American Kickboxing Academy

Great facility– very accommodating and professional staff. I stopped-​by and they let me train with no prior knowledge of my arriving– gave me my first lesson free– the other «drop-​ins» I paid we’re very reasonable considering the reputation and the level of facility AKA offers. No «meat-​head» vibe or attitudes that sometimes can accompany an MMA gym. Both the staff as well as the other class participants made me feel very welcome. I would definitely recommend them to anyone– beginner or advanced practitioner– I hope to return soon (this gym might even factor into where my new wife and I move!)

I was extremely displeased going in the woman at the front was extremely unhelpful and rude. Wasn’t offered a tour just basically yeah go a head look around I’m lazy. And when I came back from my self tour I had to ask her the rates and how it worked. Horrible customer service I won’t be joining and that’s a bummer was looking forward to it. They need better front desk staff customer service is everything

This is my second time here. Great place nice people who know how to push you to get results. Enough equipment and weights to get you in proper condition. Hit two classes and I’m dead, slowly building up my stamina and soaking up as much knowledge as I can. Definitely coming back for more. I think I’m addicted, thanks AKA!

Number one gym in the world, period! Great instructors and facility regardless of your level or experience. Community feel, great for families and kids. This is my 3^rd year and I’m addicted looking forward to getting my 6 year old in classes this summer. Also really neat to see all the top UFC walking through there on the daily basis! JoAnna at the front desk is always super warm and cordial, and will get you signed up! Check it out!

The front lady at the desk is really mean. I was inquiring about pricing a few months ago and she scared me. Anyway, the gym was empty, not a lot of students… not a good sign.

Impressive pro grade facilities, I’ve seen people coming from the other side of the planet to train here.

Jan 8^th 2014 5pm
When I called to start with The front desk lady was rude didn’t try at all to make me feel welcome, while on the phone with me she started and finished a conversation with someone there it felt like she forgot about me.
If that was not bad enough when I got there she had no idea who I was and rude again.
I gave the place a shot because I can walk there from my house even though this person was super rude.
My teacher was awesome the class was super fun my classmates were nice people I’am happy I gave it a shot .
I almost didn’t though.
I would never let that person answer the phone for my business after I got there I realized she was not just being rude to me she was rude to everyone.
I would hate for this person to represent my company.

Great Gym. It offers a variety of different MMA classes as well as weights and cardio equipment. The staff is super friendly and really help you learn good technique.
The pros that train you are very professional and are there to make sure you all of your goals are met. If that is losing weight you will, if you are wanting to learn how to do things correctly you will. I’m 40 and this has been the BEST gym I have ever been a part of.
This is also a great place for kids. I have my 6 year old who has been doing a mix of MMA and Wrestling for the last 2 years. This has been super beneficial for the other sports he plays. Great great experience.

There just aren’t enough good things I can say about AKA! While I was living in San Jose it was one of my favorite places to be. Everyone here is so friendly and it had such a great family vibe to it. Joanna at the front desk is awesome and knew my name after my first workout here.
I’ve enjoyed every class I’ve taken here which is almost all of them. Virginia will kick your butt in the TRX room. Such an amazing workout. The jump sport is a lot of fun. Not sure if it’s still Joanna that teaches it but it’s also a really good circuit workout.
I started out first though in Muay Thai with Jasper who is absolutely amazing. When I left Thomas was teaching it and he really goes over proper technique. He would even occasionally warm up class with a fun game of indoor soccer!
Patrick/​Pirate upstairs in BJJ is great with his no go classes. He’s good at breaking down technique to us newbies. Leandro is so funny and works you hard in gi class as well as the women’s BJJ classes.
All the instructors and coaches are great here actually. Davin in boxing, Reece in kickboxing. From the coaches to the fighters, and everyone coming to work out and train here… they’re all so welcoming and friendly. Everyone is trying to just help each other out here! I always looked forward to coming here after work!
The facilities are pretty awesome too. Just go and check it out for yourself. I misssss this place dearly and wish I could’ve taken it with me when I moved back to SoCal.

