Straight Blast Gym Buford

I’ve been a member of SBG for just about three years. I came in at age 48… overweight, over-worked, and generally out of shape. Not the best time of life, or the best set of conditions, to be getting started with Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.I cannot say enough about this team of coaches. Their kindness, their patience, the community they attract and foster, and the level of general care they show their members is unsurpassed. If it wasn’t for this gym, and these coaches, no way I’m still doing this 3 years later. No way.But let’s be clear… SBG is not just for old fat guys. If you want to be a killer MMA fighter, SBG is the real deal. My 19 year old son joined and participates in BJJ, Muay Thai, and performance fitness. The level of competition and intensity can be over the top.I’ve also referred friends with kids to the gym, and they tell me the same thing. Great coaches. Great people. Fun and nurturing environment. This place really does have all their bases covered.So, I sit here now… fast approaching 51… and I’m at a healthy weight, fit and strong, and can credibly roll with my 19yo kid… for the time being at least😉 I’m an unabashed fan and supporter of this group and cannot recommend them highly enough.I promise, if you check these guys out, you won’t be disappointed.

SBG is hands down one of the top gyms in the state of Georgia. An awesome, top-notch facility with amazing instructors and a wide range of classes. There's truly something for everyone with every type of goal. In all my years, I've never walked into a place where I've felt so welcomed by everyone. A true team/family atmosphere.

I have recently joined SBG and am really enjoying the atmosphere. This gym is not full of machines and equipment; but rather great coaches. Everyone has been very welcoming. I love how fun the workouts are; they are also challenging.

I’ve been at SBG for 6 months and couldn’t be more grateful to the coaches and the Tribe. Alex, Carmen and James are amazing, encouraging and patient coaches who are truly invested in your success. The Tribe is a great mix of people from world-class athletes to folks that are getting back in shape. It’s a great atmosphere and I look forward to every class. 💥🥊

I could say it all by simply saying I plan on being at SBG for years and years to come. However, SBG deserves just that much more. I came to SBG at about 21 years old, I didn’t have any expectations; I was simply looking for something to pass the time and stay in shape. 21 year old me didn’t have the faintest idea of what SBG would become to me. I started in cardio kickboxing learning, growing and eventually made my way to advanced Muay Thai. I have said it before and I’ll say it again the coaches, the staff and all the people that make up SBG are like family to me. Every time I take a hiatus and return it’s always with open arms. They go above the standard for simple coaching and have taught me so much about myself; through life lessons and encouraging/ challenging me athletically. I could barely throw a simple combo when I began and I’m sparring with the best of them now. Coach Pat, Jim the whole tribe led me to my first amateur victory and I plan to add more W’s to that win column under them. Simply put they’re the best and I wouldn’t go out there with anyone else in my corner.

After getting out of the army I “let myself go” and ballooned up from 200lbs to almost 240lbs at my heaviest and felt terrible physically and emotionally about where I was. The thought of going to a regular gym was a no-go for me as i’d failed at that over and over. When I began my BJJ journey at SBG 8 months ago, I had set out goals for myself which have since been crushed in terms of numbers. I feel like if I’ve been able to do it, anyone can. The most difficult part is deciding to make a change and sticking with it when things get tough. If you’re willing to put in the work, SBG will help you reach your goals.

From the moment I signed up, to my first class I was treated with respect and felt like part of the family. Now that it’s been a couple months and I’ve started to make progress through the programs this feels like my home away from home. I love being able to show up everyday (except Sundays 😭) and being greeted by the amazingly friendly staff. This tribe is the only way to go. Thanks to all the staff for always being upbeat and awesome.

I have the distinct honor and privilege of being one of the two people to introduce Coach Phillipe Gentry to SBG International. Right away we all knew his academy was a great fit for our worldwide association. What a ride it has been since that first SBG Camp he attended as guests of mine and my brother, Adam.Not only do I consider him a close friend and training partner, he (along with Jim Sheppard and their amazing staff) has also become an incredible coach and mentor to so many. I love heading to SBG Buford to train as much as having the fine athletes and coaches make the trip to Athens.You would be hard pressed to find a more accepting tribe of people with as high a level of coaching outside of Athens, GA. SBG Buford is the complete package from kids to adults. Whether you are looking for Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Muay Thai, or Group Fitness, they have got you covered. This is SBG, you will be okay.

Our entire family has become members at this gym. They have something for everyone. I am particularly impressed with the kids Jiu Jitsu program. We took our daughter to tae kwon do for about 8 months and she enjoyed it, but I wasn't completely happy with what she was getting out of it. So, we did a little research, my husband joined the gym first, and then 3 months later we enrolled our 5 year old daughter. In the first 2 weeks of classes we knew we made the right decision. The classes are fun and engaging and teach valuable information. It was the week that Coach Julie and Coach Shawn started teaching the kids about strangers and bullies, their tactics and what to do when/if a stranger or bully engages them. This was exactly what I was looking for! Jiu Jitsu is teaching my daughter valuable lessons- respect, humility, good sportsmanship and so much more. Thank you SBG Buford!

I did kickboxing.READ READ READ READ READ the contract cause they are strict to it. There is no leniency for suddenly losing your job. I wanted to pay the 3 month cancellation fee over the next couple months as I had to adjust to my income change but there is absolutely no leniency. Was that discouraging? Yes.I also would not recommend it if you are looking for flexible and numerous class times -there weren't many options when I was there maybe this has changed *shrug* . Also, groups in kickboxing can be BIG so the first 2-3x it was difficult getting the correction I needed to execute boxing kick steps which in turn effects the quality of work out.Good notes:Alex the instructor is super enthusiastic, encouraging and a great teacher. Everyone i general is encouraging so I have no regrets about interactions and when you finally nail the steps it's good.Overall tho the non-leniency was a turn off