Bay Area Fight Academy

I don’t normally write reviews but I feel the need to write this review as I am searching for a new place to train since I moved back to my hometown… I realized how great I had it here. Now, I am having trouble finding the right place to continue training, this place has set the standards very high. I found BAFA through groupon when I first moved out to California. I didn’t enjoy it at first but I kept going anyways, I wanted to give the whole trial a try, after all, I paid for it. But just like many things in life, first time is always awkward. I came in here without any knowledge or background in MMA but after a couple classes, I was hooked! The trainers are great, knowledgeable, and friendly which makes for a great training. You will not only leave with a great workout but you will leave wanting to come back every time. That is still the case, unfortunately, I moved away. Because of this place, I learned so much and met great people. I can’t say enough great things about BAFA!

I hate to leave such a low star rating and am afraid I might get my butt kicked for it however I can only share my experience and this is it. About 8 months ago I encouraged my adult brother who is a military vet who suffers from PTSD to take a free class here because I knew it was one of his life dreams to learn jiu jitsu. So I dropped my brother off for the free class and I spoke with an instructor to ask them to take it easy on him then left. I came back a couple hours later to find out that my brother left the class after 45 minutes because it was just too hard. They had him running a lot, doing tumbles, rolls, throwing someone over his back while also being thrown. He sad it was too hard and that he didn’t have what it takes. Honestly I could tell he felt defeated, with LESS confidence about himself after taking the class. I guess I just wish that this place was more sensitive to folks who are brand new to it.

I researched many schools in the area and decided to give BAFA a try. The Coaches and staff are very transparent with no secrets or hidden agendas. I began attending classes in February 2014 through Groupon after I was medically cleared following my recovery from two surgeries around November and December 2013. I attend classes regularly Monday through Friday.
Coach Rob and Sifu Eric along with the rest of the Coaches have put together a great program. BAFA is great for all levels whether you’re looking to get in shape, train to compete or learn a new martial art. All the coaches and students are very friendly and respectful. Very clean environment, family oriented, no egos and overall great atmosphere.
I am in the best shape of my life and lost at least 20lbs. The coaches have challenged then pushed me beyond my limits and took my training to a whole another level. All the teammates are great and look out for each other.

I love this place they have had some great fighters come from this studio every one is very polite and friendly the kids all get along the instructors know how to communicate with children of all ages and they make training fun they even encourage parents to get involved they have something for everyone of all ages and backgrounds

Been coming here for years. Awesome place to learn good technique with even better ppl!

My Lady and I have been coming here since Spring 2014 and it has been a more than pleasant experience. Sifu Eric M. is a great and very enthusiastic instructors (he’s also a funny guy). He pushes you to go beyond your expectations. He cares about each and every student and brings the best out of each of them. This place is clean, family oriented, non-​egotistical, and a pleasure to train at.

I LOVE this place!!! I first found BAFA on Groupon and decided to check it out from all the good Unilocal reviews. Before my deal was done I signed up. That was over 4 months ago 15lb havier and 5 pants sizes bigger. Everyone is so friendly and kind. Rob and Eric genuinely care about each person that walks through the door. They challenge you, push you and have a team mentality. Rob really makes the classes fun with girls against boys, obstacle courses and traditional training. They switch it up with kettle bell training. Total body. Free weights and more. Eric and Rob don’t just train you, but they teach you why, how and what you are doing. People from all around the Bay go to this gym and after my first week I understood why.
Let me be clear, It isn’t easy and it hurts like hell, but it is a happy sore. If you scream and yell or take breaks during the workout… thats fine. BUT if you really try and stick to the advice they give you. Your body will transform and you will feel great inside and out.

A lot of what makes a business is the people who frequent it. Above and beyond 5 Stars for the extended family who make Bay Area Fight Academy a sanctuary. Your physical abilities are only limited by your mental limits and when you are surrounded by people constantly striving to become better, you are left no choice but to push. I love every class — Strength Conditioning, BJJ, Muay Thai, Kickboxing and Kettle Bell. The family Kickboxing/​MMA class is fun to watch & those little ones will surprise you! I can honestly say that this place has helped create a healthy balance in my life. I’m a much happier person when I put in work;)

I was introduced to BAFA through a Groupon I purchased, and really enjoyed it. It’s small but convenient, and they offer a good variety of classes (for kids and adults). I especially enjoyed the Conditioning and Kettlebell classes. Since it was an «optional» fitness resource for me, it is a bit too costly to maintain a membership on top of my gym membership, which I use consistently. However, if you’re into martial arts, want an alternative to the gym, or just want an occasional change, I recommend BAFA.

Thanks to Groupon I found a great place to get my sweat on! I love the atmosphere here. the people are all super friendly even to newbies like me. The coaches are super supportive, motivating, and patient. The class schedule works great for me which is a huge plus especially since I work graveyard shifts. The monthly prices are very reasonable once the promo price is up. Come check it out!

