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Steel MMA and Fitness
4.8 ★★★★★ 50 Google reviews · Muay thai gym in San Diego, California
Authentic Thai — reviews and the gym's own info point to coaching rooted in Thailand's muay thai tradition. If lineage matters to you, ask where the coaches trained and about their kru.
Clean venue offering Muay Thai and Jiu-Jitsu classes in a friendly atmosphere.
Plan your first class
- Free trial or intro class most gyms welcome new members with a free trial or intro class — check their site or give them a call to book your first session
- Beginner-friendly all levels welcome, including total beginners — you don't need to be fit or have any experience to start
- Kids & youth classes kids and youth muay thai classes (ages 8–18) — built around discipline, focus, and confidence
- Fitness & conditioning muay thai fitness and cardio classes — a serious workout you can do without ever having to spar
- Fight team a competition team for members who want to test themselves as amateur fighters
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule steelmma.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone (858) 987-0113
Hours
| Monday | 9 AM–8:30 PM |
| Tuesday | 10 AM–8:30 PM |
| Wednesday | 10:30 AM–8:30 PM |
| Thursday | 10 AM–8:30 PM |
| Friday | 10:30 AM–8:30 PM |
| Saturday | 9 AM–1 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“Whether you’re a pro looking for a new gym, or a beginner looking for your start, this gym is it!”
“The lessons from the Muay Thai and Jiu Jitsu sessions have been more than the basic skills, my children have learned life lessons in these classes.”
“It's amazing to see full classes with kids and teens.”
“If you’d like to improve your game definitely also consider booking a personal session with Magalie, she’s one of their pro fighters.”
Other martial arts here
“Hiro Tanno is a phenomenal coach that will teach you real Japanese kickboxing 🇯🇵.”
“The lessons from the Muay Thai and Jiu Jitsu sessions have been more than the basic skills, my children have learned life lessons in these classes.”
“Now, I'm not one to sit on any machines, I only do classes, so when I found Steel MMA, it was perfect!”
What members say
“Coach Jeremy and coach Mike are amazing jiu jitsu practitioners and are really attentive to you whether it's your first day on the mats or your training for a competition.”
“Coach Jeremy and coach Mike are amazing jiu jitsu practitioners and are really attentive to you whether it's your first day on the mats or your training for a competition.”
“The coaches all the way up to the owners are super passionate about what they do and it has a family like atmosphere, which I love.”
“Top notch gym with knowledgeable Muay Thai coaches, a clean environment, and winning fighters to improve your fitness and technique.”
“I have been going to the BJJ classes, and every single person, regardless of belt, has been helping me grow while getting in some good laughs and a good sweat!”
“Coach Jeremy and coach Mike are amazing jiu jitsu practitioners and are really attentive to you whether it's your first day on the mats or your training for a competition.”
From the reviews
Carl is hands down the most dedicated coach. He goes above and beyond for his fighters even when you are not the top of the food chain. I have friends competing at different levels and you wouldn’t believe the things he does to support everyone’s dreams.
After having trained at this gym for 6 years now, and having tried many other gyms in the San Diego area, I can confidently say that Steel is the best striking gym I have ever been to.
I’ve been working with the head Muy Thai instructor, Carl, since 10th grade. He has always made everyone I have seen feel welcomed and seen in class and is sure to be helpful and honest when answering questions. He has built up a great team in both instructors and staff that is always helpful and useful.
Recently went to this gym while visiting from out of state and I loved it. Nice facility, clean, great coaches, and an overall friendly and welcoming environment. If you’d like to improve your game definitely also consider booking a personal session with Magalie, she’s one of their pro fighters.
New to muay thai? Start at Steel MMA and Fitness
Steel MMA and Fitness comes up as a beginner-friendly gym — noted on their own site. If you've never thrown a punch or a kick, that's exactly who a good beginners program is for. A few things worth knowing before your first week. First, you don't need to be fit to start — you get in shape by training, not before it, and coaches scale the conditioning to you. Second, you won't be thrown into sparring — reputable gyms build fundamentals (stance, footwork, and the basic strikes of the "art of eight limbs") for weeks before any contact, and sparring stays optional. Third, all levels really are welcome — ask about a dedicated beginners or fundamentals class time so your first session is alongside others who are also starting out. Most gyms are happy to let you watch or try a class first, so reach out before you commit.
Your first muay thai class at Steel MMA and Fitness
Nervous about walking into a muay thai gym for the first time? Almost everyone is, and good coaches expect beginners to come through the door. Here's what to know. What to expect: a typical first class is a warm-up, then drilling the basics on pads and bags — not fighting. Rest whenever you need to; no one will bat an eye. What to wear: shorts or athletic wear and a t-shirt; you'll train barefoot on the mats. What to bring: water and hand wraps if you have them — many gyms lend gloves for a first class, so it's worth asking when you call. As you keep training you'll add your own gloves, wraps, a mouthguard, and shin guards. Sparring is optional and comes later, once your fundamentals are solid. Arrive 10–15 minutes early to sign a waiver and meet the coach. It gets easier fast — most people feel far more at home by their third class.
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