Black Sheep Universe MMA

I've purchased gear and trained with Black Sheep and I can't say enough good things about this business. As far as gear goes, I'm an astrophile, so I loved the galaxy look of everything right away and was ecstatic to find that not only did it look good, but performed even better. The gloves I purchased are some of the most comfortable and durable that I own, and I cannot WAIT to grab rash guards and spats! As for training, I came to Alex and Jess from a traditional Okinawan karate background and found that they were able to identify some of the habits of the style right away. This helped me to understand how to quickly translate the knowledge I already had to pick up more of the boxing, MMA, and Muay Thai techniques that they specialize in. I think what I appreciate most is how they approach training for newbies and kids. My teenager had almost no prior training background, is introverted, and is not very physical by nature, by the end of a pretty intense session she was asking about getting her own gear! Truly a place where you will be treated like family and pushed to be your best, no matter if you're looking for fitness, pro coaching, or self-defense.

Coach Alex has been working with our daughter for close to a year. He has helped her overcome significant life changes and has transformed her level of confidence. I appreciate his flexibility, honesty and ability to use gentleness while still enforcing strict discipline in martial arts assuring accountability from his students. We have enjoyed watching her journey with him as he pushes her to always want to excel. Alex is a talented, knowledgeable and intuitive instructor offering diversity in his training. We are excited to continue having him work with our daughter in the years to come. She loves him immensely and looks forward to every session she has. Thank you Alex and Jess you are a wonderful team😊

Coach Alex and Coach Jessica are amazing they don’t just focus on having the kids exercise they teach them how to properly defend themselves, and give them the opportunity to reach the stars if that’s what they wish to do. Thanks to Alex’s passion, love and thrive to teach, my daughter has found a love for the sport that in 1000 years I would have never imagined my little one pursuing. On the other hand, I have never done anything like this and even as an adult I am enjoying going to every class, learning new techniques. I very much recommend giving them a try whether it’s for you or your kids.

Great instructors and training. My confidence to defend myself and my children has multiplied tenfold in just a few short months. And I'm more physically fit than I've been in a decade or more. My children are also training here and I can steadily see their confidence and skill grow weekly. Thank you Alex and Jess for showing me a path to better myself and my children!

Alex and Jess are a great team of coaches. They have so much knowledge and experience. They aren’t satisfied with just teaching how to execute techniques, they want their students to have a deeper knowledge and understanding of each individual technique. This is how they ensure their students are trained and grow properly in their martial arts journey. Definitely give this gym a try if you are interested in learning the how’s and why’s of martial arts.

Brand new company, long-time fighters! My wife and I have been training with these guys for a few months now, and although we've both had prior training in an MMA style, Alex's teaching style is much easier to retain in technique and in live situation. I highly recommend, Black Sheep Universe if you are looking to get your kids into something as well as yourself. Alex is very patient and clear while training but is also very sympathetic/empathetic to prior injuries. Whether you are doing this for health reasons (us older folks, I'm 54.) or to get into the octagon one day, this is a very great and well rounded fighter that you want as a coach!

I’ve been training striking under Coach Alex at Black Sheep for a few months now, and am ecstatic that I’ve found the right instruction and environment to enable me to accomplish my goals in the octagon; I’ve already made significant progress under his tutelage. A pro fighter himself, Coach Alex understands both the mental and physical aspects of fighting and winning, and has the pedagogical proficiency to actually impart that knowledge. Between group and private lessons, I’m able to both spar with a variety of other students and get focused, tailored lessons addressing my specific weak areas. Both are invaluable. Alex’s partner, Jessica, has also been indispensable as a training partner, and as a smaller female, I’m thankful to have a consistent sparring partner like her who can provide a realistic replication of what I’ll actually be facing in the cage. I also appreciate that Coach Alex has in-depth experience with all aspects of MMA—in particular, that he’s a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu brown belt, so we’re learning to be dangerous on the feet, but also how to take the fight to the ground and dominate there. Classes cover Muay Thai, Cage Wrestling, Boxing, etc. Whatever your experience level or goals (professional or casual), if you’re serious about those goals, I’d highly recommend Black Sheep Universe.

I can't say enough great things about Alex and Jessica. In the short time I've been training with them, I've significantly improved my skills. Alex is EXCELLENT at finding your strengths and weaknesses, and making your weaknesses your strengths. Regardless of what your background is, I would highly consider booking a session with them.

I personally know Alex as a world class coach and top notch fighter with plenty of salt. We've worked together in similar professional martial arts circles before, and I can easily describe him as an incredibly experienced practitioner and a passionate martial artist in his trade. If you're working with Black Sheep, they're going to take you places.

I both had and have the pleasure of training with Coach Alex Rodriguez in a gym prior and then into his current. He is an absolutely well versed coach being able to deeply breakdown and teach the benefits and flaws of grappling, bjj, multiple forms of striking(boxing and Muy Thai are just a couple) and transitions between movements or into other styles of fighting. He’s able to help you fix your stance posture and movement regardless if you’re a southpaw or orthodox fighter. He’s kind enough to approach and keep the training fun but strict and discipline enough to make sure that if you step into a fight, even if you don’t win, you won’t look like you lost. I’m someone who always wants more so I’ve left gym’s through out my life civilian and military. Alex is the only coach where I trained with both him and his wife as well and wanted more, but haven’t left. That’s because blacksheepunivers answers my desires and I’m proud to be apart of that family🙌🏾