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Steel MMA and Fitness
4.8 ★★★★★ 50 Google reviews · Kickboxing gym in San Diego, California
Clean venue offering Muay Thai and Jiu-Jitsu classes in a friendly atmosphere.
Plan your first class
- Free trial or intro class most gyms welcome new members with a free trial or intro class — check their site or give them a call to book your first session
- Beginner-friendly all fitness levels welcome, including total beginners — no experience needed, and you get in shape by training, not before
- Cardio kickboxing classes high-energy cardio kickboxing on the bags and pads — a fun, sweaty workout built for fitness and weight loss, at your own pace
- Kids & teen classes kids and teen kickboxing classes (ages 8–18) — built around confidence, focus, and fun
- Sparring sparring and partner work for members who want it — always optional, eased in gradually, with the coach controlling the contact
- Competition team a competition team for members who want to test themselves in the ring — amateur kickboxing, muay thai, or K-1
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule steelmma.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone (858) 987-0113
Hours
| Monday | 9 AM–8:30 PM |
| Tuesday | 10 AM–8:30 PM |
| Wednesday | 10:30 AM–8:30 PM |
| Thursday | 10 AM–8:30 PM |
| Friday | 10:30 AM–8:30 PM |
| Saturday | 9 AM–1 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“On top of their Muay Thai classes, their cardio heavy bag classes also go beyond giving members a good workout.”
“The lessons from the Muay Thai and Jiu Jitsu sessions have been more than the basic skills, my children have learned life lessons in these classes.”
“Whether you’re a pro looking for a new gym, or a beginner looking for your start, this gym is it!”
“Con: they don’t have an open mat and they probably could slot one in on Friday.”
“I have been training here for three years now and never thought i would compete but the team here helped and supported me on my journey to make it happen not just once but twice!”
“The lessons from the Muay Thai and Jiu Jitsu sessions have been more than the basic skills, my children have learned life lessons in these classes.”
“It's amazing to see full classes with kids and teens.”
Other martial arts here
“The lessons from the Muay Thai and Jiu Jitsu sessions have been more than the basic skills, my children have learned life lessons in these classes.”
“Now, I'm not one to sit on any machines, I only do classes, so when I found Steel MMA, it was perfect!”
“The lessons from the Muay Thai and Jiu Jitsu sessions have been more than the basic skills, my children have learned life lessons in these classes.”
What members say
“Coach Jeremy and coach Mike are amazing jiu jitsu practitioners and are really attentive to you whether it's your first day on the mats or your training for a competition.”
“Coach Jeremy and coach Mike are amazing jiu jitsu practitioners and are really attentive to you whether it's your first day on the mats or your training for a competition.”
“I wanted to find a gym that had fun classes that would also give me an incredible workout.”
“I have been training here for three years now and never thought i would compete but the team here helped and supported me on my journey to make it happen not just once but twice!”
“Top notch gym with knowledgeable Muay Thai coaches, a clean environment, and winning fighters to improve your fitness and technique.”
“From the moment I walked in, Mike, one of the owners greeted me and walked me through the program.”
From the reviews
Carl is hands down the most dedicated coach. He goes above and beyond for his fighters even when you are not the top of the food chain. I have friends competing at different levels and you wouldn’t believe the things he does to support everyone’s dreams.
After having trained at this gym for 6 years now, and having tried many other gyms in the San Diego area, I can confidently say that Steel is the best striking gym I have ever been to.
I’ve been working with the head Muy Thai instructor, Carl, since 10th grade. He has always made everyone I have seen feel welcomed and seen in class and is sure to be helpful and honest when answering questions. He has built up a great team in both instructors and staff that is always helpful and useful.
My 12 year old son loves his Muay Thai class here. There are different levels for experience. The coaches and all the staff are all really great, they make you feel welcomed and valued. The classes are fun and safe but also challenging enough for them to push themselves and actually learn.
New to kickboxing? Start at Steel MMA and Fitness
Steel MMA and Fitness comes up as a beginner-friendly gym — noted on their own site. If you've never thrown a punch or a kick, that's exactly who a good beginners class is for. A few things worth knowing before your first week. First, you don't need to be fit or coordinated to start — you get in shape by training, not before it, and coaches scale every drill to you. Second, you won't be thrown into hard sparring — reputable gyms build the basics (stance, footwork, and punches and kicks on pads and bags) first, and any contact eases in gradually under a coach's control. Third, all fitness levels really are welcome — ask about a dedicated beginners or fundamentals class time so your first session is alongside others who are also starting out. Most gyms are happy to let you watch or try a class first, so reach out before you commit.
Your first kickboxing class at Steel MMA and Fitness
Nervous about walking into a kickboxing gym for the first time? Almost everyone is, and good coaches expect beginners to come through the door. Here's what to know. What to expect: a typical first class is a warm-up, then drilling the basics — stance, footwork, and punches and kicks on pads or a heavy bag — not hard sparring. Go at your own pace and rest whenever you need to; no one will bat an eye. What to wear: comfortable athletic clothes you can move and sweat in, and supportive trainers. What to bring: water, and hand wraps and gloves if you have them — many gyms lend loaner gloves for a first class, so it's worth asking when you call. As you keep training you'll add your own gloves and wraps (and shin guards once you start sparring). Sparring is optional and eases in gradually, once your basics are solid. Arrive 10–15 minutes early to sign a waiver and meet the coach. It gets easier fast — most people feel far more at home by their third class.
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