Modern Martial Arts and Fitness
2318 E Colorado Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91107, USA
A Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, No-Gi, Muay Thai, Wrestling and MMA Gym in Pasadena, CA.
2318 E Colorado Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91107, USA
A Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, No-Gi, Muay Thai, Wrestling and MMA Gym in Pasadena, CA.
I highly recommend training at Modern martial arts and fitness, the staff are friendly and make you feel comfortable upon entering, the instructors are highly skilled and articulate the techniques well in an easy to digest format during each training session.The members have been very kind, welcoming and of various skill levels, the more experienced members have also been very helpful by providing additional assistance during training. The facility is clean and has private changing rooms should you want to have a change of clothes before or after class. Overall, I definitely recommend joining and becoming part of this great community they've put together here, you will 100% increase your skill set and confidence.
An amazing gym! I came to Modern Martial Arts & Fitness with no prior martial arts background but immediately felt welcomed by the coaches and students. The community is so supportive and it's extremely helpful to learn alongside students of all skill levels. The coaches are very experienced and knowledgeable with excellent teaching abilities. Modern Martial Arts & Fitness also has such a wide range of classes -- I absolutely love Muay Thai and their all-women No-Gi BJJ. Classes build upon one another and challenge you, but are also designed to allow anyone to jump in at any time. I definitely recommend this gym to anyone wanting to try martial arts!
I was looking for self defense and a new workout routine and thought I would try different places, but honestly after my trial class I was sold. I was extremely nervous/anxious to start, but all the coaches and students were amazing! I love the vibe and the community, plus its an amazing workout, location, and price! Also as a newbie and girl I find it so inclusive to new members and all ages/genders/experience. 11/10 recommend. Thanks Cherie, Katie,Justin, Justen and Savannah!!
Modern Martial Arts and Fitness is an outstanding gym. The Muay Thai classes are high-level, professional, and a lot of fun, while still being suitable for all levels, from beginners to advanced. Each session ends with sparring, which I love—unlike some other gyms, this one is challenging yet controlled, ensuring everyone stays safe while improving. The atmosphere is respectful, with no egos or bullies, just skilled and supportive training partners. Coach Justen is a fantastic instructor—thorough, patient, and clear in his teaching. He teaches high-level drills that are easy to understand and apply in real scenarios. If you’re looking for high-level Muay Thai training with a modern approach and in a great environment, this is the place.
This is a long-term review, written after three years as a dedicated student at Modern Martial Arts, where I have immersed myself in both the striking and grappling programs. The curriculum is masterfully designed, evolving strategically to meet the needs and abilities of the current student base. Having trained at various academies during my travels for work, I can say with absolute confidence that this gym is truly exceptional. What sets Modern Martial Arts apart is its unwavering commitment to both student development and well-being. The instructors foster a disciplined yet welcoming environment, ensuring that students train safely—whether by moderating overzealous energy or maintaining an impeccable standard of cleanliness within the facility. Their role as caretakers extends beyond instruction; they cultivate a space where growth, respect, and camaraderie thrive. The heart of any gym is its community, and Modern Martial Arts exemplifies this principle. It is one of the most encouraging and patient training spaces I have ever had the privilege to call home. The sense of belonging here is profound, and the “Mod Family” spirit is palpable. Whether you are a complete beginner seeking a welcoming introduction to martial arts or an experienced practitioner looking for fresh perspectives, this gym offers an outstanding experience. True to its name, Modern Martial Arts presents a progressive, thoughtful approach to the discipline while honoring its rich traditions. I hope to see you on the mats! With enthusiasm and gratitude, Loc
Awesome place!! I’ve been training No-Gi Jiu-Jitsu here as a total beginner with no previous martial arts experience for about 2 months now, and I have to say, the coaches and students have been so nice to me and it's been really welcoming. Coach Justen is a skilled teacher and attentive to all of the students. They also offer Muay Thai, BJJ (Gi and No-Gi), wrestling and MMA classes which is a great variety of martial arts if you are trying to expand your skills. Beyond the teaching and students, the place is very clean, organized, and Cherie has always helped me out with all my questions about the gym. I would recommend Modern to anybody regardless of skill level.
An amazing experience! I was nervous to try martial arts as a more petite female, but joining Modern Martial Arts & Fitness was the best decision for me! Justen and Cherie are so welcoming and each training is challenging and organized. All of the people here are friendly and supportive. I always look forward to Muay Thai trainings here which is the perfect way to end a long day. This experience has made me feel much stronger and confident after only a month. Would highly recommend anyone who is interested in martial arts!
It's been an amazing couple of months training here and everyone is so friendly and helps in your learning. Definitely recommend if you're looking to get fit and have an amazing mix of classes (muay thai, bjj, no gi, wrestling, mma) to learn from and keep you on your toes. Justin and Steven have been excellent teachers, clear, methodic and inspiring, to say the least, not mentioning Cherie who has been amazingly helpful and organized!
Absolutely brilliant. I've spent years looking for a gym where I could get back into wrestling, shake the dust off and maybe get a good workout in... Modern has made me fall back in love with the sport. Justen has been attentive, welcoming, and encouraging from day one, managing to level the playing field for folks from all walks while simultaneously offering individualized guidance and training. Classes are well-organized with dedicated time for warm-ups and drills, practicing new techniques, and live bouts. I've been training here for just a few months now and it's a high every time I step off the mat. The proximity to BJJ has brought a fresh perspective to my wrestling and I learn something new during every class. We work hard, we have fun, we encourage and teach each other. We start and end every evening with a bow and a show of gratitude for our training partners, and I am truly grateful for the space they've built at Modern.
Coach Justen and coach Steven are excellent teachers. Classes are fun and engaging. Very friendly atmosphere, would highly recommend to anyone that wants to learn Brazilian jiu-jitsu, Muay Thai, Wrestling or MMA fighting to come and learn. It's worth every penny.
