Guardian Project

I've been going to Guardian for a little over a month and I can't 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. Guardian's mission to help Oakland youngsters is laudable as well. I was a teacher for ten years so I've 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 you're curious in the least, come see this place for yourself; it's well worth it.

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!

Great training in a friendly atmosphere! The mats are clean, there's 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.

I've been going to Guardian for almost a year now - it's not only a place that offers an outstanding array of quality classes in Jiu Jitsu, Boxing and Kickboxing, it's 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 it's a blessing to see kids thrive there and pursue their passion. Join guardian and don't also make a difference for yourself, but also for them!

Edti:
I've 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. They've really stepped up during COVID to still be able to provide some level of training in respect to health safety rules.

If you join, you're not just joining a gym, but a community that helps each other grow, on and off the mats. If that is what you're looking for, join Guardian!

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!

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 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!

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!

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! I'm new to jiu-jitsu and boxing and without exception, every single person I've met has been helpful, friendly, and welcoming. And of course, Guardian's mission is inspiring and the work they do here for the kids of Oakland is simply amazing.

P.S. This gym is clean! It's really impressive given how much the space gets used!

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 don't believe me. You don't even have to commit to a membership for that.

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. I'll definitely keep coming back.

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!

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. I've 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, I'd 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!

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 can't wait to come back.

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

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.

Guardian Project (Guardian Gym) is a wonderful place for children to come and train after school. There's 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 you're a newbie like I am).

Guardian Gym has really solid instruction and for a really positive cause for the community. I went there once and now I'm hooked! The people range from beginner to advanced, and everyone is humble and trying to improve. I couldn't give higher recommendation to this place.

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 you're 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!

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.