The Pit Martial Arts & Fitness

We are so grateful for our son’s experience at The Pit! As a naturally slow-to-warm-up kid, he has grown in confidence through consistent participation. The values of respect, hard work, discipline, and a never-give-up attitude are deeply ingrained in their class. Their instructors emphasize unity with reminders like: “if someone falls, help them up" and "big kids look out for the little kids." Every child is given the spotlight, fostering a sense of achievement. The Pit is also very dedicated to community by hosting gatherings and participating in community events. We highly recommend their programs!

We first started going to The Pit in 2020, my son then 3 years old was the first to try the PeeWee class, it took him about a month to warm up. The instructors were so encouraging to the kids working with them to engage with the class & participate. After my son started, of course, my daughter wanted to do the classes. Fast forward 3 1/2 years, both of my kids & my husband are in the Kempo Belt program and I also workout there in their CrossPit & Bootcamp classes. John & Heather are such amazing people & present members of the community. I'm so thankful we found this Ohana! We've found life long friends & NOBODY will take my family's lunch money!!

Don't believe the 1 star reviews. They never trained there. The Pit is as the website states. If you want to get in the best shape of your life, try the Pit. It's a no nonsense old school gym that is perfect for any age. John knows his stuff.

I can't say enough good things about this place. The owners take so much pride in this business and it shows every time you walk In the door. It's an amazing place for the whole family. The adult classes are welcoming and always something new and exciting but you should see the kids classes. The trainers work wonders with the kids. Teaching them respect, discipline and self defense while making friends. When you're a part of the pit you really feel like family. If you're curious about this place just stop by and try a class. You won't be disappointed

My son took a couple martial arts classes here and we experienced amazing treatment from staff and the owner. They were more than professional and extremely caring and personable! We highly recommend this business to anyone looking to enroll their kids in martial arts for self protection, especially during this time in our world.

This gym imo is a awesome. I had the joy of working with some of the best teachers and meeting some really great students. I thought there was a very welcoming environment. I'm definitely trying to participate/join classes!! Mahalo🤙🏼🤙🏼

Our four year old started a few days before his third birthday in the peewee classes. Instantly we felt like family. For our trial class Heather showed us what to do and other parents made us feel welcome by answering ALL the questions I had. Our two year old can’t wait to get out there!

Our oldest has really bonded with Blake and Tanner (really all the trainers!) . We love seeing Heather when she’s working the front desk!

I have watched my father pour his heart into this gym for as long as I can remember. When I worked there the best part of the day was watching the little kids run in to hug all of the staff members. Everyone of them so excited to be in class. Now I get to watch and experience it from the other side when I bring my 6yr old to class. Everyone is so involved and loving...even the parents. The only scary part about this place is how sore my legs are after Heather’s CrossPit class.

My daughter has been attending belt classes here for over 4 years. We are completely involved with all happenings of this business... we have attended every single seasonal event including parades and Easter, Halloween and Christmas events. They have been loving to all family members and always active in the community. They invite anyone to come for a free trial for any of their multiple classes. I have attended CrossPit and it is definitely one of the toughest workouts I have ever endured. This place has shown me and my whole family nothing but love and respect. I have learned how to protect myself, become a better human being and have more calm and serenity in my life than ever before. I suffer from PTSD and being a part of The Pit has helped cure a lot of that trauma in my life. I have nothing but the utmost respect, love and admiration for this business. Being a member there has given my life purpose and direction and I can’t wait for what the future holds. I am proud to be part of their family. Ohana

The Pit is a pillar for our local community. My boyfriend and I finally started training here after it was recommended to us by countless friends and family and are so glad we joined. It's incredibly empowering to have a space where I know I will be protected and, more importantly, where I've learned how to protect myself.

Our family have been members of The Pit since 2008. In our house, self defense training has never been an option for our three children. It is a gift we have given to them and to ourselves. You worry about your children as it is. I can’t imagine the additional worry I would have should they not have these much needed life skills. Family owned and operated, clean, friendly, wide range of classes and family activities.

The people who go to the Pit are my friends and have always loved the atmosphere. I had my kids go there a few times and they had a great time. The staff is great and they support quality values in their business.

Quarantine and a new city had me searching for a gym to get back in shape. I came across The Pit women's bootcamp in September and have been joining each session ever since. Heather is the best at getting you moving and sweating those calories off.

The Pit is great for men, women & children for self defense. Great School. Great instructors. Grandaughters trained there. Taken newest grandchildren also to be trained professional. Thank You The Pit!

It's hard to adequately describe how awesome this gym is. I'm a member along with 4 of my kids and we are all treated like family. The training is world class and John and the rest of the staff are encouraging, knowledgeable, and extremely talented. You can train for overall fitness in their CrossPit classes, for self-defense in their Hawaiian Kempo classes, or grappling in their Jiu-Jitsu classes. Life is short, so do yourself a favor and join to increase your confidence, fitness level, and ability to defend yourself and your loved ones.

The Pit Martial Arts & Fitness is an amazing local business that is respected through out the Central Coast. Any negative reviews are protesters who didn't get their way. I whole heartedly respect the Pit.

These guys have been in the arroyo grande area for soo long. There amazing there staff is amazing and the owner isn’t your typical owner, he take pride in ever single person that walks through that door and the staff is the best in the business. Highly recommend this place for anyone

Great training and determination I’ve gone here for about 3 years 1/2 it’s amazing and really gives you a great workout while having variety of types of classes like jiujitsu crosspit and hawaiian kempo great for all ages

Some of the best people on the central coast, and in the world. These guys are active community members, and are passionate martial arts enthusiasts that train world rebound athletes I cannot reccomend them more

The owner John is a world class teacher, mentor, & coach! On top of that he is passionate about his community.