Absolutely love this place! Was originally nervous about joining a martial arts gym but the people and coaches make you feel right at home. Justen is an excellent coach and the people around you are always willing to help. The culture and community in this gym is truly one of a kind. If you are interested in getting in shape and/or meeting some great people, I would highly recommend Modern!
Really appreciate the clear instructions and pure fun from beginning of the class till the end. What you see is what you get from Modern Martial Arts & Fitness. Seeing the students’ friendly and respectful interactions with one another also tells a lot of the environment of the gym. It’s always a pleasure and a great time when I get to train there! Thank you for the warm welcome and hospitality everyone!
I take private Muay Thai lessons here with the owner Justen and it has been an absolutely incredible experience from the beginning. You cannot go wrong with this gym. Everyone is so friendly, respectful, and highly skilled. Learning a martial art has been very fulfilling and if you’re on the fence about starting I say 100% go for it here at this gym.
Huge thanks to the amazing team at modern martial art for their incredible hospitality. We are from Malaysia and going to Las Vegas for World Masters. The atmosphere here is friendly and welcoming, making it a fantastic place to train. A special shoutout to Instructor Justen for his clear, methodical, and precise teaching. The live training sessions are active and engaging—I’d give it a 6-star rating if I could! Oss! 🌟
Very nice instructors, not too fast paced or intense. Everyone is friendly and willing to help you out. Taking the Muay Thai class can seem intimidating at first, but no one expects you to be perfect and instructors will correct you so you can learn. Safety is important here, so there’s no fear of injury and you can just focus on trying your best.
The head coach, Justen, is very knowledgeable and gives detailed instructions. He's very patient, encouraging, and more than happy to take the time to thoroughly answer any questions. His more experienced students are also glad to help. I especially appreciate Justen's emphasis on safety and technique over aggression. The space is very well kept and the mat is cleaned after every class. If you're looking to be a well rounded martial artist (BJJ, no gi, wrestling, and Muay Thai), this is the school for you. Justen's partner, Cherie, is also very friendly to everyone who comes in. The first thing you'll see walking through the door is the clean aesthetics of the school, much to her credit. You can tell they've put a lot of thought and care into every aspect of their studio.
Training at Modern Martial Arts has been a game-changer. After only a few months, I've leveled up considerably as a wrestler, grappler, and BJJ student. It's a small operation, which means you benefit from the attention and care of the head coach, Justen. He's super knowledgeable and patient and will gladly walk you through any challenges that come up. The other students, too, are eager to help and are committed to building you up, not breaking you down. Special shout out to Cherie for the excellent, minimalist design aesthetic. The attention to detail shows that the owners care about making the studio feel like home. 10/10, 5 stars, A+, and all the good grades you can get.
I started Muay Thai over the summer and it has been a blast! Cherie and Justen were very welcoming and personable since day one, which made me feel comfortable as a beginner. Being new to martial arts, it’s nice to be in an environment with seasoned artists who are willing to give you tips as well. I highly recommend!
After having trained a few different martial arts gyms I can confidently say that Modern Martial Arts and Fitness is the best gym I’ve been a part of. From my very first day, everyone here was and continues to be so welcoming! As a woman training Muay Thai and BJJ, it can be hard to find inclusive martial arts gyms but Modern does such a great job of being inclusive to people of all backgrounds and skill levels. Apart from the environment, the instruction here is top notch. All the coaches are incredibly clear, helpful, and technical instructors that are always looking out for everyone’s safety above all else. Pricing is also very fair for the quality of the classes. All in all, Justen, Cherie, and the team have created such a special place and I would highly recommend this gym. Training here has truly become the highlight of my week, every week :)
Great community/ discipline/ Coaches/ clean. Excellent way to get into martial arts and diverse in classes offered from beginners to hard core athletes. My wife and I love Modern, its our Tuesday and Thursday ritual.
Justen and the entire MMAF staff are both wonderful people and fantastic teachers. The coaching staff are experts at de-mystifying the inner workings of martial arts, and they are able to bring advanced skillsets to your personal journey. If you've ever been curious about any MMA, this is your destination. I cannot recommend this academy enough.
I've been taking private Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts lessons with Justen for a few months now, and it was an absolutely transformative experience. From day one, Justen's approach to teaching was both welcoming and highly professional, setting a tone that was conducive to learning for practitioners of all levels. Technical Expertise: Justen's deep understanding of BJJ and MMA shines through in every session. His ability to break down complex techniques into understandable segments is remarkable. Not only does he demonstrate techniques with precision, but he also explains the underlying principles and scenarios where they would be most effective. This depth of knowledge has significantly improved my own skill set and understanding of both sports. Teaching Skills: What sets Justen apart is his exceptional teaching skills. He has an innate ability to adjust his coaching style to suit my individual needs. His lessons are well-organized, ensuring that there's a perfect balance between drilling techniques and sparring sessions, which I found to be incredibly beneficial. Patience and Motivation: Justen's patience is endless. He creates a supportive environment where questions are encouraged, and learning from mistakes is part of the journey. His motivational skills are just as impressive. On days when my energy was low or I felt frustrated, Justin's words of encouragement and his belief in my potential kept me going. Personal Qualities: Beyond his technical and teaching skills, Justen's personal qualities make training under him a truly enriching experience. His passion for martial arts is infectious, and his dedication to his students' growth is evident in every interaction. Justen is not just a coach; he's a mentor who invests in the holistic development of his students. He is also extremely clean and well-groomed. I am a bit of a germaphobe so that is very important for me given that we are in very close proximity. I highly recommend giving Modern Martial Arts and Fitness a try. I have no doubt you will have just a great of an experience as I have!
I checked out a bunch of gyms in the area and eventually decided to join this one. The curriculum is ordered and modern, the training partners are fun and safe, and the community is friendly and welcoming.
