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G.I.R.L.S. Gym in Portland, OR, is a welcoming and empowering martial arts school for women and children. The gym is renowned for its focus on correct form and technique in disciplines like jiu-jitsu and kickboxing. Members rave about the supportive community and knowledgeable coaches, including founders Sarah and Gary. This gym creates a safe space for girls and women to build self-confidence, mental toughness, and physical strength while offering a variety of classes to accommodate schedules and skill levels.

G.I.R.L.S. Gym is more than a fitness facility—it’s a community. New members feel welcomed from day one, and the environment fosters personal growth and strong relationships. Whether you’re an experienced martial artist or a beginner, this gym provides detailed instruction and flexible learning opportunities. Highly recommended for those seeking a comprehensive training program in a supportive, all-female environment.

Pros:

  • Welcoming and supportive community
  • Highly knowledgeable instructors
  • Focus on technique and self-defense
  • Variety of classes for different skill levels
  • Empowering environment for women and girls
  • Friendly and non-intimidating atmosphere
  • Classes accommodate busy schedules
  • Private lessons for personalized instruction
  • Reasonable pricing
  • Positive impact on confidence and mental health

Cons:

  • Some complaints about male instructor's behavior
  • Sparse negative neighborhood interactions
  • Instances of customer discomfort on the first visit

Location / Contact

Rating Stats

4.7

out of 5.0

45 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
4.0
2 reviews
3.0
0 reviews
2.0
0 reviews
1.0

Reviews (50)

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I have benn going there 4 months but I have been doing martial arts for three years I learned a lot new stuff and made great friend.

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GIRLS gym is more than just a gym, it’s a community. The trainers and owners (Sarah and Gary) are kind, patient, welcoming and very knowledgeable. They make you feel supported no matter what your level or experience is. The other women that train there are awesome- I’ve made lots of friends and I’ve really enjoyed feeling apart of a close community. Since training at GIRLS gym I’ve become stronger, more skilled and more confident. I can’t recommend this place enough!

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This place is an absolute blast! All the women who work out here are super encouraging and being a different levels doesn't seem to hold anybody back. It's super empowering and makes you feel like a kick ass woman! Go check it out!

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I've been going to the G.I.R.L.S. Gym for about two years now. I was pretty nervous to walk in, as I thought that my complete lack of experience would embarrass me, and the ladies might be cold or unwelcoming. I was completely wrong! Everyone is so welcoming and very laid back, but you get a workout, and a great training experience. The instructors are easy to talk to and get you started right away. Even though my partner was more experienced than me, she was helpful with getting me comfortable and getting a good workout. There are women of all fitness levels coming, and I appreciate that the instructors push us in a positive (not at all demeaning or aggressive) way. Now I can't imagine life without this community of strong, funny, amazing women!

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You just have to come try it!!I'm always learning something new and fun and I don't have to be on a treadmill/elliptical for a workout. There's all types of girls here, whether you've never worked out much or you just want to try something else. No judgement, no pressure, and it feels so good to punch something!

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This is my forth year at GIRLS Gym! I only do CombatFit Bootcamp, no martial arts or kickboxing. I absolutely adore Gary and Sarah! They are the sweetest and are super knowledgeable regarding mixed martial arts, kickboxing, as well as general conditioning! I find that the Bootcamp is a perfect workout for me! Sarah tells me what to do for an hour and I'm sore afterwards! There are a range of girls who choose to be a part of GIRLS Gym. From young (teenagers) to old (there is no age limit), I have found that GIRLS Gym is all inclusive and willing to adapt to any modifications one may need to make. I've had nothing but positive and supportive experiences at this gym and honestly I HATE gyms! I always end up feeling self conscious and like the odd one out in other fitness centers. GIRLS Gym is more like a team than a gym. It's a pretty awesome feeling.

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This place no good . Upon first glance I believed this place to have good intention. But that male teacher has no patience and was even condescending to me for simply asking to slow down since it was my first day at the studio . I world have never expected to have been discouraged to learn boxing at a place supposedly geared towards empowering and training women . The studio had almost no students when I arrived and this groupon seems to be a feeble attempt to stay in business perhaps . My groupon was refunded immediately with no troubles . I attend portland shaolin studio now to learn Kung fu and most of the teachers are men, and I have never been made to feel depreciated like I had at that doubtful studio .

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I've been here for four years. So I have a lot to say. But it can be summarized in three ways!As a student: I came in with no athletic or martial arts experience whatsoever. I just wanted to try out kickboxing as a way to exercise while learning. I got way more than I bargained for in the best way. Through this gym, I discovered a love for martial arts and combat sports that I'll carry with me forever. Whether it's jiu jitsu, kickboxing or MMA, there is no question too dumb and you'll never be made to feel that you're not good enough. It's a safe learning environment that lets you go at your own speed and choose your own adventure.As a competitor: I compete in jiu jitsu tournaments in the area a few times a year. Competition, for those who are interested, is stressed as a tool for learning and experience. I've experienced a fair amount of both successful and unsuccessful matches, and I've never been made to feel as though losing was anything other than just one more learning experience to draw from in the future. This keeps me motivated and compelled to improve as opposed to afraid to let down my team and coaches.As a human: My teammates and coaches represent a network of people I can rely on to allow me to learn in a safe environment, make me laugh every day and improve physically and mentally. My life would look very different if I'd never taken a chance to try something new.The one-star review down below is kind of appalling, actually. I've seen both of the head coaches work with brand new beginners nearly every week for the last four years and they're nothing but patient and encouraging. This gym absolutely welcomes beginners and the only thing the beginner needs to bring is a good attitude and willingness to learn.

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Great group of girls.Great instructors (both Sarah and Gary are patient and understanding. Very dedicated to making sure you are constantly improving.)Great energy. Positive and excited to learn group of people.Always something new to learn and always welcoming. The students who have been there a longer time are very close knit but also always inviting and welcome new students with excitment!Very reasonably priced, especially compared to other training gyms. My favorite martial arts gym by far (and I've been to quite a few)!

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Frequently Asked Questions

Except the peak hours, this place remains quite free or moderately crowded.

This business has a rating of 4.7-star.

This business has 50 reviews.

The address is: 7427 SE 52nd Ave, Portland, OR 97206, United States .

The contact number is +1 503-847-1681

This service is listed under Martial Arts School .

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