This training facility is awesome! My 7 year old son and I have been coming here for the past 2 years. This is not like your typical gym with just cardio equipment, weights and a step aerobics class. You come here to train and learn how to defend yourself while getting a kick a$$ work out. All of the instructors are professional fighters that have years of experience in MMA fighting/​training.
AKA is home to many professional MMA fighters and champions. Besides the classes this facility also offers cardio equipment, weights, an outdoor lap pool, and 2 racquetball courts.
Joanne and her staff are great. They are always willing to help you anyway they can. I especially like the fact that AKA is a family oriented training facility that is geared for the entire family with unlimited classes in the fighting style that you select. Some of the classes offered are: kickboxing, boxing, mu-​thai, wrestling, jiu jitsu, TRX, Jump training, and personal one on one training. I give this place 5 stars.

I didn’t actually go into the place, but I bought a gift certificate for my boyfriend. Emailed the site, got a very quick response. Joanna was SUPER HELPFUL! She followed up with me on a bunch of questions very fast. Wonderful service (especially to someone who isn’t a member.) Thanks!

If there were more stars that I could give this place, I would add them. One week later and there is a total transformation of my daughter. She is so much more confident, she loves the work-​outs, she’s making friends in her class, she looks forward to going, she has fun and the teacher is still really great about stopping and working on form with the kids. She’s like a little sponge learning so fast. I’m just overwhelmed and impressed with AKA/​her teacher, what they’ve done for us and how much progress that she’s made. This is just the perfect fit!

Great gym. Even though its a gym with a lot of name recognition, they make it accessible for people of different budgets like in their groupons, and web discounts. Before they had all that, I emailled Joanna, the C-​owner, and told her I couldn’t afford the regular monthly price as a student who comutes 3 hours everyday. She offered me a great package plan!
The gym: Its large and several classes overlapping to pick and choose from boxing, Muay thai, no gi and gi bjj. For a serious martial artist its like being a kid in a candy store!

I’ll tell you why I love this gym:
CONVENIENT SCHEDULES FOR CLASSES. There are classes every day except Sunday.
Good pricing:
Compared to other places I’ve been to, their pricing is very reasonable. Other places with similar pricing tend to limit the number of classes you can attend per week. Not here. You can get unlimited kickboxing/​boxing/​muay thai classes with convenient scheduling.
There is also access to showers. Normally I go straight home (MH) to shower anyways, but if I’m going out to party in San Jose later in the evening I have the convenience of using the showers. They also have lockers.
Variety of classes available:
Just in case you like trying a variety of things.
Also, the students and instructors come from all sorts of martial arts backgrounds, making it a haven for any martial arts enthusiast.

–Update to the TRX Class– This class is now taught by Joe Escobar and he is beyond AWESOME! No boring day during the 4 days of the week he teaches. Constantly changing so your body doesn’t plateau. He has added a bunch of new equipment to our TRX boot camp days, including the TRX rip trainer. I just can’t find words to explain the awesomeness of his classes, PERIOD! I look forward to TRX every day.