I’ve tried out a bunch of BJJ gyms in LA and honestly, nothing compares to Modern Martial Arts. Head instructor and owner, Justen Hamilton, is a kind and knowledgeable person who’s amazing at breaking down techniques and concepts SO well. Additionally, the community is friendly and respectful which was a huge contributor to why I chose Modern Martial Arts as my home gym.
Good group of people with great vibes. Justen facilitates a friendly learning atmosphere with a great amount of challenge for growth (at whatever pace we want). Recommend anyone to try it out!
Highly recommend training here. The environment is exceptionally welcoming and inclusive, ensuring that everyone, regardless of their skill level, feels at home. The coaches and fellow gym members are not only friendly but also genuinely supportive, taking care to provide guidance and encouragement. Safety is a top priority here, so there’s no need to worry about injuries during sparring sessions.
Cherie and the Coaches at Modern MMA are amazing! The classes were extremely beginner friendly and everyone taking classes there was super nice and welcoming. I highly recommend Modern MMA to anyone thinking about taking a class, this is the place to do it.
I joined Modern Martial Arts & Fitness back in June of this year and was pleasantly surprised by the warm and inviting culture at this gym. To me, the culture is paramount for longevity as a hobbyist in this sport, and I believe they've truly excelled in fostering a positive and uplifting culture that is suitable for people of all skill levels to train and personally develop. I've trained at several other gyms in the past that advertised a similar culture, but when I actually began training and experienced the weekly routine, it didn't feel genuine. At the other gyms I've been to, egos were not left at the door, and during training people would try to "one up" each other, often escalating to the point that led to injuries and keeping you out of training for an extended period. My experience at Mod has been the complete opposite, and I feel that the staff and fellow students at Mod have created an environment that is inclusive and welcoming. This allows everyone to learn and grow at their own pace, regardless of their skill level. I'm not saying injuries can't happen, even with a culture like this, as given the nature of the sport, it can occur (just like in any other contact sport), but having a supportive team that cares about each other's well-being greatly reduces that risk in my opinion. The instructors, Justen, Savannah, and Justin, are skilled, knowledgeable, and excellent teachers. They take their time to explain techniques in detail, are always open to answering questions, and spend time with each student to ensure that everyone understands the techniques and can execute the moves effectively while developing good habits. It's great to receive feedback from the instructors to validate that you're learning properly. They offer Muay Thai, BJJ (Gi and No-Gi), Wrestling, and MMA classes, which provides a good variety of classes to take and disciplines to learn if you want to expand your skillset. I highly recommend this gym to those starting out for the first time, as well as to those more experienced individuals looking for a family-like environment to develop their skills.
Fun, Friendly atmosphere with great instructors. Modern Martial Arts and fitness is the best gym experience I’ve had. I’ve trained in may Thai and boxing on and off for 5 years. I didn’t understand grappling at all and I’m so glad I ended up at modern. I did a free intro class with a friend and the owners were kind enough to let me stay for 2 classes that day. Although Jiu jitsu and wrestling felt very complex at first within a week I was beginning to understand more. The instructors are open to questions during and after class and even training partners had answered my questions about certain positions. I even scheduled a 1 on 1 private with an instructor to go over specific questions I had. The Muay Thai Classes are a little more fitness focused but every class has light sparring so it’s a good way to test what you’re learning. When rolling or sparring everyone is communicative and tries to keep their partners safe. Partners adapt their roll for size or for people recovering from injuries. If you get injured or are on vacation you’re able to pause or defer your membership until you return. The space is all white so it’s clean and is swept down after each class. It’s easy to identify if anyone has a small cut or scrape and it can be addressed quickly with a first aid kit and hygiene in the back. I’ve been here for a few months and absolutely love it.
I came into the gym as an absolute novice who was honestly pretty apprehensive about trying something so unfamiliar. What struck me on my first day was not only how inviting and supportive the instructors were, but how positive and uplifting the entire gym was. I can't say enough good things about the culture that has been cultivated here and I strongly recommend it to newcomers and returning practitioners alike. All the coaches are eloquent, patient, and attentive, the mats are kept very clean, and the prices are solid for what you're getting. The Brazilian jiu-jitsu classes here have done me a lot of good both physically and mentally and I would encourage anyone on the fence to give them a try.
Owner/head instructor Justen Hamilton is an incredibly effective teacher and a gem of a human being. What a welcoming environment he’s created here at Modern Martial Arts. Justen got me ready for most of my MMA fights. The victories were his as well. I can attest that he teaches practical, effective martial arts that work in fights and self defense situations. I absolutely recommend trying a class and a personal training session. You’re in good hands!
Have always been a fan of martial arts but this was the first place I really decided to pursue it. It's been the most welcoming experience! Everyone here is kind and knowledgable, and I've come away from every session more excited to come back than when I came in!
I cannot recommend this gym enough. Justen and Savannah are very kind, patient and accommodate people from all skill levels. I started training Muay Thai here at the beginning of the year and it has become my favorite part of the week. The community of people are are great and everybody is friendly. Membership prices are very reasonable as well. If you live in the area do yourself a favor and check it out!
I really like this place and recommend it. Justen has a wide breadth of knowledge, and he clearly and patiently explains the different techniques and the strategies behind them. He also encourages and is patient with questions. I also like that there is regular sparring in each class every day, but I also like that it is also supervised and conducted in a safe manner. Coaches will also give regular feedback during sparring and throughout class, which is helpful.
World-class coaches! And everybody is super friendly and welcoming.
I have trained a few MMA gyms in my past and Modern Martial Arts has been a great experience. I signed up a few months ago and have already seen great improvements in my BJJ and Muay Thai game. The coaching staff, Justen Hamilton and Savannah Em are exceptional. Justen is a BJJ black belt under Dane Molina and Mike Farrell, who I actually had trained under years ago at Renzo Gracie LA (back when it was known as 5 Star Martial Arts under BJJ legend Shawn Williams). Justen's coaching is very detailed and concise. He really helps you understand the conceptual foundation as to why you would perform an attack or a defensive counter. Savannah actually fights in One Championship and her experience shows during her Muay Thai classes. I have seen my technique and striking game improve over the last few months. There is also a great environment at the gym. Everyone is welcomed and all the students strive to help one another. A lot of gyms will claim that they treat their students as family, but that is really case here. You will not find bad egos, no higher belts just smashing on white belts or out of control sparing during Muay Thai. Having taken a few years off of training, I am really glad I found this place and look forward continuing my training and ranking up here.
