Gym 445

No longer Gym 445. I don’t know why they still have the sign up. This gym is now World Team USA. Those of you that visited this gym thinking it was Gym 445, it is not!

beware — the classes on their website aren’t accurate. I went in for a sat beg boxing and there were no signs or anything! :(looks like they don’t do boxing or cardio kick anymore. wahhhh

I attended a class there last week. This place was AWFUL. They don’t teach you anything at all. It’s also a really inhospitable place for women. There’s no instruction so I had NO idea what I was supposed to do. I’ll never go back.

Did my first one on one today and thoroughly enjoyed it. Got a good workout and soaked in some boxing fundamentals from the easy going and knowledgeable Edge. From the sounds of the lower rated reviews, the weekday membership classes may not suffice if you’re looking for more instruction. I’d say use those to reinforce what you learn at these one on ones. The price is great considering the other gyms in the city hover more between $ 65 – 100 for one on one instruction. I’ll be going back soon.

Too bad the class was as unhelpful to me as their odor is foul. Punching in time to some shit-​tastic dance music is not my idea of a fun workout. Nor did I really know what I was doing since the teacher offered essentially no instruction whatsoever. I advise the following: save your time and your money and avoid this place.

I really wanted to like this place, really. But alas, unfortunately it’s the worst martial arts center I’ve ever attended, and that’s saying a lot. I showed up for a class with high hopes and was greeted by someone (who never introduced himself) and was vaguely pointed in the direction of the women’s locker rooms and cubbies. All good, so I wandered back and waited for class to start, the only indication of which was people suddenly meandering out to the floor.
So, I’m on the floor waiting for some kind of synopsis of what’s about to happen… for god’s sake, throw the new girl a bone. Instead, same guy who pointed out the restrooms announces that the instructor is running late and we should warm up.
People start doing jumping jacks, that’s cool and everything, but would love a little more direction. Whatever.
Finally the instructor shows up, 5 – 10 mins late and we get started. More warm-​ups, muscle building, jump-​roping, etc. Another poor new girl show up around this time, and wanders onto the floor looking lost, asks me for help. I point out where the jump-​ropes are and tell her I don’t know anything else, just try to jump rope!
After warm ups and calisthenics, we start the boxing drills. Literally no instruction, I just followed the crowd and grabbed some stank-​smelling boxing gloves from their stash and tried to keep up. Activities consisted of punching a bag, kicking, and punching/​kicking targets with a partner. ZERO TEACHING. Not only is this a poor martial arts education, it’s dangerous! When people don’t know how to throw a punch or be a padded target for someone else, injuries occur! But this outcome was not even on their radar.
Throughout the «lessons», I asked questions, trying to get a little more guidance — what’s the punching sequence? At what angle should new girl #2 and I hold the pads? I literally received a condescending scoff before receiving an answer.
After an hour of this, I was done. To this studio’s credit, their students are very nice and welcoming. The instructors and managerial staff, the opposite. I will never go back. :-(

I have subsequently taken classes by Andrew and Bebe and both were great. Good attitudes all around. I’m stoked this gym is in the neighborhood!

I tried this gym out. Took a beginners class. It’s pretty good, not much instruction on technique. After the 1 hour noon class was over the trainer was ready to lock up. I like to hit the bag for atleast an hour after class. You know 100 kicks, 100 straight kicks, 300 knees, punches etc… For the $ 20 dropin I’d expect some more time and instruction.
The work out was average. I don’t think it’s geared for serious fighters. I didn’t feel the fighting spirit from anyone but the Korean guy I was working out with. The technique of the other students was low-​to-​average for Americans, and would be sub par for anyone who trained in Thailand.
Also, The gym doesn’t have any extra equiptment like weights or shin gaurds. For the location, the training level, and amenities I think it’s kind of expensive. Should be more like $ 80 a month. But the gym is small, the classes probably fill up anyway.
Looking for cardio, this with probably do the trick.

Pros: Amazing Kickboxing Conditioning Class, Great Workouts, Great Instructors, and classes are right sized.
Cons: Drop in fee is $ 20 for 1 class! That is crazy, so I can’t bring friends in with me to try it out.
Also, very friendly environment for female boxers.

