★ 5

Coach Renzo is an excellent martial arts instructor. If you’re willing to put in the work, he’ll make sure you get the most out of every Muay Thai class. The only drawback at Hard Knocks is that it can get crowded during warm ups for evening sessions. but that’s a sign of a quality gym with strong demand.

Despite having many competitive fighters, Coach Renzo’s classes are great for building solid fundamentals. I especially recommend Hard Knocks for anyone still learning the ropes of striking, like myself.

Source: Google

★ 1

Horrible place

Source: Google

★ 5

Tell Renzo Crazy that Rick sent you.

Source: Google

★ 5

An amazing place to study Judo - the instructor, Sensei Josh, is a 4th degree blackbelt, and really focuses on doing the techniques with precision and *correctly* so no one gets hurt. Case in point, he puts heavy emphasis on learning breakfalls (many places try to gloss over that even though it's the most important part of Judo). Classes start with calisthenics before moving into standard drills. About 30 minutes in, we are introduced to a technique and practice it for 30 minutes. The last 30 are spent on sparing, both standing and ground techniques. (90 minutes classes 4x week).

This is traditional Kodokan rules so the class starts and ends with the traditional kneeling, greeting, and bowing; ground work is emphasized, leg grabs are allowed; etc. I've learned a lot since I came here from another Judo dojo.

Source: Google

★ 5

Renzo teaches more than muay tbai. He teaches respect. He displays patience. He encourages peace.

Source: Google

★ 5

Best Muay Thai in the valley

Source: Google

★ 5

I think Renzo is a very good coach in muai thai and you should sign up!

Source: Google

★ 5

Been going to Hard Knocks for years. Now that I am older and past my prime. My kids are going there. He is an amazing coach and mentor and will teach you life skills that may one day save your life.

Source: Google

★ 5

New to Judo, but have had some experience training wrestling, BJJ, and boxing.

Dropped in for a Judo class with Coach Josh. His instruction was thorough, and he effectively coached mistakes. The class was a little over an hour, but felt like I learned what might’ve taken me a few sessions at other gyms/classes.

I really liked how the instruction and exercises were all relevant, building upon each other, starting from simple individual movements (footwork, handwork, hips), and eventually into a small system of attacks. I may have not executed it perfectly but Coach Josh made it clear what it should look like and what to refine continuously throughout the class.

Very impressed by the quality of Coach Josh. He will make your judo better. No complaints. Will return.

Source: Google

★ 5

Amazing place! Whether you are looking to get in shape or learn self-defense, look no further. Renzo is the best!

Source: Google

★ 5

i love this gym!!!!!!!!!! everyone treats you like a family

Source: Google

★ 5

I trained Judo starting at around 6 years old and received an Orange Belt under Sensei Nori Bunasawa in Tustin, CA. Due to parents and divorce problems, mom and I moved away, so I started Muay Thai in Corona, CA under one of the very first Thai Kick boxers in the USA, but I always trained Judo moves and found a few other judo kids with wealthier parents to train with (unsanctioned). After that, I moved around a lot and trained with anyone I could in any type of martial art, but judo was my base and I was very good at the few moves I had mastered. I knew I could beat pretty much any foe. Also, meditation, breathing, sparring and discipline were very similar to the Marine Corps mentality my father taught me, which I too became. I read a few reviews by people who claim to be males, and "fathers," apparently upset these Kru or Sensei were not weak enough to teach their sons, or were too hard on their boys. My advice to them is to stay home. This dojo is EXACTLY what a MAN needs if they expect their son to achieve in the real world, in my opinion. Jits is awesome too and I have trained with the very best. I love Thai kickboxing. But the Japanese time tested traditions are ONLY found in Judo, and we Marines (and the Russians) know the Japanese tradition is second to none insofar as passing on the warrior ethos and overall skill-set. I recommend this martial arts academy as second to none in the USA or Europe (I have lived in both places) .. and have utmost respect for these selfless men who are teaching the next generation of true warriors. For the weaker class, there is always generic Karate or BJJ. But for those who want that next level of unadulterated reality, and tradition, I think this is the place for you. Semper Fidelis!