Great group of people, was very comfortable coming in as a beginner
Modern Martial Arts and Fitness is a friendly gym that offers great training. The coaches present the techniques in an easy to understand manner, while also providing context for them. The culture is very welcoming and approachable. The schedule of classes is also the best I have seen in Pasadena, offering BJJ, Muay Thai, No-gi, and wrestling. Sparring occurs in every class, and is a fun way to practice against resisting partners. It’s also a great workout; I have lost 13 lbs in less than 2 months of training. I recommend this gym to anyone interested in martial arts!
I’m so happy to have found Modern Martial Arts! I started training BJJ here a few months ago after moving to the area and I highly recommend it to people of all levels. Justen is a very technical and detail oriented coach. He breaks down advanced concepts in a way that is easy for anyone at any level to understand. The facility is very clean and there is plenty of street parking. Also, the gym culture here is great! A genuine sense of community and everyone is very friendly and welcoming!
The gym has a friendly atmosphere with high-quality BJJ/wrestling instruction by Coach Justen.
Justen is an excellent teacher and I highly recommend this gym to anyone interested in learning mixed martial arts. I am a complete beginner and have never felt uncomfortable in any of the lessons. I'm two months in now and I think this is something I'd want to continue for a long long time!
I went into Modern Martial Arts and Fitness out of shape and with no knowledge of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. I have to admit I was also extremely nervous at the thought of getting choked out or arm barred on my first visit. But Justen and co. provided a safe and welcoming environment for me to experience what BJJ was really all about. I've only been attending for a few months but I've already learned so much thanks to Justen's methodical/systematic approach to teaching, and the other members who are always open to answering questions from this new guy. Go check it out even if you're looking for a strong community of bjj practitioners. Also, first class is free!
This gym is just amazing. Not only is the atmosphere very friendly, but I've also learned a lot from the classes. There are classes on MMA, bjj, bjj no gi, wrestling, and Muay Thai. The instructor Justen is very good walking students through the drills regardless of the students' skill level.
Can’t recommend enough! I have been coming to this studio for a few months now having 0 experience and I instantly felt welcomed and everyone is so lovely- you forget you’re new and nervous. Cherie and Justen are fantastic and the classes are easy to follow but challenging with lots of space to learn with really kind people. If you have any reservations, don’t! Go!
Can’t say enough good things about this place! Justen is a wonderful instructor: knowledgeable, patient, and always willing to spend one-on-one time during class to make sure you get the moves. I was a complete newbie to martial arts and I felt so welcome from the very first lesson. I’ve learned so much in just a couple of months and can’t wait to keep training! Fantastic gym!
Great gym. Justen's instruction is fantastic, and the environment is very open and welcoming to complete newbies like me.
Amazing first class!!! I really enjoyed the place, the class, and the people!
I joined Modern exactly a month ago with 0 background in any martial arts, but I had a specific interest in learning Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. I saw a lot of options for BJJ gyms online but ultimately I chose this one because I was drawn to the genuinely positive reviews I'd read about the instructor, Justen and his gym/community. For someone who was pretty nervous to start something like this, I was glad the positive reviews ended up being true. Cherie, who co-owns Modern with her husband, Justen, was so kind and personable with setting up my membership and providing any kind of information. Since my first class I've felt extremely welcome, and to this day, I roll with a community of friendly, respectful, and inspirational people. Last but not least, Justen is a deeply knowledgeable instructor who really knows how to translate techniques in a way that is both comprehensible and encouraging to try. Not sure what more I can ask for while learning a very challenging, but rewarding art. In terms of membership/pricing, I don't really have past gyms to compare, but to me, the prices/options Modern offer are a solid deal! Aside from BJJ, they also teach No-Gi Jiu Jitsu, Muay Thai (taught by a professional MMA fighter), and Wrestling in back-to-back classes that can all be included in your membership. Hopefully one day I'll build the stamina to take advantage of that deal haha. All in all, the best decision I've made this year was to begin my BJJ journey at Modern Martial Arts and Fitness. Hope to continue growing here for years to come!
This gym is awesome! Justen is excellent at breaking down technique that makes it easy to digest and applicable to your own game. The environment is very welcoming and the mats are very clean. Optional sparring at the end of each class is also very light and controlled which makes for a great environment to try moves you learned without fear of taking big blows.
Excellent gym. Every class is met with thorough instruction and a safe sparring environment. There is a good balance of a variety of skill levels, which is really beneficial. Even more importantly, the culture here is very welcoming and it starts with Justen and the other coaches. The gym itself is also very beautifully designed. Definitely recommend.
BEST TEACHERS. SAFEST GYM. FRIENDLY COMMUNITY. First - Everyone is vaxxed, which is the ONLY way to responsibly train a close contact sport. Second, the culture and quality of instruction are the best in Los Angles. (I've trained 15 years, and at five different gyms in LA. This is my favorite.) Justen is a great person and an amazing teacher with a very deep understanding of BJJ, MMA, Muay Thai and combat sports in general. He has also trained with John Danaher and developed his own similar "principle/big-picture" focused style of teaching, which is insightful, clear and easy to absorb. This is a great place to start your martial arts journey or to enrich yourself if you are already your path.
I have been training at Modern Martial Arts for a few months now and it has been a great experience. Trainers and very skilled and experienced. Everyone including staff and students are so polite. Classes are mixed level but safe and challenging for all. Do not think twice to try a class so you can see for yourself why this is a 5 start training gym.
