Reviews of G.I.R.L.S. Gym (Gym)

Greta Hau

GIRLS gym is more than just a gym, it’s a community. The trainers and owners (Sarah and Gary) are kind, patient, welcoming and very knowledgeable. They make you feel supported no matter what your level or experience is. The other women that train there are awesome- I’ve made lots of friends and I’ve really enjoyed feeling apart of a close community. Since training at GIRLS gym I’ve become stronger, more skilled and more confident. I can’t recommend this place enough!

Jen C

You just have to come try it!! I'm always learning something new and fun and I don't have to be on a treadmill/elliptical for a workout. There's all types of girls here, whether you've never worked out much or you just want to try something else. No judgement, no pressure, and it feels so good to punch something!

solstice Barba

This place no good . Upon first glance I believed this place to have good intention. But that male teacher has no patience and was even condescending to me for simply asking to slow down since it was my first day at the studio . I world have never expected to have been discouraged to learn boxing at a place supposedly geared towards empowering and training women . The studio had almost no students when I arrived and this groupon seems to be a feeble attempt to stay in business perhaps . My groupon was refunded immediately with no troubles . I attend portland shaolin studio now to learn Kung fu and most of the teachers are men, and I have never been made to feel depreciated like I had at that doubtful studio .

david jones

Rude and aggressive people that go to gym. They come out trying to fight if they dont get what they want. they making my neighborhood look bad.

Laura Mora

Great group of girls. Great instructors (both Sarah and Gary are patient and understanding. Very dedicated to making sure you are constantly improving.) Great energy. Positive and excited to learn group of people. Always something new to learn and always welcoming. The students who have been there a longer time are very close knit but also always inviting and welcome new students with excitment! Very reasonably priced, especially compared to other training gyms. My favorite martial arts gym by far (and I've been to quite a few)!

Ariel Iannone

I’ve been coming to this gym for about a year now (my anniversary is on Halloween...spooky!) and I love it. Everyone is super nice and supportive of each other, and even though we work hard, we also know how to have fun. Before I started, I had no martial arts experience at all, and even though I really wanted to learn, I was so nervous about signing up that it took me a couple of years to work up the courage to stop by and take advantage of the free first class. As soon as I walked in, though, I knew it was the right place for me. It’s a great community, and being a member here has really helped me uncover reserves of strength and power that I didn’t even know I had. A year later, and I’ve already been able to accomplish so much more than I even imagined when I first started - including deciding to train not only in kickboxing but also in Brazilian jiu jitsu!

Jane N.

This gym is an amazing community of women. I’ve been working out here nearly a year. I came in with no marital arts experience and I can vouch that this gym is for all skill levels. They are friendly and supportive as the coaches challenge your skill level. Learning is continuous. I highly recommend G.I.R.L.S. Gym.

Kira LeMat

I've been going to the G.I.R.L.S. Gym for about two years now. I was pretty nervous to walk in, as I thought that my complete lack of experience would embarrass me, and the ladies might be cold or unwelcoming. I was completely wrong! Everyone is so welcoming and very laid back, but you get a workout, and a great training experience. The instructors are easy to talk to and get you started right away. Even though my partner was more experienced than me, she was helpful with getting me comfortable and getting a good workout. There are women of all fitness levels coming, and I appreciate that the instructors push us in a positive (not at all demeaning or aggressive) way. Now I can't imagine life without this community of strong, funny, amazing women!

Diana Aby

I have been attending about 9 months now. Even when I feel tired and run down, I look forward to going to class. I always leave feeling better than when I went in. I feel better physically and mentally because of the wonderful supportive environment the coaches and members foster. I can't thank them enough for creating a unique space that has given me so much joy and strength!

trisha zander

GIRLS gym is a place that fosters feminine strength and equality. I’ve seen my daughter’s self esteem thrive and inner strength grow from such a supportive community. Love this place!

Amy Douglas

I've been going to GIRLS gym for about 4 years now. This gym is amazing. The coaches are friendly, patient, understanding, and very knowledgeable. The gym is made of wonderful, supportive, caring individuals. I like how there are different classes and times available as well as a great workout it is too. I absolutely love everything about this gym!

Cassi Heale

G.I.R.L.S. Gym is a welcoming professional space and community of gals from various backgrounds and reasons for committing to the Arts. The coaches are kind and knowledgeable; as a group we laugh and support students at all skill levels. I've been a member for a couple months and show up twice a week to test what I've learned and learn new skills, which has helped boost my overall confidence in daily life and my sense of security and capabilities. The owners eat-sleep-breathe their business and develop personal connections with students, as well as keep equipment and facilities in awesome condition. I feel fortunate to be part of the G.I.R.L.S Gym tribe and look forward to building my skills set on this long journey I envision. Maybe I will be a coach someday when I'm ready...come try out a class!

kaitlyn burch

I've been training at GIRLS Gym for almost 2 years. It's a supportive community and the coaches are very knowledgable. Highly recommend this gym!

Jessie Miller

This place is an absolute blast! All the women who work out here are super encouraging and being a different levels doesn't seem to hold anybody back. It's super empowering and makes you feel like a kick ass woman! Go check it out!

