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Fight and Fitness
Rating Details »
Categories: Martial Arts, Gyms [Edit]
Neighborhood: SOMA734 Bryant St
(at Oak Grove St)
San Francisco, CA 94107
(415) 495-2211
- Hours:
Mon-Fri. 7:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Sat. 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
- Good for Kids:
- No
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32 reviews for Fight and Fitness
This gym is great.
This is not your fancy "gym" by any means. As soon as you walk-in you get kicked in the face by the sweat, smell and hard work of everyone training. All the trainers I've had are from Thailand and true masters of Muay Thai. If you are looking for a traditional hard working, down to earth, balls to the wall gym. Look no further.
Super stoked.
Back when I was a kid I won some silver gloves events, competed in golden gloves tournaments and later boxed while I was in the US Army. So I know what to expect out of a quality gym. The Fight and Fitness gym is not one of those places, it's small and dirty. This place had great reviews and I expected more out of it...
Raised it a Star just for Jen r. I guess I was a little cranky that day :P
People thought this was:
- Useful (8)
- Funny (8)
- Cool (8)
FnF is one of the good gyms in SF. I've been there a few times as well as for some seminars.
I plan on going there regularly for boxing.
But the price is decent for alot of the class offerings as well as they have classes thru out the day.
We love Fight and Fitness: it is an unpretentious and non-threatening envinronment for intense training in combat sports and fitness.
Although AlterCenter has all the Muay Thai training space and equipment we need, we religiously train at Fight and Fitness to get the real thing from their corps of champion trainers and inspiring community. Beyond the facilities for it, they provide an environment that exemplifies the Thai style of martial arts training: physically intense and technical training within a welcoming and friendly atmosphere. While other gyms may offer all the *physical* elements of Muay Thai training, we know of no others that integrate it with the spirited culture that elevate it from a mere collection of techniques into the genuine Thai style that mentally completes it.
The trainers are exceptional. As well as being successful athletes, they are cool, kind and patient individuals -- always open to questions and genuinely concerned about the progress and welfare of their students. Rising MMA star (8-2-0) and amateur Muay Thai & Boxing champion Chris Cariaso (co-founder), legendary Thai champions Bunkerd Faphimai (co-founder) and Neungsiam Samphusri, MMA prodigy Luke Stewart and jiujitsu black belt Alex Ferreira provide a complete array of expertise in all the main areas of modern combat sports.
The personality of Fight and Fitness's leaders upholds the spirit of martial arts in combat sports training. Egos and machismo are held well in check and there is never a sense of people wanting to harm one another while they learn and refine their skills to attain their best. It is easy to make new friends here. The energy of their thriving classes is enthusiastic and infectious, and the spirit of their competitive training program is collaborative and encouraging.
We're grateful to have this place to educate and inspire us. We're looking forward to seeing "FnF" continue to grow and inspire the spirit of combat sports training in the Bay Area!
People thought this was:
- Useful (1)
OK, so one of the primary reasons why I chose this place was because it's only a few blocks away from my job but also because I was looking for a place where I could learn many different disciplines of combat sports - muay thai, boxing, MMA/Brazilian Ju Jitsu...and Fight and Fitness is definitely a one stop shop.
I also considered K-One but that's too far away from my work or my home for me to go there.
Another huge consideration of mine for joining a combat sports gym are the instructors and you can't get much better than here. Just take a look at all the championship belts hanging up on the wall and you won't have to worry about the quality of instruction. The muay thai instructors - Bunkerd and Neungsiam are some serious bad asses. Not only are they well decorated muay thai champions but they're also very friendly and non-intimidating whatsover which was another huge factor fo rme. I don't want a drill sargent. I wanted a fun and laid back fight gym and this is it. Chris and Evan are boxing instructors who are Strikeforce MMA fighters. Those guys are bad asses. Paris, a former pro champion boxer who's fought Oscar De La Hoya and other great champions...he's a bad ass.
This place breeds fighters but it doesn't have the intense hardcore feel of it. If you want a fun relaxed and intense fight work out this is your place.
...and I've heard many people complain about the lack of cleanliness. Are you looking for a country club or a fight gym? This place is a sweat factory so get used to it.
People thought this was:
- Useful (3)
- Funny (1)
- Cool (2)
OK I'm biased.
I just signed up for membership in this location after visiting several gyms, some pathetic, and most overpriced for the amount of service they offer.
Good:
-This is a fighters gym the workouts are demanding and brutal.
