ABOUT THE ARENA GYM
The Arena is the leading Combat Sports gym in San Diego, as well as the largest Martial Arts school in the U.S. We offer Beginners to Pros more than 150 weekly classes in 12 different Combat Sports, Martial Arts and Strength & Conditioning programs. Our San Diego classes include Boxing, Filipino Martial Arts, Grappling, Jiu Jitsu, Judo, Kickboxing, MMA, Muay Thai, S &C and Wrestling. This is the biggest program of its kind in the United States and our high caliber training is known worldwide.
Founded in 1949 as the Southern California School of Judo and Jujitsu, we’re the oldest continually operating Martial Arts school in North America. In 2006, we moved to our current San Diego location and updated our name to match our mission to build the best Combat Sports gym in the world.
CLASSES
Our weekly San Diego classes include Boxing, Filipino Martial Arts (FMA), Jiu Jitsu, Judo, Kickboxing, Mixed Martial Arts (MMA), Muay Thai, Strength & Conditioning, Submission Wrestling (No Gi Jiu Jitsu) and Greco-Roman / Freestyle Wrestling. We also offer some of the best Personal Training and Fight Camp programs in San Diego.
Besides being the largest Combat Sports gym in North America, each one of our programs are individually among the biggest in the USA. Our Jiu Jitsu program alone leads the country with 50 adult classes, and our other programs such as Boxing are close behind.
TRAINING
Training at The Arena is different than at other San Diego gyms. Due to our background and history, we’ve had strong ties with members of the Armed Forces since we first started in 1949. This focus had led to a constant emphasis on effective training for the field, the street and in competition. Consequently, we do not (and will never) offer “Cardio” classes.
We simply don’t believe in poor training with even worse technique just to get in shape. Instead, our philosophy is to train for real while still increasing fitness. “Real” doesn’t mean getting hurt or being too aggressive, and we don’t tolerate any bad attitudes here. But it does mean doing things the right way. So if you want the best, most realistic training available, we’re the clear choice in San Diego.
COACHES
Our 12 Coaches comprise one of the most experienced and accomplished teams of Combat Sports and Martial Arts trainers in the world. With an average of over 25 years of experience per coach, we have a tremendous amount of knowledge and mastery to share with our students.
Our San Diego Coaches include the legendary Master Baret Yoshida, a 2x IBJJF Jiu Jitsu World Champion and 3x ADCC medalist / 10x ADCC vet. We also have future UFC Hall of Fame fighter Chris Leben and 4x Team USA Olympic Boxing Coach / US Armed Forces Head Coach Basheer Abdullah. Together, our 12 Coaches provide world class instruction for any level of athlete.
THE ARENA SCHEDULE
We offer the greatest number of adult Combat Sports classes in North America.
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THE ARENA COACHES












THE ARENA FACILITY
27,000 square feet and state of the art, we’re the largest Combat Sports gym in San Diego.

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THE ARENA BLOG
Want the latest and greatest in Combat Sports? Check out our blog.

Chris Leben interviews MMA Legend Enson Inoue
Chris Leben: What’s up, everybody? Chris Leben. I’m here with Enson Inoue. We’re here at The Arena. Enson, you just flew in.Enson Inoue: Yeah.Chris Leben: Welcome, by the way, welcome.Enson Inoue: Yeah, nice to be back.Chris Leben: It’s great to have you here. Yeah, it’s

Enson Inoue Seminar at The Arena 8/4/18
The wait is over! After 3 long years since his last incredibly successful seminar, the legendary Enson Inoue is coming all the way from Japan to do another one at The Arena this Saturday from 10 am to Noon. It’s open to everyone and cost is an