Stout Training Pittsburgh / Team Renzo Gracie

My only regret is that I wish I had found out about this place sooner. I discovered stout during my senior year at CMU while looking up gyms in the area, and decided to try out the Muay Thai program at Stout. I almost didn’t go because I (unreasonably) psyched myself out and thought that I would be too intimidated and unwelcome as someone who’s never done martial arts before.
I could not have been further from the truth. Everyone was so friendly and eager to help me get started – from the wonderful coaches to the enthusiastic students. I instantly felt at ease and saw how the environment at this gym is very family-​like. Everyone here is genuinely nice and wants to help you succeed. It was a refreshing change from some other places I’ve been to for yoga. At the yoga studio I’ve been to prior to joining stout, I didn’t feel that same sense of community and family. This gym is definitely one of a kind.

Best schedule in town period!!! Great gym environment that encourages everyone to respect each other and excel as martial artist.

I love to train in Muay Thai at Stout Training Pittsburgh. Best thing about the gym is the fact that they have classes even on Saturday and Sunday. Multiple classes on weekdays to choose from. Kru Reese is an amazing teacher and always approachable.

Great place to to learn awesome Jiu Jitsu from amazing people.

Great environment for any level. Great instruction. Have no fear if you have never done anything before, the staff here is great and progressing you through the curriculum at the appropriate pace and against suitable classmates.
That being said, be SURE you are willing to commit for the long term, as the cancellation process can only be considered a clusterfuck at best. They try to shift the blame to the «billing company», but if that’s the case simply use another one, there are many. Not only do you have to waste your time writing a cancellation letter AND make time to stop in for an «exit interview», but then you get hit with a month’s cancellation charge on top of that. I didn’t realize anyone in fitness related industries even practiced this anymore (as someone who works in the industry). And due to not having time during the hours someone was there to do said interview, I was charged for 2 months worth of classes in the meantime in which I did not attend even one. From what I witnessed during the interview, cancelling the automatic payments consisted of a few keystrokes which could have been done at the time of my initial cancellation request.
Hard to not feel the whole thing from a business standpoint is just a little shady.
And I hate to write this because I really like the instructors and the quality environment, but the business end of things could use some work. All it does is fester resentment from the POV of the consumer through wasting both their time and money — the two most valuable currencies we have.

Are you bored with your fitness routine? I was. Daily marches on the treadmill just aren’t that exciting for me. Enter in Stout Training Pittsburgh. I started the strength and fitness classes as it was something I had done before so I figured I would know what to expect. I was so wrong.
After my first class I can only describe myself as feeling as if I just fought a war and survived! Class after class I felt myself getting stronger and working towards my health goals and actually meeting them! The best part? I wasn’t bored out of my mind doing the same old thing getting the same old small results.
The fitness instructors know their stuff and are genuinely fired up about your goals and progress. They are extremely approachable and encouraging from answering question to cheering you on to go «heart to the bell».
Be prepared to work hard, be sore, sweat and see the results you are looking for. Never again will I put up with the same old fitness routine with these guys around.

The training is great and everything is great but beware of the contract and cancellation fee. I registered for a month with 85 dollar but the cancelation fee was 115 dollar which is silly. It was bad ending. However, after long exchange of emails, Andy waived the cancelation fee because I was not in town during the end of the contract. I did not have to pay. I mean they still have good business negotiation and morality but their policy is bad. Extra cancelation fee and you have to come for a 5 minute meeting before you cancel ! I thought this is a gym not a job !

Warning! Google maps shows the location at Cruze bar. That’s not correct. The entrance is actually down the street on 17^th (between Smallman and the alley)! When you enter, you’ll go up the elevator. I can’t remember the floor but once you’re there it’ll be posted. I had a hard time finding the place, maybe since I was visiting from out of town.
Anyway, I wanted to find a gym/​studio that has work out classes that aren’t the usual run of the mill. This totally fit the bill! I did one of the kettle bell workouts and it was one of the best workouts ever. Emily (I think that’s her name) was the instructor. Since I was a newbie, she spent a little side time with me to ensure I had the basics of the motion down. It was really helpful because she focused solely on form. And even though it wasn’t like a crazy HIIT workout, I was so sore the next day that I could barely move! I also liked that the workout was so unique. I’ve done many bootcamps and those types of workouts but this was something I’ve never done.
I wish they would expand this concept and franchise it out because I would definitely join if it was in my area!

