SBG Athens

I started training in martial arts to cultivate self-defense skills and to try to develop a better relationship with my own body. I initially trained elsewhere, but decided I wanted a more holistic martial arts education and began training at SBG instead. For the last three years, SBG Athens has provided the safe yet challenging environment that I needed to help me reach my goals and to continue to formulate new ones. I am surrounded by individuals, coaches, and families of all types and from all walks of life -- yet, over time, they have begun to feel like family. I have never been in a gym that consistently satisfies my needs for exercise, skill mastery, and belonging. If you're on the fence about giving SBG a try, I say DO IT. You will have the opportunity to invest in your own physical, social, and psychological health. The people you encounter at SBG will be allies in your journey and your success. It's an awesome gym, but it's also much more than that -- it's a community. Best decision I ever made.

I am writing this email to tell whoever is reading all about what SBG Athens has done for me. Before SBG life was... chaotic. From the ages of 18 to 24 I had lived in ten different places in five states. You see, right around the time I graduated high school, once all of my friends had gone their separate ways, one parent passed away and the other just sort of disappeared. I had lost my family by blood, family by bond, the structure that was high school and my literal home. When structure and security move out, chaos and uncertainty take its place. So I hopped around the southeast trying to find a reason or the capability to stay in one place. For whatever reason, I ended up here in Athens. It was just the next stop on a road with no end. I had always been drawn to martial arts but when I saw traditional arts, they seemed..off. I just couldn't see them working in a real world setting. On the other hand, Mixed Martial Arts are pressure tested by their nature so I wanted to see what may lie in store for me along that path, SBG was the door to that path. Now I must say, I had always exercised for stress management and to retain my sanity but in the months prior to joining SBG, exercise had stopped working. It did not matter how much I ran, what weight I lifted, or how long I spent exercising, it had lost it's effectiveness. It had no purpose and because pushing myself through exercise was the only secure thing in my life, once I lost it I felt like I had lost a chunk of my own purpose. At the time I thought SBG would get me a great workout, train me in martial arts that actually work, and would let me apply myself towards a goal. Well all of that did happen, however I found something so much more. I found the most positive and supportive group of human beings in my life. Each coach and member of the gym genuinely cared about me and wanted to help me not just in my goals within the walls of SBG but in my life outside as well. To me that was almost bizarre. I'm from a world that does not do that, the world that chews up the people who can't stand on their own, the world that makes you stronger or makes you homeless. For the first time in years I felt like I didn't have to stand on my own. At first I did not know how to accept it and honestly sometimes I still don't but I know that this group is something special. We are all focused on making one another better as human beings first, and better martial artists second. Within all of this I had found my passion that is martial arts, and also a reason to finally stay in one place for a while. I didn't know what would happen next in life, how I'd make enough money or survive, but I did and whether or not my "Tribe" at SBG knows it, I did it with their support. I now own a home and I'm not worried about losing it. I have good people around me and have regained a sense of family that I didn't think I'd ever get back. I would be cheating you if I did not mention that I am also in the best shape of my life. The thing about that is when you follow the training program and come to classes regularly at SBG, you almost magically get in shape. I'm stronger now at 185lbs than I was at 205lbs, I have more endurance, and now I actually know how to defend myself. I'd also like to think that my character has improved as well. I cannot tell you all of the benefits you will find at SBG but I can tell you that in one way or another, you'll become an even better version of yourself. If you are on the fence about whether or not to give SBG Athens a try, these next sentences are my advice to you. Everything you put into SBG, you will get back in some form. Whatever your goal, we can help you reach it. If you think you can't do it, you can and you will. You will have fun, you will be safe, you will learn amazing skills and you will enrich your life. The only catch is you have to earn it, but each and every step of the way you will have a Tribe by your side, working together to become the best possible version of ourselves.

