Great Coaches, big phacility, great staff.If you want to learn Boxing or Jujitsu this is the place. Full gym too.Highly recommend. Cant say enough.

Started coming to Guardian after my local gym closed during the pandemic. The facility is well equipped and the staff/trainers are exceptional. However, what sold me on this place wasn’t the direct benefits to my fitness goals but what the gym provides for the youth, free martial arts training. I love the energy of this place!

Guardian gym is a great group of people. The free-weights are amazing, there’s tons of space, and the coaches are really knowledgeable. It’s a great atmosphere after so much time indoors!

A very kind and supportive community, that helps both youths and adults. This include physical and mental health.

Incredible gym atmosphere. Caleb is extremely friendly and has a true depth of Jiu Jitsu knowledge - it is a privilege to learn from him. I’ve trained here since the COVID-19 pandemic and Guardian has done a phenomenal job of keeping everyone safe while still teaching efficiently. Highly recommend Guardian to anyone looking to train!

I have been training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu with the Guardian Gym team whenever possible for several years. The head instructor of the Jiu-Jitsu program, Caleb, is an amazing individual who walks the walk of everything he teaches his students. He actively seeks out new knowledge to share with his students, competes & applies his teaching in competitions & on large stages, & helps students develop a positive mindset for continued growth in a challenging sport. These are invaluable qualities in a great coach, and the community that has grown around Guardian is a direct reflection of the excellent values they preach & teach. I feel very thankful to be a part of this community!

They canceled their Muay Thai program with no warnings at all, or any grace period. It’s hard to find good quality Muay Thai instruction in general, and I believe they’ve made a mistake. Multiple students now have to find a new gym or patiently wait until the instructor moves to a new gym. When I signed up, the manager pushed jiu jitsu training too much, when I made it clear I was only interested in Muay Thai.However, the facility is nice, clean, and the students there are kind. I love the idea of their scholarship program. This however does not make up for the above inadequacies.

Here is my last day experience at guardian today; my kids have been part of this place from the day they opened their doors and although we dealt with a few individuals who never really welcomed us there, we continued with the boxing class as we were lucky to have met a true down to earth person who I consider not only a coach, but a friend and the brother I never had Mr. Eric Watkins who always showed my kids nothing but respect and his exceptional boxing skills. Today one of those negative individuals approached me and pulled me out of BJJ class just to tell me that my account had been canceled and that if I wanted to reopen it I would have to pay $200 upfront or me and my kids could no longer train there! Wow! His unprofessional demeanor was uncalled for, shouting out loud? Really Calder? I knew that you, Bob kovacs and sacha had a personal issue with me and my crew.... and today you showed me your true colors brother..... you made Guardian and everything it stands for” look absolutely wrong..... you dissed me in front of other members.... I would have rather you call me or text me to let me know my family wasn’t welcome here that we were not the type that you needed here to collect your funds for the gym...... anyhow, what’s done it’s done hope you get all the members that you need to continue on and Calder don’t forget that a man’s family means everything! But you’re childless so it’s something you would not understand.Update: now I’m being stereotyped?.....After being contacted by Bob last night he instead of trying to defuse the situation in a professional manner he kept on disrespecting me and my family, this only proves the unprofessional demeanor and classless behavior and at some point even challenging as he called me a “keyboard warrior” not sure exactly what Bob Kovacs means by that. You need to grow up sir, you’re mad because I drove in with a “new car?” And stated i snuck in? When my account was still active? After the fact that Caleb contacted me to join his class? What is wrong with you Bob? I contributed to the cause even when the gym closed down and was told from the beginning by your staff to train at a discounted rate it was never my idea to even be part of the gym as a student. You obviously are a big time hater and immature brother.... nothing you say about me and my family would even matter because you are truly full of it my man....... can you accept like a “man” that you were wrong? Calder did, and I accepted his apologies like a real man...... I insist, you do have a personal issue with me of some sort...... do I remind you of some one who bullied you back in high school? Is that it? Or is it because I’m part of the minority in Oakland? If you don’t want this to escalate to a higher level, and are not man enough to recognize your mistakes...... back off already chief you’re showing how weak and pathetic you really are......I left the gym at 12:10pm and received a notification of my membership cancellation at 12:30pm so you lied like the coward that you are......I would highly recommend people to stay away if you don’t want you or your family to be judged by what you have and don’t have.Invitation received by Caleb on 03/18/21Hey! Class is on for today!! Coach CalebHey brother! Is it solo training? I may not have a partner today (Me) trying to sneak into bjj class”I’ll definitely have solo drill options (Caleb)Great! See you there coach! (Me) again trying to be sneaky LOL...... you are hilarious

This is a fantastic gym. No egos at all here. Everyone has a smile. Simply great instruction, great training, and great vibes. The mission of the gym is unlike any other- they are making a big difference in the Oakland community. I very grateful to have had the chance to train here. Please check it out! Thanks for having me guys!

Guardian is a friendly, safe and electric place to work out. The community is really passionate about fighting, and equally passionate about their peers and their well-being. This positive atmosphere starts from the top. The owners and instructors are rad folks whose energy sets the tone for the whole project. Fighting for Oakland.

This place is amazing. These coaches teach tremendously a lot, but could be useful to the real world. It could give others the opportunity to have fun and to learn a lot of things others dont know. Everybody should come by and try a class to see how it goes. Hope you have fun!!!