This is by far the best gym I’ve trained at. The people are all super friendly and the level of instruction is outstanding. I can’t stop recommending this gym to all my friends.
This gym is simply excellent. Justen, the instructor, is extremely competent and his explanations are very precise and detail-oriented. The breath and depth of his understanding of every technique is incredible. On top of that, the lessons have a clear logical coherence and build on top of one another from one lesson to the next. The prices are definitely more than fair when comparing to other local academies. The culture at the gym is also very friendly and welcoming. Clearly, the instructors place great emphasis on using positive reinforcement and also on making martial arts accessible to beginners. As a result, every member of the gym shares the positivity of the environment. Unfortunately, it seems Justen had some personal issues with me, that he never communicated to me and as a result he unexpectedly excluded me from the academy. I wish he had been transparent about this. Despite this, the academy that he has built is an excellent place that I would recommend to anyone interested in martial arts.
I have been training regularly at Modern Martial Arts for a couple of months now. Normally, I attend all or nearly all classes in a week. I have trained at a couple of gyms previously, and can confidently say this is one of the best gyms you can ask for. Justen's style of training is very precise; he has thought carefully about every position and teaches them very systematically. My BJJ has improved quickly because instead of learning a handful of seemingly random positions each class, we've methodically gone through a variety of positions and learned a sequence of appropriate responses from each position, which makes it easy to quickly implement in my BJJ. The facility is clean and there is plenty of mat space. I also appreciate the modern approach to BJJ -- I've gotten much better at takedowns and leg locks by attending the wrestling and nogi classes. Most importantly, Justen is generally a very welcoming coach, I've always felt like I can ask him questions and never felt out of place at the gym. I've not trained Muay Thai previously, and this was an excellent place to start my training. Justen and Savannah teach Muay Thai in a similar systemized approach as the BJJ classes. I've improved a lot, and the vast majority of people are really good about going light during sparring so you can focus on keeping clean technique. Lastly, they primarily teach techniques that integrate well with the grappling classes, which is really helpful for people interested in MMA. Overall, this is a fantastic gym that lives up to its name as a modern way to learn martial arts. The instructors are welcoming, very skilled, and have built a great community of martial arts practitioners. Having witnessed rapid improvements in my skills over a few short months, I'm looking forward to spending the next few years training here.
Super grateful for Modern. Justen really is an amazing teacher; super analytical and extremely technical. BJJ is young enough that it has been changing and evolving rapidly, so it's super valuable to have a coach who continually tries to challenge and improve his own understanding of the art (which is already unbelievably deep). Instead of getting wrapped up in dogma and tradition, Justen genuinely evaluates the function of everything he does, then breaks that down to ensure everyone understands *why* we are doing something and the underlying principles/mechanics behind it. Gym culture is super easy-going and warm as well. Some places can attract/perpetuate big egos (which can also make injuries more likely), but happy to say I haven't run into that here. Clean facility, clean technique, lots of fun. 🤙
Modern Martial Arts and Fitness is a great place to train for all levels of BJJ and wrestling. Coach Justen's extensive knowledge and ability to breakdown technique makes learning much easier. The atmosphere of the gym is very open and welcoming. Prices are also comparable or better than other gyms. If you are looking to start training or for a new gym, I would highly recommend Modern!
I've joined Moder Martial Arts & Fitness's BJJ class for three months with previous experience. Justen is a solid coach for anyone interested in starting or advancing their BJJ skill. I appreciate how he teaches in a logical and detailed process. I am able to refine where I know and explore the new areas like the attach of legs. Also, his institute is the only one I found with requirement of a fully vaccination. I cannot appreciate his effort and commitment in preserving the sport as well as his students' health.
I attended Modern MMA for about two months before moving out of town. Justen, Savannah, and Cherie run an operation that I cannot speak more highly of. As someone without martial arts experience, walking into a new gym learning a new sport can be somewhat nerve wracking, but from the second I walked in and was greeted by Cherie at the front desk, to the first session with Justen and Savannah up until my last, everyone I interacted with engaged with courtesy, respect and a smile. Yes the classes are tough (you will not get a better workout in any other group fitness format), but the feeling of accomplishment (and relief) after every class made it all worth it. If you are thinking of starting BJJ or Muay Thai or need a place to grapple and spar, check this place out first. You won't be disappointed.
It is always a pleasure to come and train at Modern Martial Arts and Fitness not only for the great teaching quality of Muay Thai but also for the atmosphere. I feel comfortable and welcomed there. I am glad I could find a professional and friendly place to improve my skills and enjoy practicing martial arts. A big thank you for what you do!
I come home from Muay Thai class every week in THE BEST MOOD. Such a solid workout and an amazing way to blow off steam from work.
Teacher is very good at teaching and explaining lessons. clean and safe environment. All members are generous and very inviting, first timer friendly.
If you're looking for somewhere to train, it should be here! I've been training BJJ for about four years at five different schools/gyms as I've moved for work. In my (limited) experience, the three most important things about a gym are the instruction, community, and the facility (in that order). Modern Martial Arts excels in each category. Justen and Savannah are not only content experts but good teachers. As a former high school teacher and coach, I know that expertise and teaching talent don't always overlap, but they do here. The community is also great, and the main reason I chose to train here. No machismo, no weird cliques - just nice people trying to get better. Finally, the facility is immaculately clean, even if it's a little cozy. They even have loaner gis and striking equipment. Also, having looked at other BJJ gyms in the area, Modern's prices are as good or better as any other. They run promotions occasionally where you can lock in a low price.
I have been training BJJ and other martial arts for about 8 years, and Modern Martial Arts has been one of the best martial arts gyms I have been to. Justen and Savannah give high quality, technical instruction. The instructors and staff (Justen, Savannah and Cherie) are very professional and friendly, which spreads to the members of the gym. Everyone is nice and inviting; I have never had any problems with the other members of the gym. Also, there haven't been any sparring rounds where it felt like the other person was trying to hurt or injure me. There is a good balance of sparring safely while also training with intensity. Overall, Modern Martial Arts has a great environment with high level instruction. Highly recommended to anyone looking for a place to train MMA/BJJ/Muay Thai.
