Our family has had a great experience with Mata Leao. Omar’s experience and qualifications are so high that you know you’re learning from the best. He is also incredibly kind and patient with kids, and puts the emphasis on having fun.
I found this studio during my search for self-defense classes, and wow. I feel incredibly grateful to have found this community of people. I had zero prior experience in martial arts yet I still felt immediately welcomed by all the coaches. This special community is locally owned and run by a badass couple, Omar and Hayleigh. They are incredibly supportive, welcoming, and so knowledgeable. I always feel safe and respected as a woman at the studio, yet also challenged and engaged (even after long days at work, I look forward to the boost of energy that class gives me). I have met several other badass women at the studio, all at different points in their martial arts journeys, yet who have made it a point to be so kind to me and so welcoming. Even though I feel pretty silly/uncoordinated and out of shape, after only a month and a half at the studio, I already feel stronger and like things are starting to click, especially with the help of all of the amazing coaches who are always so willing to answer my millions of questions. I am so grateful for this place and these people and how much of a positive impact it's had on my life already.
Mata Leao is my home away from home. I love coaching the strength and conditioning classes here and love meeting new people who are passionate about functional fitness and fun.
I went here for BJJ just before the start of Covid and stuck with them for training through the Zoom classes and masked BJJ classes. Then I switched over to Muay Thai because it felt more fun and suited to me. Loved the instructors and classes. Technical sparring is great. Many here also aspire to fight in a ring (Ive even gone to a couple events featuring classmates) while I joined just for self-defense skills. I am writing this review because I moved away a couple years ago and now attend a UFC Gym, and miss learning or practicing these skills like clinching, sweeping, elbows. The best I have now is cardio kickboxing, lol. Note two things: this place will be more expensive than a normal gym membership and that they had maybe 4-5 heavy bags total up last I went and they werent as heavy as the ones I use now.
Ive had a great first experience with BJJ because of mata leao, I can’t stress how fun it is to be able keep seeing progress. Part of the reason for being able to progress so well is thanks to coach Omar who is very enthusiastic about teaching which makes it easier to learn and remember certain techniques. All around a very great and welcoming gym.
Ive never been to a martial arts gym before so I was a bit worried starting out 6 months ago, but Mata Leao has the best coaches and training partners who help beginners and encourage them. If youre wanting to get into bjj, muay thai, etc then this is the best place to go! Im much stronger now and more confident in my own capabilities because of this gym. Thank you to our coaches for having patience with us!
No matter what age or level mata leao is the place to come and learn jiu-jitsu. Professor omar teaches slow and very technical. From my experience as a beginner in jiu-jitsu, coming in consistently; I've built confidence and skill just enough to step into the cage for the first time. I still have long ways to go in terms of mma but the progression speaks for itself. If you want to learn just self defense or want to step into the cage or compete don't hesitate to come learn from proffesor omar at mata leao, they have a great team and are welcoming to all levels.
I moved to Portland about a year and a half ago and knew no one, was super insecure and scared of my surroundings. I had a really rough start to my life here in Portland.
Mata leao has shown me love on many scales. They are a family to me. Not only have they shown me how to care for my friends and family but they have taught me some valuable self defense as well. My confidence is way up, I feel like a new version of myself and I've made friendships I will never lose. Professor Omar is wildly knowledgeable, a fantastic teacher and a great new friend. You will learn so much in such a short amount of time, I couldn't recommend Mata Leao anymore if I tried. I thank Omar and Haleigh so much for everything they have done for me. This place is fantastic.
It has been a great experience to train there, it has definitely been a family oriented place to train at…I really appreciate the opportunity to train there. We are living in a challenging environment, they provide the support that is needed to withstand the everyday challenges that life has to offer
I’ve been training at Mata Leao Combat Sports for four years and it’s the best in town. The coaches are well trained and great to work with and talk to. Professor Omar is a 3rd degree black belt and the coolest coach you’ll ever have. If you’re interested in Martial Arts training you have to come to Mata Leao Combat Sports
Absolutely love working out here! I have learned so much and recommend Mata Leao to everyone I know! It is a family and people centered place run by people who genuinely care about you :)
"I've been practicing Muay Thai at Mata Leao, and I must say, the atmosphere is welcoming and friendly. The coach is extremely knowledgeable about the art, and his classes are top-notch. I highly recommend giving it a try!"
I trained Muay Thai here for several months, several times a week. The coaches, Brian, Quincy, and Omar were absolutely fantastic, and each brought their own unique coaching style to each class.
They have inspired in me what I am sure will be a lifelong love of martial arts, and I will be forever grateful to them for their hand teaching me.
Unfortunately, I was unable to try the Jiu-Jitsu classes, but I heard nothing but fantastic things about them.
As someone who has never trained martial arts, and is a broke college kid, the cost was difficult to manage at times, however it was always worth it, and I fully intend to return in the future.
My 6 year old daughter started training in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu at Mata Leao one year ago at the age of 5.