-The price is just right, for its authentic training and professional instructors (most of whom actually compete and are extremely knowledgeable).
-The atmosphere is laid back and the people are friendly and helpful
Bad:
-Location
-Parking
People thought this was:
- Useful (1)
- Cool (1)
Fight and Fitness is one of the most complete gyms in SF. Trainers are awesome in the disciplines of muay thai, boxing & brazilian jiu jitsu. There are many other gyms in the city that may offer good instruction in only one of these areas and still charge the same price (if not more), but if you are looking for the best value then your search is over.
Trainers here are all top notch and friendly. In each discipline, there is at least one trainer that has fought successfully in the Pro ranks. They welcome beginners as well as seasoned veterans.
Although they are not the cleanest or the fanciest gym, their instruction and variety of classes more than makes up for it. Check out other gyms before committing, but there is a good chance you will end up here.
People thought this was:
- Cool (1)
If you are looking to actually WORK OUT and not stand around in a half-ass gym in a wannabe boxing class, then come here.
These guys ROCK and will knock some sweat out of you. Its bare bones and raw, but has that nice lived-in family vibe. No bullshit here and virtually no posers. Also, not a pick-up joint which is cool. Come to learn some skills from the pros that run it.
And, its true, Bunkerd is one of the nicest people you will meet - and he can kick your ass while smiling. But he won't. He's to nice.
People thought this was:
- Useful (2)
- Funny (2)
- Cool (1)
Incredible talent pool of real instructors here. i met Bunekrd, chris, paris, darren back when they were all at fairtex. i'm glad there doing it on there own.
take it as far as you want to go..THE REAL DEAL
miss you guys
People thought this was:
- Useful (2)
- Funny (1)
- Cool (3)
kick like a man!!!!!
The Best Muay Thai gym In the Bay area. and BJJ...
People thought this was:
- Useful (2)
- Funny (2)
- Cool (3)
Ghetto (in a good way), grunge, very raw packed with 100% full energy, Fight and Fitness is a boutique martial arts gym situated on Bryant Street near 5th.
Today, Fight and Fitness hosted a series of smoker fights, a total of over 50 deuces of fighters who displayed their acquired skills in the ring, for a round or two. The fights were varied: Muay Thai, MMA and boxing.
The gym specializes in Muay Thai and Mixed Martial Arts as opposed to being solely a boxing gym. The space is not too large, quite narrow but long where you will find a large boxing ring at the end. It was difficult to assess its "gymness" quality as this afternoon the place was filled with eager spectators. One interesting observation, the women's restroom is spacious and relatively clean!
We spent a few hours in anticipation to support our very own Baby Girl, "S", who has decided to focus and train to fight for a goal of SF Golden Gloves next year. "S" is one of us, she started at Crunch and currently trains with one of our favorite instructors, Carlos, at Third Street Boxing Gym. Being her first smoker fight, "S" fought with a Fight and Fitness female boxer, Paris' girl-fighter. Without any hesitation we ensured that all four of us girls and my son, would be there to support her with all our heart and passion. She fought with all her strength and glory, she did herself well! She represented!
As observable by the homegrown fighters of this gym, it was apparent that the level of training was intense, at least for those fighters who wished to take their respective sport seriously. Albeit the overall event was quite disorganized, it was real, raw and very engaging. The staff and its members seemed to be very passionate. We truly enjoyed the fights. The fights began at 1:30pm and lasted till after 7pm. We stayed for a few fights before and during our girl's round. It was a few hours of action-packed entertainment. A wonderful afternoon spent with the best of friends and my wonderful teenage boy. Go.... "S".
Go .. Fight and Fitness, keep up the good work!
People thought this was:
- Useful (7)
- Funny (4)
- Cool (6)
I came here with a new friend whom I met on a Yelp thread. Diane S. you, my girl, are the bomb diggity.
We literally didn't meet until she picked me up after work to go and try out an intro Muay Thai class at Fight and Fitness. How righteous is that?! We set ourselves up on a blind date so that we could eventually beat the shit out of each other--Thai style. That is the beauty of Yelp.
In fact, Diane S. and I could co-star in a commercial for how rad Yelp is. It would go a little somethin' like this...
**Diane S. and Justine H. meet up at the gym wearing coordinating Lululemon pants and Yelp t-shirts. Both are carrying H2O bottles and a Blackberry.**
DS: "Hey Justine H.!"
JH: "Hey Diane S.! How was your night last night?"