Modern martial arts is the place to be if you want to learn the full scope of martial arts and be a mixed martial arts in the safest and most efficient way possible. Everything about the way the classes are taught and how we spar is very modern. For example, the students are given detailed instructions on how hard to spar and what tools to use in muai Thai class. This is different from other gyms I experienced in the past where sparring is kept vague leading a newcomer to be confused on how to spar. Overall first class is free and if you ever watched ufc and thought that it would be cool to try something similar give modern martial arts a try you will not regret it
I've been training BJJ on and off for almost 10 years and have attended multiple schools throughout LA. Modern Martial Arts is one of the best martial arts academies I've been to on so many levels. Coach Justen's teaching style is incredibly clear and easy to grasp whether you're a beginner or advanced. While he takes time to walk through the finer details of specific techniques, he also emphasizes the broader concepts that underly each technique. The dojo itself has everything you could ask for: ample (on and off street parking), clean and well maintained mats, private changing rooms, and a clean bathroom that they even stock with feminine hygiene products. Finally, the overall vibe is extremely warm and welcoming with no big egos or aggressive/macho attitudes. Do yourself a favor and try out a free class at this Pasadena martial arts gem!
Best Martial Arts Gym I've been to in a long time. It's fun to train here and everyone is super nice, and there's FREE STREET PARKING! Pretty much everything that a gym needs to be: clean, effective teaching strategy, and great staff. There's a Pro-fighter who trains here and the coach is really good about giving people tips on how to get better.
Throughout my life, I have been to five different martial arts schools before landing at Modern Martial Arts. I am 38 years old, and I was involved in martial arts heavily when I was a child and a teenager and at different times as an adult. Before starting at Modern Martial Arts, I had not attended any martial arts classes for a few years. I decided to go back to a martial arts school after spending the past year spending time rediscovering my enjoyment of combat sports (mostly watching MMA, grappling, and boxing). I watched casually for a while, but now watch as much as I can. I have been turned off by most martial arts schools where the appearance of machismo and bravado are at times deemed more important than technique and learning. Being a fan of the science behind the moves, I would rather understand the “why” rather than prove myself better against fellow teammates. I am not a wannabe fighter or someone who feels that by knowing some martial arts technique that I am better than anyone else. I admire those who truly skilled in combat sports and want to better understand why they do what they do. I have been attending classes at Modern Martial Arts and Fitness for over a month now and definitely recommend it to anyone looking to explore the amazing world of martial arts. Why do I recommend Modern Martial Arts and Fitness? Before even attending my first class, I was able to address all of my concerns with Justen. This made a huge difference in how I felt just walking through the door. Upon walking in the door for my first class, I was greeted with a warm welcome and made to feel like I was part of the team. Even though this was an evening of a free trial classes—a Muay Thai Kickboxing class and Brazilian Jujitsu class, I was treated like I had always been a part of these classes. When working out that first evening, I was made to feel comfortable in what I could do and not made to feel embarrassed by what I did not know. Each member of the team worked with me in a kind way and really emphasized the philosophy of technique over showing who is the best. This was even a point that I saw play out during sparring sessions. In the past at other schools, I would groan at sparring sessions where I would see individuals go at it like they were really fighting each other. While I get and understand putting out this effort, I do not understand purposely trying to hurt someone else, which I have seen at other places in the past. During sparring sessions at Modern Martial Arts, everyone treats each other with respect and look to learning above all else. Also, if anyone does not wish to participate in sparring, they do not have to and are not made to feel “less than.” The option to continue practicing technique is available. I could not wipe the smile off of my face after that first evening because I had finally found martial arts classes that were exactly what I wanted. Thank you to Justen, Savannah, and all of the awesome team at Modern Martial Arts. The smile continues to stay with each class that I attend! Again, I definitely recommend Modern Martial Arts and Fitness—it is a true community of like-minded martial artists.
Been taking private lessons with Coach Justen for a few weeks and it's been a great experience. I have NO prior background in grappling / BJJ / wrestling. Regardless, Justen's coaching has really helped me develop an understanding for the sport and application of grappling. It's very systematic and methodic so everything is digestible and applicable. Will keep doing these for sure
Absolutely great martial arts academy to learn BJJ and Muay Thai!
Thanks again for the class, Justen!!
I’ve been training at modern martial arts & fitness for about 4 months now and let me tell you absolutely the best martial arts school in the area! review for myself (BJJ with gi, no-gi and wrestling) and my daughter (BJJ no-gi) The people here are always willing to help. No matter how confused I’ve become with the drills,moves, etc... there always willing to be there to help you out, help teach you proper ways to execute what’s being taught and even show tips and tricks to be able to everything with the least effort as possible. If you want to learn BJJ with some of the best people, this is the place to be. When it comes to rolling here itself, it’s no joke here, the people here are legit. They definitely will make you think, push your limits and you might learn a thing or two each time you roll. Of course, if there’s anything specific you want to practice, people here are typically more than willing to help you practice the situation. Between coach Justen Hamilton and the other instructors here at mod martial arts, you are going to get excellent and proper technical instruction as well as the patience you need from an instructor to learn. They definitely will show you that more to BJJ than you’d ever think! And finally, they give a huge emphasis on making you feel like you’re part of a family not just a team.overall, this place is welcoming, amazing and truly worth learning from. A huge thanks to coach Sovanna, coach Arthur and coach Justen for having the patience to teach my daughter in the no-gi class, because of this she’s more confident in herself at school and meeting new people
I still remember the first time I called up the owner Justen. "Hey man, I'm a complete noob. Never done any training before." He said that's fine, we have people of all skill types and you'll go at whatever pace you feel comfortable.So I went in for the free class and was instantly hooked. First, I love how they teach a lot of different styles here. You have ground game with jiu jitsu/wrestling & stand-up with muy thai. Every week you're learning something new. And justen's teaching style is extremely helpful. Shows the techniques many times, from every angle, and at different speeds. And also a very approachable guy. If you have questions after class, he's always around to go over situational moves again and help you out. Great place
I love this place! I came in a month ago for a first experience with Jiu Jitsu and I’m hooked! It’s SOOO fun and Justen is a great coach. And the team is friendly and wonderful!
