Straight Blast Gym

1812 NE 43rd Ave, Portland, OR 97213, USA

Address:	1812 NE 43rd Ave, Portland, OR 97213, USA
Phone:	+1 503-230-7924
Site:	sbgi-pdx.com
Rating:	4.6
Working:	8AM–9:30PM 8AM–9:30PM 8AM–9:30PM 8AM–9:30PM 8AM–9:30PM 8AM–3:30PM 10:30AM–4:30PM

Location

Photos 51

Reviews 7

Timothy Dalbey

I joined Straight Blast and tried to train there for several months. I was excited about learning from Matt Thornton and the place was only a few blocks from my house. I met a lot of great people at Straight Blast Gym (SBG); Many of the people who train there are really great and genuine people. Some of their competitors are truly world class. So why didnt I like it? Heres the long and short of it: (1) I didnt get enough sparring time - I wanted to get a sweat on but sparring was discouraged, or something. (2) Gimicky sales tactics. They kept asking me for six thousand dollars to join "ICC" - thier analog of the proverbial black-belt club. (3) They kept having gym drama, kicking out great guys and stuff. (4) Matt didnt seem remotely interested in teaching me. I came from a school in New York City where time with the senior black belt was kind of par for the course. I think Matt said hello to be once over the course of two months. It could have just been a lot of missed connections. Its also totally possible that Matt wasnt interested. Possibly/probably both. (5) The Jiu-Jitsu itself was very narrow and focused - which can be great for some guys/girls - but I felt like there was some philosophical dissonance between the style that I had been practicing (broad, modern, inclusive) and the style practiced at SBG. (6) The overall mood of the gym was cold and irritating. Finally, they didnt let me out of the 1 year contract that I was asked to sign despite my requests to leave the gym. Hey, thats business - no biggie. But then they charged me for another 6 months of tuition despite knowing full well that I had stopped coming, cancellation letters and phone calls etc. This gym seems to really work for some people but it was totally wrong for me. Its also the pariah of BJJ gyms in the city - where the rest of Portland trains openly and freely with each other, SBG doesnt participate. My recommendation: Check out other gyms first.

Nick B

I signed up for a free trial of classes a few years back. After the initial tour, quick training overview, small workout and gimmickie sales pitch I decided to go along with the free trial despite the red flags going off in my head about them insisting I give them a credit card. When I went, the "free trial" happened only after i was willing to fork out my credit card, I dont know why its required for a "free" month of classes, but whatever it was appealing, and the only two classes I was able to attend were great. I wouldnt say a friendly environment, but very informal and a good work out. I was unable to continue classes there eventually and asked via e-mail to cancel my "membership". The reason shouldnt matter, I asked for it to be done, and they didnt do it..now I owe over $2,500 for a gym I barely stepped foot in. Bottom line, they want your money, they can afford to brush some of us aside as they are a popular gym it seems. I wouldnt recommend SBGI Portlnad to anyone, find a gym where the owner cares about your progress not your wallet and the rest falls into place.

Luis Till

SBGi has friendly coaches and members who are all very accessible and knowledgeable. The classes for both children and adults are thought out and paced carefully to adjust and teach in a manner that really encourages exploration and learning. The schedule can accommodate most any parent or working professional. Theres a great diversity of people and community/family feel to the gym that is warm and inviting. Its a place where you learn, work, and earn your stripes through trial and error in an environment where its safe to learn through your mistakes and ask questions. The childrens classes are well thought out and planned with time to learn and play games. My daughter has fun but she also learns a lot that she is happy to recount and show me at home after class time. Its also a boon for her that her head coach is female and is a great role model for her and the other kids in class. Its been one of the best decisions for my daughter and I to take classes here!

Ellen Champadeng

My husband is a former college wrestler and coach. He took me to SBG after I had a scary incident on transit. We started out at SBG so I could feel more secure out at night. What we got was something that built our marriage. No matter how busy we are, we now have this thing to do together. SBG is positive, kid-friendly, female-friendly, and couple-friendly. This is not the kind of gym that is going to treat you like less of a person if you arent a perfect build/weight/height. They teach you to work with what you have. Recently, I started Primate Yoga because of tension in my hips and shoulders. Salome and Stephanie are great yoga instructors. SBG offers more than just jits. It gives members a chance to build on their training in different ways. As a teacher I can vouch for the skills and talents of the coaches. They can do and they do teach well. There is no such thing as a bad coach at SBG.

Michael Finlin

Excellent...More than just a gym! With a family like atmosphere SBGIi develops not only world class athletes but has a welcoming feel that wont leave you feeling intimidated at all. All the coaches are top of the line and always have time to answer any questions complete with demonstration till my problem is solved. on top of that i havent met ANYONE there that wont do the same. SBGi has a saying "One Tribe One Vibe" it suits it well. i started my eight year old son there four months ago after having bullying problems at school the previous year. Not only did the management address our concerns but relayed them to the coaches. the out come was amazing, our son has become a very positive boy who now looks forward to going to school on a daily basis. Today my whole family is involved at the gym, all FIVE of us...THANKS SBGi

Anonymous User

Definitely the best MMA gym Ive been to. Run by the first BJJ black belt in Oregon Matt Thornton, they have a great teaching staff that works with you at your level, and a fun environment for those that might be a little hesitant to get into martial arts. They start with the basics and have more advanced levels for more intermediate martial artists, they teach a wide variety of arts from BJJ to Yoga and they have classes 7 days a week! The gym has been recently remodeled with locker rooms being added and is looking really good its its also maintaned and cleaned on a daily basis so if youre tired of nasty gyms this is the place for you. Whether you are just starting or looking for something more advanced you should definitely check out SBG!

Anonymous User

Gave me a great deal for the little time I was in town. Their intro classes were great. They taught and explained the basics and why they are important. The sparring sessions were fun especially because you got to test out your new skills and you didnt have to wait months. There were no egos and the instructors were all on the same page so each class took your skills further. All of the members were eager to help you learn and everyone got the same amount of attention. At no time did I feel limited. I showed that my striking skills were good and they stepped up my striking training. Great atmosphere and having the competition team rolling with you gets you pumped up and thinking about competing.