Elite Training Center

I personally didn’t have the best experience at this school, but they do have some really great teachers and also were very kind/​helpful to my fiancé whether it was financially, or simply a brotherhood. Very focused on technique and try their best to acknowledge every student in their packed classrooms. I learned a lot in the time I spent here but you can’t rely on the classes alone, you need to practice on your own as well. The teachers who stood out to me the most were Tommy and Andres, I highly recommend privates from them. I was never taught anything by the owner personally but everyone seems to really enjoy his classes. The few downsides about this school when I went here was that they lost their jiu jitsu program, their extremely strict contract, you can’t do bag/​pad work outside of classes, and it’s extremely crowded. Overall a pretty decent school and you’ll pick up a lot of combative knowledge.

I honestly love the atmosphere here. I meet awesome people every training session I attend; the staff and crew treat you as one of their own. They are extremely polite, comedic and always have this energy around them that makes you feel happy to be there. The classes are intense and leave you feeling great about yourself! I’m glad to be a student here

Full contact. No holds barred. Other than choke holds. This place is for real…
Real combat training. No sparring. Just combat fighting. If your looking for a place to tell you how great you are because they take your money this isn’t it. Here they hand your ass to you. Or if you can you hand it to them.

Love this place! I have had a lot of trouble in the past trying to find a good gym for my son who is on the spectrum. Not every place has patience for a kid with autism. This place is different and everyone is treated equal. I love it! The owner really takes his time to make sure everyone is having a great experience in his gym. I recommend it to anyone.

I’ve been a member with Elite for about two years. I love this place And I love what I’ve learned from it. I’ve learned various techniques if I had to defend myself. In this world I find that it’s better to be prepared than not. I respect and love Elite and the instructors. Thanks Guys for your time and dedication.

Respect, Honor, Discipline and Strength. Before finding Elite I tried different training facilities that simply were not meant for me (hostile environments where negative competitiveness among students was highly encouraged). I’m really happy I was able to find Elite! I’ve been training here for almost 2 years and this place is honestly like a 2^nd home to me. The facility itself is well equipped, the curriculum for the different disciplines is well structure and the people surrounding you are very supportive and light-​minded!

Everyone has different criteria for what makes a great martial arts school. Here’s my take on it so far after 2 months at the Redondo Beach location (they have a 2^nd school in Hermosa).
1. Instruction quality: 5 Stars — Arguably the most important factor to many, the quality of instruction is top notch from both Black belt and brown belt instructors. Attention is paid to the small details, and patient corrections given to help you get it right.
2. Teacher attitude. 5 Stars — Humble, no barking orders, no machismo. Patient, respectful and kind, every single one.
3. Class size: 4 Stars (5, 3) — The beginner classes are usually around 10 people so you really get the attention you need when you’re first starting. Classes get a bit more crowded in the small rooms as you move up to the advanced classes. They could probably benefit from getting a bigger place if they keep growing.
4. Atmosphere: 5 Stars — No machismo or bad attitude present here. The school is probably about half female students. The female instructors are fantastic, very technical and don’t have the stereotypical chips on their shoulders. Everyone seems to know each other and are very friendly.
5. Schedule: 4 Stars — morning and evening classes, but I wish the morning classes were earlier so I could take some before work.
6. Cost: 3 Stars — I give it 3 Stars mostly due to the issue of having to sign a long term contract and all issues and inconveniences that may arise from that; No month to month option. I believe the price is fair and reasonable. Also, there is a Groupon for 20 classes for only $ 49, so you can’t go wrong to give this place a try.
7. Advancement:? Stars: This will vary based on your take. Advancement is based on attendance; do your time and you can test. The test is mostly about endurance, taking about 3 hours and involving a lot of drills and exercises. You also do some light sparring with each of the instructors, and then at the end when you’re exhausted, there’s a techniques assessment; if you’ve made it to this point, then pretty much everyone passes (they give multiple chances to get it right, and may remind you of the technique if needed)
All in all I think the school is a local gem and would recommend anyone to get the Groupon and give it a try. What do you have to lose for $ 49 except the weight?

