Bas Rutten’s Elite MMA

Not what they sold it to be… at least for kids…
My wife and I signed our son up for MMA lessons to help toughen him up, learn some self defense skills, and understand respect. He is no where near the strongest, but not the weakest — just an honest boy looking to toughen up.
This turned out to be a beat down session on my son. While they do fighting, the instructors did little to provide coaching to the more average kids — rather, they focused only on the few favorites and let the rest be rag dolls to get beat up on. Not upset about the approach, but rather the favoritism they gave to certain kids at the expense of others.
We dropped out after our son came home crying week after week when he would get put in choke holds by other students and they did nothing to help him or coach him.
If you have a gifted son, this place is great. But stay away if your child is more average, wants to learn, or be made a fool by older and stronger kids.

Everyone here is really friendly and knowledgable. I wasn’t 100% comfortable when I came in but the wonderful staff made me feel supported and encouraged. All my numerous questions were answered thoroughly and promptly. Thanks to BAS for special attention during my first session. I was greatly accommodated, had special instruction, and modifications to fit my ability

This mma/​BJJ gym has some of the facilities in the area. In my opinion though, the strongest martial art taught here is their BJJ program. Rodrigo is by far the best instructor I’ve had and I’ve had some good ones. He is, in my opinion is a world class BJJ instructor who has a strong passion for his teachings and doesn’t just go through the motions. After taking a few privates I was surprised how well prepared he was in defining my game and identifying my weaknesses.

I love every class that JJ heads. I wish I didn’t work so I could go to every class he teaches. He really changes it up and is so in tune with the make up of your body. I feel he does not just throw a class at you. He really thinks about it. Anyway, I would give the gym a five star rating for his classes alone. However, there is the rest of the gym. One thing I feel is that the mats are not cleaned regularly and a lot of your work or warm up is on the mat. However, I signed p for a full year to go to JJs class when I can so I overlooked the mats.

I never realized what a deal this gym is! It has weight lifting and machines, bags, a cage, and a technique room– and they keep it clean and organized. They offer student discounts with is GREATLY appreciated. Thank you Bas, Randy and JJ for being great mentors!

As big as Bas, this is the spot where anyone who is anyone in MMA can be seen at any time. I first met Bas and worked with him at his gym when I was the Executive Producer of a women’s MMA TV show called Ultimate Women Challenge. The show was a bust for me when the show creator screwed me and several other people, but one of the bright spots was hanging here and getting to know MMA from the best of the best. Bas is a funny guy, fun to work with but trust me, Bas will kick your ass!!!

Took my first cardio fit bag class, LOVED IT!!! Will remember to wrap hands next time… Knuckles got all tore up but its all good! Can’t wait to try the kettlebell/​abs class! See you soon Elite MMA!

I should start by saying I may be prejudiced because I’ve been a member of Elite since the «old» gym on Hillcrest. That said, it still doesn’t change the fact that Elite just keeps getting better and better. The absolute best thing is the variety of classes, trainers and disciplines the gym offers. Including, now, the new weight facilities.
Actually, the absolute best thing is the comfort level at the gym. I’ve sent my daughter to take bag classes as a beginner, my son (used to) box there and I do more advanced MMA specific activities. In the 8 years I’ve been at Elite, I’ve always felt VERY comfortable in the gym. Whether it’s watching the kids BJJ class all the way to training with pro fighters, the atmosphere has always been friendly and professional. Plus Randy, Hodrigo and the rest of the trainers are top, top notch no matter your skill level.

