Guardian Gym

Address:	1922 Webster St, Oakland, CA 94612, USA
Phone:	+1 510-646-1190
Site:	guardiangym.org
Rating:	5
Working:	7AM–9PM 7AM–9PM 7AM–9PM 7AM–9PM 7AM–9PM 9AM–1PM 10AM–4PM

Location

Photos 53

Reviews 11

Anton Gorodniuk

When I was checking reviews of martial arts gyms in the Bay Area I noticed that most of the negative ones were not due to the fact that coaches were unprofessional, inexperienced or otherwise bad. The two main reasons people would dislike gyms (and eventually stop coming back) were: 1) poor "customer service" (hard to get a hold of managers/instructors via phone/email, rude and faceless attitude, hard to cancel subscription and get money back, etc) and 2) unwelcoming environment, the one where you will definitely feel like a stranger on your first day. Let me assure you, Guardian Gym is nothing like that. To be honest, I had never trained at a martial arts gym before (not as an adult at least), but I am pretty confident this one is run by probably the nicest people of any other m.a. gyms. It is actually more than a gym, it is a community of friendly and approachable people. Even on your first day they will make you feel a part of the team which will make you want to come back. And this kind of environment actually makes you love martial arts even more. And of course instructors are awesome. I take jiu jitsu classes with Caleb and Josuke as well as do muay thai/kickboxing with Dustin sometimes. All of the are truly professionals and are absolutely passionate about it. Thanks to them I am getting better every day and look forward to every class. Lastly, the Guardian Gym is a non-profit organization with a great mission to take kids off the streets and allow them to train for free. All membership fees go towards the sponsorship of kids membership and gear. I think it is amazing and deserves a lot of respect. Look no further, you want regret. Come and try for yourself if you dont believe me. You dont even have to commit to a membership for that.

Michael Bennett

Guardian is a fantastic gym that is great for individuals of all levels (including beginners) to train martial arts, from jiu jitsu to boxing and their variety of other classes and bootcamps. Ive felt welcomed by their team since the day I first came to the gym. The gym fosters an approachable environment where everyone is trying to help each other grow. This starts with the instructors and founders of the gym and trickles down to the higher-level belts and training partners who have always been happy to help me as a beginner. There is a real sense of camaraderie while maintaining the focus on developing my game. Finally, the mission of the gym is incredible, from their local program supporting the Bay Area community to their national scholarship. Being a part of and supporting Guardian is helping me make a bigger impact on my community and world which is a great feeling. At a minimum, Id urge you to come in to watch a class and meet the team to see what Guardian is all about. See you on the mats!

Chan Cain

Guardian Project (Guardian Gym) is a wonderful place for children to come and train after school. Theres also a place for them to do homework. Everyone involved is super sweet and dedicated to these kids. If you have a hankering to check out their programs (Boxing and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu) for yourself, I highly encourage you to do it! Drop by during a class and talk to a coach. I had a brief conversation with Ben and took my first BJJ class the next day! All kids train for free. The money that adults pay for membership (as low as $45 a month sponsors one student) is tax deductible. If you can volunteer your time (tutoring, helping out with classes, or showing the kids the ropes of photography), get in contact with Ben, Joel, Eric, Caleb, etc.,etc. Everyone involved will be more than happy to chat with and encourage you to join in (especially if youre a newbie like I am).

Liam Caine

These guys are great! I work in the uptown Oakland area and started coming in on my lunch break to take advantage of their boxing and jiu-jitsu. Ben and the crew have really put together something special at Guardian Gym; every adult membership translates to a free membership for an Oakland youth. Caleb, Eric, Carlos, Sacha, Bilal, Dustin.....all the trainers and coaches here are top notch and great guys - which gives way to a positive, friendly and ego-free environment. I can only hope that more under-served communities in California can adopt this model. If youre an adult in the area interested in getting in shape, learning self defense and giving back to the community of Oakland.....look no further. 5 stars for sure!

Chase Henriksen

Signed up here back in august of 2016 just looking for a place to train. I found so much more. At Guardian Gym I have found a family. The staff and patrons at the gym are so amazing and inclusive and supportive of one another, its like no other gym Ive ever seen. From pro to first timers, everyone is welcome. Their mission statement of providing free martial arts to kids, not only in oakland, but all over is astounding. Check out their website, for more info on that. Long story short; a great, beautiful, affordable, socially responsible gym that I am proud to call home and would recommend to anyone.

Joy Ou

A great place to just get in shape or get some serious butt kickin training. The inside is pretty much an exact replica of the dojo from the Matrix. Its a five minute walk from the 19th st Bart. They have free classes and lunch for kids under 18. Awesome jiu-jitsu instructors that pay attention to each student. The boxing classes are always fun. They mix up the curriculum so youre never bored, great for beginners and pros alike. Ive been going for 8 months, the only reason I havent reviewed it sooner is cause I wanted to keep this gem of a place to myself

W.S. Wheeler

With no disrespect to any of the other bay area schools this is hands down the best school around. Where else does your membership allow a kid under 18 to trane for free. From the minute I walked in I was treated as if I had been going for years not just from the teachers but the students. I can honestly say I love everybody in that space and what it represents, I am really happy to be a part of it. It is a great place with great programs, I always feel better after class and cant wait to come back.

Julia Zhang

All the instructors have either professional or near professional experience with boxing or jiujitsu. I love how there is a chill and positive workout atmosphere; at the same time you will not leave without being drenched in sweat because they care about you getting a good workout. Its also a great safe place to learn how to spar. Im 17 and Ive always felt welcomed and safe in Guardian Gym

Jonathan Chiu

Great training in a friendly atmosphere! The mats are clean, theres a shower, and small lockers for your stuff. The instructors are knowledgeable and make it easy to join in (what ever your level, from beginner to experienced). And the funds go toward helping local kids! I highly recommend this gym.

Levi Williams

Engaging and inviting environment for all skill levels. The commitment to creating a supportive and motivating community is self evident. Absolutely worth coming in to see for yourself. The first class is free for those new to the gym and is a great way to see if boxing or jujitsu might be for you.

Alex Adkins

Guardian Gym has really solid instruction and for a really positive cause for the community. I went there once and now Im hooked! The people range from beginner to advanced, and everyone is humble and trying to improve. I couldnt give higher recommendation to this place.