DS: "Oh you know, same old, same old. Just did a bunch of supersets in between writing yelp reviews. You?"
JH: "I staked out this new fitness class all the way in Potrero Hill and then sprinted home so I could be the first to review it."
DS: "Did you get the "first to review" medal?"
JH: "You know it. Cars are so over-rated. Are you going to DYL tonight?"
DS: "For sure! I just gotta finish workin' on my triceps."
JH: "Damn, girl they look great!" **Blackberry alert sounds** "Oh, I gotta run! You know who just yelped me and I gotta finish my Creatine shake before I head home to get ready for DYL."
DS: "Ok, cool, I'll see ya there or yelp ya later."
JH: "Not if I yelp you first."
**wink, wink, flex, flex, high-five**
**Nish enters, riding a pony.**
Nish: "Yelp: it brings fitness freaks like these two together."
End scene.
Oh, about Fight and Fitness:
Do not come here if:
1) you are in poor cardiovascular shape;
2) you bruise easily;
3) the last time that you were in a "fight" it was at some bar and some trick-ass-bitch sucker punched you in the fucking face because HER boyfriend asked to buy YOU a drink and you couldn't even get a swing in before the bar manager separated you and kicked you out;
4) you don't speak Thai and are hard of hearing when you must take instruction from a hard core prize fighter who is shorter than you are and the gym is blaring crazy-ass Thai techno music.
Fortunately for me, only 2-4 applied, so I loved it.
People thought this was:
- Useful (4)
- Funny (10)
- Cool (7)
Dude. I got a bruise on my toe! That's how freakin' intense this shit is!!
I have a new found athletic respect for 8 year old girls. How in the hell do they jump rope for a whole recess? I kept messing up and I only had to do three increments at 3min. each.
I have to say I did kick ass!!! I pretended I was punching GW in his stupid head!
Bunkerd is the guy who lead the class. He is a great teacher. He's a funny, little friendly dude who can most likely beat anyone on the planet to a pulp. Even when you're tired and sore he encourages you to go on in a way that makes you keep working.
Drink water though...cuz I developed a ragin' dehydration headache after my Muay Thai class this morning cuz of all the sweatin' I did.
People thought this was:
- Useful (3)
- Funny (3)
- Cool (3)
I've been boxing for a few years now and have been very interested in learning new fighting styles. I've sparred at F&F before, so I decided to try out out their Muay Thai class. A friend and I took the intro class and we really loved it. I was sore the next day and really felt like I learned a lot just in that one class. Granted, it was just one class, but I felt like the people were nice, the facility was intimate and not intimidating, and I got a great workout! I'm going back on Saturday, so we'll see if my opinion changes, but for now, I'm really happy with the set-up there.
I'm not a member of this gym, but I did spend a Saturday there recently for a hard sparring event, and I have to say, I was very impressed by the way they administered the event. Everything was done very professionally, fighter's safety was put first, and they really treated it as an outstanding training opportunity. Hell, all of the folks who participated in the session even got sweet medals for participating. Good times, only four stars though, solely based on the parking situation. It was tough enough to park there on a Saturday afternoon, I can only imagine what a weekday would be like.
I kept waiting to get used to the sweaty gym funk, but I never did. I think that might be a good thing though. And I can't really fault the place for having that smell- people here go hard and bust it out!
It's a good thing I can read body language...I tried a Muay Thai class for the first time and really had a hard time figuring out what I was being told to do! That said, the instructor took me and my new friend Justine H. off to the side of the class - since we were the newbies- and showed us some basics. We learned how to stand and hold our guard, a basic punch combination, then added a kick.
Once we were ok at punching and kicking air we took it over to the heavy bags. I proceeded to whack the bag pretty hard and now have small cuts on top of both of my feet :) I am not complaining about that- that's hard core. I like it.
For a $10 first-class fee we got to keep the pretty blue handwraps they cracked open for us. I don't know that I'll rush back here but I won't rule it out. Going to check out some other gyms and re-review this place if I go back again.
Hatchaaaaa!
People thought this was:
- Useful (3)
- Cool (3)
A great place to train. Unfortunately due to commute changes and work changes I am unable to come here consistently and have since found a new home in other gyms.
Darren, Chris, Bunekrd, Evan, Sapao, Denny Neungsiam, Sapao, Paris, and Bubba are all great instructors in their respective disciplines. The workouts are intense. The instruction is very thorough and for a small gym they have a ton of people. I was very happy with the attention everyone gave me.
