★ 5

Kru Ronnie is an exceptional coach. He really knows how to break down the basics of Muay Thai to make them easy to understand. He also knows how to mix western boxing with Muay Thai perfectly.

Source: Google

★ 5

If you’re interested in learning Muay Thai, Ronnie is the best! He’s an amazing coach, and can help you improve your skills whether you are a total beginner or a professional fighter. He has built an amazingly supportive community through his program. I learn so much from each class!

Source: Google

★ 5

Ronnie with 8 Tribe has been my coach for 3 years. Great atmosphere with his classes, and everyone that trains here is great. 8 tribe is the place to learn Muay Thai here in San Diego

Source: Google

★ 5

8Tribe Is a family I’m proud to form part of
I trained with Ronnie for three years because I wanted to learn how to do proper striking and not only did. I found that I was able to become proficient quite soon, but I was even able to sign up for my first competition soon after I truly enjoyed his highly experienced coaching style as Ronnie has an extensive background And amazing history
The classes are very well adapted to everyone’s pace and he’s able to cater directly with subtlety and ease! The best shape I have ever been in! And now I enter rooms with a completely different aura!

Source: Google

★ 5

I absolutely recommend anyone looking for training to come train here !! Whether it’s to sharpen your skills or to begin learning the art of Muay Thai, Ronnie is an excellent Coach. He’s not only skilled, but he’s welcoming, passionate and enthusiastic of his art.
Go see it for yourself 👊🏼

Source: Google

★ 5

8 Tribe Muay Thai is the best combat sports organization I have trained with. Ronnie is on another level

From outlining what to expect as a beginner first stepping in the ring to developing professional fighters, Ronnie’s expertise and passion for the sport is always on display

His private training sessions are a great way to get in to the sport and develop based on your fitness, experience, and skill level.

The group class is a good mix of skill development, pad training, conditioning, and sparring. Ronnie maintains a positive culture and environment for students

He is also a top notch fitness trainer, who in addition to training me, trained my son.

Source: Google

★ 5

Words cant express how great of a person coach ronnie is this man has a level of expertise and patience that unmatched. I am coming off one of the hardest chapters of my life and this was a first for me I needed to escape and feel some type of believe in myself. Not only were the other people patient but they helped and ronnie is an absolute mastermind after traveling the world to perfect his craft. Whether you are a pro or a beginner you need to come check 8 tribe out!

Source: Google

★ 5

I was introduced to Muay Thai in 2011 and Ronnie was my trainer back then in North Melbourne Boxing & Fitness gym in Australia. The fighting skills, fundamentals and the mind set I have developed was tremendous and the best opening gate into the world of martial arts. He is definitely the most successful trainer I have ever met. He moved to California 8 years ago and it is a pleasure to visit him today in San Diego and watch the high level of performance. For everyone who lives here in San Diego and loves martial arts, I would highly recommend using this opportunity and learn from this master of Muay Thai as much as you can.
The 1st photo was in 2014, the 2nd is today (2023)

Source: Google

★ 5

Been with Ronnie for two years. Learning the skills, discipline and mental toughness made a profound impact on my life

Source: Google

★ 5

8 Tribe is an awesome, welcoming Muay Thai gym that takes people from all skill levels and works with them to be the best they can be.

I personally started out back in 2021with 0 Muay Thai experience and have found 8 Tribe to be a great family that helps each member thrive under the tutelage of Ronnie, a committed and skilled instructor.

Whether you want an intense workout, a chance to push yourself or even wanting to get in the ring as a fighter, do yourself a favor and check out 8 Tribe!

Source: Google

★ 5

My private sessions with Ronnie were an amazing experience that I highly recommend to my friends and family. I always wanted to box and he showed me techniques that were easy to pick up and I had a great time punching and kicking. If you are looking for a different kind of training to burn fat and build muscle this is the way to go. Can't wait to be back in the ring.

Source: Google

★ 5

Ronnie is the best! Classes are the perfect mix of technique, conditioning, and application. On my first day, Ronnie promised me I would get a good workout and learn something and he’s kept his promise every class. I highly recommend 8 tribe Muay Thai no matter what your experience level or goals are!