Warren, Andy, Mike, and Cody are some of the most caring coaches I have met in Martial Arts. To them, the key to having a successful business is being a family. This shows as their focus on their students growth is paramount. Follow their plan, make classes, and you WILL be successful in reaching your goal.
Having spent 25 years in wrestling you often meet great people, the same doesnt always seem to hold true for other martial arts. But at Stout Training Pittsburgh, goodness is at their core.
I was lucky enough to travel into town from New York City and North Jersey and to learn from them for 3 days. They helped me more than I could have ever dreamed, I am looking forward to paying back the favor.
Jeff Marsh, Edge School of Wrestling, Hoboken, New Jersey

Son’s been training with coach Mike and coach Mark. Awesome guys who genuinely care about their students. The fight team’s devotion to their gym’s youth is unsurpassed. The fact that the coaches compete is huge as it sets the ultimate example for the youth in how one competes honorably. It also sets the tone and work ethic in every workout.

Two weeks in doing Muay Thai fundamentals at Stout:
I’m really enjoying my training so far. I’ve always wanted to be comfortable with a martial art and Muay Thai at Stout really appeals to me: class feels like I’m among colleagues of varying abilities, all of whom are willing to help me (a total novice) out with an air of mutual respect. I don’t like the stratified authority – bowing to masters, etc. – that a lot of martial arts have. So the informal but rigorously structured makeup of Muay Thai classes at Stout has been just what I’m looking for.
Most of my life I’ve been a physically fit person. I used to think «eh, I’m tall and in good shape, I could handle myself in a fight». Two weeks here has, to my happy surprise, proved me wrong. My coordination, reflexes, and technique are all pretty bad (but are improving with every class). I’d like to keep improving these; I’d like to feel competent at self-​defense. Mostly I just enjoy learning things and getting a workout while I do. It feels good to get exhausted in the process of internalizing technique.
I signed up at Stout in particular because I was hoping for classes that make me feel comfortable and like I’m learning every time I come. So far that’s how it has been.

Thanks to Stout Training, I find myself an unlikely convert to Brazilian Jiu-​Jitsu.
I am a mother of 2 boys in my late 30’s. I work full-​time and have an extremely busy schedule. I am amazed to say that I have found a place I love to go and that I feel more fit, both mentally and physically, than I have in years.
My initial goal was to find classes for my son.
The instructors have been amazing with my high energy kids They are creative and enthusiastic and they have also clearly invested in learning teaching techniques appropriate for children at various levels of development. Brazilian Jiu-​Jitsu is an excellent choice for young children. The belt system is set up to provide regular encouragement and the instructors carefully explain to the class that stripes and belts are earned by hard work. Stout Training has a robust selection of classes for kids who are 5 and over and two classes a week for children as young as 3. I plan to get my second son involved soon and expect that both boys will be long-​term members of this community.
I felt so welcome that I decided I should get off the sidelines.
I am not an athletic person. And I started this year at least 25 pounds overweight. I have known for a long time that I probably needed to engage in resistance training
but honestly, I was completely intimidated by the idea of going to a gym. I imagined myself feeling very alone in a room of barbells with no idea what to do. I also imagined that it would be pretty clear to anyone else in the gym — that I didn’t belong. After a month or so of bringing my son to class twice a week at Stout Training, I had a bit of an epiphany. I was honestly shocked at the warmth of the community at Stout. Of course there are a lot of very serious athletes here, both male and female, but there are also a fair amount of regular folks just trying to get healthier and a lot of parents and small children who all feel at home. It takes a pretty special place to foster such a welcoming tone with such a diverse range of people.
Kettlebells.
Honestly, the only reason I made it through the first month or so of weekly kettlebell class was because there is a beginners class at the same time as the youth Jiu-​Jitsu program on Tuesday nights, and if I was going to leave work early, I was determined to multi-​task during that time. Then there was a day, maybe 2 months in, when the instructor, Will, announced that warm-​ups would include 15 push-​ups. I laughed a bit to myself, thinking that I hadn’t done even ONE push-​up from my knees in likely 15 years. But when I attempted my first regular push-​up, I realized that kettlebells was working for me. I was able to do all 15 push-​up — from my feet! Kettlebells is a perfect way to build strength, because it really lets you start wherever you are. Will is a fantastic instructor. He explains the techniques with clarity and patience and makes me feel like I will learn to do things I would have once said were completely impossible.
Jiu-​Jitsu.
Again, the first month of class was pretty rough. I didn’t think I was going to make it through the very first warm-​up. But the structure of the classes is great. You focus on drilling a technique with a training partner for most of the class and then you end with sparring sessions. I generally have either Dean or Warren as my instructor and, as with the youth program, it is evident that they are not only talented Jiu-​Jitsu practitioners, but excellent teachers. I am starting to see huge improvements in my fitness. The callisthenic warm-​ups have gone from torturous to breezy. And I LOVE how I feel headed back to my office job after an hour of rolling. Oddly, it isn’t just the physical workout I enjoy. Jiu-​Jitsu challenges you to take a deep breath when you are in a tight spot and think strategically about how to create some room to maneuver. This is a matter of mindfulness that easily transfers into my professional life.
The Results.
I give Stout Training my highest accolades. Before I found this community, I had a strong desire to find a way to be healthy, but very little hope. And now I have an exercise routine that I can honestly say I relish. I love to go to class. I love sharing this activity with my son. But the kicker is, at only 3 classes a week, I have dropped 10 pounds since the first of year, and I just bought new suits that are 2 sizes smaller than I was wearing at Christmas. But beyond the weight loss, I have gained a new perspective about myself and what my body might be able to do. I am excited to imagine a life full of fun, physical activities with my boys.