I want to give a little of my background which I hope lends some credibility to this review. I have been training on and off at Elite for I think about 4 years, love the place for a variety of reasons– most importantly the staff’s authenticity and consideration for students. The schedule of both morning and evening classes all week is amazing too, with variety in Muay Thai, Krav, Kali, and MMA. I do feel like the place is family oriented (not just for kids but everyone involved), a real tribal community, and I consider that a GREAT thing in this day in age where solid relationships on a meaningful level are lacking. I am a former D1 linebacker and competitive powerlifter, former college strength and conditioning coach at two D1 schools, and have been a strength coach and sport psychology consultant for Olympic and professional athletes as well (mainly NFL combine prep). I am a retired police officer that worked patrol, on a major metropolitan SWAT team, Peer Support, and full time police academy instructor running the fitness programs for cadets, recruits, in-​service, SWAT, gang, narcs, as well the department’s officer survival program which was a heavy emphasis on realistic scenario based training both hands on and Simmunitions. I have done extensive tactical training with my agency but also with Storm Mountain Training Center, Tony Blauer, and Dave Grossman just to name a few. My life has been training and coaching for sports and for law enforcement. I have an MS in forensics and an MS in sport psychology so aside from experience had to grind through academic theory and science behind many training issues (I prefer real world experience to books). When it comes to knowledge and experience in training athletes and warriors, the owner and coaches do things right, do it with passion, and do it with altruistic hearts.
A while back I helped a federal agency put on training seminars combining martial arts, sports nutrition, and strength and conditioning all over the LA/​OC area for the law enforcement community. It gave me a chance to visit and look into a lot of places. Here in SoCa we are spoiled at the number of places we can train MMA related combatives. There are lots of descent places in the South Bay, but hands down if I was a local cop, or I had children, Elite would be the place to be. You do get realistic training for self-​defense, plenty of character development, fitness, and make lifelong friends. It operates on an entirely different level in regard to the relationships of the coaches and customers than any place I have experienced, which it seems some people knocked in their reviews. The only sort of individual I might perceive to not like the environment that is like family, is the young want to learn to brawl, compete, or let the ego dominate. That is the only sort of person I might venture would not like what is going on at Elite… so perhaps if you want to puff your chest and talk tough at a bar, or be in an environment of only competitive fighters 24 – 7 switched on adrenaline and testosterone, maybe Elite is not for you. However with that being said, there are highly competitive fighters at Elite, and the coaches and owner are networked with the competition community in addition to the tactical community. So what is wrong with getting training from people who respect family and children, train professional fighters, and train elite warriors in law enforcement and the military (which they do not broadcast but I know it to be true). This is both a family oriented group and a patriotic service dedicated cadre at Elite.
I have witnessed people’s lives being transformed at Elite. From adults with health problems, weight issues, or wanting to get into a career that requires fitness. I have seen children flourish with self-​esteem, discipline, manners and social skills. I know a child who was able to get off medications only after a few months at Elite (exercise, mentoring, discipline, self-​esteem), and now gets As and Bs when they used to struggle academically. I see teenagers acting twice their age in and out of classes, happy, respectful, and eager to help others in their training. I have seen adults transform their bodies and minds over a few short years and their aura take on a whole new demeanor. When I see another student or coach around town it is like seeing a good friend. There were a few years I had medical issues and was unable to train, the staff at Elite still kept in touch to support and encourage me the entire time, even if I had been bad about reaching back. I realize no place nor person is perfect, but for a martial arts school this place is quite welcoming and accommodating. If you are reading these reviews I would encourage you to just come give it a try for yourself. If there is still a groupon available give it a shot, meet as many of the instructors as possible, ask questions, talk to other students. I wish you the best, God Bless

I’m going to just give you the bottom line (brief as possible) about my personal experience here.
The instructors are good (some are great, I enjoyed the brazilian jiu jitsu class a lot), no problem there.
The facility I went to was super small and usually little kids running around 24/​7, so I hope you like kids. (I think they got a second location now on PCH, I never went there though).
You aren’t allowed to train on your own time or hit the bags, unless you are part of a class. You will get bitched at for this.
Overall, I thought the place reminded me of when I was a kid and went to United Studios of Self Defense a lot. Complete with speech’s before and after class and a «belt system» that is HEAVILY celebrated over there.
Take that for what you will, lol.
This is not a «real deal» type of gym, its more of a family fun center of martial arts training. You won’t do much sparring (if any at all) or be able to train on your own free will.
If your someone who wants to truly learn martial arts AND how to apply what you learn in a real situation, this place is NOT for you.
Keep looking though, because south-​bay has a HUGE martial arts community and such a huge variety of gyms with different types of trainers! It’s all about what you are looking for and how much work your ready to put into yourself!
Some people want the family fun center that celebrates belt colors and other people want to build their technique and cardio, then get on the mats and use what they learned with someone! It’s all about you… hope this helps you in your decision making!
Namaste