Source: Google

★ 5

Great gym. You will get in shape fast. Renzo is a good coach and will get you right. Good crew that trains there and everyone is welcoming and will give help if needed.

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

Trained with Renzo as a teenager, now my 6 yr old is training here. So far he loves it. The coach is great with kids and always keeps it fun for them with a good balance of humor and motivation. This is real Mauy Thai so not for weak parents/children. If you want to learn Mauy Thai and aren't afraid of training hard, this is the place for you.

Source: Google

★ 5

"Hard Knocks" it's in the name- expect tough training and teach your kids the value. My child has been training Muay Thai here since she was 5; almost 3 years now. Renzo is a great coach for the kids, he really cares for them in and out of the gym. My daughter loves training here, and is eagerly waiting for her little brother to join.

Source: Google

★ 5

Renzo is a great coach ! Good with the kids and adults. You will learn real Muay Thai here.

Source: Google

★ 5

Awesome place! Couch is amazing with the kids.

Source: Google

★ 1

‏Horrible place !!!!! Stinky! Rude teacher, I took my son away! And I have only bad things to say about this place !!! He does not care about the children or the parents. He has no communication. I do NOT recommend this place to any child.

Source: Google

★ 1

Zerooooooo human relations!
I understand that coach has to be tough with the kids but not with the parents to spend so much money!!
Will never recommend this place to anyone

Source: Google

★ 5

Best experience iv had at any gym , Renzo is one of kind and highly recommended this place !

Source: Google

★ 5

My daughter has been training here 2 years. Best mauy thai gym

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

Renzo is a very nice guy, but make no mistake he will push you to your limits and then some. It was awesome learning from him. Also everyone is very helpful and no one ever wants to hurt you, but rather teach you and help you become a better version of yourself. I miss it.

Source: Google

★ 5

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★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

d Knocks is an excellent muay thai school. My son Diesel fought 3 of their kids in a match and they gave such a good fight, we had to check them out. Coach Renzo is awesome and gave us some great tips. They have a ring, which is important if you want to spar realistically and learn the craft. It was controlled training and sparring and we didn't feel like it was a challenge match being we train at a different school. Coach Renzo coached both kids while they sparred. If it were just a little closer to where we live, we'd be traing here. Anyway we look forward to meeting them again at any future competitions.
You would do well to train here to learn how to fight!

Source: Google

★ 5

This an excellent school to learn Muay Thai and Judo. The instructors are very knowledgeable and care for the development of their students. It does live up to the name of hard knocks, so don't expect softness here. They will make your kid tough. Great school I highly recommend it.

Source: Google

★ 5

Capoeira is confidence building with music and martial arts.

Source: Google

★ 1

It's a hard knock for us

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★ 5

My kids go here and they love it. This place helped my kids build confidence in themselves and do well in school.

Source: Google

★ 5

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★ 5

Renzo is an awesome trainer! If you do something the wrong way he will stop you and show you the correct technique. Unlike other gyms.

Source: Google

★ 5

Great spot. Ask for Renzo, tell him Rick sent you.

Source: Google

★ 5

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★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

I have been training at Hard Knocks for about a month now and I'm loving it.
The conditioning class is my favorite at the moment. I really love the fact that it's not limited to just punching and kicking heavy bags around but also includes kettlebells and battle ropes with other equipment designed to get you glistening profusely with that salty nectar we call sweat.
I feel comfortable stating that Renzo is a great instructor, it can get intimidating when you're training along side actual fighters but Renzo gives as much instructional time to regular trainers like myself as he does to them. What I also like is that he is always pushing and challenging everyone during training. He definitely doesn't mind shouting constructive criticism warmly encased in a joke at your expense... but hey if you're not putting 110% into your training then why bother right.
This place really does employ the term "you dont have to be a fighter to train like one"

Source: Google