Taken Not Given Gym

I wanted to work on Olympic style weightlifting and watching videos online was not getting me to where I wanted. I found TNG through Unilocal and was a little skeptical because of the group style setting. There are personal training sessions, however it is highly recommended to join in on the group sessions. I’m kind of a shy person and was a little afraid of the group style training sessions. Another reason I was afraid too was because I thought everyone would be good and felt I would need to keep up with the group. Being a beginner with little knowledge of this sport, I was so scared! However, I was SO WRONG.
I’ve been to TNG for less than two weeks, and all the members that I’ve met so far are so nice (and I truly mean all). In fact, I actually love how the group session is set up. Even though we are all together, the workout is still programmed to work with you. You don’t necessarily have to lift heavy or rush into the next set because the other members are ahead of you. You have the flexibility to work on what you need to work on, and this is also encouraged by the coaches. The members and coaches cheer you on throughout each lift which really motivates and pushes you to do well. I also love how we can take our time through out each set and I never ever feel rushed.
Mike and Claire (owners of TNG) are awesome. They make me feel comfortable and pay close attention to the things I need to work on. They never get frustrated and always give positive reinforcements. If you are looking to improve on your lifts or just need a place to Olympic lift, check this place out! You won’t regret it!

Before finding Taken Not Given Gym, I had no training in lifts like the clean&jerk or the snatch — unless you count watching Cal Strength videos all day. As someone who’s pretty quiet and shy when I meet new people, I was definitely afraid of stepping in here. But I wanted to learn to lift correctly and the best place to do is at OAHU’S ONLY WEIGHTLIFTING GYM. I emailed the owners and Coach Claire responded within an hour and I set up a private session with her and Coach Mike the very next morning.
In just a 1-​hour session, Mike and Claire showed me how to properly warm up, drilled the correct forms and positions into me and had me complete my first proper snatch. BOOM. Three months, I entered my first USAW Weightlifting Meet and lifted onstage in front of a large audience at Ward Stadium.
So is this gym any good? Nah… it’s F*CKIN AWESOME!
GREAT COACHING —
I have been lifting for a little over 1 year now and just this week, I was having a really hard time cleaning my 90%. Coach Claire had me tweak the positioning of my hands ever so slightly and voila, felt much better! And both coaches really care about their athletes and will prescribe additional accessory exercises depending on what the individual needs to improve.
FRIENDLY GYM MEMBERS —
No more shame when you come here. Everyone is here for the same thing, to get better at weightlifting and have fun doing it. When someone is attempting a max lift, no matter if there is 10kg or 200 kg on the bar, everyone cheers that person on. Such good vibes and energy here, everyone is welcome!
PARKING —
Taken Not Given shares space with a hardcore bodybuilding gym called, Iron Hawaiian Fitness. There are 2 parking spots for team members who arrive the earliest, everyone else needs to find street parking. I, personally, have no problem finding a spot. I drive straight to the gym after work and when I get there around 5ish, many of the shops and warehouses nearby are already closed so I just park in front of them.
#gainz

Head coach is a great guy with much experience having competed at a national level many times so he has much knowledge to pass on. The clothing is swagtastic I suggest getting something to remember your visit.

Always a positive atmosphere, it’s like a family of weightlifters… Mike and Claire will always point out the importance of technique, and how it will make your lift a success. It’s the foundation. Joining this gym made me realize, I have so much work to do. They see what you’re doing wrong, why you’re not making the lift and as an athlete who wanted to improve, I like that. You can be the strongest bull in a herd but if you’re technique sucks (and your ego is as worst as your technique) you will fail that lift or worst will end up injured.
Great gym, great coaches. Ohana for sure. Cannot complain about that. :-)

