Smiley Academy of Martial Arts

There's a few concerns I have with this gym. The instruction is pretty good though. That's why it gets 2 stars, I'll give credit where credit is due. First, the pricing is not disclosed until you complete your trial class, and out of respect for the gym owner I won't say it here, however just to compare, one of the best MMA gyms in the country that has produced tons of professional talent (American Top Team) is cheaper. The coach and students tell you not to drink water, "there are two water breaks allowed, one before class and one after class". This isn't totally unheard of for MMA gyms, but to hold hobbyists with no desire to compete to this standard is a little unusual. I viewed the Smoothcomp of this gym and it's not the best, and I could not find the Tapology of this gym, which leads me to believe they have no amateur or pro fighters through here. I believe for a largely hobbyist gym, you should allow your paying customers to choose when they want to drink water. The environment isn't the best either, many students aren't pleasant to those around them. All in all, it seems like this gym is stuck between a rock and a hard place, they follow the customs of a tough MMA gym, but it is largely full of hobbyists. You can find cheaper, better environment, better training partners, and be allowed to drink water elsewhere folks.

Hands down one of the best martial arts schools in our nation. Coach James is a wealth of knowledge and carries the experience as well. Aside from his own achievements coach, James has been a huge part of Two of the world’s best teams ever. A strong part of Tom DeBlass association as well as Valentina Shevchenko’s team. And lastly, Coach Smiley is one of the most generous and kindest people you will ever meet.

Updated Review: I received a response to my review from the gym and let me clarify. I have rechecked my phone and have received ZERO text messages from this gym to confirm my free trial and location for training. I initially called them on the 23rd to reschedule my trial because I was recently released from the hospital and needed to push my training to a later date. No one told me on that call that the gym only operates out of one location. I never received a text message after that. I recalled on the 28th when I was sitting in a parking lot of their old gym location on the day of my free trial and was told to reschedule for a later date. Regardless of how they want to spin this to look decent online, they need to update their website information. Original Review: I tried to come for a free trial and the gym markets two locations. The gym never called to confirm my free session with me. I drive to the address of the location I selected to train at on their websie and it is no longer here. I call the gym and find out the gym is only operating out of one location. Not a fan of the custom service and the process of getting established as a new gym member. I will be looking elsewhere for a place to train.

Came in for a class while traveling. Coach James was super friendly and welcoming. The people are unusually helpful compared to where I’ve dropped in before while traveling. Good vibes for sure. Thanks coach!