She loves the physical challenge of the classes and mini sparring sessions. She also enjoys the fun games played in each kids class that also improve her martial arts skills and overall sports agility.
As parents we love that Jiu Jitsu is very active so our daughter can get her energy out at the end of the school day. We also like that each class is taught by a high level martial artist with years of experience.
The best result for kids is the confidence that Mata Leao martial arts programs build. They have a great focus on de-escalation of conflict wherever the kid may encounter it, on a school playground with a bully or at home with a sibling.
Any kid at any age 5 to 18 would benefit from martial arts training at Mata Leao.
If you’re looking for a well rounded gym with knowledgeable coaches, this is the gym for you. You not only have a great BJJ and Muay Thai program but the conditioning program is ON POINT. Everything you need in one place. I’ve been here almost a year and don’t see my self changing gyms anytime soon. Come train and get on point 🤙🏽
If you’re serious about learning mixed martial arts, Muay Thai, and/or Brazilian Jiujitsu, come learn from Professor Omar and his coaches. Great atmosphere. Great place to learn self defense skills from Portland’s first BJJ Black Belt.
I joined 2 months with absolutely zero background in martial arts. I was incredibly nervous and intimidated my first week, but my experiences with the instructors and other students have been very positive and they are always willing to give some pointers to improve my form, and Tristan was happy to answer my dozens of questions about the school and what to expect. I know I have a long ways to go in my martial arts journey, but I feel like I've seen a noticeable improvement in my short time here already.
Training at Mata Leao has been an awesome experience. Training can be very intimidating but the vibe is very welcoming to newcomers. It is clear professor Omar cares about his students and provides excellent instruction.
I joined Mata Leao a few months ago and so far I’ve had a great experience. Since coming to this gym I’ve experienced a very welcoming community, coaches and staff. I feel strongly that my skills have improved. The class sizes are good, the workouts are great, and I see the coaches taking the time to work with all their students. It’s also challenged me to come out of my own comfort zone too.
I’ve been training at Mata Leao for almost two months now. The environment is extremely welcoming. Great coaching staff. As a beginner to any sort of martial arts this has been a great experience so far. I’m always excited to get to class. Highly recommend this gym.
My daughter starting doing jiu jitsu classes and muay thai classes a about a year ago. This place is the best. She's learned a ton, competed in tournaments, and made a bunch of new friends. Professor Omar and coach Haleigh have cultivated an awesome and positive community around martial arts. It has been a great and fun way for my daughter to learn valuable long term effective self defense skills and life skills as well. So much so that I began taking adult classes here as well. This gym is amazing. Highly recommend to anyone interested in being a part of the jiu jitsu community or muay thai community.
With no prior martial arts experience I started attending Muay Thai and Jiu Jitsu classes at Mata Leao a little more than 4 months ago. In that relatively short amount of time I developed enough skill and confidence to compete in my first fight. The relaxed and welcoming attitude of the coaches and members kept me wanting to come back again and again. The classes are incredibly fun while also being intensive and developmental. I started out goofy and tired and now I look and feel fit and badass. The classes are never too big and I feel like I regularly get a good amount of valuable individual instruction. If you are looking for a close knit and fun gym where you can play hard and hang out with good people Mata Leao is it. I will continue training here as long as possible.
The most masterful lessons in Brazilian Ju Jitsu, Thai style boxing, and the most intense strength and conditioning workouts. I have had some experience in martial arts so when I say “it’s phenomenal!” Know that I mean it. Friendly teachers and students felt unbelievably welcome.
You will learn some serious skills at this gym! I’ve been training here for about 4 months and the results have been incredible. I have tried a few other gyms in Portland, but my skills really took a leap since I began training at Mata-Leao. This gym has a unique culture and training environment. The coaching staff take a genuine interest in your development and the members are always willing to help as well. Come join the family!
Great gym with a lot of heart and authenticity. If you want a polished kickboxing gym to do circuit routines in, go somewhere else. However, if you want to learn Muay Thai or BJJ from a real coach who pushes students to get better every class (and still get fitter than you would at that other gym) then come to Mata Laeo.
Coach Omar is the type of trainer you want at a fight gym: passionate about the sport, stern but fair, expects more from his students and always emphasizes safety. I have learned something new every time I’ve gone to class. There is so much to the sport and Omar does a great job at mixing up the curriculum to keep classes engaging.
As a beginner I really appreciate the community in the gym. Everyone is super friendly, and more experienced students offer tips while you partner up. It feels like everyone genuinely wants to help each other get better
If you are curious but not sure, just do the trial. You get plenty of free time to decide if you want to join. I was hooked after three days :)
I've been training Muay Thai for about a year now and absolutely love it! This gym is super beginner friendly-- I had no background in martial arts or sports and they've fostered a great environment for beginners to learn and grow. No matter your age, fitness level, or experience, this is a great gym to come train at!