I’ve been training at Elite since January 2013 and I can honestly say it has changed my life. I joined when I became a late-​night Über driver and had several passengers ask «Do you know any self-​defense? What if someone tries to hurt you??» One specific passenger told me about this cool martial art called Krav Maga. He told me how intense it is but how great of a discipline it is.
The next day, I called Elite, met with Sean, and signed up for Krav Maga and Muay Thai Kickboxing. I have never regretted that decision. Between the physical and mental strength I have gained and the friendships I have made, I am grateful for Elite and their entire staff.
Aside from their regular classes, they also offer a bunch of seminars so that you can hone specific strengths with different instructors. There is ALWAYS something to learn at Elite and the instructors WANT you to excel.

Both my son and I have been at Elite for 3 years now. They have awesome programs for adults, youths and kids in the areas of Krav Maga and Muay Thai Kickboxing. These disciplines that are taught (correctly) are more practical to anyone looking for self defense than many other martial arts. There are both fundamental classes on learning these martial art skills as well as fitness classes…
but, there are some key attributes on what makes this school so great.
First, the instructors are very knowledgable and passionate about what they teach. They are also very approachable and provide you and your family a feeling of belonging to a team.
Next, the training program itself is well thought– out, practical and effective .You will learn different tactics over an appropriate and measured schedule and you will advance belts as you grow in each area. Additionally, they offer a variety of other seminars throughout the year. Their kids programs teach self defense, respect and are always fun.
And one final point — the school is a pillar of the community. They are always looking to give back in ways to support our kids, our city or even our soldiers.
I highly recommend this school!

I got a Groupon for Fight2Fitness for 30 fitness classes (amazing deal) and Elite is part of the participating gyms. Signing up for classes is a breeze and all done online. The staff and instructors here are always really friendly and helpful and so are the students. I’ve tried Krav Maga, Kickboxing, Extreme Kickboxing, and Heavy Bags, and I always get an amazing workout. It’s also next to a great smoothie and Acai place so you can feed your body properly after the workouts. =)

Some of the instructors are great!!! The owner Brian Rauchbach claim to be a Jiu Jitsu black belt, but is not… He claims to have received it from an organization that is very suspect… The school is great for exercise and is clean, the owner is likely to be lying about his credibility…
My suggestion, do your research

I can’t say enough about Elite and its amazing staff of instructors. After three years I feel qualified to say that there is something very special about the people here that makes this place so wonderful. A hugely positive and encouraging environment to learn essential self-​defense as well as get in your cardio workout, taught by people who truly love what they do! There is a place for everyone at this school, and the benefits vastly outweigh any reason you can find not to train. I highly encourage everyone to give it a try, you won’t find better training anywhere else!
See you on the mat!

I want to start off by saying Andres and Tommy were great instructors who provided good easy to follow step by step instructions. The programs are limited to Krav Maga and Kickboxing where you will find a diverse group of clientele from children, men and women.
Like many others who joined Elite, I signed a 6 month contract. Nearing the end of my contract with 1 ½ months left, I knew I wanted to terminate it to explore a fitness program elsewhere. Instead of digging through my paperwork and find the contract I signed and reading through the fine print. I took the «easy route» and messaged Andres informing him I was no longer interested and wanted my contract to end, who then instructed me to email Will. I immediately emailed Will my intention to terminate my contract after the 6 month agreement thinking this written email should suffice as a legitimate method of canceling my contract at the 6 month point. Only to find a couple weeks later, I was billed $ 49.50 and another $ 49.50 another 2 weeks following.
I demanded a $ 99 refund for the extra (7^th) month I was charged as I clearly showed my written intention to terminate my contract. Elite refused to refund me my money stating that I didn’t follow the proper procedure by going to the website to cancel the contract I signed. Statement from email below:
«The membership agreement that you signed clearly states that a 30 day notification of cancellation must be submitted to terminate your membership with Elite Training Center. All notifications of cancellations must be submitted through the website:
. In light of these circumstances I regret that I will not be able to issue you a refund.»
With multiple emails going back and forth between myself, Will, Andres, and Brian (owner) we decided to meet and discuss we work something out. Brian stuck to his guns stating I signed the contract which clearly states RIGHT THERE on the piece of paper I signed the proper method of how to cancel the membership. He felt it was fair to only give me half the refund. At this point, I was so stressed and didn’t want to deal with this anymore, I accepted it.
I was hoping to leave elite on a positive note, but like many other reviews about the contract I have read at both Hermosa and Redondo Beach locations, has left a bad taste in my mouth.
My recommendation is if you do decide you want to train at Elite, do so without signing a contract.

