others different abilities and experience. I’ve made a few friends from there. If you’re interested and want to try out they have a free week where you can check out the classes. They also offer straight BJJ training, Krav Maga and much more. The gym is super clean, all the mats were just updated and the loaner gear is cleaned daily. Couldn’t say a better word about the place.
Friendly gym with very practical self-defense and competitive mma training!
One of the best places for kids and adults to learn self defense techniques. We started taking my 10 year old daughter just under a month ago and now she know how to bring down an adult with just technique. I would absolutely recommend this business to anyone interested in learning self defense. The instructors are professional and very knowledgeable
I love this gym. Words I never thought I'd say, but it's true! Steve is knowledable, patient and encouraging, the gym is clean, and I feel comfortable and safe there. I have learned so much since I started combatives classes 3 months ago, and while I have a long way to go, I feel like I get stronger and more confident each and every week. If you're considering taking advantage of the free trial week...just do it! Faction and the people I have met here have been such a blessing to me, I am so thankful I stepped outside my comfort zone and gave it a try!
I wanted a way to get back into shape while doing something out of the ordinary, Faction Combatives provides that week in and week out. I’ve learned so much in the way of self defense along with getting physically stronger along the way. I couldn’t see my self going in and running a treadmill than laboring over machines, this hands on training is perfect for anyone looking to get involved both physically and mentally. Steve and his team are wonderful at making this a welcoming place for everyone. 5⭐️
I’m really happy being a member at Faction. I’ve learned so much and I’m more confident in my skills to defend myself. Steve is a great instructor, super knowledgeable, detailed and patient. Classmates are really friendly and helpful too. It’s a laid back environment and Steve breaks all the techniques down so they are easy to understand. It’s fun to see how much kids love his class too! I’ve had an awesome experience and I definitely recommend this gym!
Love this gym. Steve is a great instructor and a great guy. All of the instructors are great, the gym is nice, and the schedule format and flexibility is awesome. I would highly recommend Faction Combatives & Combat Sports to anyone interested in learning how to better defend themselves and their loved ones, while also improving physical fitness and mental toughness. A+ organization.
I've been training at this gym for almost a year. This gym provides great training for krav maga AND knife/ stick work. No other gym offers these classes and its what really drew me in. The classes are practical and straightforward and you feel totally confident that you can use it out in the real world (if you have to 😉). Steve really knows his stuff and it's a pleasure working/ training with him and his awesome wife, Kim. They really make sure you get the moves down and they keep the classes fun. Definitely a top notch gym!!! Will definitely be training here for years to come! - Cece
This place is great! I’ve been to many gyms of all sorts this is definitely my favorite! A friend of mine attends on a regular basis and mentioned they do a free week trial. So far I’ve only tried a few courses, but the instructors and people have all been amazing!
I've taken self defense classes before but this is the first time I feel like I'm actually truly learning techniques that will work in a real life situation. Steve is a fantastic instructor, he doesn't just teach "cookie cutter" techniques, he teaches you that if one doesn't work, try another and works with you to figure out what works best for you. I highly recommend Faction Combatives.
This place it great. My daughter 11 yrs old has learned so much and continues to love to learn how to defend herself. Highly recommend Faction Combative.
Great gym! Knowledgeable and friendly instructors. Great workout while I'm learning life saving skills. My son loves the kids bjj class.
Faction Combatives and Combat Sports is very impressive school. I feel very confident that my baby girl will be prepared to defend herself effectively based specifically on the lessons that they taught her. Faction Combatives and Combat Sports is the best investment I ever made for my family.
We were looking for a nice workout place in the valley for quite a while and finally found what we were looking for. Faction Combative's is not only to get your body very fit but for self defense as well. Steve is a very amazing combative's instructor, he's very professional and he works hard to see that the students do everything right. We really enjoy the atmosphere and the people here. Come sign up and you will feel right at home.
I have participated in BJJ and Krav Maga and both instructors are very knowledgeable, friendly and personable. The other students that are also friendly and encourages each other and helps each other when needed. A VERY positive environment.
AMAZING martial arts place. So happy I came across this. The combatives class is fun, challenging, and most importantly, teaches you how to defend yourself in real life situations. Steve is great at what he does, and makes sure you understand each step of the movement he is showing you. Highly recommend any person to at least give the free week a try if you want to learn how to protect yourself and get a great workout in!