I asked my friend who inspired me to pursue combat sports - I was really curious what they thought would be a good gym to get into MMA or Muay Thai/BJJ in the Portland area. She recommended Mata Leao Combat Sports. I was pretty excited/gung ho about learning martial arts so I signed up for 16 months literally later that same week. I’ve been attending classes off and on for about 3 months and honestly I already feel at home, and I can sense a strong foundation developing around grappling and boxing. I also just feel stronger and healthier by regularly working out via grappling.
Professor Omar is a beast and it’s an honor to learn from him 🙏 as a beginner in any skill it’s important to have a really good teacher to develop good habits, and BJJ is no exception - grappling can get beautifully heady/cerebral. Omar is crazy multifaceted, witty, funny, creative, and he traveled the world to learn directly from Muay Thai and BJJ icons. If you want a strong foundation/base in MMA, BJJ, No-gi, and Muay Thai look no further. I’m not even 4 months in and I’m already thinking about competing; I know I’ll be ready soon. If you fall in love with grappling and fighting, these sports are for life.
I’ve been training Muay Thai at Mata Leao for a couple of months, and every day has been fantastic. The class is full of friendly people of various skill and fitness levels, making it approachable for anyone. The instructors are kind, observant, and helpful. I’ve found a love for the art, sport, and community of Muay Thai here at Mata Leao, and I’m here to stay!
I've been training at Mata Leao for seven months now and going to practice is always the highlight of my day. I feel stronger and more energetic since I started training. I also feel much more confident in my ability to defend myself.
The instructors here are knowledgeable and dedicated to their craft and members of the gym are welcoming to beginners and newcomers. I am pushed to get better and learn something new every single week.
Caring and skilled coaches and some of the coolest dudes and gals train here. It has a very family type feeling. Great place for muay thai and jiujitsu, the coaches care about you and will help you out above and beyond what is expected for the relatively cheap monthly price. I won my first kickboxing match because of all the training I got here and support in the process of competing. If you are trying to compete in kickboxing, muay thai or jiu jitsu this a great place to start. Been training muay thai here for 2 years!
I've been training at Mata Leao for a few months and it has been fantastic. If you want to start training martial arts or have trained for a while and are looking for a new gym, I highly recommend checking this gym out. The class sizes are small enough that I don't feel like I'm lost in the shuffle, and the coaches are super knowledgeable and easy to approach if you have questions.
This gym is phenomenal. The coaches are very patient and are willing to work with your speed so you learn the correct execution for each move. The community is second to none as everybody is very kind and supportive. The gym is also very much a fighting gym. There is sparring for each of their disciplines, at scheduled times as well as open mat. The gym also has a great track record in competition as competing fighters will give it their all and nearly always win bouts. Highly recommend!
I've been going for about a year now, and I keep learning new things everyday. This gym is wonderful because of the instructors love of teaching. You will have a great experience and will get better as well. Higher belts and more experienced people are almost always ready to help.
I have been doing the Warrior Challenge (strength and conditioning) classes 3 times a week for like 6 years or so now and my fitness level has definitely transformed over the years. I couldn’t climb the rope, do one pull-up, or do double-unders on the jump rope when I first started and now they are just part of my regular routine. I don’t do any martial arts but still feel part of the gym community. I especially love Coach Adam and Coach Kate’s classes. Great little community.
Mata Leao is an excellent training school for multiple martial arts (Muay Thai, BJJ, MMA, no-gi submission wresting), as well as strength and conditioning classes. The coaches and professors are passionate, skilled, and care about what they do, and emphasize great technique and skill. Their strength and conditioning classes are so good, and there are a variety of membership options you can pick from. I was a total beginner to the world of martial arts, and after a year of hard work and ups and downs in my own journey, I can say I'm hooked for life. This gym has enough commiitted members that you get to train with a variety of great training partners, while being small enough that it feels communal and just what I was looking for.
Best school in Portland! Do yourself a favor and just go ahead and get yourself a year membership. This school has it all. Fantastic morning and afternoon strength training. Great Muay Thai Kickboxing, outstanding Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, and children's martial arts. The coaches and professors are kind, funny, caring, and build a true repor with their clients and students. This gym has a family friendly feel too. Very LGBTQA friendly.
COMMUNITY
Jiu Jitsu has been an element in my adult life that has always been fleeting, starting and stopping a few times over the past 20 years for various reasons. When I first started at Mata Leao in November 2017 through a good friend who was training there, it felt like a good group of people- diverse, welcoming, and eager to help. The sense of community was clear and it felt like a place that was not pretentious, cliquish nor were the people in class just interested in wrecking you during sparring.
COMPETENCY
The BJJ classes at Mata Leao are structured so that each class relates to a belt level curriculum upon which testing occurs at the end of every month. This is a valuable aspect to the school that puts an emphasis on repetition and technique versus brute strength in executing a move.
COMPETING
Fast forward to April 2018 (I had been training there for 6 months) and I found myself entering the Sub-League competition. Competing in BJJ was something I would have never entertained, but I was encouraged by both Professor Omar Santiago and Professor Matt Zorn as well as other teammates ("everyone's doing it bro, you should too"), not for my skill (or lack thereof) by any means but as an experience to round out the overall training and growth process. At the competition venue it was invaluable to have Prof. Omar coaching me during my matches in addition to getting support from my teammates.