They certainly make full use of the space. With a mat that’s 2 – 3 times as long side-​to-​side as it is front-​to-​back, 3 stationary and 6 free-​swinging heavy bags line the back while mirrors line the front. It doesn’t take many people to crowd the jump roping at the beginning of class, but once everyone pairs up for drills, things seem a little more spacious. Either that or your attention simply focuses on more immediate things, such as the person trying to hit you. Still, I’ve stepped on a few people’s feet, but I haven’t fully collided with adjacent drill pairs.
I’ve only been able to make noon classes so far, sometimes taught by Kru Edge and sometimes by Cory. Though I haven’t yet had the other two instructors Bebe and Angie here, I’ve previously seen them over at World Team USA.
For the instructors I have experienced, I like the mix of moves Kru Edge puts into the drill combos. Conversely, I remember so many of the heavy bag rounds ending with jab — straight burnouts. But, hey, my upper body strength needs all the help it can get, so one — two’s are fine by me.
I think Cory’s the only instructor here whom I’d neither seen nor heard of, but I’ll remember him from now on. There’s no letting up with this guy, no downtime. If you’re someone who needs an extra «shove» to meet your workout goal, try his classes. They border on being something you look forward to but don’t look forward to; you know they’ll be a good workout, but you know you’ll have to earn your sweat. Plus, when he starts rotating in among the drill pairs and working with each person one-​on-​one, there’s no room for you to be lazy.
They weren’t lazy either in equipping this place. As you’d expect, they have focus mitts and Thai pads, but they also have a ring. Under the ring are cubbies for your belongings, and down a back hallway are men’s & women’s changing rooms with showers (and house bottles of body wash). Water fountains by the ring come in handy. Remember to bring or get shin guards; the class gets to do extra cool stuff when everybody has shin guards.
Extra convenience: The MUNI N Judah line passes directly in front of this place.

I think I’ve died and I’m writing this from limbo. Just kidding! I’m down the street at Jamba for my post workout drinks ;)
I am ashamed to admit: I got there 3 minutes late passed the hour, and by 29 pass the hour, was laid out on the floor during my 1v1 with Edge. In my defense, I had gone to the gym just the night prior so my workouts were within a 12 hour period– bad idea!
There was but one shortcoming that I am hesitant to share. But I will, hoping that Edge does not read this, LOL. He let me skimp out 3 minutes early… But even a blind man would have been able to tell, I was powerless and floored towards the end– one would have heard me as I flopped to the ground, heaving (and I don’t smoke). I think I heard the other instructor chuckle somewhere in the back room as I openly wailed through my last sets of conditioning. Thank you for letting me off the hook! But at the same time. I am a bit masochistic when it comes to working out– only A BIT and my statement **pertains to workouts**; don’t you dirty minds get the wrong idea –_​_​–
It’s most accurate to give this review a 4.75 star, –0.25 for not having pushed me through the whole workout. Such a simple rating system on Unilocal #disappointment. Surely the Unilocal rating system was not created by the detail oriented, thoughtful, and sometimes over-​analytical woman, #girlpower! Lol: P
When I reach a certain point of exhaustion, it’s hard to filter what I utter; Edge discovered that as I would blurt out profanities towards the end of my training. However, I can assure you: at a friend’s wedding, birthday, work, in front of children, at any competition, etc. I would not be so careless, but when I am working out, it’s really another story: P
Point: The workout you get here is goood. You’ll just lose it! Some of your fat, your inhibitions, some aggression, maybe your ability to stay erect… on your own two feet.
Edge, if you are reading this, know that I am VERY thankful for the mercy. With 3 minutes left after my last set of conditions, I asked, «We’re good right?”– inadvertent puppy eyes might have came out. Before you know it, I was shoes on and out the door! Honestly, I thought about running out well before the last 3 minutes. Damn pride. Despite my not-​so-​all-​star moments during my 1v1, I do have SOME pride left over. I still blame the workout from the night before: P
His tip to me: More cardio! «you need wind. In any activity, the one with more wind does the better job.»
My reply: I don’t run. Not even after a bus or shuttle; I’ll watch and possibly think, ‘There it goes… Damn.’ It’s not because I can’t. It is because I choose not to. I believe if I do too much cardio, I will have emptied the junk in my trunk and my girls would turn to boys aka man pecs. So I’m good. Sure, you can get them man-​made… but… … just, not thanks.
Sarcasm and jokes aside, 445, good gym :]
Still sitting at Jamba, sipping on my protein shake… not sure if I can stand up to get home. Help (:T
Well. time for a manicure! It’s closer, 1 block. I will revive there ^_​_​^
DISCLAIMER:
I am not in tiptop shape but neither am I the least athletic. For you monsters (on roids) maybe you won’t get floored within half an hour. For the «average» or not so in-​shape men and women whom would be too prideful to layout mid-​training, keep your cell phone charged so you can call a friend to tow you out of there afterward.