Join. Simple as that. I’ve been so fortunate to have been a member of this awesome gym for the past few months. I originally joined because I wanted to lose weight and get healthy. Then the classes, instructors, and members got me full on addicted. Unfortunately, I have to move away soon and will have to leave this sweet abode. Because of my soon departure, I’ve been touring other gyms in search for a suitable replacement and quite frankly, there is nothing else close to this AKA on Realm.
First off, strictly on a consumer standpoint: This place delivers. You get what you pay for and after checking out rates for other gyms around the Bay and SoCal, I’m surprised to say the rate is MORE than reasonable. 27,000 sq ft, they fill this place up with an abundance amount of equipment for the members to use and I’ve been taking advantage of it.
Now on a student standpoint: This place delivers. Quality instruction. You don’t only get a sweat in classes, you learn top notch techniques in the field of study (Boxing, American Kickboxing, Muay Thai Kickboxing, MMA, Wrestling, BJJ). Joanna and Javier (the owners) have simply aimed for the best in regards to all they offer at their gym.
I cannot stress how important it is to have such quality instructors, especially if you seriously want to learn the art. I’ve been a victim of past gyms that have advertised «kickboxing» or «muay thai» classes just to realize later that they’re more interested in their fighters and all the other average joes are stuck to «cardio» classes. Poor suckers, none the wiser. Punch, Punch, Kick. Whoop di doo.
And lastly, a great sense of community. For such a large gym, you may be afraid that it’ll turn corporate and you’d get lost in the crowd. However, that’s not the case. Joanna remembers EVERY SINGLE person’s name and you can see that she cares. She cares so deeply about her gym, the quality it produces, the members and their wishes. She’s there all day, everyday. And the members – we care. It’s so easy to get to know everyone because no one comes here acting all pretentious. And you get to a point where you don’t only care about your goals and progress but about the other members, too. You start to support each other.
There’s definitely no other gym like this one and I’m seriously grateful to have been a member. Now I’m depressed thinking of finding a semi-​suitable replacement. It’s like, once you’ve had filet mignon, it’s kind of hard to go back to hamburger helper. I’ve been way too blessed for my own good.

What can I say about the new AKA location? Only that it was some of the best training I’ve ever experienced in my life. This place is awesome.
After moving back to San Jose for the summer once school had ended, I decided I wanted to train MMA once again. Unfortunately I first signed up for classes at Body Architecture MMA.
I won’t go into too much detail since the owner of «bamma» might hunt me down and castrate me in my sleep. Lets just say I was very disappointed in that gym and didn’t want to waste my precious time there.
I trained at AKA previously and after hearing about the new location I decided to check it out. When I first walked in I met Joanna and Marisa who gave me a tour of the gym. The gym is HUGE and has more than one room for different classes. It really is world class and the nicest gym I’ve seen.
Joanna knew I was only there for the summer and helped me pick a plan that was right for me. The classes are not only UNLIMITED, but the instructors are also very knowledgeable. TheY even added a wrestling class with Olympian DANIEL CORMIER! It doesn’t get much better than that. Each instructor is always willing to help and push you when you need it. I can’t say enough good things about DAVIN, GARY, REESE, GABRIEL, RON, PIRATE, and TONY.
I’m now in the best shape of my life and I improved in all areas during my time here. AKA definitely has a family type atmosphere and everyone is very supportive once you get to know them. I feel very privileged to have one of the most well known and respected gyms in my hometown.
Whether you want to train for fitness, self defense, or just for fun, AKA is THE place to be if you live in San Jose. Don’t wasted you hard earned money and time at a smaller less established gym that won’t give you the type of training you can get at AKA. AKA is affordable and hands down the best place in San Jose to train. Much love!

