Art of Eight Training and Fitness Center

Best gym in san diego with friendly staff and welcoming environment. All Equipments and aminities are up to date and very clean! I would definitely recommend!

HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
I love coming to this place. I always wanted to learn boxing, muay thai, and jiu jitsu without embarrassing myself.
I tried a few other gym before coming here, but they were filled with too much ego– especially from the students. I felt like I was on the karate kid movie!
The vibe here at this gym is always positive! i started off with a free pass, then group-​on, and eventually signing up! Everyone is here to workout, have fun, and learn new fighting styles.
Pros:
— pretty much two gyms in one: one side for CROSS FIT and cardio, other side for martial arts
— instructors care; no one felt left out or left behind
–making new friends
IMPORTANT TIP!
–think twice before hitting an instructor hard during sparring. There’s a reason why they’re the teachers. I learned the hard way like always. LOL!
cardio classes can be tough at times, but the instructors will help you get through it.

Great place to train in boxing & other disciplines. The cardio (which I go for) is extremely intense, and there hasn’t been a day where I’ve left without a completely drenched shirt. The camaraderie in the class is pretty good and people are encouraging. I know boxing/​kickboxing is a pure cardio class, but I still wish the instructors walked around and gave minor critiques on form from time to time.

Art of Eight Training and Fitness Center receives my highest possible recommendation! After attending Art of Eight for the last year, I have been transformed both physically and mentally. The classes are tailored to the needs and ability level of the attendees by the coaches. Classes are available for everyone from novice to advanced, with everything from group fitness classes to personal one-​on-​one training sessions. The coaches and staff of Art of Eight make you feel like part of the team! Thank you Coach Melchor Menor, Danny Perez, Calvin Sanders, Mike Lemaire, Oleaun Underwood, and the entire staff of Art of Eight Training and Fitness Center for guiding me through my journey!

Still by far one of my favorite places to work out in SD. Best boxing club hands down. Always parking, great prices, fantastic HARD classes. The trainers and the staff are always nice and make you feel welcome. The other members are also very friendly and helpful and always willing to lend a hand to the new comers. I look forward to going to this gym as much as I can. I travel out of state for work quite a bit and I do miss the amazing workouts I get from coming here when I am away. If you want great results and a low key atmosphere, I highly recommend this gym. Everyone feels welcome.

Ao8 is a fantastic gym. They have top notch trainers, very competent and a very friendly staff, it honestly feels like a second home. If you are into extreme workouts, this is the place. If you are a little sissy on your workouts (no offense), this may not be the place for you because the trainers will push you hard. Although the gym is more of a fighting gym, they also have other classes, like core strengthening, weight training and my absolute favorite, Ao8 Cross Training with Mark Dominice. Mark is the best! Other than his well thought out routines, Mark is very detailed and specific in making sure that your body gets the proper warm ups and stretching in order to prevent injuries. I have a lot of «broken» joints and muscles in my body, that’s why I love his classes. I have been coming here for over a year (and recently signed up for another full year) and I have never acquired an injury from my workouts at Ao8. Hats off to Ao8, they are the best gym I have been a member off. Thanks for the amazing workouts! xoxo

I am pretty behind on my review for this place but I have to give credit where it is due. I have been coming to AO8 since June of last year. And I absolutely love it. I have been to gyms like Chuze, 24hr and LA fitness but none of them compare to AO8. I originally found AO8 off of Unilocal since I decided that LA fitness was just getting to repetitive for me and I needed a change. After I read the positive reviews, I signed up to receive my first free class. I was contacted right away and was offered to come in for my first class. I met Rich at the front desk, and he hasn’t forgotten my name ever since. Awesome dude. After taking my first class with Coach Mel I instantly became addicted. I had never sweated so much during a 1 hour class. So I knew this gym would give me that push to work harder and learn something new. I completely love the friendly atmosphere here. The positivity is definitely addicting. They also do a few get togethers outside the gym to really get to know everyone. And there are different classes for everyone, whether you are interested in boxing, kickboxing, muay thai or even weight training and cross training. All the coaches have different techniques and styles so the classes don’t seem repetitive. Give this place a try. To me it is worth every penny.

Had a 6 month membership at this facility and tore my Achilles’ tendon. Refused to give me a refund even after providing a doctors note.
Even filed a complaint with the BBB but they refused to give me a refund.

I started going just over a month ago. I go to every class I can get to. The classes are well run and organized. The trainers really help you out and do their best to spot anyone who needs a little extra help. From the fitness classes that always get my heart pumping to boxing and Muay Thai. They really make it fun and different every time. The Muay Thai and boxing classes are a great experience for someone who has never done them before. The 101 classes are a challenge every time. Even with a full classes. Trainers try to make sure everyone has the attention they need. The place has a full gym, full boxing ring and lots of punching bags to use. The only downside is that some of the workout classes can be really full. But there is a good reason for that. Because this place is great and I see why lots of people go here.