My favorite class has to be conditioning with Angie. I’ve tried all the other classes but this one, I get an even greater workout than the rest of the classes… maybe it’s her energy, the music…

Sad face, for my 2^nd training lesson my trainer was a no show. The gym staff said I could join in the group lesson, but I am in no way at that level. I barely know how to throw a correct punch. I left a bit annoyed since I had to wake up early, forgo my normal workout routine since I was coming to the «appointment», and whats worse is I took my protein shake with my «energy» pills so I left in a high adrenaline state… basically driving home… annoyed.
I will call the gym again, and reschedule the 3 other training lessons I have. I hope dude remembers the appointment :/

When I try to sum up the gym in one word, I think class. Edge, Bebe, Cory, Angie, and Andrew are incredible instructors. I tried to work out in different classes as each instructor had different perspectives and experiences in the combat sport world. For people who are worried about being thrown to the lions, don’t worry. The instructors are very concerned with member’s safety and are incredibly watchful for disrespectful behavior. Also, they are all approachable, which helps if you’re not feeling completely comfortable with any technique or if your body is aching. Word of advice: do bring in your own gloves. You can use the gym’s shin pads, but as with any gym gear, loaners can get kind of gnar. If you spend enough time here, you’ll get to know the other members and the place really starts to become a great community.
When I first signed up here, I wanted to give this place time because I didn’t want to write a review within the first couple of weeks, only to have the honeymoon ended by some bad experience. A year later, it never happened. My time in San Francisco ended and I regretfully had to leave 445, but I will always hold a place in my heart for Gym 445. And if any Dodgers fans read this and are thinking about joining, wear your LA hat. Bebe loves it.

I’m giving these folks five stars for helping me out in a time of need — last night I had some really bad personal news and I just needed to hit something. The fabulous woman instructing the class (Angie?) took one look at me and let me come into the class halfway through. Not only did I get a great workout, I blew off a lot of anger on the pads.
I love your generosity to a walk-​in off the street and will be back!

I heart so much! bring your own gloves, and you probably shouldnt eat dinner before hand, like i do everyday.

The World class coaches and athletes, Edge Brown and Bebe Etzler, have the knowledge, experience and passion for building champions. Beside that, the facility is well suited for professional training, with a dozen of heavy bags and a boxing ring. I’ve trained there for a year and very thankful to the training staff for what I’ve learned. It’s a great team and overall atmosphere! Definitely recommend, if you want to get serious with Muay Thai or just want to get in shape!

So here it goes — It’s my first day going to Gym 445 so decidedly, I show up considerably early to the Saturday beginning boxing class to fill-​out any necessary paperwork. In I walk, and I immediately thought to myself, «What the hell am I signing myself up for?» To my near left, I see a guy climbing up a rope like he’s an orangatan. To my far right, I see a guy flailing his arms up and down like a madman, creating a ripple effect with two massive ropes. I felt like I had walked into a 300 workout series. Naturally, my immediate reaction was to try to sneak out unnoticed… AHH TOO LATE! I had been spotted. There’s no backing out now. So I filled out the paperwork and was given a grand tour of the gym. I guess I’m boxing!!!
I soon discovered that everyone at this gym is very friendly and welcoming. All of my initial reservations quickly disappeared. Andrew (the boxing instructor) did a really good job breaking everything down and making me feel comfortable on my first day. This gym is both conveniently and strategically placed right on the N Line and just minutes away from my house. But aside from sheer convenience, I really do look forward to the boxing/​kickboxing/​conditioning classes and seeing familiar faces. Best 60-​minute workouts, definitely sweat more in one class here than 2 hours spent at a normal gym.

I’m really glad that I found this gym. First of all, let me say that I am, by nature, a couch potato. I love video games and movies and my bed. I’ve been out of shape for years and it’s been a slippery slope. I’ve been trying to find something to latch on to and drag me out of my (several year long) lazy slump for a while. Generally I don’t like ‘the gym’, it’s too high pressure.
So far, I’ve been going 4 days/​week during the mid day Muay Thai class for a month. I am so happy, and hooked.
I’ve never (in my life) done any type of martial arts. As a woman I felt welcome and comfortable, as a beginner I felt challenged but not put down, as an out of shape person I never felt looked down upon.
When I started I couldn’t even do one push up, today, I did 15.
They have small classes and fun and knowledgeable teachers. I’m really happy that I chose to start going to this gym.

I joined 445 about a year ago for my annual «I’m going to get in shape!» new years resolution. My resolve usually lasts about two weeks, and then I happily spend the rest of the year stuck to the couch holding a beer. Not this time! It’s been a year of encouragement, sweat, and most importantly, really challenging and fun work outs.
I would highly recommend all the trainers. Angie’s Muay Thai class is really great for starting out, she makes you feel really comfortable while you’re learning all these new awkward body motions (turns out I really did punch like a girl).