8988 E Hampden Ave, Denver, CO 80231, USA
Aurora's premier martial arts training center conveniently located just minutes from Denver specializing in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Kick Boxing / Muay Thai, MMA and martial arts classes for kids.
Started training in 2022 in Colorado. Found a gym between work and home and signed up for a trial class.
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Started training at 15. First sport that showed the need to work hard to improve rather than relying on talent.
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Got into martial arts for daily life effectiveness - strength, flexibility, weight loss and health. Wrestling background in high school. BJJ has allowed a 50lb weight loss.
Started training in 2011 at Reign Training Center in Southern California. Moved to Colorado in February 2013 and immediately started training at High Altitude Martial Arts.
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Started training in 1997 after watching Royce Gracie in early UFC fights. Amateur and professional fighter for 10-11 years, competed in UFC and Bellator. Trained with and was part of training camps of several world champions. Transitioned into coaching.
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Started martial arts at 16. Taught in kids program for about six years before teaching adults. Has medalled at IBJJF opens.
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Started training at 18 at the Iowa State Judo Club. Exclusively trained judo for many years, traveling across the Midwest and country to compete with college Judo team. After graduating, branched out by adding Russian Sambo and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
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The gym is HUGE, super clean, and well-organized, with multiple classes running at the same time. Even with the large number of students, the coaching staff is attentive and hands-on, providing guidance and personalized feedback. What really stood out is the variety of training options - whether you're a professional, someone getting ready for a local competition, or just looking to learn some new skills, there is a class for it. The mix of high-level fighters and everyday athletes creates a great atmosphere, and the energy in the gym is buzzing. As an MMA gym owner looking to grow, I truly appreciated Cody and his team of coaches and staff for allowing me full access to observe sessions without expecting anything in return. Their generosity and openness speak volumes about the culture they’ve built. I’m deeply grateful and can’t wait to visit again. Five stars just isn’t enough—HAMA exceeds all expectations!
So after a couple months of sampling the secret sauce at High Altitude Martial Arts and I'm ready to leave my highly critical, no holds barred review. First and most importantly, the kids program is epic. Daily talks from the coaches called "mat chat" instill values and educate before an easy 1:4 instructor/student ratio ensures that no child is left behind to "fall through the cracks" as Head Coach, Professor Cody Donovan says. The "Yeti" BJJ program, stemming from strong jiu-Jitsu Backgrounds is both rich with technique and still beginner friendly. With a focus on safety and performance, students are guaranteed to learn a lot of skills quickly if they put in the effort. The HAMA Striking program is well formed and makes use of several striking styles and dutch training methods. Coaches are very approachable here and they answer questions readily and completely. Class sizes are perfect! Like anywhere, guard your grill and train safely! But training here is definitely going to step up your game as there's always an all star cast of pro MMA fighters and friends slipping in and out of the place you can see where the talent goes, and for Colorado, I feel this is the spot.
HAMA is hands down the place you need to be wherever you are in your martial arts journey. The staff are super welcoming and the coaching is absolutely top notch. If you follow some of the coaches you get the privilege to train under, you will find that many UFC fighters follow them, too. Furthermore, even as someone who’s from out of town, they were super inviting and gave me so many pointers, encouraging me to stick around and check out more classes. Coaches do a great job of monitoring the pace of live drilling and made sure everyone had a partner. The people who train there are super nice, I had at least one female partner each time, and oftentimes multiple female partners. Many of the classes will have female coaches, too. As a woman, one of the best MMA gyms, if not thee best, I’ve ever trained at. Moreover, there are so many classes to choose from, and if you miss a striking or bjj class, it’s not a big deal, because they have more throughout the day. I absolutely cannot recommend High Altitude Martial Arts enough. I can’t wait to come back to Denver. Thank you for having me!
My kids just move to this academy. They are happy every single session. Excellent team and coaches. Bruce at front desk is very friendly.