Stout Training has always welcomed us warmly to drop in and train there.
The gym is very well located in the Strip District and the setting is very neat — there’s a slight loft-​feel to it, which I like. The facilities are clean, from the matts to the locker rooms (men and women).
The credentials of the instructors speak for themselves, so I’ll just say that the staff was very chill and very gracious. I’d definitely recommend this gym to anybody who wants to train BJJ in Pittsburgh.

I started training at Stout Training Pittsburgh/​Team Renzo Gracie about a year ago, and I must say, it was one of the wisest decisions I ever made.
I’ll first start by offering my opinions about the coaches. In my opinion, Warren Stout is the most educated and dedicated coach in Pittsburgh. Not only is he a former NCAA Division I wrestler, he’s also a black belt in Brazilian jiu-​jitsu. Warren is one of the friendliest guys you’ll ever meet, and he has the ability and the patience to coach competitors of all levels. He also surrounded himself with superb assistant coaches like pro fighter Mike Wilkins, who could easily run his own gym in the future. Like Warren, Mike is an animal on the mat as a wrestler, boxer and BJJ practitioner. He’s also just as friendly and influential as Warren and the rest of the staff.
As for the training partners, they don’t get any better than the guys and gals that train at Renzo Gracie Pittsburgh. Everyone is respectful and helpful, plus they all know the importance of healthy competition. High-​level BJJ practitioners, former Division I wrestlers and pro-​level Muay Thai stylists all train here on a regular basis.
The schedule is loaded with BJJ, MMA and Muay Thai classes, and they offer something for students of all ages and skill levels.
This place is a genuine gem for MMA and BJJ enthusiasts and I’m proud to say that I train here. My only regret is that I didn’t link up with the team sooner!

This review is for a Unilocal get fit event. Don’t let the hidden location fool you. This place is located right next door to the Thin Man Sandwich shop on the second floor of the building. Huge space! They have cubbies to keep your stuff, really nice bathrooms with showers and a new cage training room. I went for a Kettle Bell class. I honestly thought you just swung different level weights. Boy could I have been more wrong. The trainers were more than patient with us and gave helpful friendly advice and the perfect amount of motivation and encouragement. We did moves on the floor, planks and some swings of the bells. It really is a great workout. I thought I would be intimidated at a training gym but the instructors are so friendly and welcoming. This is a great thing to do if you really want to get toned and gain strength.