I just recently joined AKA. I trained in capoeira and muay thai before and wasn’t really sure what to expect other than I want to get better, fitter, faster, and more skillfull. I feel like I’m missing something and looking forward to have mentors to take me to the next level.
I definitely got all of that and more. What I like the most is the coaches here focus a lot on techniques over speed and power. That has been a bad habit of mine, I rushed things and I got nervous/​self conscious and started rushing through my combo with power (even with bad techniques). Once you master the techniques, then the coaches will put it together with speed and power. Also, the environment here is very positive, it helps calming my nerves a lot :).
In the one month I train here, I definitely feel a lot of improvement. My passion is traditional Muay Thai and the 4:30 class with Jasper Tayaba is definitely what I’m most passionate the most. I love his class and style so much that I had to re-​arrange my work schedule so that I don’t miss his class.
I also take boxing and kickboxing classes with Reece, Davin, Gabriel, and Gary. Reece taught me how to move properly, it’s all is in the devil in the details. My footwork and my head movement definitely feel a lot more natural since I train with Reece. Davin puts together nice combo and very patient in explaining why certain things are done in certain ways. His conditioning is also top notch. Gary utilizes a blend of muay thai and more offensive oriented of dutch/​north american style kickboxing. Gabriel is a very patient teacher and he really breaks it down on how to execute certain movements. A lof of Gabriel’s combos stuck with me and I’ve been practicing it like crazy. I also pick up his clinching technique that I’ve never done in my training in Muay Thai (and of course it’s very effective!)
Each coach has different style and I feel very lucky to be able to train in top notch places like AKA. Sometimes you train or practice drills with very well knowns world champions or amazing fighters too, when the first time I did it, I had to get over my nervousness and self consicousness. yep, I got intimidated but also get inspired.
I think this place is good for beginner as well as people who want to take it to the next level (want to fight or fighters who want to improve on techniques/​correction). The instructors here are definitely positive and will work through your levels. The best part is also their schedule. They have classes every hour from 4:30 to 8:30,so you can train and still have your social life after the class.
I will definitely update my review again in a few months. I am very sure I will improve by quite a lot by then.

The people below have pretty much covered it, but I still gotta shout my praises for the people and training at AKA.
One of the owners, Joanna, knew my name after the first visit. Subsequently, each front desk attendant learned my name and always greets me when I walk in! It’s like Norm at Cheers, for those of you who remember the show. Everyone who works here is super knowledgeable and genuinely friendly.
Facilities: pure awesomeness. huge. plenty of places to do extra training while other classes are being conducted (if that’s your thing). plenty of rooms for spacious classes. i never feel squished in class. And it’s clean! Locker rooms (well the women’s anyway…) are clean and spacious… there’s a vanity mirror with those nice lights if you need to get ready after showering or something.
Weights/​Cardio area: lovely. plenty of things to have a complete workout. There’s also a separate fitness room for cross-​training types of things.
Trainers: very cool and personable. super knowledgeable and use tact in instructing (meaning they never make anyone from a total beginner to those who know more feel ridiculous or inadequate). P. S. Bryan is very good and consistent at telling us which techniques will give us points or advantage in an actual fight. He tells us the vulnerable spots and how the techniques will affect an opponent. ***note — we are not practicing how to hurt people in the class… and if that’ not your thing or purpose or taking classes… no worries. Just learn the movements as the instructors teach them :) And ALL the instructors give examples of the uses of the techniques by sharing experiences of their own or of other fighters.
Other members: fantastic! It’s easy to meet people, and I can honestly say that I haven’t met a single member that is mean or someone with whom I can’t chat. I realize AKA doesn’t have control over attitudes, but somehow they attract people who are just plain cool!
Owners: Javier and Joanna are awesome! They both recognize me and greet me. They do not view us regular people as secondary to the Pro’s. And, Joanna is SUPER approachable. If you have a concern, just communicate it to her. Griping about it to others in the class probably won’t change anything. But, Joanna moves into action FAST to address any issue or discuss any concerns. She is proactive and follows through with EVERYTHING.
if you’ve read this far, YAY! I definitely want to help you all understand and hear/​see how great this place is.
Overall — a high recommendation for AKA.

This place is amazing. It offers everything for your MMA needs, as well if you are just interested in losing some weight or maintaining fit long term/​short term goals. I started since it pretty much opened and within 2months I have dropped 32 pounds. I also am there pretty much ALWAYS just ask the owners on that. I love the ambiance and all it has to offer, the Staff/​Trainers are really encouraging and supportive. AKA is not only a gym it’s like a second «Family». I highly encourage you to stop by and try a FREE session. «WARNING: You will be hooked and loving it as much as I do lol. So come visit my home away from home and say Hi.
Hope to see you around.
Sincerely;
Daniel S.