I was able to try out this gym for a month through a Groupon deal. I like the idea that gyms let people try it out before committing to a membership. Art of 8 is a great gym. Spacious and clean. I’ve been to other boxing gyms and it can get grimey. There is a parking lot out front as well. Everyone at the front desk is super helpful and even help you wrap your hands (you have to wrap your hands before putting on the boxing gloves). You definitely want to purchase your own wraps. They have boxing gloves on loan as well if you haven’t purchased your own to bring to class.
I mainly took the kickboxing and boxing classes in the afternoon. It was always a full class. They have rows of punching bags for classes and had plenty of room to have us doing frog jumps, burpees, crunches, etc. I took classes taught by Melchor, Nez and Calvin. All great instructors. All very challenging. Calvin had us doing an Indian run one day outside. It’s where we all run in a line and the person in the back sprints to the front. We basically kept that going all around the whole block. I just about died! I’m not quite at that fitness level but I was pushed to finish the task. Sometimes you need that push. You will definitely leave this place sweating like a pig and smelling like a dog. It’s a tough workout.
Besides where I worked out, there is treadmills, a boxing ring, a weight room and additional space for the other classes like Muay Thai. They have lockers, restrooms and showers as well.

My favorite! SD to LA, Ao8 stays as my #1 place for an amazing butt kicking workout (drenched & variety of muscles worked), great facility (clean! & updated equipment), & the best staff & members (knowledgable, sweethearts, fun, & friendly). Ugh I miss it here :(only if I could clone them in LA :)

This is the best place to train and workout. My friend introduced this to me and i was grateful for that. People there are nice and friendly and pretty much knows each other. Instructors are hardcore but they make it fun, you would really have a great workout (meaning feeling like throwing up and passing out kinda thing). I make sure i go to this place at least twice a week as long as it doesn’t conflict with my work and school times and sleep hahaha! You can push yourself to do back to back workouts just make sure you don’t go to work the same day LoL. The only thing is they always run out of the sweatshirt size Small and i don’t know when they’ll have it again. It’s ok though since this is the only gym i go to so i can always bug them about it haha!

Just finished my 12^th week here at AO8. All I can say is: I’m ADDICTED.
I decided to try it out one day after work because a friend of mine raved about it. Like most, I was tired of going to the traditional gym and pushing weights and running on a hamster wheel.
My trial lesson, I tried to keep up with the regulars and felt like I was going to die. Out of gas & dripping in sweat, I walked right up to the counter and said «Sign me up!»
I’ve been coming ever since, The trainers are all top notch and all the members are very friendly. You can tell who’s been going for a while because they’re all ripped up and have a «fighter’s build»… once they see that you’re serious and that you didn’t come just for the free trial, they start recognizing you, saying hi and welcome you into the family environment.
The classes are ROUGH! Each trainer has their own style. I leave every night feeling I left it all out there. Everyone goes at their own pace, no pressure… but they motivate you to give it your all. I felt my cardio, strengh & speed getting better each class. I’ve caught myself thinking «Dang, I couldn’t even do this a couple weeks ago.» My next goal is to do back to back classes.
The gym is probably the cleanest and most well kept gym/​studios I’ve been to, with the volume of people that come through between classes, the equipment is always clean and wiped down. There’s always towels fresh out of the dryer and the mats are always wiped down after use.
Also, classes ALWAYS start on time! Its unbelieveable how they can transition between a full 4:30 Kickboxing class into another full Boxing class seamlessly.
Last, my 10 year old son who is brutally honest, said «Daddy, you’re getting a little bit skinny» That’s all the motivation I need to keep coming to AO8 3 – 5 times a week to swim in a pool of my own sweat! It feels great and I recommend all my friends to give it a try, you’ll be hooked!

I have been going for 4 weeks now. Intense… but well worth it! I have had classes with Nez, Mike, Oleaun, and Mel… love them all. Mike by far is the most intense. But I love how he shows you how to do the technique the proper way but he goes HARD LOL!!! Love the staff very friendly.

Just got home from my first class at Ao8.
At first, I was a little intimidated but everyone at the gym is so friendly. I took kickboxing with Nez Zamarono. She’s so intense (haha) but I learned a lot from her and she’s really good at what she does. I’m also pretty impressed with the facility. It’s super clean and it’s a place where I could see myself going to for years to come (hopefully).
I can’t wait to take more classes with different teachers and see how they conduct their classes.
I’ll update my review after I attend more classes. Overall, I’m a happy member.
FYI: There’s also plenty of parking.