Source: Google

★ 5

I had wanted to train and study the art of Muay Thai for many years but every year passed by and I never started because life was "too busy" or some other excuse. At 41 I was sure I was too old to start but took the leap of faith and am beyond grateful that I did. Ronnie has been an excellent coach and mentor. He helped me build my confidence and slowly develop me by layering on more and more technique to progressively improve my abilities. I always feel challenged but never beyond my capabilities even though sometimes I know he pushes me to grow and tests my limits. Hands down I would recommend training with him to anyone. He focuses on training efficiently with an emphasis on avoiding injury. We've trained at other gyms and it felt more like a profit factory with little to no focus on the individual and their unique needs. I met Ronnie unexpectedly and I am grateful that I was lucky enough to embark on this journey with him as my guide! It's been so great that my girlfriend joined me about 8 months ago and it's been a great bonding experience! Best mental and physical challenge I've been lucky enough to embrace.

Source: Google

★ 5

I started training with Ronnie because my boyfriend had been training with him for almost a year. Every time he would come back from training he would be in the best mood and so happy. He started showing me some moves and invited me to join him. Ronnie allowed me to join a session and I was hooked! I must admit I was hesitant at first as a female to start training but Ronnie is a true professional and made me feel 100% confident and comfortable. I've never been in a confrontation or fight but at this point feel confident I'd be able to protect and defend myself if needed! I never in my life would have imagined that I'd be training Muay Thai but am so grateful I am. I can't think of a better way to build my confidence, strength, and conditioning!

Source: Google

★ 5

Ronnie is one the best one-on-one trainers I’ve ever worked with. His clear and concise teaching has enabled me to increase and sharpen my skills as a martial artist. After a lot of research I felt like I had found the ideal place. For anyone even remotely interested in taking up a striking sport, I can’t recommend 8Tribe enough.

Source: Google

★ 5

I came out to San Diego for work and wanted to get into some form of boxing in my spare time. I came across Ronnie at 8 Tribe and learned about Muay Thai and couldn’t have had a better experience. Ronnie truly knows his stuff and cares about teaching you the proper way of things and you have fun doing it. I only got to train with him for 8 months but I learned a lot and can say I’m a more confident and stronger fighter. I highly recommend training here

Source: Google

★ 5

Ronnie is hands down the best muay thai coach around. He's got years of fighting and coaching experience as well as passion to pass on everything he's learned to others. From completely new to seasoned fighters there's a program for you. I've known and trained with Ronnie and 8 Tribe since 2015 and I am constantly impressed by his program.
Training is always highly professional, very personable, and the environment is lively and friendly during every class. Class sizes vary, but even at the most busy there's a good amount of personal attention given to each person training. The private lessons range from highly technical to brutal workouts and are also fantastic. The dedication to safely training is also very prominent be it during pad work, bag work, or hard sparring.
I wouldn't want to train with any other coach.

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

Been there for a year now. The instructor is knowledgeable and friendly. Training is intense and fun. See you there.

Source: Google

★ 5

Joined the tribe as a novice, and have enjoyed every minute of training. Ronnie is an amazing mentor with a great attitude and clear dedication to the trade… You are going to get out exactly what you put into this class and it has made me a better man in the process. Wether you plan to compete in the trade or are just looking to have an upper hand on the general public for self defense THIS IS THE CLASS FOR YOU.

Source: Google

★ 5

Ronnie’s 8 Tribe Muay Thai is unmatched in San Diego, maybe the world. The name of his gym is perfect as you will quite literally be among a tribe of warriors. His approach is great for anyone of any skill level. He takes the time to learn what you’re looking for in your first few sessions and has a very keen eye for detail. He expects the same level of output for the ways of Muay Thai that he himself puts forward. If you’re slacking off or not taking the program seriously he will address it immediately. His time and energy are very important to him and not only that, if he gives you the opportunity to train, he’ll value your energy and time in the same regard.

His dedication to making people better fighters goes beyond just showing up to the gym and doing drills and sparring. He’s one of the most knowledgeable people I’ve ever met in regards to literature and mindset. He always has a recommendation for books to be reading in your down time and advice on ways to recover and train on your own. He’s all about full growth and maxing out your potential both physically and mentally.

Some may not like his approach to life, and that’s not a negative statement. It’s challenging to be a bold and confident individual, a result that takes hard work, mental toughness, and resiliency. All of which Ronnie will mold and shape you in to if you’re willing.

All of his classes are beginner friendly. You won’t just get thrown to the wolves right away. You will learn technique and conditioning before you get in with the experienced fighters. Even then there is a mutual respect amongst the tribe not to just destroy the new guy for the fun of it. 8 tribe is truly a family and if you’re willing to give it all you got, you’ll receive that back.