I went to Bas Rutten’s for JJ’s Monday night kettle bell class — and let me tell you… that class was AMAZING. JJ’s energy is awesome, and translates into an equally awesome class. He’s patient, but at the same time, pushes you to places you didn’t know you could go. He lets everyone in the class work at their own pace, and when there was a certain thing I couldn’t do, he threw an alternative at me in a second. I left the class covered in sweat and feeling incredible empowered and accomplished. So for that, I give JJ and his class five stars/​an A+
The rest of the gym… however… I would feel less than okay leaving a five star review. It was my first time at the gym, and when I walked in and informed the desk that I was taking a class for the first time, they slapped a waiver on the counter for me to sign and… that was pretty much it. There was no gym intro, no tour (the place is small… so showing me around, even pointing at places from the desk, probably would have taken two minutes, tops), no asking me if I had any questions. The only reason I knew where to go for the class is because I was taking it with a friend who had been there before.
If I was looking to get a membership at a gym, I would move right past this place, unfortunately. Although JJ’s class was almost enough for me to go back, the vibe in this place was just a little too unfriendly. I’ll have to find out if I can pay for individual classes…

I have been a client of Michael Casas for years and followed him to multiple gyms. I have made the rounds and tried other gyms/​trainers/​and classes and none compare to the push and results I’ve gotten from working out with Mike. I’m so glad he’s found a home at this gym because it is a pretty rad space. Not only is it super clean (germaphobe here, I’m not trying to lay in someone else’s sweat!) but the energy of this place is off the charts. There’s always good music and a solid motivational spirit going on throughout the gym. Love it here!

AWESOME, gym, coaches, and people, military and family friendly, best in the business! You won’t find a better atmosphere to get in shape, train hard, and meet good people!

Awesome gym, awesome staff, randy boxing and muy Thai kicks ass… Literally, ju jitsu is awesome, and Bas MMA class is awesome come on in and get that beach body you always wanted!

–This gym is very clean/​hygienic from the mats to the locker rooms. They even sanitize between classes.
–I do the: Boxing, Muay Thai, MMA, and Jiu Jitsu. I love all of them, including the trainers. Even if the a class has a lot of people in it, they still manage to get around to helping/​correcting everybody.
–Definitely worth the price. This place is top-​notch.

Before I started taking boxing classes here with Randy Khatami I was in bad shape. After just a few weeks taking class with Randy I grew almost an entire foot, put on 20lbs of muscle and won the lottery. You can’t argue with results like that!
Another added perk is that I smell of rich mahogany since beginning training and can grow a full beard overnight. Thanks Randy and everyone at Bas Rutten’s Elite MMA!

I came here for a free class today and it was amazing. The instructor was great, and the other students (at least the one who was my partner) were polite and respectful.
Unfortunately, the commute is too long and expensive for me to sign up here (it’s a 50 mile round trip since I live a bit far), but if you live in the area I definitely recommend that you (at the very least) try out a class or two.

This place is off the metaphorical chain!
I learn so much every time I come here.
No matter how I feel when I come in, I leave feeling better than you can imagine!
Doesn’t matter how high or low your aspirations are this is the place for you!
The student rate is super affordable too so don’t let that scare you away if youse a broke college kid like me.

Great place to train, learn, and always having so much fun. I look forward to going to this gym after work and release all of my stress and go home feeling refreshed. I had been in martial arts for long time and I love to compete and check my improvement. I am always striving to become the best fighter and person I can be. I am a MMA fighter, Jiu Jitsu competitor, boxer, and Muay Thai fighter. Basically doing everything. I am 37 years old right now but I am still learning about the art, self defense, fitness and myself. Never ending learning process. Love what I do. I am not surprised when I turned 60 and still competing and challenging myself :).
Bas Rutten’s Elite MMA offers so many classes and I love all of the classes they offer. Some times I wish I can divide my body in two to take two classes at same time. I go to gym and then deciding which class do I want to take. Depending on my mood for that day and also make a decision based on what I need to work on the most.
When I am injured for some reason, I can take cardio bag class and pace myself.
Instructors are highly motivating and put lot’s of energy into the class. They know what they are doing. At Elite MMA I had been fully accepted for who I am and I can be who I am. I do not need to worry about what other people thing about me and truly express my personality and focus on my training. Learn techniques and also get great cardio in.
My teammates are great and we love helping each other, pushing each other. Not intimidating at all. Facilities are clean.
I just love being here.

