Business Details
Your Premier Martial Arts Training Center in San Diego
Steel MMA has established itself as a premier destination for combat sports training in San Diego. With a focus on Muay Thai, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, and Mixed Martial Arts, we cater to individuals of all skill levels from beginners to professional athletes. Our programs emphasize technical proficiency, physical development, and character building through structured classes led by experienced instructors. For youth participants, we offer specialized curricula designed to enhance focus, coordination, and confidence through age-appropriate martial arts instruction.The facility maintains a strong community atmosphere while providing access to private training options and competitive team opportunities. Our coaching staff combines decades of collective experience with personalized instruction methods to accommodate diverse learning needs. We maintain strict operational standards through consistent instructor training and curriculum development practices.
Services
Muay Thai
Jiu Jitsu
MMA Training
Kids Classes
Private Coaching
Highlights and features
- Experienced instructors with 5-15 years of collective teaching experience
- Customized training programs for different age groups and skill levels
- Community-focused environment promoting character development
- Specialized youth programs emphasizing discipline and confidence
- Private training options with professional MMA coaches
What people say
Top-notch gym
Night and day difference
Great group of coaches
Confidence development
Professional environment
Services
Muay Thai
Our Muay Thai program teaches traditional Thai striking techniques using fists, elbows, knees, and shins. Classes focus on proper form, pad work, and clinch training while developing cardiovascular fitness and defensive skills. Students progress through structured levels with increasing complexity in technique application and sparring scenarios.
Jiu Jitsu
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu instruction emphasizes ground fighting techniques and leverage-based self-defense. Beginners learn fundamental positions and transitions while advanced students refine submission holds and positional control. The curriculum includes both sport and self-defense applications for real-world effectiveness.
MMA Training
Our MMA program integrates multiple disciplines including Muay Thai, wrestling, and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Athletes develop comprehensive striking, grappling, and cage work skills through technical drills and live sparring. Competitive fighters receive specialized coaching for tournament preparation and performance optimization.
Kids Classes
Age-specific martial arts instruction for children aged 8-17 focuses on fundamental skill development and character building. Classes incorporate bag work, partner drills, and basic sparring while emphasizing discipline, focus, and confidence through structured martial arts training.
Private Coaching
Personalized instruction available with all certified coaches for accelerated skill development. Sessions focus on individual goals with customized curriculum covering technical refinement, competition preparation, or specific martial arts disciplines tailored to the student's needs and experience level.
People
Carl Gebhardt
Owner - Head Coach
With extensive martial arts experience, Carl leads Steel MMA's training programs while maintaining direct involvement in student development. He oversees coach training and curriculum design for all martial arts disciplines offered at the facility.
Zoarel Fuentes
Program Director
Zoarel coordinates training programs and instructor development at Steel MMA. With years of martial arts instruction experience, he ensures consistent teaching standards across all classes and skill levels offered at the facility.
Jeremy Vargas
Head Jiu Jitsu Coach
Jeremy specializes in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu instruction with particular expertise in ground fighting techniques. He develops curriculum content and trains students in both sport and self-defense applications of grappling arts.
Joshua Moon
Kids Muay Thai Head Coach
Joshua leads youth Muay Thai programs with specialized knowledge in teaching martial arts to children. His instruction focuses on age-appropriate technical development while emphasizing character growth and physical coordination.
Hiro Tanno
Striking Coach
Hiro provides expert striking instruction with emphasis on Muay Thai techniques. He works with students of all levels to refine striking form, defensive movements, and clinch work through structured drills and personalized feedback.
Questions
What martial arts disciplines do you offer?
We provide Muay Thai, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, and Mixed Martial Arts training for both adults and children with specialized programs for different skill levels.
Do you offer trial classes for new students?
Yes, we provide a free 3-day trial pass allowing prospective students to experience different classes before committing to membership.
Are there programs specifically for children?
We offer structured youth programs for ages 8-12 and teens 13-17 focusing on technical development, physical coordination, and character building through martial arts training.
Do you offer private training sessions?
All our certified coaches provide private and semi-private training sessions tailored to individual goals and skill development needs at affordable rates.
What are your facility hours?
We operate Monday-Thursday 10am-8:30pm, Friday 11:30am-1:30pm & 4:30pm-8pm, and Saturday 9am-1:30pm. Closed on Sundays.