Great location, friendly staff, owners/coaches are very approachable. Overall experience was superb! I really recommend it to everyone! 😬
I’ve been training Justen, the head coach of Modern Martial Arts, for a few years and am proud to call Modern my home gym. Justen is very attentive to all of his students and really cares about each student’s individual progress. The class atmosphere and students are all very welcoming and there is a team mentality that everyone at Modern shares. They offer MMA, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ with gi and no-gi), Muay Thai, wrestling, kids classes, and more. The classes are structured in such a way that beginners up to advanced students are all able to participate and learn without being overwhelmed. Can’t recommend them enough!
This studio is incredible. Not only is the space impeccably designed, founders Justen and his wife are absolutely wonderful. Justen is an excellent coach and roll model. He loves the craft and is willing to make time to help one reach their skill and fitness goals in MMA and jiu jitsu. His teaching style is welcoming, skilled and approachable. I found myself picking up techniques very quickly. Also, this is a great place for woman to come try out to learn self defense and enjoy a great workout. There are quite a few women students and this is the first studio that took away the intimidation I felt at other studios.
I’ve been looking for a gym that reminds of the fun in MMA, and thankfully I found one that also takes you in like a family
I've been training for close to a decade and everything about this place has been amazing. The environment is incredibly open and accommodating, the instruction extremely detailed and technical and coach Justen and the staff seem to really want to create a community within their school that fosters personal development. It has been my pleasure to train there.
It is intimidating trying something new for the first time; but, I summed up the courage to give the mma class a try, and it was a very fun and challenging class. Justen the head instructor is very knowledgeable and the teammates are all friendly. Everyone on the team is kind, and are there to help you become better after every class. I enjoy going to class every night to learn and get fit!
The coaches, students, and environment of this dojo is incredibly welcoming and friendly. My friend and I were suppose to meet here together for our free day trial. However, my friend bailed on me last min--we all know how that feels right? I was already there, so I decided to just go through with it. The first day I was there I forgot I arrived alone. Everyone makes you feel at home and provides rental gloves/gi/shin guards so you don't feel left out. The fact that this is a small dojo--the instructors/coaches are able to check on how everyone is doing, and offer more detailed feedbacks to help improve your martial art game. I discussed my work and school schedule with Steve, and he help me organized a ideal price for the month--I was sold! Both the coaches and students help out new students and always offering in-depth, detailed feedbacks. I can ensure this small dojo will be only grow from here with the great foundation it already has going!
The entire staff is approachable, and the school fosters an environment in which both technical prowess and personal growth take center stage. The instructors are remarkably talented, yet still consciously working to improve their craft. I would feel comfortable recommending their instruction to anyone I care about.
Great staff and they're very knowledgeable. Everyone I've trained with has been very kind and helpful. Overall, great environment to train and learn.
I highly recommend this gym for all levels in martial arts. The hours are reasonable, the gym is very clean, and the staff are very welcoming! They also have a kids BJJ class instructed by Coach Justen and Coach Latona. Both coaches are very knowledgeable and great with kids! On the fence about joining a martial arts class? Well, ponder no longer! Visit & book NOW. First class is free! You won’t regret it!
One of the most excellent martial arts teaching in Pasadena, clean and friendly but mostly "zero ego environment" , plenty parking space in the back and classes and plenty schedule and classes to chose from jiujitsu, wrestling and Muay thai.
Modern Martial Arts is an absolutely amazing place to train. I just moved to the LA area a few weeks ago and was so happy to have found this place. They offer BJJ, No Gi, Muay Thai, Wrestling, and MMA classes. Justen is such a kind individual and teaches with clarity and efficiency. The other members of the gym are friendly and the entire atmosphere is both intense and positive.
Dropped in on a no-gi class Saturday with Justen,. The gym was super clean, everyone was very nice and had fun hard rolls! Would love to return if ever in Pasadena!
Very welcoming, great vibes, great people. Instruction is very detailed and each class is at a good pace to where new people won't feel lost but more seasoned jiu jitieros are not bored. Highly recommended!!
I went to Modern Martial Arts Fitness hoping to find a place to relieve stress and to challenge myself to improve mentally and physically. The experience was well above my expectations. What I found was a space that proved to be incredibly restorative and healing. The workouts are as brutally intense or as slowly paced as you want/need them to be. Coach Justen, who is simply awesome, always makes me feel welcome, comfortable, and confident. Modern Martial Arts Fitness is simply the best place to focus on your physical and mental health. I strongly encourage you to drop in and visit. All is welcome and will be treated like family.
I’ve trained Brazilian jiu jitsu for over 5 years and been to many gyms. Justen and Cherie have a gym as welcoming as any for new students with technique and instruction as good as the best gyms I’ve trained at. A great experience.
I’ve been training on and off for years and what better place to get back into training. Awesome coach and very welcoming people there. Nice clean space to train. This place offers a variety of classes as well as wrestling, which I think a lot of grapplers overlook. Overall has been a great experience and still learning new stuff every class, highly recommend to anyone just starting or have years of experience.