LOCATION
Mata Leao is located on the west edge of Ladd's Addition, a great location given that I live in the neighborhood. There is also a ton of off-street parking and on-street parking so its not a pain in the ass to find a spot. Being really close to SE Division St. it is convenient after training so that a group of us can grab food and drinks after class.
THE GENTLE ART
Overall I would highly recommend anyone who has been training, or is interested in training BJJ to come in and learn more about Mata Leao. For someone new to BJJ, it can be intimidating to start a sport that is an intense and combative art, but the Professors at Mata Leao also highlight the beauty, philosophy and the intelligence to the sport that may not be readily apparent until you start training.
A FIRST CLASS ACADEMY
I have observed that when brand new students both men and women are in class they are given the necessary attention by the Professors and advanced students to make them feel welcome. Months later, these students are still training, better, stronger and more confident than when they first walked in. I consider myself to be one of them and am thankful for what Mata Leao has done for me. As of this post, I feel like I have re-discovered Jiu Jitsu and found an academy in which I am committed to being a student and community that I am committed to supporting.
I love this place. It's a total welcoming environment that teaches you about self defense, self confidence conditioning your body. Omar Santiago the head instructor is very knowledgeable in Muay Thai and Jiu Jitsu. I like taking classes with him because the way he goes about teaching always has my attention and he makes them fun and it's always better when you have a smile in your face. The staff is friendly and never turn down a question and try to give you an answer. To me Mata Leao has been so good that I feel more confident in my day to day, gives me something to look forward after work and I make good friends. Try it out you won't regret it. There are students from all levels but I went because I wanted to challenge myself.
Great gym! A generally friendly, welcoming, fun and educational environment. Omar is super knowledgeable. In 4 months, every class I've taken has been taught by either a black or a brown belt, and they are all great teachers. The space is good, the people are nice - Exactly what you want in a gym.
I've been training for several years now, so I've had the chance to train at a number of gyms. I initially chose this school, due to how close it was from my house, and I couldn't be any happier that I did. The layout of the gym, and the amount of available equipment is great. The mat space is very large, so that makes for some great training without having to always worry about bumping into others. Omar the main instructor is a very experienced Black Belt, and he's got a very sick game (especially great for you lighter guys). There's also two other Black Belts that teach as well, and they've also got their own unique styles. They also have classes for Muay Thai and conditioning/fitness. Overall, it's a very welcoming place, where everyone treats each other like family. If you're interested in getting started, just drop by and they'll be happy to show you what the fun of Jiu Jitsu's all about.
After training for nearly five years elsewhere, a housing move necessitated the change in gyms. I was concerned that no other facility could match the comfortable, enjoyable, and safe atmosphere of my previous combat sports community, but Mata Leao has allowed me to pick up right where I left off. Omar, Grant, and Matt have been so gracious in welcoming me into the space. The other students all have a kind energy and sustain the atmosphere created by the coaches. I can already see improvements in my stand up and ground game. Mata Leao has been such a blessing to find!
I tried Mata Leao BJJ on the recommendation of a friend who has been there a while and I knew immediately that I would be signing up. They offer a 30 day free trial but it was so awesome that there was no way I wasn't going to join. Everybody involved, from the black belt top dog instructors down to the newest worms (me) and all the knowledgeable professors and coaches in between, is gracious, accommodating of any skill level, and enthusiastic about the sport. This gym is ego-free, as far as I can tell--meaning that it's a place of learning and respect. I felt no hesitation in getting myself into the most submissive positions a human can achieve right from the start because it's obvious that everyone there understands and respects the material and each other and looks out for one another. The gym is comfortable, the mats are cleaned daily, gis are washed after each class by convention, and the people are super cool. It's a truly humbling yet empowering and entirely positive pursuit.
I joined Mata Leao a couple months ago and absolutely love it. Whenever I come to the gym I feel at home. Everyone is very welcoming and supportive, and I couldn't ask for better instructors. Class sizes are small which allows for an optimal training environment. They have a few bags and a lot of workout equipment. Aside from muay thai and jiu jitsu they also offer strength training and conditioning classes. They have a great program for kids and my son loves it. He immediately felt a part of the group and has been learning a lot from the great instructors here. Mata Leao has become our home away from home. I highly recommend this gym!
Do yourself a favor and come to this gym! Whether you're seasoned or just beginning, if you're interested in BJJ or Muay Thai, you'll find a community of students and professors that are ready to help you reach your goals. The instruction is top-notch and the environment is welcoming, positive, and supportive. I can't say enough good things about my experience here.
I've been here for 7 months now, and since joining, Mata-Leao has and continues to be a positive influence in my life. Omar and all the instructors are incredibly welcoming. The classes from BJJ to muay thai to cross fit are a lot of fun and challenging, and I like the variety that is offered here. I work odd hours, so I also appreciate that there are some afternoon BJJ classes as well.