I am writing this review for anyone who is intimidated about and or not sure if they want to pursue a journey in martial arts and fitness at SBG Athens. I joined a few months ago after getting off active duty in the Army. I was originally joining to learn more self defense tactics to defend myself and my family should the situation ever present itself in an unarmed situation. What I did not expect was the brotherhood/sisterhood that I was missing from my time on active duty. When I first walked in the door for my meeting with one of the coaches, I was greeted at the door by a guy who had just got done training jiu jitsu. He easily could have just walked right by me and not said a word, but he didn't. He stopped and asked me if I was going to join and proceeded to tell me how awesome it was and that he hoped he would see me in the gym soon. I wasn't even three steps in the door and I was already dead set on joining. After meeting with coaches and started training I realized that I made the best decision of my life. The coaches, the people you train with, and the vibe of the gym is truly something special. It is community that wants to be involved in your success. I am so glad that I made the jump and started training. Whether you are joining to get in better shape, learn self defense, or trying to become a professional martial artist, there is no better place in the area to do it. I sincerely hope that someone reads this and decides to give SBG Athens a shot. And on a side note because this is something I thought about, if you think that you are going to walk in and a bunch of monsters are going to be punching your head off that could not be further from the truth. It is a very safe and structured environment with great coaches. Make a great decision and come join the Tribe! Hope to see you on the mats.

SBG has changed my life. I woke up one morning and I was mid 40’s, extremely out of shape and generally not very healthy. I wanted to make a change. But the monotony of trudging on some exercise machine or treadmill was just not very motivating. Then a client told me I should check out SBG. To be honest I was extremely apprehensive at first. I had visions of all these big tough guys making fun of this out of shape old bearded guy. Nothing could be further from the truth. From the moment I walked into the door I felt welcome. Everyone, from coaches to students to trainers, has been incredibly supportive and encouraging. In the 5 weeks that I’ve been there I’ve already lost 18lbs and I feel better than I have in years. There were other benefits that I couldn’t even have imagined. All the stress that I use to carry home from work every night, I now leave on the mat at the gym. When I go home I’m more relaxed and I’m able to put all my focus on my family. So I’m in better shape, I’m a better dad and a better husband. And it all started by having just enough courage to walk through the door.If you’ve been thinking about getting in shape. Or maybe you’ve been looking to make some kind of change in your own life. Or maybe you’ve even considered SBG but like I was you’re feeling a little apprehensive – trust me this is the right place for you. I promise you will have more fun, you will get in shape and it will change your life. Thanks SBG!

Hey, Cheeto fingers! Yea I'm talking to you. Look I know you're bummed that Game of Thrones is done for the year, but let me postulate something. In the 9 months until the new season airs and the 12 in which it will have ended you could be well on your way to accomplishing all your health goals, if not accomplished them by that time.If you've talked to me for longer than 30 minutes, then you've probably heard me mention Straight Blast Gym of Athens. SBG isn't just a Mixed Martial Arts gym. It's an awesome & diverse community that is dedicated to helping people reach goals. Whether your goal is to be a Jiu Jitsu competitor, mixed martial artist, dropping some pounds, or just learning some kick ass stuff that may come in handy someday.They've got incredible kids programs, classes strictly for women (in case training with a bunch of dudes isn't your thing), and a program that'll take you from a person who doesn't know the difference between a jab and a cross to one that understands the complexities of footwork.So dust off those fingers and give them a call or just drop in to see what's up. If you're nervous about taking those first steps through the door... Let me know and I'll help you out! This is #SBG , you will be ok.

We enrolled my son Landon a little over a year ago and he still enjoys it. He looks forward to going to class every week. The coaches and staff are great. If we have any questions or concerns they are happy to help in any way they can. My son has become more confident and outgoing since starting the spider monkey program. He's bragged about his gym so much his older cousin started to take classes also. Hopefully in the next couple months we will be enrolling my younger son. So thankful for all the coaches and staff at Hardcore Gym for all they have taught my son.

I just wanted to find a gym for my 14 yr old daughter to learn MMA. we went to other gyms and then came to SBG. I liked what I saw. But the one thing that continues to impress me is that when I am there waiting for my daughter to finish class almost everyone that walks by me stops and speaks to me. Very Friendly gym! Very professional atmosphere!

The Hardcore Gym is a fantastic gym. I've been a member for over 5 years now and will continue to be a member for years to come. I've lost over 40lbs since joining -- and kept it off. All of the coaches are really knowledgeable and want you …

My son started the Spider Monkey class at the age of 4. He had always been shy and he was not progressing socially as his peers were. Upon joining HCG he was hesitant, to say the least, about joining in with the class. We spent many classes …

Choosing The HardCore Gym for our son changed our lives. Much like many kids his age, he was experiencing bullying and having behavior issues. Only three months after starting Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, our son completely changed! We were and …