SBG Athens

My first experience at this wonderful gym was at a women's self-defense seminar in February 2017. I loved it so much that I immediately signed up to start taking fitness classes there. The vibe I got from all of the members was one of support and community. This gym is now like a second home to me as I am there almost everyday. The fitness program (Training for Warriors) is unlike any other I have ever experienced. You get killer results since proper form is highly stressed. The coaches are very supportive and can help modify exercises so that people of any strength/ability level can get a great workout! SBG Athens is probably best known for its MMA classes and training. I started doing BJJ at SBG Athens at the end of 2017 and have learned very useful skills for self-defense, which is so important as a woman. Even as a small person (5' tall and 115lbs), I feel like I can defend myself against bigger attackers. If self-defense is not so important to you, professional MMA fighters also train here, so you can get any level of training that you desire. The coaches and members are like a big family, so I feel like I can ask any of them for help if I ever need it. You won't regret it if you decide to join SBG Athens!

I've had a great experience training at SBG - I've been training there for roughly 8 months, and have found the facility and coaching staff to be absolutely top notch. The sense of community at Straight Blast Gym is second to none - I've trained at other gyms while traveling, but SBG feels like home!

I joined SBG a year ago with the intention of learning a new skill. I received so very much more. This place is family, it's a place that allows you to get comfortable with the uncomfortable. As a therapist by trade, I talk about getting out of your own way and out of your head, and I've never found something that has pushed me to see this to be so necessary. My loved ones can actually tell when I haven't been to the gym because I'm more focused and more at peace with myself when I'm on the mats regularly. We get better together and I'm grateful to have joined. This is SBG, you will be okay (I know I am).

I can’t say enough good things about this place. I’ve been going to SBG almost a year now. It really is the best of both worlds. SBG has world class martial arts curriculum/ instruction for those who ambitiously pursue the highest level of martial arts skills or competition. It is also an awesome place for folks like me, with little or no experience. My instructors and classmates could not be more positive and supportive. I am especially grateful for how the higher level people give me room to play and practice my beginner business (technique). I love this place. The instruction is optimal and the mindset is truly that of a supportive tribe. I’m grateful I found SBG Athens.

I’ve had nothing but good experiences since I stepped foot into SBG Athens. The atmosphere, the people, the coaches, the training regimen, all are wonderful. I can feel a very distinct difference not only in my physical body, but my mind and emotions as well. Having a place where I can come and be surrounded by people doing the same things that I love to do is very empowering. Since starting, I have been able to discontinue taking prescriptions for anxiety and depression with absolutely zero drawbacks. I feel more connected to myself and to others than I have since I was a child. My only regret thus far is that I didn’t join sooner! I think you all are amazing people, and I’m very grateful that you spend your time and effort pouring into other’s lives so we can all attain our goals and grow together. So, from the bottom of my heart, I would like to say thank you. You’ve caused an improvement and had an extremely positive impact in my life, and I’m sure the lives of many others as well. I continue to look forward to what the future holds for myself and my endeavors, and I believe that there’s no better place or people for me to share these experiences with.

This is a truly special gym. I joined the Training For Warriors Challenge group 3 months ago and decided to stay on as a member because I loved it! The challenge was a great way to start as a beginner and learn (or re-learn) movements and nutrition basics. The coaches are welcoming, encouraging & non-judgmental which was important for me as someone who felt like I was starting from the ground level after having a baby. The TFW classes are a good mix of weights and cardio. All of the members are such quality people & the gym has a family feel. I highly recommend coming in for a class! I feel like I have gotten my mental and physical strength back & love going to my classes each week.

I went to SBG for their All Women’s Self Defense class (which was free) and I already feel so much more comfortable and safe. It’s super clean and the coaches were fantastic and kind. If I wasn’t moving soon I’d definitely make this place my gym

I cannot say enough wonderful things about this gym. Myself, my husband, and son all are members. It is truly a family. Every coach and member really cares about everyone.I have been a member less than a year and have lost 37lbs. I started and knew absolutely nothing about how to exercise and eat healthy. The coaches took the time to really help me in every single area.It really is a wonderful thing that our entire family can workout and take classes at the same gym!

SBG is honestly an INCREDIBLE academy!! I found this place on Google, and when I went to visit to talk about signing up, the vibe was real.I knew that from the second I walked through that doorway, that I would love training here. The instructors are so passionate about martial arts and you can see it in their eyes when they teach. They are always willing to help and they encourage making mistakes because it helps you to become stronger and better. The students are so awesome as well! When I arrived for my first class I was extremely nervous and not only did the instructors welcome me and introduce themselves, but anyone who trained there did as well. It really made me feel welcomed and part of the SBG family!The tribe also is very involved with the community whether it be donating to Toys for Tots, or cleaning up the trash on the side roads. I think it is the perfect place to have the youth train at because they are taught to be involved with their community and to be supportive and successful people. SBG boasts that they are more about building a strong and positive character than learning martial arts in general which I think is super cool!All in all, this place has such a positive vibe to it and everyone is always smiling and laughing whenever you step inside. Everyone at SBG is super excited to have new people join the tribe as well because they love to see people grow and learn about martial arts!

Although everyone has different individual goals, we do them together as a team at SBG Athens. With close to 300 members, we all can't be wrong about the best martial arts and fitness facility in Athens. It has been the best decision of my life.SBG Athens is the only gym in Athens and the surrounding areas that has Six legitimate Brazilian Jiu Jitsu black belts. You read that correctly, SIX! It's also the only gym that caters to 3 year olds in the Micro Monkeys program and the only other Training For Warriors group fitness program in Georgia besides Warner Robins.It should be noted that the least important thing that happens here is martial arts, as Coach Rory Singer would say. I would say that the most important stuff comes from the community that has been created at the gym...for example - in TWO weeks, the members at SBG Athens gathered up 32,000 meals for the Northeast Georgia Food Bank last year!! That's incredible. Whether it's a Red Cross blood drive, Toys 4 Tots, or cleaning up the road that the gym adopted (notably receiving Group of the Year)... SBG Athens gives back to the Athens community the best that we can.If you have children that need some focus and discipline in their lives, or you yourself are wanting to get in the best shape OF YOUR LIFE.. or perhaps you used to be an athlete and want to get back in a team environment, there is something for every person, every -body- at SBG. There are martial arts classes and group fitness classes (under the Training For Warriors program) that are scheduled multiple times throughout the day to fit your busy lifestyle.So, try something different. Give SBG Athens a call and see if it doesn't help shape you into the Warrior you've always wanted to be. I know I'm a better human being because of this group of people. Though I am going up against other people on the mats, it boils down to me coming to terms with my demons in order to get on the mat day after day.. especially when I fail.As Coach Liam O'Shaughnessy (Judo Black Belt and BJJ Purple belt) says, "Martial Arts is the fight against yourself."