A review for Unilocal GETS FIT * January 11, 2015
I can barely move. The tops of my forearms hurt. Is that even a thing? I’ve done a lot of workouts before and I swear the only time my forearms have hurt were the times when I was accidently scraped with a rapier during stage combat class. Oh wait. My forearms DID hurt during those classes. I think I blocked it out.
ANYWAY. There’s the kind of pain that makes you cry and there’s the pain that makes you smile. And this, my friendly Unilocalers, is the latter. For the second time in as many months, I attended a workshop at this fine establishment. This time organized by Unilocal’s own Kerri M. I felt secure in knowing that I wasn’t the only novice in the room. That being said, Renzo has one of the warmest (not literally — it was pretty chilly) environments of any fitness joint in the city. Yesterday’s workshop was taught by Jarrett. Jarrett is one solid dude. Friendly and encouraging yet not patronizing — he really needs to visit the LA Fitnesses of the world and show’em how it’s done. When he first explained the layout of the workshop I was a bit skeptical. We were to go through a brief warm-​up, some mechanics of the kettle bells, then onto a 12 minute workout. «12 minutes?» I thought to myself; «What can I accomplish in 12 minutes?» Yeah — 12 minutes was totally enough. I broke a real sweat for the first time in a LONG time and loved every second of it. There’s something soothing about swinging a kettle bell. I can’t explain, I just ask that you consider trying it someday.
At the completion of our workout we were treated to some healthy fare courtesy of Jarrett’s wife, Deena. She whipped up a selection of spinach smoothies, zoodles (zucchini noodles), kale salad and berried topped with fresh coconut cream. Every bite was delicious and I can’t wait to try the recipes. During our post-​workout nosh, Jarrett explained a bit more about the class offerings and I was hooked to the point of signing up for a 2-​month Transformation Challenge before I left. My first class was at 6am today. While I can barely keep my eyes open right now and bending over at all is a supreme challenge, I couldn’t be happier with my choice. Stout Training Pittsburgh hosts workshops on a fairly regular basis. I highly recommended trying it out some day. What have you got to lose… except maybe a few inches? Thanks Kerri M. for organizing such an awesome event!

I just took a trial Kettle bell class here and it was AMAZING!!!
Let me start off by saying I am not in good shape. This gym was referred to me by a friend who knew I was sick of the cheap «jog on the treadmill for half an hour gyms» because I want seeing any results.
My first class had 8 people in it and it was considered a big class. The instructor was extremely knowledgeable and friendly and, with such a small class size, he was able to spend time helping me with my form and technique. Many people in the class were in great shape, but I didn’t feel isolated at all. Everyone worked at their own pace and weight level.
Most importantly I got a great workout and I had a lot of fun! Definitely signing up for a membership. I highly recommend it. And don’t be nervous! You’ll have a great time!

Last year I became tired with not really doing very much in terms of physical activity after finishing a few years of rugby and almost ten years of wrestling I looked into starting brazilian jiu jitsu and mma. I quickly found out about Warren Stout and Mike Wilkins, two of the top instructors at Stout Training Pittsburgh. Everyone I talked to told me that if I was looking for good instruction with a fun environment then I should talk to them. Last fall I started training at the old location in Lawrenceville full time under Warren and was very excited when I found out that we would be moving to the Strip District of Pittsburgh, PA which was a much closer location for me. I also found out how affordable training here is, if cost has driven you away from BJJ or any other martial art, Stout Training Pittsburgh is definitely the place for you. In addition the new location, which has been opened for a few months now, is a lot bigger, and has space for Muay Thai, MMA, Conditioning as well as many more BJJ classes. If you are only a beginner or have never tried BJJ before, you have to give it a shot! It is the best decision I have ever made! Come check out the new location, you will love it! Best facilities, best instructors and best environment! Come join us on the mats!

