SBG Athens

I have been at The Hard Core Gym for three months now. My journey began when one day I was just sick of feeling tired and out of shape all of the time.So I was on a mission to find a gym that I would not just sign up for and go to a few times a month and then just stop going to all together but I gym I would stick with.After researching I went to The Hard Core Gym to see what it was all about. I have always been a big fan of MMA but thought that was for more experienced people. So I signed up for the warrior women program.The coaches are amazing!They truly care about you and are very supportive. My schedule is king of crazy and they worked with me to get into any class I could make it to. I am currently taking both warrior women and foundations(mma) classes and LOVING IT!! The best part of my story is that even though I am a mother of three and work full time, I am finally making time for myself and I have never felt better!

For all the women out there curious about joining a gym, getting started in the martial arts, or looking for a place to continue your training, The Hardcore Gym is a great place to train and with the new schedule and expanded space there is something to fit anyone’s busy life. I have focused mainly on the Brazilian Jiu-jitsu and Judo classes but I have also taken women’s fitness classes, used the weight room and equipment – and I’m excited to try more. There are also fantastic seminars that are offered to members that range from nutrition, kettlebells, self-defense, and special martial arts guests. Yes- some great mma fighters have come from The Hardcore Gym but it’s not just for 20-something aspiring UFC fighters. As a small, 42y.o. mother of two I have never felt intimidated, patronized or in any way that I didn't belong there. On the contrary, the coaches, staff and other gym members are respectful and incredibly supportive of your individual goals. You do not have to be an elite athlete or even “in shape” before you start – the gym and coaches will help you get to where you want to be. It’s clean, safe and family friendly. My husband, son (13) and daughter (10) are all members and it is wonderful to be able to share this with them.

I have been attending classes and training hours at The Hardcore Gym for over a year now. In the beginning I was in the Blueprint Program which prepares new students for their future lessons and training. After a few tests I moved up to take any classes and train as my schedule made available. My schedule allows me to go 4-5 times a week, which sometimes is less than I wish to go. The atmosphere is great and encouraging, the facilities excellent, the team members superb and the coaches second to none. I have done different martial arts for years in different parts of the world, returned to Athens and there simply no other place to train and learn. Try out the free trial, move up a level and get the desire to be there everyday.

Master Rory and Master Adam. I just wanted to tell you guys how much I appreciate your facility. I don't even like to put it in the same classification as a gym. Gyms don't have the brotherhood environment and are only about getting in shape. Your facility is way more than that. It's a place to find yourself and become your best. You not only get in shape but you learn about yourself. Your facility has been a blessing to me and my family and that's a debt I can never repay. There are no words to express my gratitude. And coach Shane and coach Jessie have been more inspiration to me than they will ever know. I want to thank all coaches members staff for all you've done not just for me but for my wife and both kids. Women's warrior classes my wife loves the group. And my son recently got into the sub samurai competition team and my daughter is in leadership program. They love it and are always ready to go to gym and have to drag them out. Truly a family environment and great place to be. Again thank you for all you and your staff do for me and my family.

Recently visited The Hardcore Gym. Great staff, very knowledgeable instructors. We enjoyed our training and highly reccomend!!

Sadly, I wanted to give this gym 5 stars SO bad. I bought a groupon for the women's bootcamp classes and called twice to get the schedule and a girl there Ashley said I had to come in for an assessment in order to do that. Fine, not a big …

I travel throughout the southeast for business and stop into many gyms (see my other reviews); HardCore Gym in Athens is my top pick. All around the best gym for everything I need. …

I began training at The Hardcore Gym in January of 2011. I trained there for 3 years before I moved to Atlanta for work. Over that time, I earned my blue belt in jiu jitsu, fought for the gym and became an instructor. I took advantage of everything the gym had to offer and loved ever moment of it. I met some of my best friends in life at this place. When I'm in town and come train, I am always welcomed with open arms even though I am no longer a member there.The people at HCG really know how to make you feel welcome, and they go the extra mile to take care of you from calling you if you miss class to make sure everything is ok to driving you to the doctor if you get injured. And, don't be scared about the last comment. Out of my 3 year there, I only witnessed 1 injury because safety is the most important thing at HCG. It's something they preach every day.The facility is great. They have everything you need to achieve what ever your fitness goals. There are certified personal trainers if you're looking to get in shape, nutritionists to help you with your diet, 5 jiu jitsu black belts, a judo black belt and many UFC and other high level professional fighter to answer any martial arts question you can possibly think of.When people ask about my time in Athens, I always bring up HCG because my best memories are from there, so give them a try. I promise you wont regret it.

My five year-old son was in the Spider Monkeys youth Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) class at The HCG for five months before we moved out-of-state, and my wife and I were amazed to see the amount of personal growth and fun (he wore an ear-to-ear smile almost every class) our son had in just that short time. He went from being hesitant to get on the mat with the class to being one of the first to volunteer for practice grappling sessions after just a few months. The lessons and positive development continued outside class with the "Life Skills" program, where each month the students have to complete tasks at home and in the community that demonstrate life/personal skills such as kindness, respect, and initiative. The coaches were firm and understanding at the same time, and really brought the best out in all the students. Masters Rory and Adam, the other top coaches, and Ashley know every member, student, and parent and they greet and treat everyone the same; everyone is made to feel comfortable and part of the gym and experience. Our only regret was that we had to move and could not continue our experience with HCG, we are going to try and find a way for our son to continue his BJJ experience in our new community, but whatever we find will be a distant second at best to the HCG in Athens, GA.

My experience at The Hardcore Gym has been very positive since I became a member in February 2013. I joined their Blueprint program in February 2013 at a weight of about 265 lbs. When I moved into the HAP program in June of that year I had lost over 65 lbs. I would not have been able to reach that goal had it not been for the constant encouragement, training, and health tips provided by the gym.Anytime that I have needed some flexibility with finances or scheduling, they have always been very accommodating and understanding. The coaches are top notch from the adult classes all the way down to the children's classes as well as the personal trainers.For any person that is considering an alternative to the traditional gym experience and is looking for a fun way to lose weight and at the same time, learn some martial arts skills within a group of people that will become your friends, this is the place for you. If you are looking for a place for your child to learn practical self-defense skills as well as self-confidence and how to deal with a bully, or how to not be a bully, this is the place for your child.