Love the community and coaches. Everyone is here to help, grow, and become the best version of themselves.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ A Life-Changing Experience for My Son! High Altitude Martial Arts isn’t just a gym—it’s a transformational place that has had a massive, positive impact on my son Landon’s life. The growth I’ve seen in him since he started training here has been nothing short of incredible. His discipline, self-confidence, and overall mindset have skyrocketed thanks to the amazing coaching and support this gym provides. The instructors are world-class—knowledgeable, patient, and genuinely invested in every student’s progress. What makes this place even more special is that it’s truly top-tier for everyone—from kids and beginners to professional fighters competing at the highest levels. It’s not uncommon to see elite-level athletes and UFC contenders training right alongside everyday students, which speaks volumes about the quality of coaching and environment here. Recently, our family made the difficult decision to move out of state, and High Altitude Martial Arts has been nothing short of incredible in supporting us through this transition, even helping us find schools and gyms in our new city. But the biggest testament to what this place means came when I broke the news to Landon that we were moving. His first reaction was, “What about High Altitude Martial Arts? What about Robin and Ryan?” as tears started to swell in his eyes. That moment alone showed me just how deeply this place has impacted him. I am so thankful. The community here is uplifting and motivating, making every session both challenging and rewarding. If you’re looking for a place that will push your child (or yourself) to grow in the best possible way, this is it. High Altitude Martial Arts is more than a gym—it’s a life-changing experience. Five stars aren’t enough!
My best gym I've ever trained at
This place is awesome. The coaches are very knowledgeable, and you learn something new everyday.They really help you digest the technique.
GOAT GYM
I love this place I have so much fun
Awesome gym! Always extremely welcoming.
High Altitude Jiu-Jitsu is truly a top-tier gym for anyone passionate about learning and growing in the art of jiu-jitsu. The instructors are not only highly skilled but also incredibly supportive, creating an environment where both beginners and advanced practitioners can thrive. The classes are well-structured, offering a balance between technique, live rolling, and fitness. What stands out most is the sense of community—everyone here is welcoming and eager to help each other improve, no matter your skill level. The gym is clean, well-maintained, and equipped with everything you need for a great training experience. Whether you're looking to sharpen your skills for competition or simply want to get in shape while learning self-defense, High Altitude Jiu-Jitsu is the perfect place to train. Highly recommended for anyone in the area—this gym is a game-changer!
This place is amazing. If you want to improve your skills, this place is definetly the place for you. The members were really good with training, rotating people around with everyone. Definetly the nicest people I've met! I would totally come back to this place.
Great gym for both adults and kids, every coach is there to make sure you learn !
Really good gym if you want to learn different martial arts
Absolutely transformative place for my sons, and now my daughter. The coaches are exceptional at teaching kids how to grow into respectful teens and adults. They not only train the body, but most importantly they train kids’ minds. They walk them through the pain and discomfort of martial arts helping them discover the other side of their discomfort - essentially finding pride in themselves and their inner strength. Cannot recommend a better gym to give kids role models and develop friendships based on respect and care.
this gym is very friendly and nice and i love them. adam is a very nice front desk worker
Been coming for about 6 months now and it’s been an amazing journey. Amazing coaches, atmosphere, and facility. Highly recommend for ANYONE.
I love high altitude so much ❤️ coming from Florida this is probably the best gym I’ve been at
Both of my sons Aaden and Aaron have been attending jujitsu and kick boxing here. They both absolutely love it! Great coaches and staff! Thank you Adam for helping us through the process of signing both my sons up! You’re awesome and we absolutely love your friendly outgoing attitude every time the boys come to class!:) ~HIDI~
Great gym! Friendly atmosphere. Had a great time talking with Adam he’s the man! Phenomenal grappling program and curriculum.
Great gym. Very clean and the classes are well run. Instructors are all awesome and the gym has a great culture. Been going for over a year
Great kids program with practical fight skills! Update after 3 yrs: I have been in the adults program for about a year after switching schools and it's such a great community. I'm also learning more here than at my previous school. Sure, some folks can be a tad intense (dreams of being a pro fighter?) but if that's not your speed you'll quickly find "your people" to train with. Thumbs up!
Coolest place to train! Got some great rounds and the coaches are awesome,definitely will come back!
One of the best Martial Arts facilities in the world. Home to many great athletes and fighters , it was an honor to train here. Hope to spend a lot more time here next time I am in town. If you’re looking for a gym with a good environment with a competitive edge and you are in the area , this is for sure you’re spot!