I highly recommend
Stout Training Pittsburgh /​Team Renzo Gracie
Every time I hit the mats it feels like I’m at home. I am one of the first members to train when Warren first opened up his Academy in Pittsburgh. It has been, and continues to be a tremendous experience. Warren is a top notch instructor that is very compassionate with a seemingly intuitive approach, if there is ever any question or hesitation about a technique he will take the time and review it with you. I travel extensively and I have trained BJJ all over the US and abroad and I can tell you that this is a top notch Academy. We are so lucky to have you in Pittsburgh!
Rob Michienzi

Lemme start off by saying that a man of my corpulence and physicality has never had an issue with laying ass-​whoopings whenever i PLEASE! In fact, when I worked as a bouncer at a Cici’s pizza (to pay my way through college, obviously) I had the nightly pleasure of tossing wise-​cracking fools outta the joint. Them kids stealing breadsticks, SMH!
But when I rolled up to this dojo, let me tell you baby – I was IMPRESSED. These cats know how to scrap. And the head samurai Warren Stout is legit. I’ll be he’s secretly a brother – probably has vitiligo or something. My fat body got tossed around by all these wrestlers and jiu-​jitsu guys, so I got MAD RESPECT for this joint.
Peace y’all – I’m OUT!

Was visiting Pittsburgh for a week and had the pleasure of training here. Warren, Andy and all of the students were welcoming and helpful. Great BJJ School.

There are too many good things to fit in one review. This academy is TOP-​NOTCH! I’ve always loved Brazilian jiu-​jitsu and MMA. I was actually looking for a Judo place that was in the city when I happened upon the BJJ gym though. When you first attend, you get a free, one-​on-​one lesson from one of the many instructors there. I had some BJJ experience from the Army so we were able to skip some of the intro stuff and focus more on positional dominance and transitions. I signed up and everything has been great. There are jiu-​jitsu competitors there as well as amateur and Professional Mixed Marital Artists. No one there has an attitude, no one is trying to hurt you. This is one of the most respectful places I’ve ever been, besides training in the Army. I did karate/​american kickboxing when I was younger and the folks who attend this gym are so much more friendly and helpful. Warren Stout, owner, head instructor is super experienced in wrestling, BJJ and MMA. He’s very approachable as is everyone who works there. You will be guided on how to gain the skills to learn BJJ, compete in BJJ or simply just protect yourself.
There’s also Muay Thai there. Kru David Reese is an experienced Muay Thai instructor. He lived in Thailand for about 8 years and has had over 60 professional Muay Thai fights. He’s won every major championship that you can win in Thailand and now shares his passion for Muay Thai here at the Renzo Gracie Pittsburgh Jiu-​Jitsu and MMA Academy. I haven’t done striking in 13 years and he’s taken my decent karate roundhouse kick and turned it into a deadly ‘Thai Kick’. He trains everyone like there going to fight. This is NOT a cardio kickboxing class. This is real Muay Thai taught by a real Muay Thai fighter/​instructor.
Jarret teaches MMA conditioning classes. Theses are kettlebell circuits that are a great workout for anyone. Women, don’t be afraid. There are plenty of women in this class and I’ve personally had plenty of female friends show interest in this class.
There’s an MMA techniques course taught by Mike Wilkins, pro fighter. He’s a great instructor that takes the time to show everyone how to incorporate wrestling with BJJ into MMA. These are basic MMA techniques that he is teaching as there are separate classes for the actual fight team. Fight team is by invitation only.
I wouldn’t trade this experience for anything and I’ve learned so much more about my personality from this experience. If you ever get the chance to train here, please do. Whether you’re an aspiring competitor or just want a good workout, you will not regret it! Parents, there are kids classes too!

An awesome jiu jiitsu club in Pittsburgh. Warren is a great instructor — he takes time to make sure you get the details. He’s trained a lot with some amazing jiu jitsu players — Rolles, Renzo and Daniel Gracie. It’s clear that jiu jitsu is a big part of life and probably will be until he can’t do it anymore. We have a bunch of talented wrestlers, and a bunch of skilled jiu jitsu players (and a lot of overlap). We train gi and no-​gi. I think this provides the club with a great mix of styles — the technical Brazilian jiu jitsu skills and the phenomenal take downs and intensity of the wrestlers. It’s a great atmosphere and an awesome place to train, if you’re looking to improve your technique while increasing your fitness.

The best in Pittsburgh PA and probably the best in western PA for all thing grappling and MMA. Warren is a great teacher for all skill levels, whether you are a first time white belt of a world class brown belt, he will help you get better. Check the website for classes that fit your needs and get on the mat!