As a working mom of 4 kids, I was looking for a place to take some Kickboxing/​Strength training classes to help get into shape and that would still be able to accommodate my schedule.
If your tired of the watered down regular gym classes then checkout BAFA.
BAFA is such a great place to get a butt kicking workout. Coach Rob is awesome! I was intimidated trying out the first kickboxing class, but coach Rob is so patient, and professional. He will definitely push you, but in a positive way. I always feel great after the workout. So far I have tried the kickboxing class (which i absolutely love), and the kettle bell class that was tough but fun.
The gym itself is very clean, with a friendly, disciplined, and hardworking environment. This is a great place!

Great coaches, really nice facility and the works outs are great, whether you want to learn how to handle yourself or just for a good sweat. I instantly saw changes in my body and cardio in the short time I work out there. Highly recommend it!

What can I say? BAFA is completely awesome! I returned to kickboxing/​MMA training after an 8 month absence. My first choice was this academy. I wanted to experience what everyone on Unilocal was talking about, and also see their new place. The moment I walked in, the positive family vibe most definitely caught my attention and the diversity of the trainers and personnel.
The staff gave me a free class trial and I took advantage of it. The kickboxing class literally kicked my butt! I was sore from the class for about 4 days but it felt awesome. The instructors are very inspiring. They dedicate their time to teach you the right way. Also, these guys are professionals in what they do. so it’s even better. The academy charges a very competitive membership plan depending on your frequency of training. As of now, this is my fourth week of training and absolutely love it.
BAFA offers training in kickboxing, MMA, strength and conditioning, and jiu jitsu is coming soon. Also, they have a kids program which is cool. The academy promotes not only an environment of hard work and dedication, but most importantly discipline. So try it out and see for yourself! Team BAFA!

If you want to get in shape, stay in shape or compete this is the place to go. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable and really knows how to get the best out of you, regardless of your skill level. The students are great and reflect the attitude of the staff which makes for a fun, friendly and encouraging atmosphere where you won’t feel out of place. Classes vary daily so you’ll always be challenged and never be bored. Thanks Sifu Eric, Coach Rob, Char, Julius and everyone else. BAFA is a the place to train!

Wether you want to kick some a$s or get your a$s kicked, BAFA is the place for you.
The staff is well aware of everyone’s comfort and skill levels. Here, you’ll gain the confidence, technique and physical ability you’re looking for. While the Staff (Eric, Dennis, Charlene, Robin) pushes and supports you pretty well, they don’t hold your hand; that’s what I like most about this gym.
Price is just right and adjustable depending on your frequency of attendance.
I come regularly and just as regularly, I’m pretty sore the day after (the good sore).

I love this place. If your looking for a hard core workout, you will find it here. Everyone is super friendly and makes you feel comfortable. Eric and Dennis are the best. If you want to see results and get in great shape, this is the place to go to. You will leave a hot sweaty mess.

I’ll admit I haven’t trained here in a LONG time (sorry Dennis & Eric) but ever since I’d stopped over a year ago I have been in search for a place to get a decent Cardio Kickboxing workout at a dozen other gyms from Walnut Creek to Fremont & I could NOT find one that suit me!
This gym may be small but Dennis, as an experienced trainer (who used to work for Kung Lee), has found some creative ways to incorporate crossfit & Kickboxing with limited space.
I went back a few months ago and the class size has grown so much! I was one of the first girls when BAFA opened a few years ago and I remember it being just 3 girls working out 3 times a week and now the classes are co-​ed with atleast 15 – 20 students at a time.
I just wish I could get out here more otherwise I’d be back…
=(

Awesome place to train! Believe me… if you wanna fight or train like a champion or looking for a good sweat this is the place to train!

My schedule is really crowded. School, work, and apprenticeships consume most of my time. Im up by 530am and most the time dont get home till about 10pm.
A good friend of mine had been telling me about Bay Area Fight Academy, and has been bugging me to at least go and check it out for sometime now. But with my busy schedule. How can i justify driving another 30miles north then another 30miles back south, on top of that fit it into my current schedule that I have now. In the end, I finally gave in and wanted to check it out.
From the MMA training to the body conditioning to the cardio. This is what ive been looking for. Sifu Eric and Coach Dennis are always helpful and patient. Very, very hard qualities to find in teachers now a days. Even the more experienced students are patient enough to help me out to become better. From the experienced to the ones starting out such as myself. In my opinion this is a Top Notch school one should at least try out.
When I feel something is worth it. I will go out of my way to make things work. After my first day training at BAFA. I re-​arranged my schedule accordingly. Its worth the extra effort to train at Bay Area Fight Academy.

Bay Area Fight Academy is a great school! the workouts are intense and good cardio, especially im trying to lose alot of
getting there! Sifu Eric and Coach Dennis motivate you and push you to your limits. everyone is very friendly and it doesnt matter if you come in as a rookie. they dont care, they are happy to see new faces and to help teach them. Sifu Eric and Coach Dennis have many years of experience in Martial Arts. you also have Charlene «Princess» Gellner help teaching in class too. along with Rob, Lester, Rex and Edgar, just to name a few.
i started here a month ago and every training day, we do different cardio, kickboxing and MMA. the first day got me hooked! good family facility and positive vibes! what more can i say. come out and try the free 2 weeks and see for yourself.