Ava Lewis

I have benn going there 4 months but I have been doing martial arts for three years I learned a lot new stuff and made great friend.

Allie Szymoniak

I've been here for four years. So I have a lot to say. But it can be summarized in three ways! As a student: I came in with no athletic or martial arts experience whatsoever. I just wanted to try out kickboxing as a way to exercise while learning. I got way more than I bargained for in the best way. Through this gym, I discovered a love for martial arts and combat sports that I'll carry with me forever. Whether it's jiu jitsu, kickboxing or MMA, there is no question too dumb and you'll never be made to feel that you're not good enough. It's a safe learning environment that lets you go at your own speed and choose your own adventure. As a competitor: I compete in jiu jitsu tournaments in the area a few times a year. Competition, for those who are interested, is stressed as a tool for learning and experience. I've experienced a fair amount of both successful and unsuccessful matches, and I've never been made to feel as though losing was anything other than just one more learning experience to draw from in the future. This keeps me motivated and compelled to improve as opposed to afraid to let down my team and coaches. As a human: My teammates and coaches represent a network of people I can rely on to allow me to learn in a safe environment, make me laugh every day and improve physically and mentally. My life would look very different if I'd never taken a chance to try something new. The one-star review down below is kind of appalling, actually. I've seen both of the head coaches work with brand new beginners nearly every week for the last four years and they're nothing but patient and encouraging. This gym absolutely welcomes beginners and the only thing the beginner needs to bring is a good attitude and willingness to learn.

Andie Koelling

I bring my daughter here for the ninja girls class and we both absolutely love it. Great leadership and strong female influences. She looks forward to classes every week and is learning great self defense techniques. Overall positive experience, highly recommended

Jessie Nutz

I started at G.I.R.L.S. Gym a little over 2 years ago after moving to Portland. I was looking for a place to make friends in a new city. I hit the jackpot with G.I.R.L.S. Gym. It’s filled with amazing women that quickly became family. I have my holiday meals with them and everything. If you’re like me and looking for a place to make some solid quirky friends, this is the place. Along with having a fun community G.I.R.L.S. is also a great place to learn martial arts. I came to the gym with about 12 years of prior experience and give it my own stamp of approval. I’m challenged and pushed to always do better. Whether it’s a large or small class the instructors pay attention and cater to the individual's goals and capabilities. Also shout out to the class schedule. The late classes and weekend classes are amazing for those working the 9-5 life.

Amanda Burnett

This is my forth year at GIRLS Gym! I only do CombatFit Bootcamp, no martial arts or kickboxing. I absolutely adore Gary and Sarah! They are the sweetest and are super knowledgeable regarding mixed martial arts, kickboxing, as well as general conditioning! I find that the Bootcamp is a perfect workout for me! Sarah tells me what to do for an hour and I'm sore afterwards! There are a range of girls who choose to be a part of GIRLS Gym. From young (teenagers) to old (there is no age limit), I have found that GIRLS Gym is all inclusive and willing to adapt to any modifications one may need to make. I've had nothing but positive and supportive experiences at this gym and honestly I HATE gyms! I always end up feeling self conscious and like the odd one out in other fitness centers. GIRLS Gym is more like a team than a gym. It's a pretty awesome feeling.

Ciara Howard

Training martial arts at GIRLS Gym has changed my life. It’s more than just working out and learning some skills, it changes your whole frame of mind. I really wish I could articulate it, but it’s just something you have to experience to understand. The other day I had an encounter with a larger man. This man put his hand and cell phone on my face. I yelled for help to the surrounding people and no one came to aid me. As I realized no one was coming to help, I slowed my breath and calmed my thoughts. When he made contact with me, because of my training, I was able to defend myself and get away from him. The story begins and ends with support from my coaches. They gave me the skills I needed to protect myself when no one would help, and the moment my coaches became aware I was in danger, they immediately backed me and made sure I was safe. To all females out there, all ages, all sizes, all races, orientations, religions, whatever please start training, you have to know how to protect yourself in this world.

Lynda Jones

Bad place to go to they have no respect for anyone seen it first hand. I lived in the neighborhood for 21 years and they removed my original review for what reason

Ambra Halverson

I’ve been going here for 2 years and it’s the best MMA gym I’ve ever gone to! It’s an amazing workout with amazing women!

Alex Walker

I've been here over 3 months, learned so much. The trainers are amazing, the other gym goers are super helpful and sweet. Love this gym!

trisha peterson

This place is a amazing! When my daughter was interested in jujitsu but felt timid in a class overpowered by boys her age, G.I.R.L.S gym not only welcomed her with open arms but gave her the confidence to stand tall and work hard towards a goal. 5 stars!!!

Sarah Parson

I’ve been training at this gym for around a year and a half and it’s the only gym I’ve ever truly loved going to. Our trainers are extremely knowledgeable and gifted and have created a safe, welcoming, empowering community for women and girls of all ages. I’m honored to be a part of this badass community and look forward to all I get to learn in the years to come!