I recently moved to the Portland area from Texas and was quite nervous about finding a new BJJ gym to become a part of. I dropped in at a few other gyms but then found Mata Leao. Everyone is incredibly friendly, the instructors are very knowledgable and break down techniques to a most basic level which is great. The facilities are clean and the mat is very well taken care of. I'm very excited to continue my jiujitsu journey with this school and highly recommend anyone to drop in and give this school a try.
I’ve been training at Mata-Leao for just over a year now and couldn’t be happier. I’d trained Muay Thai years ago and wanted to get back in the gym forever so I finally took the plunge. The instructors at Mata-Leao are really great both on and off the mats, and Professor Omar is truly a technician of his craft. It can be intimidating for anyone to head into a new gym, but everyone was extremely inviting and the atmosphere is fun and friendly. I’d been missing feeling part of a team, and now I refer to them all as my gym family. I initially began training exclusively Muay Thai, but the BJJ classes drew me in and I am now competing in local tournaments. With hard work and everybody’s support, I am looking and feeling my best. With that said, I highly recommend Mata-Leao to anyone interested in getting back to the gym if they’ve been on a break, or taking the plunge if they’re a total beginner. There's a class for everybody. Hope to see you there!
I haven't trained here for some time, however I absolutely loved the beginner and intermediate Muay Thai classes with Omar, Alex, and Anthony. I felt the overall culture at the gym encouraged continuous self improvement while reinforcing a sense of humbleness in students. The coaches do a great job of developing these qualities in students and encourage them to incorporate it in their lives beyond martial arts. I felt the gym was not just training people to be good martial artists, but also training them to be good people.
There's really not one bad thing I can say about the gym. I have been training here for a couple of months now and its been the best gym/academy I have ever trained in. I have trained in a few other well known gyms in the Portland/Beaverton areas and must say the environment and skill level this gym offers are above and beyond any other gym I have experienced. I signed up for the 30 day trial even though I have trained before as I wanted to make sure the gym was the right home for me. I received prompt response from the gym in email form and setup a date to come in for my introduction to the gym. My 1st day at the gym I was met by Mason and felt right at home like I had been training there for years. I was greeted with respect by all staff members and students as I came onto the mats. The No Gi class was amazing and the focus on detail and technique is above and beyond. There's never a dumb question or a wrong question at the gym. Omar and staff have treated me as one of the family since day one and they have earned my full respect for that. Anyone I have seen walk through the doors has been treated the same way. In the past 2 months of training there my BJJ game has increased far beyond what I could have ever expected. I ask questions every time I am there about what I am doing wrong and how I can improve. The team here makes me want to be on the mats daily and I can't say that for any other gym I have trained at. When a teacher is willing to get onto the mat with his students and just have a great time rolling that's when you know you have found the right gym.
I have been training bjj for about 6 months now and I am so grateful that I found Mata Leao. The vibe is great and all of the instructors are very knowledgeable. I enjoy the drive this place has to see everyone improve and how helpful the instructors are. Being new to bjj, it is nice that I can ask questions and get the oversight I need to improve my skills. If you are looking to challenge and surround yourself with positive, driven people, this is the place to train. It has plenty to offer and compared to other places, is a better bang for your buck! I would recommend Mata Leao to anyone looking to improve themselves, whether it be self defense, fitness, or whatever it is you are searching for.
I originally trained BJJ in Eugene at their sister gym. Having taken a year + off from training I finally decided it was time to get back in. I was recommended Mata Leao from my previous instructor but decided to check out all of the other gyms in the area before deciding. After a month or so checking other gyms out the clear choice was Mata Leao. Not to discredit any of the other great instructors in town, but my choice came down to atmosphere and vibe. The instructors are very knowledgeable and always eager to assist in any way to help you improve your skills. When joining, I was told they really try to foster a “family vibe” which I sort of brushed off given my previous experiences at other gyms. It became evident very quickly though what that meant: higher belts are always constructive and helpful with lower belts, they do many events throughout the year to bond with teammates, curriculum is structured very well for white belts to foster growth and highlight progress- just to name a few. Overall, lead instructor, Omar, and the brown belt instructors are all very good, fun to train with, and all have their own styles and tips they are eager to share. The price is very reasonable as well.
Mata Leao has allowed me to continue my journey as a martial artist and a fighter. After receiving my blue belt from Megaton Jiu Jitsu in Corvallis, I was pleased to find another school of the same lineage that also cultivates a culture of respect and family between it's students. The level of skill is high at this gym and the coaches are incredibly supportive of your growth.
Join up today, because you wont find better instruction, or community, in Portland.
I decided to join Mata Leao after becoming tired of exercising everyday (lifting and running) with no purpose behind my training. Mata Leao offers excellent personal instruction in Muay Thai, Jiu Jitsu, and strength and conditioning. The head instructor, Omar, not only teaches the classes but also spars, rolls, and lifts weights along with his students. Everyone at the gym is friendly and it doesn't take too long before you get to know most of the other students at the gym. I personally go in after work and do a strength or conditioning workout followed by training in either Muay Thai or No Gi. Everyday I train is a great mental and physical challenge and I've really enjoyed my time here so far. I would recommend this gym to anyone.