If you dont mind the smell of sweat, not the cleanest bathrooms, and small gym atmosphere then this your place.
Hopefully one day ill be able to stop by for a few rolls/rounds again
Fight and Fitness
Is a gym specializing in Muay Thai (kickboxing), Boxing and MMA
Muay Thai is the National Sport of Thailand, it's also known as the Science of Eight Limbs. In Muay Thai your primary weapons are your Feet, Hands, Knees and Elbows.
The head trainer of FnF is Bunkerd Faphimai. He's a former Lumphini and Rajdomnern Stadium champ (aka Thai National Champion)
Fight and Fitness has a great mix of students, there are people who are looking to get back into shape, to those who are preparing for their next professional fight. Great atmosphere at the gym is still relatively on the small side, so there is still a sense of "community" no attitude here.
For first time students I recommend coming to watch a class, it's not for everyone, no Cardio Kickboxing /Tae Bo here. That being said anyone with reasonable coordination can be throwing proper knees, kicks and punches within a few weeks. Its one of the best workouts hands down...trust me 9 min. can feel like 30 when your limbs are burning. In addition to the workout it's a very "practical" form of self defense. Muay Thai on many levels is very simple. There are no belts, no death touch, just hard training
People thought this was:
- Useful (2)
- Cool (2)
I've taken a few drop in classes now. Everybody in the know knows, that Bunkerd is legit as it comes. Friendliest dude wearing a tshirt cape you'll ever meet, but don't get it twisted he can drop you with a flying knee and still smile. Darren the MMA instructor is very knowledgeable technically, and is able to break down complicated chokes into easier to learn steps.
If my schedule wasn't so wierd or I wasn't out of town so much, this would be my regular gym.
People thought this was:
- Useful (2)
- Cool (1)
3rd Street Gym is my home, but went here yesterday to try to get some extra sparring. Seems to be more of a Muay Thai and BJJ gym as opposed to western boxing, but it is definitely legit in producing solid fighters. Everyone was very friendly and welcoming. I hope to be able to come here now and again for extra work.
People thought this was:
- Useful (3)
- Funny (3)
- Cool (3)
I've been on a quest to find a new gym, just because I'm so sick and tired of warming up, lifting, then cooling down. I wanted something more high intensity, and fun. Although I only tried Fight and Fitness for their trial offer, I can't say anything bad about this place! Absolutely nothing, I mean they have a very warm staff and top notch and world class trainers. Members and guest are very supportive and helpful to new comers. And the workouts are KILLER.
The gyms facilities are smaller then Fairtex but I think that is what this places wants. It wanted to create a more intimate and more intense, one on one, smaller class feel. Well it does just that because it is smaller.
The price of membership is certainly a key factor. I don't think you can find any other academy or school with this many top notch/world class trainers for that price. Add that with friendly people and the feeling that you get after the workout and I would have signed the dotted line. But location was an issue for me, and why join a gym that would be an inconvenience? But with that said, this place creats and breeds fighters.
People thought this was:
- Useful (1)
Everything the other guy said is true, you will not find a more practical martial art than muay thai combined with some sort of ground grappling. The training here is intense but everyone finds fun in it.
Also to note are kids classes, boxing under SF legend Paris Alexander, a fast growing MMA program (UFC style fighting), and great personal training. The cost is also more reasonable than most martial arts gyms in the city.
People thought this was:
- Cool (1)
I tried the trial offer. You know what, I like this place, i joined it right after the trial. the teacher, neungsiam, is cool. the dudes who trained there were chill, no attitude type of people. I can trained hard and feel comfortable. This is exactly what a martial gym should be: serious yet feeling comfortable.
I will definitely train as much as i could with these great folks
This is a sanctuary of sweat, blood, community, and no attitude fitness.
Fight and Fitness is undoubtedly one of the best fitness / workout / gym deals in the city. For $89 per month you may take unlimited classes. In fact, if you're short on rent pay up and live in the gym! On second thought, you'll be blissfully exhausted after a couple of sessions.
Their classes run all day, from 7AM until 8:30PM - which makes it very convenient for us workin' masses. Throughout the day they offer three fighting styles to choose from - Muay Thai, Boxing, and Jiu Jitsu / MMA.
The trainers are top notch; former champions of Thailand's most elite kickboxing stadiums as active professional fighters and grapplers. Many of the students are also skilled and knowledgeable fighters. There is a strong sense of warmth and community and everyone is open to sharing their skills and techniques.