Not only this but Ronnie maintained regular class hours and weekly schedules throughout the covid shutdowns, regardless of the warnings of fines and closures. Just proof again that if you fight for him, he’ll fight for you.

My life has been forever changed in a positive way by seeking out 8 Tribe and I can’t recommend this program enough. Best Muay Thai gym in San Diego, hands down.

Source: Google

★ 5

All in the name of progression... I'm 34 years old and I would have never thought that I would be accepting my first Smokers fight 9 months since joining Ronnie.
I've had the pleasure of attending other "Muay Thai" gyms throughout San Diego, and while they do offer a service, it's quite clear that Ronnie and 8 Tribe Muay Thai is a notch above. Other gyms will place you in a class of 25+ people and it's a constant barrage of push-ups, sit-ups, mountain climbers, etc. very little focus on technique, and to say it simply, having that many bodies is tough to really work with someone on a level that will eliminate any bad habits or tendencies.
No BS with Ronnie. Just like anything that's worth doing, Ronnie will put in as much as you're willing to put in yourself. There is a level of accountability that I've never experienced at other gyms...work hard and put in the time, you will see the results!
The schedule is fairly straightforward, Monday - Friday and Tuesdays devoted to sparing. FYI - sparring and or fighting is not required.

I would recommend 8 Tribe Muay Thai to anyone who is looking to receive a technical and a hands on approach to Muay Thai. Ronnie keeps it old school and I feel he's preserving the Art of Muay Thai...
I would also recommend to those who are looking to improve as a person not only physically but also mentally. I'm much more confident in life and looking forward to continue improving as an individual and most importantly a practitioner of Muay Thai.
8 Tribe is full of good people, no aggression, just an awesome group to work with daily and improve your Muay Thai.

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

I did a lot of research when looking for a Muay Thai instructor in the San Diego area. I visited a handful of gyms and talked to some nice folks along the way. I knew I wanted one-on-one training, and I came across Ronnie and 8Tribe.

Ronnie is the man. He's patient, knowledgeable, experienced, and will make you work hard. He can adjust to your needs, be it to for fighting competitively or for self-defense -- he has experience with both.

No matter your skill level, Ronnie will make you better and you will have fun while training. Save yourself the trouble of researching more gyms: just go with 8Tribe. You're welcome :)

Source: Google

★ 5

This was my first experience with Muay Thai, and I believe it'll be hard to beat. If you're completely new, Ronnie offers one on one beginner course, which give you a great base and taste of what he has to offer as a teacher. If you just decided to take the class, you'll find a great group of people to spar with, learn from, and train with. In all, if you're interested in Muay Thai this is a great place to go.

Source: Google

★ 5

I was new to Muay Thai and had no experience, Ronnie made me feel comfortable since day one. Ronnie is an amazing trainer! He is very knowledgeable about self defense and Muay Thai. Each training session is different and the workouts are great! I look forward to each session!

Source: Google

★ 5

8 Tribe is definitely a dope place to train. Unlike a lot of coaches, Ronnie does an amazing job at being attentive. He's extremely knowledgeable and technical and has lots of professional experience. Every day with Ronnie at 8 Tribe, I feel as if I learned something, and have improved on something. More than anything, he's very supportive and will give you the extra attention you require if you're interested in fighting. This is a big must for me as I've yet to compete and I need to make sure I have a coach that 100% meet my expectations. Muay thai can be a very intimidating sport to get into, but Ronnie and his team make it VERY welcoming with people of all skill levels. For anyone interested in Muay Thai, definitely check out Ronnie at 8 Tribe Muay Thai.

Source: Google

★ 5

Ronnie is an outstanding teacher. He caters to his students by teaching them in a way that would make sense to the students based on their background. His lessons are not copy and paste for each student because each student can have different height, weight, speed, age, or prior experience in another martial art. I have had one on one coaching/ mentoring in other activities in my life and I know whether a mentor is deeply invested in your progress or not. Ronnie will give all newcomers a warm welcome to the combat sport of Muay Thai.

Source: Google

★ 5

Being in town for a few days I dropped in for a class. I am extremely glad I did as Ronnie and the other members were so welcoming and oriented on helping with technique. I felt comfortable and at home the moment I walked in. This is an awesome gym and I got a lot out of just one class. I highly recommend anyone to come to this gym, you will be happy you did!