Mata Leao is my 5th gym in about 5 years of training Jiujitsu and l have made more progress here in the last 3 or 4 months than I have in the past several years elsewhere. I wandered in after months off of training to try them out and was instantly sold. I clearly did not qualify for the 30 day free trial since I've had years of training but when I explained that I didn't have money available right away Mason not only gave me the month but a couple extra weeks of wiggle room before my first payment just to get me out on the mats as soon as possible. The skill level at this gym is obvious, most classes are taught by a blackbelt who he recognizes each of his students' strengths and puts heavy emphasis on proper technique.
I have been attending warrior fit classes at Mata Leao since July. All of the instructors are awesome, and every class is different/uses a variety of equipment. I enjoy all of the people that attend the gym, and class sizes are small and intimate. I have been getting in great shape, and have a lot of fun every time I go. You won't be let down if you love to push yourself, and be surrounded by positive people!
I have been training Brazilian Jiu Jitsu for over three years at mlcs. Omar Santiago, the lead black belt instructor, teaches a very technical game and along with the other instructors, offers a very empowering and positive style of teaching. If you are looking for a place to start your bjj career, or continue on your path, Mata Leao Combat Sports is a great place to start.
The instructors are always approachable and inspiring. I love the women's WarriorFit classes and Warrior Challenge conditioning. It's also been a great place for my husband and I to make new friends. All abilities are welcome and the mix up of workouts keep things fresh and fun. Mata Leao has been a really positive place overall and keeps me challenged and feeling strong. You will not regret giving this place a go. : )
I've been with Mata Leao for a little over two months now and I feel like I can't live without my thai boxing practice now. I am taking the Fundamentals of Muai Thai and I love this intense, fast-paced class. I can see that I have gotten stronger, faster, and more fit; my stamina has greatly improved, too. My favorite thing about the classes is that we train with partners rather than with heavy bags. It's always fun and it makes both your body and your mind work.
I've shopped around before I decided to sign a contract with Mata Leao and I can say that their prices are very reasonable, and the people who own the place and work there are very friendly, attentive, accommodating, and professional.
I moved here from Texas and was looking for a BJJ/Muy Thai gym to get back in shape at. I trained at two different, well-respected gyms in Dallas and I definitely found a great place to continue learning martial arts. Omar Santiago, the head instructor/owner, is an incredible teacher, both technically and for his ability to get you motivated. He truly cares about his students learning the techniques the right way and leading a healthier lifestyle. Omar and his wife Rose welcome everyone into the gym like it's their house and you feel like one of their family while you are there. I'm very impressed with how they run the gym, the care/commitment for their students and the environment they;ve created. Everyone has a great time training and truly want to help everyone else get better.
The other Muy Thai instructors I've trained with, Alex and Anthony, are also great coaches. They are both extremely knowledgeable and also create a fun, rewarding environment. I haven't trained with the Gi BJJ coaches but I know everyone at the gym also loves them as well.
Outside of the instructors and environment, Mata Leao also has a perfect location and truly the best trial period I've ever seen in the industry. The free month trial is unheard of but I think it goes to show how much Omar cares about students and how much he wants them to start the BJJ/Muy Thai journey. I can't say enough about their commitment to helping people become the best version of themselves they can be. It's an honor to train under instructors with this level of knowledge and next to a bunch of dedicated students that truly care about helping each other get better.
I've been coming to Mata Leao for over a year. In my time attending classes I've observed owners and instructors with a passion for the sport they teach and a commitment to creating a fun and welcoming environment.
I train primarily Muay Thai, and supplement with some of the Strength & Conditioning classes that are offered daily. This is not "cardio kickboxing," Mata Leao teaches real fighting skills and techniques that can be applied to situations ranging from self-defense to competition. And the instructors will tell you the difference. That being said, fighting can be an intense workout and you will see improvements to your strength, endurance, and confidence over time.
Bottom line: I joined back in 2012 to lose weight while learning a skill to stay motivated. Well after I reached my weight loss goal I continue to train to achieve a higher degree of skill and fitness. This is possible because of the environment created by Mata Leao Combat Sports. If you want to join a fighting gym, this is it. It's a decision you cannot regret.
I have been going to Mata Leao Combat Sports for about six months now and I love it! I have had an interest in martial arts for a very long time and wanted to start training again. I was looking at a lot of different styles (I've tried a few and like them, but wanted something new). Finally, I started taking an interest in Muay Thai and began searching the Portland area. I found a few interesting prospects and talked to them about classes and fees, etc., when I came across MLCS. At first, I was drawn in by the extremely reasonable membership fees, so I went there to talk to Omar (the owner and primary trainer). Omar was really welcoming and very down-to-earth. I came back to watch a class and found his genuine and easy-going personality a steady feature of his training style; everyone else seemed to be having a great time, too. Everyone was friendly and good humored--they took their training seriously, but nobody took themselves too seriously. That was it! I was in. I signed up for a month-to-month (try that anywhere else!) and I'm going to keep doing this here for a very long time to come. Omar is great. His assistants are great. Everyone here is great!