Bottom line, whether or not you want to fight - the workout alone is the best combination of cardio / strength training and conditioning that money can buy.
It's an alright place. After years of training and working out in Thailand and San Francisco, I found this place a bit too relaxed for me. The bathrooms are waaaay under par for 100 bucks / month. If you live around here and come after work, then good, but otherwise the environment is unhealthy and not suitable for showering. The instruction is just OK and I think the pros have found other interests.
God forbid you inhale through your nose while doing pushups...or forget your own gloves...ugh...But overall this place Rules! Everyone is super friendly and welcoming..from the instructors to the people who train.
People thought this was:
- Useful (1)
I have a lot of experience in Taekwondo, Hapkido and a little bit of Judo. I currently am a 2nd Degree Black Belt in Taekwondo and a 1st Degree Black Belt in Hapkido. I wanted more out of my martial arts training and was interested in taking up Muay Thai, Jiujitsu, Wrestling, and Boxing, but I didn't want to go to so many separate gyms to train. Fight and Fitness has to be the best all around gym. They have several instructors that cater to what style you want to learn. Darren is great for Wrestling and Jiujitsu, Sappo is great for Mixed Martial Arts, Neungsiam and Bunkard are great for Muay Thai, there is no one else better than Paris for boxing, and Chris is great if you want a killer workout. The price is decent and there is FREE PARKING! Cannot beat that! The place is small so it does get cramped during big classes but other than that this is the best gym I have been to!
I recently joined Fight and Fitness based on yelp reviews. (There you go, free marketing for Yelp!) I'm so glad I did. Although I've never trained specifically in Muay Thai before, I've got a background in martial arts and have been shopping around for a place to train.
I really like this place. It's small but how much space do you really need. Some may complain it's dirty, but it's a fight gym. If you can't handle a little dirt and someone else's sweat all over you, you should go take up Tae Bo.
This place is very female friendly, and there are a lot of very good women training here.
The classes run all day, so even with my insane schedule, I'm finding it very easy to get to a class at least four days a week.
You are going to sweat, you are going to be in pain. You will go home stinky and with bruises. You will love it.
Great instructors, and nice people over all. Very informal, yet the attitude is very respectful.
so... i only saw one part of one long ass session of smokers, but it was FUN and a great crowd full of people just totally enjoying it all with a great cool energetic vibe. So... for what that's worth, i LIKE it.
Small and welcoming, although it's definitely a badass factory. Excellent grappling and Muay Thai instructors.
I moved to town a couple months back and was looking for a change of pace from the usual weights and cardio. Since I have always loved boxing I walked down and checked out F&F. It is a bit intimidating at first but everyone starts somewhere.
All the guys who train are all really easy going and know their stuff. they make class fun as well as a hell of a workout.
The small size makes it more personable and you get more one on one time, as much or as little as you like.
Recently I started taking the Muay Thai classes, I can't kick a lick but the trainers their are working on me.
Thanks for the patience Neungsiam!
Fighting gyms are suppose to be small and unassuming, if you want gilts and glamor go to Crunch. If you want a great workout with great people, go to F&F.
I've tried the other gyms and martial arts places, but this is the one that I've stuck with for almost 3 years, despite the fact that I live in Oakland(!).
I like supporting a new, locally-owned small business. It's not the most glamourous, swanky gym, but the co-owners / head trainers Bunkerd and Chris really put their time, energy and hearts into making FnF a nice place to work out, often going above and beyond to help members (like they walked me out to my car late one night b/c creepy guys were by it. I mean, I'm more confident about self-defense, but ego is not a part of the equation here).
And the training is the best: cardio, strength, weight loss, and an adrenaline rush that keeps me coming back... The one-hour classes are compact work-outs! And they keep the classes fresh with different techniques and conditioning or circuit training. You can always step it up and spar when you're ready, or change it up with Paris' boxing or MMA classes.
The classes aren't easy, but everything the instructors ask you to do is possible with hard training and mental toughness. I've benefitted from the mental discipline, but I'm also glad muay thai doesn't involve really formalized protocols and heirarchy of other martial arts.
The membership is a down-to-earth cross-section of the City and Frisco, if you know what I mean. Though there are plenty of female members, often the classes are mostly male, and I'd encourage other females to join if you're looking for an active, no-BS workout. Trying a new gym can be intimidating, but FnF offers a trial class that's a good way to check it out, and just get a friend to go with you.