If I could give this gym 6 stars, I would. I joined about 3 months ago as part of my «New Year’s Resolution» and haven’t looked back since. I’ve been taking the extreme cardio kickboxing bag class and it has literally changed my life. In all honesty, I was somewhat apprehensive during my first class (free trial class) because I had NO experience in any type of MMA or fighting class. After the first class, I was hooked. What a workout! The instructors really actually care about each person and cater to every skill level. No one is looked down upon because of the lack of skill or body type. I have never seen a gym with such a friendly, caring staff. It always amazes me that the front desk knows every member by name and always greets you with a smile. Quite a rarity nowadays.
Three months into this class, I’m in nearly the best shape of my life (I used to play water polo and was a life guard 25 years ago so that was my best). I’ve lost over 20 pounds and nearly have a «six pack». I work out six days a week because the workouts make me feel so strong and energetic throughout the rest of the day. I used to always tell myself I didn’t have time to do workouts. I now make time.
My three sons have been training at EliteMMA for almost 2 years now. I’ve seen a tremendous amount of skill and boost in their self-​confidence since they started. I work out a few days a week with my wife while my three year old daughter watches us through the window. The staff even go so far as to make our daughter feel welcome!
This is my first online review EVER as my free time is very scarce. Hopefully my experience will help someone else change their life for the better.

I’ve been training here since November 2012 and wanted to update my review again.
When I started I was really BAD at Jiu Jitsu. almost no skills and constantly found myself not having a clue what to do. I was always the one getting stuffed.
Things have gotten much better thanks to EliteMMA and Rodrigo Carvahlo along with some great peers there. My skills have gone from suck to sucks less. I am able to be competitive with many there even at 57 years of age and my overall fitness level has jumped leaps and bounds into the some of the best shape I have been in.
My weight has dropped and I’m gaining a level of confidence in this and «seeing the light» so to say.
The facilities are super clean and always a pleasure to visit.
You won’t beat what you can get there for ONE PRICE anywhere else in the Thousand Oaks, Simi, Moorpark, Westlake Village, and Agoura area. Some come even further than that to train.
Come try a class and don’t worry if you are out of shape. They will take care of that.
I think of many of these people as family. Does not get any better than that!
EliteMMA rocks!

Let me start by saying, I have been a patron of gyms for many years. I have tried the big corporate mega-​gyms as well as smaller «boutique» workout studios. I have spent big $ on trainers with mixed results. Bas Ruttens gym is hands down the best gym I have been a member of.
I joined Bas Ruttens gym about a year ago. I have to say I love this place. It has all the usual equipment, but none of the usual attitude from the staff and patrons. This is surprising, as it is an MMA gym.
The Bag classes with Jamie, Carlo & James will kick your a$$! There is no better cardio class on the planet, period. To top it off, the instructors are all professional kickboxers, boxers and MMA fighters. When I say professional, I’m talking the guys you see on TV beating the crap out of each-​other.
After about 6 months of do the bag classes & sparring classes w/​Jamie Toney, I decided to take an introductory Brazilian Jiu Jitsu class. This class is taught by world class Jiu Jitsu practitioner Rodrigo Carvalho. What a workout! I couldn’t move the next day (in a good way). Now I try to attend this class 4 – 5 days /​week.
All of these instructors offer private lessons. I recommend taking a private lesson with each of these professional fighters. Where else can you get in the octagon w/​a pro MMA fighter and walk away with all of your teeth?
I almost forgot Bas Ruten actually teaches a class here! This guy is a MMA legend. Not only is he the host of Inside MMA on TV, he is the star of the 2011 movie «Here Comes the Boom». I dont know his official record, but he has fought tons of fights & won most of them. This guys teaching style extremely practical and delivered in hilarious manor. You will see him from time to time walking briskly through the gym, singing & cracking jokes.
The social setting of the gym is warm and inviting. I have made several new quality friends there over the past year. I give this gym 5 stars in all categories. This place would be a bargain at twice the price they are charging.