MMA gym offers kickboxing, jiu-jitsu, Judo, and of course MMA. Fantastic gym with big spaces/mats and even an mma cage. All the coaches are great and everyone is trying to help you improve so long you show the effort to. The front desk staff is friendly and helpful. A lot of the people training in the gym compete themselves, so there are a lot of great people to learn from. Customer service is great, they care about the patrons in the gym truly and the work reflects that. Great programs, coaches, and staff. Would recommend this place to anybody in the Aurora area regardless of age and goals.
I love training at HAMA, it’s such a fun and positive community!
Dropped in for training on a work assignment here, very welcoming and professional place.
Best MMA gym so far! World class trainers and friendly staff members. I have my daughter and nephew doing striking classes and they love it!!! Highly recommended spot to check out!
Top level MMA experience
Awesome place my son comes here to train in both Jiu Jitsu and striking class and he enjoys it very much. If you're looking to start your martial arts training then this is the place.
I've been training here for about a year and I love it everyone was welcoming when I first joined this gym is legit. I use to train a lil back home in Hawaii and this gym is way more then legit then any gym I've ever been it. Everyone is practically family now so I highly recommend this gym if you're ever looking for a martial arts gym. Will keep continuing to come here 💯
I had a great experience with Bruce and Ryan. They were very welcoming.
High Altitude is absolutely beautiful! Super amazing staff, Adam made me feel so welcome and the class was fantastic! Don’t walk, RUN!
Honestly one of the coolest gyms I've been too. Great vibe with a beautiful facility. Coming back here everytime I'm in town
I reached out to schedule a drop-in class for my daughters and myself, as we were moving across the country and had a scheduled overnight in Denver. High Altitude Martial Arts came recommended from a competition friend of my oldest daughter, so we checked them out. Great customer service from start to finish and FANTASTIC training. They met the needs of my oldest daughter (10yo, advanced, lots of competition experience) and my younger daughter (6yo, beginner, only a season of wrestling competition experience), and me (middle-aged, intermediate, competition days are long gone). If you are looking for a great place to train in Denver, expect great things from High Altitude Martial Arts!
My grandson trained here for several years. Great coaches and atmosphere. Would recommend them to everyone.
Both of my sons have been attending jujitsu and kick boxing here. They both absolutely love it! Great coaches and staff! Thank you Adam for helping me through the process of signing both my sons up! You’re awesome and we absolutely love your friendly outgoing attitude every time the boys come to class!:) ~HIDI~
Posted 2 years ago
Great coaches and training in a clean environment
This gym has the best training partners and coaches in Colorado, I can confidently say that that you will not be disappointed in the slightest when it comes to sparring weather that's bjj or kickboxing. 10/10 🤙
We love it here! The coaches are fantastic, so kind, understanding and talented. The owners are just as great. We’re from out of town and they accommodate us when we’re visiting and make it possible for our kiddo to attend classes even if it’s just for a few weeks here and there. He always looks forward to his time at High Altitude MA. If I could give them higher than 5 stars I would!
Best MMA gym I’ve ever trained at.
Had a great experience dropping in to train. Staff was welcoming and community was fun to be around. Facility is fantastic, can’t wait to come back and train again.
Best of the best! Welcoming atmosphere; staff is so friendly and genuinely wants to accommodate you and your family. Always clean; I see them cleaning and disinfecting every time I step foot into the gym multiple times a week. Positive environment for kids and family; strong mat chat and encouragement from peers and instructors. Overall, not going to find a better place in Denver to train and grow. Thanks for providing such a safe place for my family.
Visit to HAMA was outstanding. The staff was very polite and the members were amazing. Thanks for the great time!
Over the past 3 years, HAMA has become my kids second home and the coaches of the youth BJJ and Kickboxing program are our family. The youth and adult coaches are far more than their world class fighting resumes, they are amazing and supportive people. You will get as much out of HAMA as you are willing to invest. Any gym can teach you to punch and roll but it takes something special to become a part of your daily life.
I’ve been training jiu jitsu for 3 months in South Dakota, and when I came to Denver for my first Naga tournament they welcomed me into their gym with open arms and gave me advice that’ll last a life time. I wish I could be a full time member, but my family and friends are in South Dakota, but next time I’m competing in Denver I’ll stop and say hi. I highly recommend this gym for beginners all the way to advanced level.