I am writing this review to rebut the negative review & update that was left by «Sheldon V.», to state my personal opinion, & relate my experience at this facility with these two wonderful coaches.
1.“parking makes this place impossible to workout at…/…something decent nearby”
~ Is the parking at the gym less than optimal? Yes, but welcome to Oahu… Parking only gets more challenging when you show up an hour late to the session & the two spots have been taken by team lifters who actually showed up on time. I personally have never had a problem parking at the gym, but hey, I show up on-​time… That said, the Coaches don’t EVER take up two spots because as is alluded to by the OP later in the review, they arrive & depart together. The environment that Mike & Claire have created to train athletes in is second to none in Hawaii. While the building may not be the prettiest or as «outfitted» as some of the more «fancy» Crossfit Boxes, the fact remains that there are 3 legitimate regulation competition lifting platforms, 3 squat racks, with 4 Competition certified Elieko barbells (+ at least a ½ dozen more) & more American Barbell & Rogue color Kilo plates than this guy could ever even dream about lifting…
2.“Area feels kinda sketch…/…repair shops”
~ Throughout the OP’s entire post this is the only thing remotely accurate; It’s Kalihi, but it is not by any means a dangerous neighborhood.
3.“Programming for TNG isn’t individualized per lifter…/…regardless if you need work elsewhere”
~ Coaches provide individualized coaching programs if athletes choose to sign up for private coaching or personalized competition prep programing. As with any other gym you do not get individualized programming for free & you don’t get to walk in & do whatever you want because there is a daily workout that is prescribed for the competition team members. We have team members that snatch as little as 35 Kilos & a few who clean & jerk 150 kilos & above. That said, if you come work out with us, you will be put into a rotation with athletes in your skill range. If you are not able to make the lifts during training the coaches will give corrective queues & individual attention to those who need it as well as separate drills & skill exercises for those who actually show up to more than two training sessions
4.“Coaches seem fairly inexperienced”
~Mike is a Multi-​Event National Level competitor who has coached World Level athletes, including one Top-​5 finisher in the IWF Master’s World Cup. He has been trained by outstanding coaches including Olympic Gold Medalist, Tommy Kono & ¹⁹⁹²⁄₉₆ Olympian Vernon Patao; both legendary Olympic Competitors from Hawaii.
5.”& it kinda seems like the only reason the female is there is because they’re with each other”
~This comment is not only rude & disrespectful, but it is again completely false. «The Female» (whose name is Claire, which is something one might know so inclined to attend more than two training sessions with her) is a certified Crossfit Level 1 Coach & an attendee of several Olympic Weightlifting training & Coaching seminars as well as an established Hawaii USAW competitor; her relationship with Mike is no more unusual than the one between the recently engaged Jared Enderton & Tamara Gray. Nevermind the fact that she is the founder of one of the most followed & well-​known fitness brands, LifTNG Aloha, in the State of Hawaii…
6.“Coming from California…/…I expected something a little different”
~I would love to know what gyms you lifted at that would give you such a chip on your shoulder considering that I think I remember that you struggled with making snatches at less than 100kg…
7.“The rules seem a little over the top…/…chairs are occupied.”
~In this world, rules are made for people like you. Those who have to be told not to be an asshole & to put their gear away, not walk in front of others while they are in the middle of the lift, etc… REALLY «over the top» stuff! & for crying out loud, if the chair was taken, sit somewhere else, & be glad you didn’t sit in my spot when there are literally 18 other ones (I counted this evening just to make sure) for you to sit in & pout over your missed lifts.
8.“Also in training if lifters miss…/…let the lifter reattempt”
~I would love to go on & on about a theory I just read about how missing too many times is bad… causes negative motor memory pathing… mental loss of focus, etc. But I am afraid it would be lost on you so I say GO FOR IT BRO!!! Get out there & Jump & Shrug your little heart out till you finally make that 80Kg snatch.
9.“Decent weightlifting club…/…hard to be picky.”
~This club is so far beyond «decent’ it makes me sick to even repost this part of the comment. I share a platform that Mike Gray from Catalyst Athletics, Rob Blackwell & Nicole Lim (California Strength) among other World-​class athletes lifted on & if it was good enough for them its plenty good enough for you

UPDATE: So after leaving my honest review, it seems that all the members have to do is cyber bully and harass a former member. This place has no aloha; if you’re seeking an honest place to train, then this is NOT it

Overall — 5
Atmosphere — 5
Culture — 5
Facilities — 5
Parking — Street
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First I’d like to clarify terms as most people are confused with the difference between Olympic Weightlifting and Weightlifting. Crossfit has popularized the Olympic Lifting or Oly Lifting terminology. This is simply because they’ve adopted Olympic style lifts but traditionally it is called Weightlifting. OK… so for the purpose of this review, I’m calling it Weightlifting. Technically, I have no idea who’s right in all this!
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This is a traditional Weightlifting gym within a larger gym (Iron Fitness). Weightlifting has experienced a resurgence the past 5 or so years. For the most part most people learn about Cleans, Clean and Jerks, and Snatches at a Crossfit gym. This is fine for most but CF has kind of butchered traditional Weightlifting. Again, TNG is a traditional Weightlifting gym. If you don’t know the difference, you owe it to yourself to learn the right way.
Mike and Claire are fantastic coaches and while they teach a group, they also have a very individualized style. I like to learn from people with experience so it was important for me to learn about their backgrounds. They have 22 combined years of coaching experience. Claire got her start at Crossfit and Mike is a National level lifter. He has competed for the American Open and Nationals 4 years in a row. I don’t know if that resonates with you but it is not an easy fête to compete at this level consistently.
Gym culture is very important to me because I spend so much time at the gym. This is a place for very passionate athletes and for beginners that want to learn the sport. Everyone is here to learn and do their best. It’s a very supportive environment and from my experience, it’s a great place to learn.
Parking — I think some other reviews may have mentioned parking. People in Hawaii are weird about parking, it’s like they expect that there be a space for them at the front of where ever they are going. Get over it. Parking is just fine. You do have to park on the street and you may have to walk a block or two. It’s not a big deal at all.
Equipment — I saved the best for last. They have the BEST equipment at TNG.