If you're looking for a place to learn Krav Maga you need to visit this place. Come try a week. It's a place where there are no attitudes except good attitudes, the instruction is very good, very thorough and Steve, the instructor, is very knowledgeable in Krav as well as several other fighting methods. He is great about explaining why techniques work the way they do or even why a certain technique may not be such a great choice and that's based on his vast experience in all of this stuff including defending against a knife attack. You will also get a great work out when you start the session. I watch Steve work with kids in the class that is ending when we get there. He is very good with kids and they are all ages. My wife and I went ahead and signed up for a full quarter after the free week. We will be here for a long time. You can also do MMA, BJJ, Kickboxing and Knife Defense classes. If you are thinking about doing any of this come on out. We did not have any prior training in this stuff and we are having a great time. I think the cost here is quite a bit more affordable than the other couple of places that I was looking at.
I really enjoy my classes at Faction. Maiston and Steve are both awesome coaches. They both help tremendously when I'm having trouble grasping something. I've learned so much the past few months, and I look forward to learning more from these awesome people.
I've been attending the combatives (Krav Maga based) class for over a month now. Not only is the facility nice but Steve is one of the best martial art instructors I've ever come across. I've also worked with Mason a little bit and he is a great instructor as well! In combatives, we work on everything from disarming knives/guns to stand-up game, ground and pound, submissions and more. Everything is practical and designed to help train you for handling dangerous situations. In addition to the combatives class, they offer Brazilian jiu jitsu and muay thai. I haven't taken classes in those disciplines yet but I've heard great things about those as well. All in all, I highly recommend joining this gym if you like mixed martial arts, great instructors and a great curriculum!
Steve is a great instructor with the teens class that my daughter attends. She loves class and is learning so much! We tried a week free and were hooked. My daughter begged to take more classes as her birthday present.
Great workout! Wonderful place! Exceptional instructors!!! I reccomend this place to everyone!!
I’ve officially completed over 105 class at Faction both in Combatives and in the BJJ classes. You could say things are pretty serious between Faction and myself. The folks here, both staff and students, don’t have big ego’s-it's all about having a good time and learning to embrace your inner ninja. Everyone is encouraging, friendly and genuinely interested in helping each-other progress in their training. The instructors Steve, Brenden and Maiston are all highly skilled, incredibly knowledgeable yet very humble fellas. Faction Combatives is my church 6 days a week and I intend to remain very Religious about my training here.
Great place for learning self-defense. You learn a lot in each lesson and have the chance to really practice it with others.
I went in for my first class, and if I'm being honest; I was super nervous. I had had bad experiences at other martial arts gyms before and I had pretty low expectations. I ended up having a really fun, educating time and am definitely going back!
I am currently a member here. Steve is not only humble and a great instructor, he is absolutely amazing with kids. I looked at a bunch of different studios before speaking to Steve on the phone after he called me in reference to email i sent in. Ive been there for over a month, and i really feel more confident, I am losing weight, and making new friends. Not to mention all the great techniques myself, and my daughter are learning each class. Sign up, and come say hi to us! - jon
I absolutely LOVE the instructors & I would recommend Factions to anyone!
Steve is awesome! Our son was needing a place to workout and learn some self-defense. I contacted many other gyms but Steve provided a free week of working out. Three months later and our son loves it. Steve provides a comfortable, safe, and fun environment for all! Our son has gained more self-confidence and loves to go to class!
My brother attends Steve's teen combatives class and loves it. Steve can relate to the teens and has fun with them. I have seen my brother get stronger and more confident. This is a great place to learn some great self-defense moves!
I've been attending the Muay Thai classes for a few months now and have loved it from the start. Everyone in the gym is always super welcoming. The instructor is great and super accommodating to all levels!