My kids love it here! They have such a wonderful community and everyone is looking out for each other! Go try a class!
Welcoming staff, clean gym, very knowledgeable instructors & plenty of bodies to roll with. Definitely coming back for more!
I love this gym! Grateful to be a part of such a wonderful and knowledgeable group of martial artist. Top tier gym, from little children to UFC Champions high altitude martial arts is the place to go!
I've been going to High Altitude for a couple of years now. This is truly my home away from home. The instructors are world class and the community is second to none. I'm so thankful and proud to be a part of the HAMA family. Whether you are brand new or an experienced martial artist, High Altitude is for you. Come in to try and you will be hooked.
Was looking for a place to train BJJ in Denver while visiting Denver. Came to a Sat open mat on recommendation from a friend. Great rounds with great vibes! Lots of different people at all different belt levels to train with. Super welcoming!
I’ve been training at High Altitude for 2 years now, and I don’t think I could have chosen a better gym to be a part of in the state of Colorado. The coaches are great at meeting you where you are, and helping you get to the next level. Not only the staff, but the members are super friendly and are always eager to help. HAMA has a family atmosphere that is not easy to replicate, and I’m glad to be a part of one of the best gyms ever! 10/10 #HighlyRecommended
Discovering jiu jitsu here taught me: “We don’t know what we don’t know.”Then you become aware what you don’t know. And if show up and live a healthy lifestyle, consistently, the things that once caused you pain don’t cause you pain anymore. And, your decision-making improves. Your stressors in life aren’t so stressful. Jiu jitsu here has made me a better person. The culture is pure respect. If you’re worried about chronic pain, this place will improve it. I used to attend a chiropractor. Not anymore.
Best mma and striking gym in the country, I’ve trained at a lot of gyms and the techniques taught here are the highest level for sure. Good vibes and friendly people and staff very helpful and nice, definitely will be training here more :)
Amazing place in all aspects, and even had a super easy time when there was a payment issue. You never see that in a gym. The place to go if you wanna learn striking, BJJ, or MMA.
Very welcoming school with classes for all experience levels! Had a great time taking the fundamental BJJ class and ill def be back anytime im in the area!
I've been to 4 or 5 different MMA/BJJ gyms here in Colorado since 2012 and nothing tops the quality and quantity of training you get here. The BJJ courses are incredible and the instructors are VERY technical and can explain things in very depth but simplified details. We drill the same thing all week and expand on things as we go that same week, so you pick up on what we are learning that day, very quickly, by mid week you feel like you've mastered the new technique we learned. Everyone in the beginners and intermediate BJJ class, regardless of rank, have no ego and are not just eager to learn but also teach the lower rank belts, so the comradery is amazing! The striking class is next to none. The instructors are on a whole different level and just built different. They all have professional or amateur fighting experience and whether your looking to fight competitively or looking for real and applicable fighting skills for self defense, this place has it all for every experience level. There doesn't seem to be an ego in this place because everyone there knows, there is someone training there that is better than them and it seems like everyone there is more than happy to help another person learn. I drive about an hour everyday to train there in a truck that gets awful gas mileage, but i keep coming back because the distance and bad gas is worth the quality and quantity of training i get here compared to other gyms and the friends i made there make it worth the drive. As long as i live in Colorado, this will always be considered my "home gym."
In love. Great place. Meet dope people.
I first came to this gym 5 years ago when I was on vacation. I recently came back to visit. It’s awesome to see how much the gym has grown. I definitely recommend training at this gym. All the coaches are very knowledgeable. It has a great atmosphere and everyone is welcoming. I’ll be back for sure!
Love this gym. The staff is great!
Glorious
I LOVE this gym!!! Started a year ago, and impressed w/ the quality of instruction at this gym.....If you are looking for the BEST training in Colorado, and really amongst the best in the WORLD, train here.
Friendly staff and awesome program! The classes are huge but there are multiple coaches are attentive and helpful throughout the hour. thanks for having me!
Great gym, clean facilities and knowledgeable instructors. Great experience here!