I really love this gym!!! They are so friendly there, super informative and the classes are always kicking my bum. Everyone who goes to guardian is both willing to learn and eager to help others learn as well. Clean gym with amazing instruction, rad equipment and a phenomenal vibe. You have to try out this gym!

Ive been going to Guardian for a little over a month and I cant say enough good things about my experience there thus far. The community welcomes newcomers with open arms, the instructors are knowledgeable and kind, and the training is amazing. Guardians mission to help Oakland youngsters is laudable as well. I was a teacher for ten years so Ive seen a number of after-school programs, and Guardian ranks near the top. The youth students carry themselves with integrity, confidence and self-respect - qualities their mentors at the gym embody as well. If youre curious in the least, come see this place for yourself; its well worth it.

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.

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.

As a 1st year boxer, here’s what I know about Guardian. The coaches are patient, knowledgable and will match your learning style to maximize your workout. This isn’t your local pop up boxing class. The gym is rooted in traditional boxing values and dedicates it’s resources to develop student athletes. Families at the gym are not only visible but supported by the non-profit structure providing free membership to youth. I can’t wait for my son to grow up and join the kids classes

The Guardian Project is a very special gym. Great instructors and welcoming students. The best part is at the core of their mission in helping others train which otherwise would not be able to. Ill definitely keep coming back.

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.

The best place ever. Everybody is so welcoming. Training hard usually everyday. Kids under 18 will absolutely love this place take it from me Im 16.

Incredibly welcoming community, and an excellent workout. Friendly to beginners and experienced practicioners alike.Lots of options for classes, its easy to schedule them into your weekly routine.

All star staff and organization for a good cause. You’ll get a good workout!

Good place to train to get in shape and/or learn self defense skills. They offer boxing, Brazilian jiu jitsu, and kickboxing. Good coaches that will work with you whether you just started or are already a pro fighter.

This is such a wonderful group of people. They are so great with kids and willing to mentor as well you CAN NOT and WILL NOT be disappointed.

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.

Trained this Sunday and had a great Muay Thai kickboxing class from Brian and then rolled with the other folks for open mat. The positive attitude and fun, learning atmosphere was excellent and I cant wait to get back.

Guardian Gym is an awesome place. They have great instructors and students. Cant go wrong!

Excellent Gi & No Gi BJJ classes with Caleb, Jim, & Mike

Great gym, nice atmosphere inside. Good mix of styles. Location in Oakland downtown is also really convenient.

Friendly environment, great training space! Went in for my free trial day. Will definately be coming back.

Awesome peoples just trying to make a difference in the community. great jiu jitsu as well. definitely worth giving this place a shot if youre looking into training.

A great place to learn skills, get fit and healthy and connect with like minded people. The owner Ben was very warm and welcoming, the place is clean, the instructors are professional and attentive, and the mission of helping in the community is great.

Excellent jiu-jitsu with Caleb Khan (black belt under Ralph Gracie in Berkeley) as well as strength and conditioning. Lots of classes on their schedule, which makes it easy to find something that works for me. Plus the location is perfect and the kids program is cool.

Instructors are professional, gym is clean. big plus is the variety of classes and schedules. you can also sense community awareness.

The teachers straightforward teaching style was helpful and everyone was welcoming. Overall I had a great time!

As soon as you walk into the Guardian Gym theres a feeling of welcome. Everyone is kind and the program is a great learning experience.

Can’t say enough great things about Guardian Gym. Awesome instructors, friendly atmosphere and a unique mission make Guardian an institution Oakland can’t afford to do without.

Ive been going to Guardian for almost a year now - its not only a place that offers an outstanding array of quality classes in Jiu Jitsu, Boxing and Kickboxing, its also a wonderful community made of the nicest people you can imagine. The folks at Guardian Gym are passionate about their mission: the gym being a non profit, they offer free training to children, and its a blessing to see kids thrive there and pursue their passion. Join guardian and dont also make a difference for yourself, but also for them!Edti:Ive been going to Guardian for almost 4 years now. Guardian has always stepped up to deliver top notch Boxing, BJJ and Muay Thai classes to adults, and for FREE to Oakland youth with funding from adult memberships.The Guardian facilities are spacious, clean and well equipped, the instructors are extremely knowledgable, welcoming and supporting. Theyve really stepped up during COVID to still be able to provide some level of training in respect to health safety rules.If you join, youre not just joining a gym, but a community that helps each other grow, on and off the mats. If that is what youre looking for, join Guardian!

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!

Great place for work out and support the kids in the community

Amazing place full of energy

My wife and I joined Guardian a couple of months ago as a way to stay in shape and learn martial arts. The jiu-jitsu instruction with Caleb has been excellent and the boxing bootcamps with Brandy have been a great balance of skills work and conditioning. Aside from the instruction, the best part about this gym is the community! Im new to jiu-jitsu and boxing and without exception, every single person Ive met has been helpful, friendly, and welcoming. And of course, Guardians mission is inspiring and the work they do here for the kids of Oakland is simply amazing.P.S. This gym is clean! Its really impressive given how much the space gets used!

Great boxing and jiu jitsu gym with seriously skilled coaches and a mission to help out the community.

Great place for either adults or kids.

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!

Great staff!!

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).

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.

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😆😆

The instructors are extremely helpful and dedicated.

Great community. Great trainers

Good classes taught by good people ;

Just did a quick drop in