I went in elite training center everyday for 2 weeks and really enjoyed it. The team is friendly and professional.
I tried Krav Maga, kickboxing, MMA and comfit.
Every class I took was tough and the coach always came to give advice and correct; you really feel a progression after just a few days.
All the classes are different but complete each other, some for the technique and others in order to get fit and in good shape.
I would recommend anyone to go there, no matter the skill level or age.

As with some of the other reviews, I had a horrible experience with their contract. I got injured during one of the classes (lower back) around the middle of the 2^nd month. I let them know at Elite that I’d have to take a few weeks to recover, and after seeing my chiropractor, my chiropractor advised that I temporarily suspend (for a few months, at least) my training to heal. After learning from my Dr. that I would need more time to heal than expected, I contacted Elite and said I’d need to cancel due to injury, which is one option they allow for canceling. However, by the time the injury occurred and I was able to get them a Dr. note, it was over a month. What’s more, they tacked on an additional month, as per the contract.
Like most of us, I’m very busy. I have a full-​time job and a family. Plus, with the injury, getting around was slow and difficult for a while. Did they care? Not one bit. All they cared about was getting paid. DO NOT SIGN THEIR CONTRACT!!! As a matter of fact, I wouldn’t go here at all, based on their utter apathetic approach towards their students and their students well-​being.
I also wanted to point out, they told me the Hermosa location was opening in a month when I signed up, which would have cut my drive time in ½. However, it opened about 6 months later than promised. This meant, for the time that I did sign-​up, the classes were ridiculously (and I’m not exaggerating) full. They were full to the extent that there was almost zero space to move. I was constantly bumping into the person next to me or in front of me or behind me, just during the stretching and warm-​up. I don’t mind working out in a group environment, but this was ridiculous.
On the flip side, the instructors were good. The workouts, when you can find space and availability, were intense and well thought out. And the facility/​equipment was fairly clean and well maintained. With the new Hermosa location, the classes shouldn’t be quite as full, so that was a good move.
Here’s my suggestion to Elite, since clearly I’m not the only one who had an awful experience with the contract. Stop being so strict with the contract. If someone gets injured, or has to cancel, let it go. And get rid of the «30 days after the contract is cancelled» caveat. That rule is self-​serving and NOT FAIR. Genuinely care for your students — especially if the reason is based on getting injured. All your follow-​up on Unilocal from other bad reviews is just lip-​service. You really don’t care. Also, don’t make false promises (e.g., the new facility will open next month). It’s just bad business. This negative stigma is going to hurt you, but positive experiences will help keep you in business.

With both an extraordinary staff and a welcoming environment, this is the place to learn mixed martial arts.
The Elite legion offers unparalleled examples of sportsmanship, camaraderie, and respect in every facet of its community. It’s the most empowering place to train and the best decision I ever made!

Finally! Martial arts skills you can use! I tried a beginner Krav Maga class with some apprehension. I wasn’t looking forward to an hour to punching the air and letting out some self-​conscious shouts. But this wasn’t that kind of class. The instructor was great, and his energy and enthusiasm was contagious. We did do some punching, but we were punching pads held by a partner, and I think it was actually harder to hold the pad. Then before I knew it, we were on the floor learning how to fight when we’re down. Roundhouse kicks from a full side plank? I don’t care how many crossfit classes you took, those are hard!
They have a program here with a reasonable monthly rate — they’re not really a drop-​in-​once-​in-​a-​while kind of place because you need the continuity to advance.
Let’s just say that hour of class went by quickly, and I left feeling like I could take down anyone. I don’t recommend trying to, but I do recommend the program. I’d join in a heartbeat if I could afford it!

I trained at Elite for several years. GREAT school, great people. They emphasize respect and discipline, two important aspects of martial arts that I have seen lacking at some other schools.
You will find a great diversity of people that train here, from young to old, men, women, amateur fighters, and people who train casually.
Each program from kickboxing, to MMA, to Krav is leveled and systemized so that there is a clear progression. You can look forward to some intense (but controlled) live sparring in the advanced levels.
Elite has a tremendous Krav Maga program, if you are interested in that system your search should begin and end here.
The only reason I give it 4 stars instead of 5 is they do not currently offer a pure grappling/​jiu jitsu program. Their MMA program does include a lot of no-​gi grappling, but as you would expect from an MMA program there are striking and wrestling techniques that are also emphasized.
Elite is a great school and hopefully they will add a jiu jitsu program in the future.