I started with Muay Thai and I'm going to get back into BJJ (I did that for a term in college). I wouldn't go anywhere else to do it. There's real camaraderie and support. I'm proud to be a part of that.
I love training at this gym. Everyone there is awesome and really kind. The owners do a very good job of making it feel like we're one big family. The instructors do a great job at making sure you understand everything and are willing to work with you if you're having trouble with something being taught. I wouldn't want to train anywhere else. Simple as that.
I have been going to Mata Leao for about 10 months. Originally I had planned to enter Muay Thai classes and did so for the first couple of months. Within those first two months I was able to center myself and gain an unexpected amount of comfort in psyche between the teachers, the other students and I. That comfort enabled me to expand myself into Jiu-Jitsu a lot easier. All thanks to Mata Leao, Jiu-Jitsu is now my most favored hobby. I can say that the training system is very on point and organized. Not to mention learning the skills from a tight knit group of practitioners who have seemingly endless patience.
I love Mata Leao, when I started I had no intension in joining I really just wanted to take advantage of the free month. Within the first week of training at mata leao I knew that I had to be a part of this school. I have been a personal trainer for over 4 years and I have learned new things from every one of there strength and conditioning coaches every class is fun and challenging.
I did taekwondo growing up for about 15 years I fought internationally, but when I got out of the navy I felt that the martial arts world has become more of a business. So I've been trying different schools and different martial arts for the last 4 years when I came to mata leao I felt the spirit and passion of the martial arts world that I had grown up to love. I take every class that I can muay thai, jui jitsu and strength and conditioning and every one of the instructors are amazing and passionate, all of the people who train at mata leao are very helpful and friendly exactly what you would want in a training partner. I have been at mata leao for almost 6 months and plan on training there for a very long time.
I've been going to Mata Leao for about 3 months now. I have been mostly training in Muay Thai, but may pick up more classes soon. I love all the instructors. They are knowledgeable and extremely helpful when you ask questions. I have already learned so much in the time I have been there. It doesn't matter what level you are at, you can come here knowing you have a great community ready to support your progress.
I’ve always been an active person, I care about my appearance, workout on the regular and practice sports recreationally. I’ve tried the conventional gyms and working out on my own and nothing compares to the results I get from the Strength and Conditioning program at Mata Leao. Results you can see and feel. The classes are always different and the students and the instructors are all friendly and amazing. Look no further, this is the gym that will take you to that next level.
I was (thankfully) introduced to Mata Leao in March of 2011 and have been training there ever since. I can't say enough great things about this place. Excellent instruction, great vibes...but the one factor that makes this an amazing place to train is the people!!! Everyone is very welcoming and inviting from the moment you walk in. It doesn't matter if you have never trained martial arts and are just interested in learning more or if you're a seasoned fighter looking to further improve your game; Omar and the crew can help you reach whatever goals you have for yourself. If you are the least bit interested in what martial arts can do for you and your life, I highly recommend coming in and checking it out. I can't imagine my life without this school and all the amazing people I get to train with.
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!
My experience at Mata-Leao has been excellent. I joined MLCS in the beginning of the summer and could not be happier with my decision to try it out. The gym offers top notch and very interactive instruction. Both Muay Thai and Brazilian jiu jitsu have well established curriculums that allow beginners to have tangible goals and an easy way to monitor their own progress. The instruction itself is very detailed and technical, which really helps your own game develop in the long term. As a white belt who has trained at a couple of other gyms, never before have I felt such an interest from all of the instructors in my progress. This is not like one of those gyms where new comers can go unnoticed, instead Omar and the other instructors all put in effort to help with your personal improvement. This is just part of the main appeal for me: the great sense of community this gym has. I began this summer overweight and out of shape, so naturally I was quite nervous to start training again. I was surprised at how welcome I was on the first day, where many of the gym members personally introduced themselves and welcomed me. Everyone was friendly and quite humble. Here there are no egos, only people seeking to improve themselves by helping each other. Through the support and help from many of these same people, I have been able to lose 35 pounds and become confident enough to compete. This sense of community is really a more unique experience that helps with one's growth as a martial artist and as a person. I only started because of the free 30 day trial, and all I could say for anyone else considering the trial is that you have nothing to lose but so much to gain.
Mata Leao is the only place I’ve ever found that truly nourishes my mind, body, and spirit.
I was initially just looking for a class that would motivate me to attend regularly; I work a lot and have always had difficulties fitting in a good workout. However, once I started training at Mata Leao I quickly discovered why the gym (and instructors) are so highly rated, and how easy it would be to stay motivated under their guidance. I had never played sports in my life, yet under the instruction of Omar and Ryan, I quickly picked up Muay Thai and saw the effects of it in every aspect of my life: I was less stressed, had lost weight (and gained muscle), and overall felt more centered.