Wow, I can’t believe I’ve never written a review for this place! San Diego is a mecca for combat sports and the level of instruction/​quality at many gyms in the area is pretty high. That being said, this gym easily ranks in the top 3 in San Diego for striking instruction. You’ll be taught by former world champs and current pro fighters. Now if you’re not into actually fighting but fitness is more your thing, they have you covered there as well. The variety of fitness classes they have is ridiculous. Don’t believe me? Come check out the gym after work one day. The place gets so packed sometimes classes have to be run outside. They’re seriously going to need to expand soon!
And the place is ALWAYS clean. It’s never dirty or smelly here. A rarity with fighting gyms. (That’s a sad reality.)
But the best part is the staff and the members. Everyone here is friendly and personable. Really. There are no big egos or testosterone filled alpha males in this gym. Lots of smiles and laughing amongst the kicking and punching. That’s hard to find with this type of gym and the staff works hard to keep it that way.
I’ve been traveling a lot for work lately and have worked out at similar gyms around the country. Now that I have that perspective, I can’t tell you how lucky I am to be a member here. This place is truly a one of a kind place. They have the perfect blend of fighting and fitness here. Give this place a shot, I guarantee you won’t regret it.

«I’m here to drop of my friend… this place is pretty nice, cool set up… what? free trial? Sure, i’m down.»
Few days later
«I love this place» while punch a bag.
Pros:
— Service is great, easy explanation of payments and memberships.
— Great staff & instructors, friendly, positive, and knowledge.
— clean setup, probably the CLEANIEST muay thai/​boxing studio i’ve been to.
— variety of classes and levels, from beginning fitness to classes focusing on technique.
— Close to the highway, can be seen from Highway 163 on the east side.
Cons:
— price, but that is the same for all martial arts/​combat/​MMA/​speciality studios.
Combo drills for your thoughts:
— My time here is limited because of work and all so I was not able to attend a lot of classes as much as I would have. But for the classes I was able to go to, which were the intermediate boxing classes, Giovani was a great instructor. I’m a detailed person when it comes to fitness/​sports/​exercise. He was detailed, but he was quick. I had a great time, felt unfit, but had a great workout. Learned a lot from that one session =).
— The all/​most classes are packed after 4pm. Obviously with most people getting out of work during that time and because the place is surrounded by commercial and apartment-​residential area. They fully utilize every area inside the studio AND outside the place. Awesome.
— It is expensive for those that need to budget their money, just like other fighting-​fitness studios. But just like any fitness/​fighting studio: you go to the one that fits your needs/​wants. I am here because I like to improve my boxing and muay thai technique. This studio not only has great boxing instructors/​fighters, but it is managed & owned by a renowned Muay Thai Champion Melchor Menor, famous fighter, trainer, and was on UFC The Ultimate Figther as an assistant coach. That’s hella badass.
Would I train here if I was a boxer:
Yes, even though they have more focus on Muay Thai, the ring and all the heavy bags that are up just excites me =)
Would I recommend this place if you have time, money, and the willingness to sweat your make-​believe-​fighting-​balls off?
Hell to the freaken YEA, I would.
Would I recommend this place if you are on a budget?
Still YES, cause they can give you options on payment plans for those that are still interested. so hit them up if you want to kick and smack a heavy bag around =).

I took a free class here and was hooked! I’ve never had a unique interest in boxing/​kickboxing/​mma but stumbled upon this place on Unilocal while searching for a new gym. I get bored working out a traditional gym and I hate waiting in line for packed classes… so I’ve been jumping around to smaller gyms that focus on bootcamp/​circuit training/​kettle bell/​type classes. I just couldn’t find one that was consistently challenging and fun that fit my budget. While this place is more expensive than a traditional gym, it’s still cheaper than the monthly cost for other boot camp places I’ve been to and it’s well worth it!
I’ll admit it was a little intimidating at first walking into this gym but the people are great and the workouts kick your butt. They offer a ton of classes to meet everyone’s schedule. So far I’ve tried boxing and kickboxing and will probably try cross circuit next. If you’re looking for a fun and unique challenge I suggest you take a free class and check it out!

This was a great alternative to the gyms i frequent. I had bought a Groupon to go here for a month and really enjoyed coming here. The classes were intense. The first time I took a class, we had to jump rope for 2 minutes and I thought that was pretty easy but guess what??? I can’t jump rope for more than 10 seconds!
I love the different classes that they had to offer. It’s a GREAT stress relief to be able to punch those punching bags. If you don’t have your own wraps, they have hand wraps and gloves available for you to borrow.
The bathrooms are nice and clean. I had the opportunity to have 1 on 1 training and it was awesome! Parking is always plentiful and though some classes got packed, there was always room for me. If I didn’t have a gym membership to 24 hour fitness, I would totally be a regular here.

I’ve always wanted to try kickboxing but actually got hooked after trying out the wide variety of class they offer. I barely started and am seriously in big trouble at work for leaving early to come here all the time. The classes are really fun, the instructors/​staff are reallllly talented/​caring, and the workouts stay interesting. I’m super beginner at everything and the coaches actually take time to correct and give tips even though I’m probably hopeless haha.
I’m more of the yoga/​dancer/​runner type, but proud to say a recent member to the gym! My favorites are boxing with Calvin, getting in the ring with Danny, and the jiu jitsu classes with Ricky. I really wish I’d get to check out Muay Thai, but the classes are just too early :(