Source: Google

★ 5

8Tribe Muay Thai is an awesome way to learn Muay Thai Kickboxing!! Brother Ronnie is one heck of a coach!! His depth of knowledge and incredibly detailed, intense sessions are worth the investment. Thanks Brother!! See you next week!!!🥊😎

Source: Google

★ 5

I can’t put into words how much I love training with Ronnie, but I will try. I’m a 45 year old guy that was out of shape and my body had started to show signs of age. I had constant back pain, I was overweight, and had trouble keeping up with my son. I knew I had to do something about it, but again and again I would find myself joining a gym, or finding a trainer, only to stop after a couple months. The longest I had stuck with something was about a year and a half of weight training with a personal trainer, but it had been a couple years since I stopped due to a fallout with my trainer. I had tried multiple “martial arts”, jiu jitsu, sports training, etc. , but I always dreaded going to workout. It always felt like a chore that I had to do, but never actually enjoyed it. I looked and looked for something that would get me motivated and figured I would try Muay Thai. I had always been attracted to Muay Thai, but had never tried it or found a gym that taught it. I had google searched Muay Thai in San Diego and stumbled upon Ronnie, so I called him up. I set up a private lesson to try it out and see if it was something I would be interested in. To be honest, I figured, like everything else, I would do it a couple times, and find a reason to stop going so I could tell myself at least I tried. I was very nervous walking into the gym, but my nerves were quickly calmed by Ronnie. He is a really nice guy and even though I felt awkward trying new punches and kicks, he made me feel at ease and comfortable. After that first lesson he asked me how I liked it, and for the first time I was honest with a trainer when I said I really enjoyed it and I was excited to come back. I have trained with Ronnie for a while now (probably the longest I’ve continued a workout routine) and I feel the same way after every session. I can’t speak highly enough about Ronnie as a trainer, and as a person. I am incredibly passionate about Muay Thai now, thanks to him, and I’m so grateful that I found something I love to do that is so good for me. My wife loves that I’m in the best shape of my life, I’m confident with myself, and it’s changed my life. I went from a guy that drank 3-4 cokes a day, 4-5 bottles of wine a week, and ate whatever, to zero sodas, zero alcohol, and eating healthier. I can take my shirt off at the pool or the beach and not feel embarrassed, and I feel good about myself for sticking with something. The amazing thing is, I don’t feel like it’s something I HAVE to do. I can’t wait to! I’m excited to go to the gym. I give all the credit to Ronnie and I’m thankful and grateful that I found him. He’s a great trainer, a great motivator, sometimes he’s a therapist that I can talk to when having issues in life (lol), and most of all, he’s become a great friend! Whether you are looking for a trainer because you want to fight in the ring, or fight to be a better version of yourself, try out Ronnie and 8Tribe Muay Thai! I promise you won’t be disappointed!! The only thing you have to lose is pounds!

Source: Google

★ 5

I’ve been training with Ronnie for a little over 2 months now and I’ve learned to love the sport so much because of his style of training. I’m a strength and conditioning coach myself, and He really explains technique and form like no other. His training has helped my hip mobility insanely and my conditioning hasn’t been this good since high school. Each week he teaches new technique which leave you understanding it, to practice it on your own. You just get it! That’s when you know his sessions are full of knowledge because he identifies your weaknesses , then fixes them.
If you’re looking for a 5 star Muay Thai coach in San Diego , I highly recommend 8Tribe with Coach Ronnie!

Source: Google

★ 5

I lost a lot of weight training with 8Tribe. Ronny is an excellent motivator, and the most skilled trainer I have ever trained with. I’ve taken classes before, but I never felt confident that I was learning. With 8Tribe after every session I feel like I have learned an incredible amount. I’m very glad I joined and you will be too if you give it a try

Source: Google

★ 5

I moved to San Diego back in the summer of 2015 from NYC. One of the first things on my list of priorities was to find a good Muay Thai coach/instructor. As someone who had been training and competing, I dedicated a lot of time into studying the art because I had aspirations of being a great coach one day myself. I hopped around a few gyms, some good, some not so good and I just couldn’t find the right fit. Fast forward to 2018, and I had finally found what I was looking for. I had met Ronnie the year prior, but was already training somewhere else and didn’t want to give up on that gym, but i just didn’t feel like I was getting anywhere there, so I came to Ronnie and in a few short words explained my goals and we started training a few days later.