Before, I had tried a few of the “all-girls” kickboxing classes but found the instructors to be less than knowledgeable. In one class the instructor turned the music up and women just kicked/punched wildly at punching bags (with little to no instruction). I’m not sure why I’d pay membership for this when I could do that at home.
At Mata Leao Omar and the instructors provide personalized instruction for all skill levels. They walk through our training sessions and show us, hands-on, how to perform moves and how to apply it to our everyday lives. And the gym seems to be a magnet for like-minded students: everyone that trains here is equally friendly, welcoming, and hardworking.
The students are comprised of inexperience beginners (like I was), all the way up to ferocious fighters that regularly win awards for the gym. Omar offers a free, no-contract, 30-day trial at the gym – he does this because he knows that anyone who trains here for a couple weeks will become dedicated and join.
So there’s no question that Omar is the most highly-skilled, unbeatable martial arts instructor in Portland. There’s also no question that if you’re curious about starting martial arts (or taking your current training to the next level and perhaps fighting professionally) you’d be crazy not to train here.
I remember entering Mata-Leao being quite nervous, new to martial arts training I was unsure what to expect from the facility, instructors and athletes. My nerves were quickly relieved upon meeting professor Omar who explained to me that everyone at Mata-Leao regardless of skill level and experience is treated equal and is part of the Mata-Leao team. I have now been training for three months in muay thai kickboxing and BJJ, and it is my experience over the past few months that this could not be more true. Professor Omar offers expert, individualized training that pushes me to improve everyday. At Mata-Leao I have the privilege of training in a positive and safe, clean environment, where I am instructed by expert professionals who are always available for questions and are truly passionate about what they teach. Not to mention I am surrounded by athletes of all skill levels who are genuinely supportive and encouraging. At Mata-Leao we are a team!
If you're looking for a gym in portland to train with knowledgeable instructors, awesome peers and a wide variety of equipment? Mata Leao combat sports in SE is that gym. The classes are challenging and everyone is so helpful. The warrior challenge is the gym's take on cross fit with a higher emphasis on achieving your personal best. Come in and check out the gym, try out the classes with their 30 day trial and I promise you wont be disappointed. Omar Santiago is one of the most educated and motivating instructors I have met.
I have attending classes at Mata-Leao Combat Sports for about a year, and I have seen this gym blossom into a lively culture for learning Jujitsu and Muay Thai Kickboxing. I had done Jujitsu before going to Mata-Leao, but never learned the fine tuned details that I have learned under Professor Omar Santiago. His instruction is excellent. When Professor Santiago is not teaching class, instructors Matt and Paul do a solid job of teaching basic and intermediate Jujitsu. They are patient instructors, and really help with the mechanics of the sport.
Mata-Leao is a safe place to come and get a workout. All types of folk come here to learn and workout - don't let this place intimidate you! Everyone who comes here to exercise and learn is level-headed, and interested in becoming a better, healthier individual - I can't think of any meatheads here, who would make this place unpleasant!
I have never done any kind of martial arts and was pretty nervous just to go in the front door. Once inside, everyone was really nice and introduced themselves. I started my free month and have learned an incredible amount in the little time I have had. The gym is very clean and plenty of space to roll with new friends. I am really excited to continue training under the extremely skilled instructors that Mata-Leao has on their team. I am only in the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu program but have watched the Muay Thai classes and am anxious to try that at as well. All in all it is a great place to meet new people, train hard, and get one hell of a workout. I definitely recommend Mata-Leao.
This place was a decent starting spot for martial arts. A lot of the people are very welcoming and kind...... but the biggest thing is that bad behaviors go unchecked, and it leads to an unsafe environment for women.
When I started at this gym, I was 20, and I didn't have a frame of reference as it was my first. I didn't really know what was/wasn't normal behavior and what was/wasn't considered inappropriate touching when it came to BJJ.
Long story short, after a chain of incidents, I went to Haleigh, who is a female trainer/wife of the coach and complained about 3 men. She expressed that she had an issue with one of the guys herself, but continued to let him train.
Anyway, outside of that incident, the main thing I complained about was one specific guy who had harassed me in a sexual manner and had made racial comments (I'm black).
Since the complaint, I have left the gym as, overall, too many things were causing me to turn away outside of the people. But the guy I complained about has continued to harass me online (yes i have blocked him but he has contacted me in other ways and through people i dont even know) and I haven't even been to the gym in over 4 months.
While this person isn't a reflection of the gym and the majority of people there, I do feel like the fact that they allow someone like him to continue training is a reflection of the character of the owners and their lack of prioritizing safety in a place where that should be the #1 concern.
This behavior should not be normalized for men or for martial arts. Ironically, I'm the only woman AND the only POC at my new gym, but I feel 100% comfortable, and the coaches make it known that my safety is a priority, especially given the demographics. So yes, it's possible to have healthy environments, this place is just choosing not to do that.
