Alive MMA Brazilian Top Team Jiu-Jitsu

Been wanting to train for years but just couldn't find a place that matched my schedule. Trained briefly at another gym but wasn't happy with the lack of structure, trainers or students.

Friend had heard of AliveMMA and I stopped by to check it out. Happened to arrive just as the noon Jiu Jitsu class started. Watched the instructor, in this case Bill Bradley, and the students for over an hour. I joined on the spot.

It's not enough for the instructor to be expert in the craft. They must be able to teach as well. I was impressed.

I was also impressed by the control of the class. Students are warmed up, introduced to a skill/technique then drilled using varying levels of resistance. They are individually watched and coached along the way.

I attend classes and work out in the weight room enjoying the sauna as well. Staff are expert in all things fitness; offering help with diet, excercise and even philosophy.

I'm well into my fifth month of membership and am looking forward to the years to come.

Pros: Excellent instruction. Cool people.

Posted 11/19/09

Classes all day with expert coaches in every area of MMA. Positive people and a very nice facility. The goofy looking Muay Thai coach with the chipped tooth was awesome!

Pros: Great coaches and training environment

Posted 11/17/09

I spent a couple of years at another local gym and developed an ok grappling game. The quality of instruction and the open encouragement to continually explore has taken me to a better level in a very short time. You can't beat the price - nowhere in the PDX area can you get quality training and training partners for the price.

I highly encourage anyone thinking about checking Alive MMA out to not hesitate and do it. Quality coaching, quality staff, the diverse member base and community is unbeatable in this town. I'm very happy with my decision to train at Alive.

Pros: Relaxed, friendly, kid friendly and a super good vibe

Cons: Not enough time for me to train

Posted 11/16/09

The flexibility of the schedule and the variety of training classes is what first attracted me to alive. Classes as early as 6 a.m. and as late as 1:30 am most days! They have everything from yoga to strength training and individual martial arts classes to full out mixed martial arts. What ever your fitness or competition goals may be, this is a gym prepared to help you achieve them.
I took a risk and joined the gym without watching or trying a class, all it took was a conversation with the owner and I decided this place was worth a shot. In a very short time my expectations were surpassed as the owner and staff had come through on everything they had said, I feel as though I have been there for a year yet its barely been a month and at previous MMA gyms I have never seen this sense of community in a gym. It's not only a place for me to improve my MMA skills but quite possibly a place where i will create lasting relationships and grow as an individual and athlete.

Pros: Flexable schedule, Top notch instructers, affordable

Cons: that I dont have more time to train.

Posted 11/16/09

I came to this gym with a bit of knowledge about Jiu-jitsu, but nothing special. Before joining, I really looked around town to see which place should get my business. Unfortunately, many places (certainly not all) seemed a bit haughty with new or lower level students. This is not the case with Alive. Bill, who runs the place, is a hoot. I don't know anyone who has tried a class there who hasn't finished the session having learned several things that directly impact their game and walked of the mat with a smile on their face. The positivity in the gym is infectious. I cannot highly enough recommend it. But honestly, don't take my word for it, go and check it out.

Pros: Awesome, friendly, knowledgable, instructors. + atmosphere.

Cons: Honestly, I haven't had a bad experience yet.

Posted 11/13/09

Alive MMA creates a real team atmosphere without losing its edge as a great MMA gym. You can train at your own pace without harsh criticism or rudeness. It's a special place and the Woodstock area just continues to add great new life to this area of Portland.

Pros: Instruction style, so many levels blended together

Cons: None really that I can think of

Posted 11/13/09

The variety of classes here is really wonderful and the instructors are just amazing. I never did any sort of Martial Art in my life, and I felt welcome and supported from day one. If you hate the monotony of the gym environment (treadmills, etc) but want a work out where you learn something, too- COME HERE.

Pros: Supportive, welcoming, great instructors

Cons: Can be intimidating if you don't step inside

Posted 11/12/09