This is an excellent studio for both new and experienced self defenders. I checked out multiple places before deciding to join this one and I haven't been disappointed. The instructor and other students are all really supportive and great to train with. My kids have now both joined as well and they absolutely love the Teens class. KR
Started attending classes at Faction about two months ago. Steve is hands-down the best martial arts instructor that I've come across, and I have experience with a few prior. I say that not only due to his knowledge, which seems extensive, but due to his approach, attitude and demeanor. He's approachable, he listens, he's pragmatic, and he's empathetic. After a 12-year hiatus from martial arts, Steve's approach has been a breath of fresh air for me, and he provides all students with a self-tailored approach to how they want to learn and apply what they have learned. The classes I've attended mostly have a diverse mixture of attendees, spanning age groups and genders. It makes for a great learning environment. He also offers classes for kids and I've watched some of those while waiting for my classes to begin, and he's really great with the kids. He also incorporates cardio and strength training into most if not all of his classes. And while Steve draws upon numerous martial arts during his combatives instructions, like Krav Maga, you can also attend other classes at Faction if you want to, including Muay Thai, Thai boxing, and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ). This is a 5-star place and I'm planning on being a longtime member.
Love this program. It's so much better than just working out because you also learn a skill that may come in handy one day. Steve is terrific and very accommodating. I hurt myself and had to take some time away from classes, Steve put my membership on hold while I healed. What health club would do that?
This place is awesome! My son was hooked after just one class. The instruction is easy to follow and the atmosphere is friendly and supportive. The technique is incredibly effective, and I feel better knowing that my son is learning how to protect himself. This place is the real deal!
This place is the real deal. Steve, the owner, teaches real world effective self defense. We are learning how to neutralize threats from people who have guns, knives and hand to hand combat. Very pleased with the training, as well as the flexible schedule.
If you want to neutralize an attacker in 5 SECONDS or less on the street, in your home, or in an elevator regardless if they have weapons or not, this is the school you want to train at. Steve is an outstanding instructor that will teach you combatives that will work in real life situations. This training will give you the confidence and skills to defend yourself or your family from any kind of threats. Come and train with us and see for yourself! Clem
This is my new favorite place. Steve is a fantastic instructor and the people that train there are so helpful. It’s very inclusive and the knowledge you gain is so valuable. Highly recommend this place!
Both of my boys attend the teen classes at Faction and have been for about six months. They love it!! The owners Steven and Kim are amazing! They work with the kids on all types of self defense and talk with them a lot about when to fight, times to walk away, difference between a kid your size and an adult and what to do based on those factors. My boys told me they NEVER want to stop going!
The instructors are very knowledgeable and able to understand the level you are at and adjust accordingly. I'm a wife and mother and am so happy I found a class for adults. I learn something each time and get a little stronger and more self confident every day.
I've been through several styles before and never felt I would ever use what I'd learned in a real fight. This is real life defense moves that I could apply on the street at any time. They're also bringing in Jiujitsu and Mui Thai. Steve is the instructor and he's equally skilled as he is an effective teacher. He teaches kids classes that I'd like to get my kids involved in. It's a great workout and it's effective training.
The instructors are extremely knowledgeable and are able to cater to a variety of strength and skill levels. In just a few months I have went from knowing nothing to having a wide array of self defense techniques that are easy to implement in a moments' notice.
Steve and his crew are knowledgeable, caring and fun to learn from. He makes it an enjoyable experience no matter the ability, age or condition of the student. Learning many attributes on self defense and self reliance.
I love Faction Combatives! I feel like I have gained confidence and strength that I didn't normally have before I joined. To give you insight, I'm very petite and I'm self assured in my abilities to kick ass when necessary! He teaches different variations of Krav Maga, combatives, and self defense techniques geared towards kids and adults. Not only are we learning effective self defense techniques, but we have a lot of fun in class!
Steven D was amazing with my son. He showed him how to do the moves step by step. My son is now throwing out moves just like a pro. Thanks Mr. D.
So much fun, I’ll definitely be back for more classes. I learned a lot and the instructor, Steven, made it relatable and kept me interested.
AWESOME class and really great instructor. Steven is a great teacher and highly skilled. He is the only MBC certified instructor in the region. Class times are convenient, tuition is extremely affordable, and, again, the skills you learn you can't even put a price on. I would recommend TAC self-defense to anyone and everyone.
Predatory billing. I signed my kids up. We went to 4 classes over 3 months. I cancelled. Then three months later, they take another $200 from me. I emailed explaining that we are no longer enrolled nor have we been for awhile. They tell me "at this point it doesn't matter anyhow, because your account is over due by $400" Straight up thievery.
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