After training martial arts in Denver for over a decade. High altitude is one of the most legit ones. All the coaches are super experienced and knowledgeable. It’s the man in the arena. Most of the other gyms rely on systems and marketing to keep the gym running. The owner will have it in automation (very unethical and the 2-3 amateur fighters they have are just for marketing purposes) High altitude has world class fighters. Can’t argue with statistics. I recommend anyone to try it out and see for themselves. The experience you’ll have is off the charts. The membership is actually super cheap for the value you’re getting out of it. Use the coaches as mentors too. Stay hard!
One of the best gyms in Colorado. I've trained at 3 different places in the last 3 years and this is my favorite by far. Good high level instructors, nice people training here. It's a great choice for pros or amateurs, hobbyists or whatever you need for your love of martial arts.
Friendly front desk staff and great BJJ instructors. I come into town for work and found the perfect place to train away from home.
This is a great place to train. The instructors are knowledgeable and all have a specialty. The staff is always friendly and welcoming. Coming here has helped me achieve alot of my goals both physical and mental.
Best striking school in Colorado, chill environment no problem with anyone at this place. High level teaching. Would highly recommend to anybody willing to join!!!
High Altitude instruction is world-class and is a super chill environment! No matter what your level is, beginner all the up to the top of the UFC. This place is the spot for you!
The best MMA school, no doubt
I’ve been coming here for 6 months and I have to say that ALL the coaches here are WORLD CLASS! They are approachable, patient, take the time to explain things simply, and don’t condescend because you’re new to the sport! The entire staff (especially Dora) is always so friendly! I always feel welcome when I’m here.
I am so incredibly happy to have my kid learning here. I have a martial arts background and we bounced through a couple of schools that just really made me cringe. In addition to deep expertise, i cant say enough positive things about HAMA’s approach. They have a wonderful blend of the things a martial art should be - they teach mentally and physically, they he blend correction with fun, they encourage and challenge kids to do a hard thing and give their best, they are SUPER supportive and help kids learn that losses happen and they are chances to grow. Truly thrilled to be here for many years to come.
As someone who has trained at multiple gyms over the past few years it’s safe to say this is the real deal. The new facility is massive with very quality instruction. I would recommend this gym to anyone in the area looking to get into martial arts whether it be BJJ or Kickboxing!
Been training here for 8 months, and I absolutely love it! Great culture, great people, amazing space, and the instructors are top notch. Multiple black belts train here, they have a large range of brown and purple belts all learning and growing, and are very open to feedback and questions during training. I have two kids in the youth classes, and my other kids are planning to join when they get older. Both my kids are in love with training here, it offers a balance of fun and exercise, alongside real life anti bullying experience. The older youth classes also begin to teach more traditional jiujitsu moves, and encourage them to push themselves. I haven’t done the striking classes, but the level of the teachers is phenomenal. They have former and current UFC competitors, and their own fighting team that competes regularly. (Kids striking classes too) All in all, absolutely amazing place to train, I plan to keep training here for a long long time!
Best gym, the first time I came her I was really nervous but the people here are really welcoming and so is the staff
Best gym out there! People are like family, really changes your life for the better.
I was a virgin before I joined. Now I gotta hella girls. Coincidence? Probably not
New gym is huge! Love this place!
I've been coming for four years. If you're in Colorado you should definitely come and train with us
This gym is one of the most amazing and comfortable places I’ve ever trained at. It’s a great atmosphere no matter the rank you are you treated with respect and equal. If you are looking for a fun and enjoyable gym to spend your time but also get a great workout this is the gym for you.
Awesome gym! I was traveling for work and wanted to stop by to get some rolls. They were very kind and let me drop in. The staff, gym members, and instructors were all very friendly. Would definitely recommend
I’m down out of state, in Denver for a training. Stopped by this school to get a training session in. Everyone was super welcoming, laid back and respectful of someone new coming in! Got some great rolls in, and got to train some Judo as well. All around a great school!
I have been at High Altitude Martial Arts for many years, I love this place! The instructors are top notch - striking and BJJ, you can train with the best in the world. If you are just beginning, this is a great place to start. You can progress to whatever level you desire. The journey can lead you to some great relationships and a new extended family.
This gym has high level talent and there are plenty of good rolls. Professor Cody is an amazing teacher and I recommend anyone in the Denver area to go. I plan on making high altitude my home gym soon.
A great place to train! The facility is very nice, clean, and staffed with knowledgeable and helpful people. The instructors ran a great class with incremental learning of a new skill. Great training partners as well. I highly recommend checking this gym out!
