Business Details
14 Years
experience
Your Premier Martial Arts & Fitness Destination in San Diego
City Of Champions has been dedicated to empowering individuals through martial arts and fitness training since 2012. Our mission is to create a supportive community where members of all ages and skill levels can achieve their physical and competitive goals. With expert instruction in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai, and Mixed Martial Arts, we combine centuries-old techniques with modern training methodologies. Our facility features state-of-the-art equipment including Swain/Dollamur mats and Title striking bags, ensuring optimal safety and performance. Our certified instructors bring years of competitive experience to every class, emphasizing technical precision and practical application.We maintain a clean, welcoming environment that has earned recognition as one of San Diego's premier martial arts facilities. From beginner classes to advanced competition training, we tailor programs to meet individual needs while fostering camaraderie among members. Our Strength & Conditioning program integrates Olympic lifts, kettlebell training, and functional exercises to enhance athletic performance. The kids' program focuses on age-appropriate skill development while instilling discipline and confidence. With over a decade of service to the College Area neighborhood, we continue to build on our reputation as a trusted training destination.
Services
Jiu-Jitsu
Muay Thai
Mixed Martial Arts
Strength & Conditioning
Kids Classes
Details
- Year established: 2012
Highlights and features
- We offer expert instruction from experienced martial artists and certified trainers
- Our facility features industry-leading Swain/Dollamur mats and Title equipment
- We provide age-specific programs for children and adults
- We maintain a clean, welcoming environment with 5-star Yelp reviews
- We offer free trial classes to experience our training firsthand
What people say
Clean facility
Experienced instructors
Welcoming community
Excellent youth programs
Professional equipment
Services
Jiu-Jitsu
Our Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu program teaches technical mastery of ground fighting through structured classes and open mat sessions. Instructors emphasize leverage-based techniques for self-defense and competition. All belt levels train together with safety-focused progressions.
Muay Thai
The Muay Thai program develops striking proficiency using eight-point combat techniques. Classes focus on proper form for knees, elbows, kicks, and punches with partner drills and conditioning exercises. Title brand equipment ensures authentic training experience.
Mixed Martial Arts
MMA training integrates multiple disciplines into cohesive fight strategies. Sessions include technical drills, sparring, and situational practice for comprehensive combat readiness. Coaches provide personalized feedback for skill development.
Strength & Conditioning
Our Strength & Conditioning program builds functional athleticism through Olympic lifts, kettlebell circuits, and bodyweight exercises. Sessions improve power, endurance, and mobility using professional-grade equipment in structured 60-minute classes.
Kids Classes
Age-specific martial arts instruction teaches children fundamental techniques while developing discipline and confidence. Classes balance technical training with character development through structured drills and supervised practice.
People
Dustin Thornton
Head Jiu-Jitsu Instructor
With over a decade of competitive experience, Dustin Thornton specializes in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu instruction for all skill levels. He emphasizes technical precision and practical application in both adult and youth programs.
Adrian Morilla
Head Muay Thai Instructor
Adrian Morilla brings professional fight experience to Muay Thai instruction, focusing on authentic eight-limb techniques. He trains students in traditional Thai methods adapted for modern fitness and self-defense applications.
Dan Carlson
Head Strength & Conditioning Instructor
Dan Carlson designs functional fitness programs combining Olympic lifting and metabolic conditioning. His expertise enhances athletic performance while emphasizing proper form to prevent injuries during high-intensity workouts.
Questions
What martial arts styles do you teach?
We offer Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai, and Mixed Martial Arts instruction for all skill levels from beginners to competitors.
Do you have classes for children?
Yes, we provide age-specific martial arts training for children aged 4-14 with separate classes for different age groups.
What equipment do I need to start?
For initial classes, wear athletic clothing. We provide necessary training equipment including mats, bags, and protective gear.
Can I try a class before committing?
We offer free trial classes for new students to experience our training environment and instruction quality firsthand.
What are your facility hours?
Our gym is open daily from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM with scheduled classes throughout the day and open mat sessions available.
Are there competition preparation programs?
Yes, we provide specialized training for competitive athletes including sparring, strategy development, and tournament preparation.
Videos
Reviews (4)
Brian Asaro
May 02, 2021
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I found this gym while walking my dog around the neighborhood. I take Muay Thai with Aziz and Hiro. I also take Strength & Conditioning with Aziz. They are fantastic coaches and they are truly committed to the growth of their students. I've been going there about 10 months and love it.
Update: the new location is awesome! It's bigger with more parking. A Tuesday Muay Thai class was added. Having been out for a year due to the pandemic, it's nice to get some quality exercise again
Update: the new location is awesome! It's bigger with more parking. A Tuesday Muay Thai class was added. Having been out for a year due to the pandemic, it's nice to get some quality exercise again
Jason Lundy
Sep 06, 2018
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City of Champions is easily the first gym that I would recommend to anyone who is interested in learning BJJ or Muay Thai in the San Diego area.
Dustin, head coach and owner, is an extremely knowledgeable and talented BJJ practioner; along with being an overall great instructor towards both competitors and hobbyists; kids and adults. Dustin teaches both gi and no gi.
Hiro, the Muay Thai instructor, is equally skilled and an outstanding teacher in his craft. Hiro teaches a traditional Muay Thai style.
Lastly, the sense of community at City of Champions is second to none.
Dustin, head coach and owner, is an extremely knowledgeable and talented BJJ practioner; along with being an overall great instructor towards both competitors and hobbyists; kids and adults. Dustin teaches both gi and no gi.
Hiro, the Muay Thai instructor, is equally skilled and an outstanding teacher in his craft. Hiro teaches a traditional Muay Thai style.
Lastly, the sense of community at City of Champions is second to none.
Yellingintothevoid
Jun 28, 2018
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City of Champions is my home. I first started looking into bjj gyms around the fall of 2016. I tried a bunch of places out and felt right at home at City of Champions. Everyone respects each other, rolls hard, and keeps each other safe most importantly. The facilities are clean and the atmosphere is mellow off the mats, which is exactly how I like it. Dustin (head coach) is an amazing teacher that has an old school mindset, with new school techniques. His experience in competition at the highest level of Bjj has made an impact on my own mindset and abilities under duress. I absolutely love it here
Patricia Stoltenburg
Dec 03, 2014
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This is a one of a kind gym with both amazing instructors and a great communal atmosphere. The owners are very down-to-earth, friendly people who are also excellent in their crafts with a strong competitive background. I took both the muay thai classes and jiu jitsu classes with coach Adrian and coach Dustin and they are great at getting you up to speed as a beginner as well as pushing your limits should you show the desire and determination. They offer a great balance of learning technique and getting your heart pumping. The crowd is not intimidating and in fact very encouraging and fun to be