Ronnie’s attention to detail is second to none, and he was able to help me unlock codes that I had been unable to crack. In 9 months I’ve noticed growth not only technically, but more so cerebrally and strategically. I’m a student of the game and it is very rare that Ronnie sends me home with nothing to think about or write in my notepad.

Ive been training for 12 years, and throughout my journey I’ve had periods of plateaus where I felt nothing was happening and periods where all sorts of answers seem to be falling from the sky, Ronnie has helped me answer many, and I now have a new set of problems that I look forward to solving with him.

I’d never talk ill of other coaches I’ve trained with it or observed, but if you’re looking for a great coach here’s my 2 cents on what to look out for.

1: Make sure that you’ve observed that they care about the students that they already have.

2: That they’re engaged, invested and have a love for their craft. They’re students who study and practice themselves, not just giving orders.

3: They have a healthy balance of militant, cheerleader and professor.

4: They adapt. They’re Never set in their ways or traditional training methods. They uphold tradition while continuing to evolve with the art.

5: They’re just overall good people, inside and out of the gym.

5 stars. Thanks Ronnie.

Source: Google

★ 5

I moved to SD with a few years of completive kickboxing under me, After training at a few different gyms (I won’t mention) I decided to sign up w Ronnie and 8Tribe. The experience and patience he has when teaching is unmatched, you see the passion he has for the sport every time you walk through the doors. Highly recommended😎

Source: Google

★ 5

I wouldnt go anywhere else. Find a coach who is knowledgeable and cares about his students. Ronnie is awesome!!

Source: Google

★ 5

I've trained at different gyms with different trainers and 8tribe is definitely the best. If my best friends and family wanted to learn Muay Thai I would only let them train with Ronnie because I know they'll learn quickly and be in the best hands.

Ronnie is an experienced fighter himself and is a great teacher. He catches every technique detail and truly cares about you learning. Average teachers let you slip and just run you through workouts. Ronnie customizes your training and gives you 100% of his focus during his sessions. Highly recommended.

Source: Google

★ 5

I definitely got a solid foundation. I came here not knowing how to kick or how powerful a kick was. Ronnie was able to learn my style and he was able to pick up on how to efficiently teach me. Every class I learned something new and left wanting to learn more. I came here to learn proper technique and to improve my cardio or lose weight but it just happened through the training so that was a big plus.

Source: Google

★ 5

I have been training with Ronnie for about 6 months now. I'm 45, work a very physical job, so I was a little intimidated at 1st. Since day 1 he has made me feel comfortable (I say that lightly, he pushes me when its needed). He has taken the time to tailor my training so it works for me physically. Not only have I learned great technique, my conditioning has improved and I feel great. I look forward to our sessions. I would say he is the go to go in San Diego.

Source: Google

★ 5

Ronnie's an awesome trainer! He really knows what he's doing, is great at customizing the workouts to who's in class, their level of knowledge and what each student needs to work on to advance in their skill level. I personally couldn't wait to get back into training with 8Tribe after a year working overseas because it's one of the best workouts and an all around great experience thanks to Ronnie.

Source: Google

★ 5

It has taken me several years to find a coach like Ronnie Najjar. I have trained at several of the top gyms in San Diego and many of them focus too much on fitness and not skill development. Ronnie is great at giving you both. I was looking for a gym where I can learn to fight and compete. I have seen Ronnie over and over again train people who have just walked into the gym and prepare them for competition. You can see a big difference in the skill level of his fighters compared to others. He focuses on the little details that make a huge difference to make the technique effective. I learn something new from him every session or he corrects my small mistakes to improve my skills. The culture of the gym is perfect, everyone is serious about mastering Muay Thai but is close like a family. If you are serious about learning authentic Muay Thai I can't recommend 8Tribe enough.

Source: Google

★ 5

8Tribe Muay Thai is simply the best! Ronnie focuses on your weaknesses and emphasizes your strengths. The level of experience is second to none. Here you have a real pro teaching. You will not be allowed to be a slouch or learn bad habits, you will learn to collect yourself mentally as well as physically and put them together to pull out the inner beast. My experience alone has made me have to dig deep and remind myself why I'm gloving up with the 8Tribe team. Coach is always on time so I suggest you arrive early to warm up and be ready to work when the buzzer sounds. You can't put a price on the skills and training ethics you will develop. I have trained at many places and nothing compares to the caliber of training and camaraderie you will receive with 8Tribe Muay Thai. Thanks for the rounds!

Source: Google