Anyone seeking professional and on point coaching in Olympic style Weightlifting on Oahu MUST check this gym out. Being the only gym that specializes in this type of lifting it truly is unique and attracts many Crossfit athletes trying to become better at Olympic weightlifting. As for myself going to this gym for the last 5 months I have made significant improvements on my lifts! They treat their athletes like family, keeping a close watchful eye on every lift that you do! The programming is carefully laid out and we all as a TEAM workout to the program everyday. Consistency is a priority for Mike and Claire who are incredibly experienced coaches. For me coming from a Crossfit type background where I was rarely coached/​cared about after endless injuries and re-​injuring my back over and over again I was blown away by how their attention to detail has allowed me to lift pain free for the first time in years! Anyone who doesn’t like this gym is nuts! I LOVE TNG FOREVER!

Great coaches, atmosphere and facility. Improved my Clean, Snatch, Jerk, Front Squat and Back Squat in a short time. A lot of emphasis on technique and every lift is scrutinized to make you better. Everyone is very welcoming and prices are exceptional compared to other gyms on the island. Overall, fantastic place to learn and have a good time.

Mike and I were on vacation but Mike needed to keep up with training, so we dropped in for the week and it was great! Claire and Mike are awesome people and great coaches. Hubby was able to keep up with his program, while I joined in with their regular session. We got to put the work in and have a great time too. Such a great group of people. Hope we can come back to visit again soon!

Taken Not Given Gym is run by coaches Mike Vaccaro and Claire Brevidoro. As an athlete that has been to many gyms and met various owners, I have to say that Mike and Claire are both very knowledgeable and experienced (Mike is a qualified for and competed at nationals). But most importantly, they have their athlete’s best interest in mind. There are house rules to keep their athletes safe, and to also allow the coaches to help the athletes reach their potential. Mike and Claire make it very easy for their athletes to contact the with any questions.
Besides the great quality of coaches, the other thing that makes a great gym is the atmosphere created by the members. All the members are very welcoming and supportive. During any lifts above 90%, all members will focus on that one lifter and give their attention and support to that lifter. This happens to be one of the rules set in place by the coach. Weightlifting can be a very individual sport at times, but this rule truly makes lifting at Taken Not Given a pleasurable experience.
Speaking of rules, there is a short list of rules that all members follow. But I consider it less rules, and more things to do out of courtesy. Being on time, greeting new members, etc. are acts of aloha.
Nothing in life is perfect, and the parking situation at TNG is not perfect. They share the parking space with another gym and two parking spaces are allotted to TNG members. Parking can be an adventure to find sometimes, but who doesn’t mind extra warm up before lifting? TNG is in a safe place.
If you are looking to get better at weightlifting, get improved mobility AND have fun doing it, TNG is the place for you!

Awesome Olympic weightlifting gym. Mike and Claire teach not only the fundamentals, but focus on accessory moves to help strengthen and improve technique for the snatch and clean and jerk.

I have been meaning to make it into TNG for a while now. I coach at a local CrossFit affiliate so most of my time is spent at my own gym. I made it in this morning and was very pleased at how serious Mike and Claire take their weightlifting. If you hold Olympic weightlifting to a high standard you will be happy to know that Mike and Claire do so as well. Their attention to detail and experience shines and they can help even the most experienced lifters make gains in Olympic wight lifting. It was nice to get coached and even after just a couple hours I was a better lifter with an aha moment or two to take home with me. Whether you are in town just dropping in or looking to get serious about «the» barbell sport come check TNG out!

Great coaches, warm welcome, exceptional equipment, and the friendliest members! Definitely contact this gym! I only got to visit once while vacationing, but I would certainly join ASAP if I lived in Oahu! I will try my best to make it back. Claire and Mike helped me to improve my form and technique quite a bit in just one season.

My wife and I and another couple were visiting Hawaii on vacation last November. We are all active in Crossfit and always looking for ways to improve. Claire and Mike put on two great days for us! One day they met us at the beach and brought a car full of barbells, plates, KBs, and snacks. They programmed a beach WOD for us which was a blast (even if onlookers thought we were crazy). The next day we joined them at their gym to focus on weightlifting. The coaching we got in this area was top notch and would recommend it to anyone! They’re looking to offer week long retreats on Oahu this year and I am really jealous of anyone who gets that opportunity. It would be an amazing way to vacation in Hawaii.

Great weightlifting gym. GREAT Coaches. GREAT Atmosphere. IMPROVED my lifting drastically.

If you want to learn how to olympic lift or work on your technique, this is the gym to go to!!! The coaches there are not only knowledgeable but are very supportive and put their all in to helping you!!! Owner Mike Vaccaro is well known in the olympic lifting community and coach Claire is also CrossFit certified so she can teach to be paralleled with CrossFit!!! I have only been olympic lifting for about three months and I have not only learned what a snatch and Clean&Jerk was, but now beginning to excel!!! Thank you so much TNG for all you guys have done!!! You guys are the best!!!
Baba

I travel a bit but i never miss a training session.
Places like TNG is what I strive to find. This place is amazing and I would highly recommend it to anybody who is traveling to Hawaii or lives there.
Great Equipment
Sits just feet away from a world class bodybuilding gym.
Fantastic atmosphere.
The best part?
Mike and Claire are amazing people and made me feel welcome from the second I walked in, I watched them coach a new lifter and their coaching was excellent. Every time I go back to Oahu this will be the gym I train at.

Great gym! The atmosphere, coaching, and gym equipment is as good as it gets! Always a fun time here!