I’m a purple belt in BJJ and anytime I travel I like to train at different gyms. The team at High Altitude Yeti BJJ was very welcoming. The gym was clean and organized and the instruction I received during class was great. I was blown away by the amount of classes that were offered. This school truly has something for everyone. The people I rolled with all had a solid understanding of fundamentals. The professor came over and helped me work on a heel hook I wasn’t familiar with, diagnosed what I was doing wrong and what I needed to do to fix it. If you live in the area and are looking for a school I highly recommend that you come give this team a try.
This gym rocks! I am enrolled in their adult BJJ program and my only regret is not starting sooner. My kiddo is in the Lil Yeti youth BJJ program and is having tons of fun learning not only self defense, but how to handle bullies, discipline, sportsmanship, an so much more. If you are interested in a family friendly environment with great service and up to date technical martial arts training or if you just wanna get in a workout this place is for you!
When you are here you are family.
My son has been a Lil Yeti for over a year and I couldn't be happier. His motor skills and self discipline have developed so well because of this place. The dedication, passion and patience these coaches have is for sure the reason why HAMA continues to grow! The staff is always smiling and willing to help with a great attitude!
High Altitude will forever be one of my favorite places to train. I moved away from Aurora and that is the sole reason I am not still a member at this gym. If you are looking for a gym to train to an elite level or if you are just a beginner, this gym has you covered and the staff and coaches support your training journey with sincerity, professionalism and skill. If you are in the Denver Metro Area and are in need of an MMA gym for striking, BJJ, or both, look no further. You have found what you are looking for.
Great gym to train at. What makes this gym unique? Is that you practice with other people from the get go, can be intimidating at first, however the coaches and instructors are there to guide you. After a few classes you'll feel comfortable and part of the family. High altitude mixed martial arts keep up the great work!
This gym was the best thing I’ve done for myself in a very long time. All the coaches are incredible and accommodating. Jose working at the front desk is the man too. Had to move from Colorado, but if you’re thinking about joining a gym this one should be it!
Just over a month into BJJ classes and am loving it. Coach Joey, Professor Curtis and the rest of the team are great coaches. The learning environment is comfortable and progressive. I’m stoked to have signed up happy to be learning from classes at HAMA.
High Altitude is an amazing gym. The coaches are fantastic. The staff treats everyone great and makes it so that everyone feels like they are a part of the High Altitude family. There is not a better place to train!!!
I really can't say enough amazing things about this place. We started out with my husband and son joining the BJJ program to give them something to do coming out of covid. I ended up joining 2 months ago for the kickboxing classes, and most recently my daughter has now joined as well. They have a family plan which allows us to all get something out of the gym, and truly their instructors are the very best. Not only that but the front desk employees are so friendly and helpful as well. It feels like a family there. If you are looking for something for the whole family this is the place!
Went in with two buddies, none of us had BJJ experience and were still able to learn from both the instructor, and the other students in the class. Everyone is so nice here, from the staff that help organize to bring you in, to the instructors that teach, and to the other students learning. While I came with two friends, I'd recommend this gym to anyone who is thinking about joining a gym solo. This community will welcome you with open arms!
Visited this gym for two weeks. One of the best gyms in America. Classes were well structured, working in techniques that link. It is very easy for beginners to pick up the advanced techniques as the instructors go into deep detail for it. People were friendly and there is hardly any egos in the gym. Very well planned classes and progression which suits all levels.
This gym is reasonably priced and extremely friendly to new comers. I couldn't recommend this gym enough. They pay attention to new students but have a group of savages that dominate without injuring newbies. You have a wide variety of higher belts to roll with but there are plenty of fresh faces. If you want to get serious or if you're just trying out something new this is the gym to try for sure.
They charge between 160 -210 a month with no options for per class or package deals. The training you receive if you are not on their pro team is average at best. (Coming from somebody who has trained at multiple places in multiple cities). The facilities are mediocre. No stand alone cage, no ring, limited number of bags etc. You are paying for being affiliated with a gym that has pros train at it. It's very cliquey. Most of the pros probably went pro before they started training there. You are paying for the association but seeing few benefits. If you are a person with a busy schedule they will not accommodate. They are in it for the money. Of course.
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