This place is amazing! I've tried a few jiu jitsu gyms around the area and the level of instruction Coach Justen provides is in my opinion, the BEST BY FAR. All the techniques we learn feel very applicable and highly effective. But most importantly, ALL of the classes are fun - GI, NOGI, WRESTLING and MMA! Coach Roy's jiu jitsu classes and Coach Savanah's Muay Thai classes are also really fun and useful. The environment and atmosphere is so comfortable and the students are really cool. I always leave knowing that my jiu jitsu got a little bit better, I got a great workout, and I always have a lot alot of FUN! The gym is brand new with beautiful white floor and high wall mats and the location is extremely convenient on Colorado Street in Pasadena right by Sierra Madre. There is a huge FREE PARKING lot in the back so parking will never be an issue. It's still hard to believe this place exists. It's still new and opened just around 6 weeks ago. If you're interested in learning jiu jitsu from amazing teachers or even just want to have good fun exercise while learning to grapple or throw punches and kicks, Modern Martial Arts and Fitness is the BEST gym. It's something I look forward to every day I go. As good as it gets, most definitely!
If you’re looking to improve your self confidence, learn self defense, or get into great shape then this is the place to accomplish those goals. I’ve met Coach Justen when he was instructing Muay Thai at another gym and when I found out he was opening Modern Martial Arts and Fitness, I knew I had to check it out. After attending the Muay Thai and BJJ class, I knew this was the gym for me. All the instructors are extremely knowledgeable, patient when teaching new techniques, and ensure you have a solid technical foundation. Each instructor (Coach Justen, Coach Roy, and Coach Sovannah) have each had prior competitive fighting experience and it definitely shows when they’re breaking down techniques in class. I never leave a class without feeling encouraged and motivated to attend the next. As a young professional working 40 plus hours a week it can be difficult to find the time to train, but the friendly, learning environment Modern Martial Arts and Fitness creates along with the results I’ve seen in myself keeps me inspired to make that time. I hope you can too!
I have been training with Coach Justen for over two years now, and he is, without question, the most devoted, insightful, and effective martial arts instructor I've ever worked with. He takes the time to give every student meaningful, individual instruction and is always happy to answer questions and enthusiastically dive into the details of a particular technique after class. His vast wealth of knowledge of all things martial arts and infectious enthusiasm benefit every student, from professional fighters to people that just want to get in shape in a fun way or try something new. The people at Modern Martial Arts and Fitness could not be more welcoming and helpful, making for an overwhelmingly positive and productive community. While practices like sparring, wrestling, and M.M.A. can be intimidating and, at many gyms, even restricted to professional athletes, students are free explore the entire breadth of martial arts in a supportive and safe environment. I can't recommend the "try everything" approach highly enough! My training sessions at Modern Martial Arts and Fitness are always the highlight of my day. If you are remotely curious or interested in martial arts/combat sports, go for a free class. You'll likely be hooked for life. Plus, it's really fun training in a space that looks like a set from 2001: A Space Odyssey!
Was in Pasadena for work. As I walked by the gym they lured me in with big smiles and waves. Soon as I walked in Steve, Justin and the crew treated me like family...the training was well arranged and easy to follow. Which made it even better. I'll be looking for excuses to visit Pasadena again just to train with this awesome crew.
I met Justen at a seminar a couple of years ago. I didn't know anyone there, so I was relieved when he asked if someone needed a partner even though he was a student at that school. I'm certain that he did this to make guests feel welcome. He was extremely patient and knowledgeable and helped make the experience for me, as a beginner, much more enjoyable. I haven't had any interaction with him since but when I heard he opened his own school, I felt compelled to write this review. If you are in the area, you owe it to yourself to check out his school.
I started training jiu jitsu and Muay Thai to improve my fitness and push myself to master new skills, but I have achieved so much more thanks to the environment of rigor and respect that Coach Justen creates with his inspiring leadership and exceptional teaching abilities. Training with Justen has revolutionized my relationship with my body, building self-confidence and pride. Participating in the friendly, dedicated, supportive team environment he creates has also helped me develop interpersonal and collaborative skills that are invaluable to all aspects of life. I can’t overstate how grateful I am to be part of this truly special gym, where beginners and world class athletes alike can learn highly technical skills taught with precision and patience, and where everyone is respectful and dedicated to helping their teammates achieve their goals. Whether you are an experienced martial artist who strives for constant learning and improvement, or someone just starting to think about giving jiu jitsu or Muay Thai a try, this is the gym you need to visit, trust me. Hope to see you in class!
One of the toughest things about Brazilian Jiujitsu is finding a positive environment to train at. Being that bjj requires extremely close proximity and vulnerability, I feel it is a powerful tool that can be used to foster a healthy or unhealthy self esteem, depending on the environment you train in. I've been training bjj for about 7 years now but the very first time I felt comfortable enough inviting my own sister to a class, was when it was led by Justen Hamilton. Justen embodies what it means to be a martial artist and while extremely skilled as a practitioner, he is a gifted teacher and more importantly, a man of character. My sister and I were visiting from out of town when we got to drop in for the class but would totally be training with him on a regular basis if we lived in the area!
I cannot say enough good things about this place! I was nervous to try BJJ as a woman because it's mostly guys and I had some bad experiences at other gyms, but I felt 100% comfortable and safe here! I can finally be done looking for the perfect gym. They create a welcoming and neutral environment that feels like a fit fam, and I love that the gym is couple-owned. Coach Justen is so knowledgable and really good at breaking down complicated moves into learnable segments. I was nervous to practice with more experienced people since I was so new, but Coach Justen is so encouraging and really cares about everyone. It's obvious that he loves martial arts and teaching! Okay, last thing, I lost weight and got really toned without even meaning to—BJJ is so fun I didn't even realize I was working out so hard…so that's a dream come true. Bottom line: go here. It's simply the best.
Coach Justin and his wife, Cherie, are hands down the best people ever. And, I really mean that. They put their all in their work. I've known Coach Justin for about 2 years now. Before he started coaching, he was the only higher belt that would roll with me and take the time to explain every technique he was doing to me. The wealth of knowledge he has in BJJ, Muay Thai and Wrestling is amazing. Coach Justin is amazing. The gym is amazing. Please come check it out!!
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