Business Details
16 Years
experience
Premier Martial Arts Training in Pasadena
At SBG SoCal, we are dedicated to transforming lives through martial arts by instilling timeless values of discipline, respect, and responsibility. Our programs for children and adults combine physical fitness with character development, emphasizing personal growth alongside technical skill mastery. With over a decade of combined experience, our instructors create a supportive environment where students of all ages build confidence, learn self-defense, and develop essential life skills.We prioritize community impact, offering a welcoming space that nurtures resilience and fosters positive relationships. Our approach ensures that every student receives personalized attention while progressing at their own pace in a safe, structured setting.
Services
Adult BJJ
Adult MMA
Kids BJJ
Juniors MMA
Self-defense training
Character development
Details
- Year established: 2010
Highlights and features
- Our instructors combine 12+ years of martial arts expertise with child development expertise
- We emphasize character development alongside physical skill mastery
- Family-friendly environment accommodates all ages from 4 to adult
- Instructors maintain 8:1 student-to-coach ratios for personalized attention
- Community-focused approach includes disaster response and local outreach
What people say
Life-changing confidence
Genuine connection
Welcoming family environment
Skilled instructors
Positive role models
Services
Adult BJJ
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu classes for adults focus on ground fighting techniques and leverage-based self-defense strategies. Our program develops physical fitness while teaching practical combat skills applicable to real-world scenarios. Through structured training, students gain confidence, discipline, and mental resilience while learning to control opponents regardless of size differences.
Kids BJJ
Age-specific Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu instruction teaches children essential life skills through martial arts. Our curriculum combines physical development with character education, helping kids build confidence and self-discipline while learning safe, effective techniques. Students develop body awareness and social skills in a structured, supportive environment.
Adult MMA
Mixed Martial Arts classes integrate multiple combat disciplines to develop comprehensive self-defense capabilities. Our program challenges students physically while emphasizing strategic thinking and technical precision. Participants improve overall fitness while learning practical applications of striking, grappling, and defense techniques.
Juniors MMA
Tailored martial arts instruction for young students aged 8-12 combines physical activity with character development. Our program teaches technical skills while emphasizing respect, focus, and perseverance. Children learn self-defense fundamentals in a safe environment that promotes personal growth and confidence.
Self-defense training
Practical self-defense instruction focuses on real-world scenario preparation and situational awareness. Students learn effective techniques to protect themselves while emphasizing conflict avoidance and de-escalation strategies. Our approach builds confidence through realistic training scenarios and practical application drills.
People
Marco Sanchez II
Head Coach
With over 12 years of martial arts experience in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Kenpo Karate, Boxing, and Muay Thai, Marco creates engaging programs for ages 4 to adult. He develops curriculum that combines technical precision with character education, prioritizing student safety and personal growth in every class.
Chris Hauter
Guest Instructor
BJJ Legend Chris Hauter provides bi-weekly training sessions, sharing expertise as a decorated practitioner and competitor. His instructional approach emphasizes technical refinement and practical application, offering students specialized insights from his extensive competition experience.
Petar Vujovic
Instructor
Certified instructor Petar Vujovic brings competitive MMA experience to adult and youth classes. He specializes in creating engaging drills that improve technical proficiency while maintaining focus on character development and proper technique fundamentals.
Questions
What martial arts benefits do children gain beyond physical skills?
Our program develops discipline, respect, focus, and social skills through structured training that emphasizes character development alongside technical proficiency.
How does the gym handle children with behavioral challenges?
Structured classes teach emotional control through gradual skill acquisition, with instructors guiding students toward improved focus and impulse regulation in supportive environment.
Can martial arts help with childhood bullying?
Our program teaches self-defense while emphasizing conflict avoidance, building confidence to handle difficult situations through both physical skills and verbal de-escalation techniques.
What age groups do you accept for martial arts training?
We offer programs for children as young as 4 years old through adult classes, with age-appropriate curriculum tailored to developmental needs across all stages.
Are martial arts classes safe for beginners?
Yes, we maintain 8:1 student-to-instructor ratios with progressive training that ensures safety through proper technique development at each participant's pace.
What makes SBG SoCal different from other martial arts schools?
Our unique combination of technical excellence, character education, and community focus creates a supportive environment where students develop both martial arts skills and essential life values.
Reviews (5)
Cathy N.
Nov 20, 2021
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If you're looking for a class to take your kids to, look no further! SBG offers both Brazilian Ji Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts where the kids learn important life skills while also learning discipline and body awareness. Coach Marco is fantastic with children. He's engaging, patient, and fun! The classes are a great mix of games and lessons. My kids are involved in a few different activities but they definitely have the most fun in their MMA class.
Wesley T.
Oct 29, 2021
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Best Gym ever. Sanitation, safety, education, and respect; and the community/connection. No words. My mind is still blown.
Jesse A.
Aug 07, 2021
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I'm not very good at writing reviews, but I'll give it a shot. Both of my kids and I have trained at this gym/school/dojo for about 6 years now - with some time off during pandemic, etc. Let me first say that regardless of the gym, you only get out of it what you put into it. This is such a supportive community of friendly, talented people... Neither myself nor my kids are "tough" - we aren't training to be cage fighters (obvi, it's a LOT too late for me, anyway) - but there are so many wonderful aspects of BJJ/MMA to explore and enjoy. I particularly appreciate the
Benjamin Wild
Jun 24, 2021
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My wife and I had a private lesson with head coach Marco a couple of weeks ago, and we'll definitely be coming back for me. The gym was easy to find, is well kitted out, and appears to have been newly refurbished (to a high standard, I might add - it looks wonderful inside). The lesson itself was fantastic - my wife and I have very little martial arts experience, so Marco ran through some self defence techniques with is in the session. Marco is confident, knowledgeable, and patient - he delivered his teachings with ease and good humour, and I can't recommend him enough. I will definitely be looking
Marcella Hernandez
Jun 19, 2021
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My husband and I received a self-defense class with coach Marco at SBG SoCal and it was great! This was our first time on the mats, and Marco made us feel so welcomed that our nerves quickly went away. Marco is very professional, passionate, and clearly communicates his teachings that clearly shows he has thought through how to tackle various situations where self-defense is needed. We left the gym learning a lot that day while still having fun. As a woman of color, I felt extremely comfortable being in this gym and cant wait to attend more classes. I highly recommend this gym to anyone looking
