San Diego Fight Club - El Cajon, California

C. Harris

SD/FC has a welcoming fun family vibe. The coaches are high level instructors who are easily accessible. The training partners are passionate about getting better and protecting their partners. The facilities are new and kept very clean. There’s tons of parking. There is also a gas station right next door, as well as other good local food spots for post training.

Melissa Allen, BS, CPT, CES

San Diego Fight Club is an amazing place to train. The level of skill from the instructors is unmatched, the camaraderie between the students is amazing, and quality of instruction is outstanding. Whether you want to training strictly in BJJ or you are looking to round out your arsenal with striking technique like boxing and kickboxing, this is the club to join.

Austin W

I have been attending SDFC for a few months now. Charlie Kohler (the head coach) creates and extremely non judgmental, physically challenging, and rewarding atmosphere at SDFC. The other coaches (such as Nick Oliver, the one who introduced me to SDFC) help facilitate this atmosphere with their personability and martial arts experience. The 'fight-club' like atmosphere as well as extremely knowledgeable/personable coaches and staff is the reason that I have kept going back. If you are looking for a fight gym or training center that has the more personal feel of a 'fight-club' rather than a corporate MMA gym, yet trains just as hard (if not harder) SDFC is the place to go for BJJ, boxing, and kick-boxing.

Heywood Jablowme

When I first stumbled upon the San Diego Fight Club, I was a shell of the person I used to be. Lost in a fog of depression and anxiety, I felt like I was drowning in a world that had long since forgotten my name. I had tried therapy, medication, and countless self-help books, but nothing seemed to break the weight pressing down on my chest. I was on the verge of giving up, until one fateful night, I found myself standing outside that unassuming warehouse, drawn in by the muffled sounds of fists hitting flesh and the adrenaline-fueled cheers of a crowd.

At first, the environment was intimidating—raw, visceral, and filled with an energy that both terrified and intrigued me. The fighters were a mix of seasoned veterans and fresh faces, each wearing their scars and stories like badges of honor. I watched from the sidelines, heart pounding, as they pushed their bodies to the limits, their determination a stark contrast to my own fading will to fight.

After a few weeks of gathering the courage to step inside, I laced up my gloves and joined the fray. With each punch I threw, I felt something awakening inside me—an ember of strength and resilience that had long been extinguished. I learned how to channel my pain, my anger, and my sorrow into something powerful. The club became my sanctuary, a place where I could scream and sweat without judgment, where my struggles were met with understanding instead of disdain.

Yet, the journey wasn’t without its challenges. With each fight, I faced not only my opponents but also the demons that haunted me. I experienced moments of triumph and devastating losses, bruises that faded but scars that remained. I watched as friends fell to the ground, both in the ring and in life, some never to rise again. It was a harsh reality that reminded me of the fragility of existence, and there were nights I left the gym in tears, grappling with the weight of grief and despair.

But slowly, the club transformed me. I forged deep connections with fellow fighters who, like me, had faced their own battles. We became a family, supporting one another through life’s ups and downs. I learned that vulnerability was not weakness but a strength that could bind us together. The shared experience of fighting—both in the ring and outside of it—became a lifeline, a reminder that I was not alone in my struggles.

As I continued to train, I discovered a newfound purpose. I began to mentor others who walked through the same doors I had, offering guidance and support to those who felt lost. I found fulfillment in helping others reclaim their lives, just as the fight club had helped me reclaim mine.

Now, as I write this, I can confidently say that the San Diego Fight Club didn’t just save my life—it gave me a reason to live. It taught me that life is a series of battles, some won and some lost, but what truly matters is the courage to keep fighting. I am no longer the person who stood outside that warehouse, filled with despair. I am a fighter, a survivor, and most importantly, I am alive.

So, thank you, San Diego Fight Club. You turned my darkest moments into a powerful journey of strength and resilience. You saved me when I didn’t know I needed saving, and for that, I will forever be grateful.

Jeremy Funes

I really can't explain what the San Diego Fight Club has done for my family and myself. Charlie Kohler has really provided an environment to grow mentally and physically. The coaching staff is top notch! From Brandon Magana(Old Guard) to Nick Oliver(New Guard) and everybody in between, the coaching has always been enjoyable! Five of the six members of my family has trained on that mat including multiple siblings and cousins. I recommend jiu jitsu to everybody, especially San Diego Fight Club Jiu Jitsu!

Nony Funes

Great place as a woman to Train! Charlie Kohler is a legend in the San Diego MMA/Jiu Jitsu community. It was a blessing to receive my blue belt from him and I look forward to keep rolling til the belt turns black. Nick Oliver is an ADCC Open winner and his techniques will elevate your game and make you a better roller. Come try a class for free ?

Diana Toledo

Came in not knowing anything about Jui Jitsu except for watching fights on TV, but Nick Oliver gave me an introductory class, was super patient with all my questions, and walked me through basic etiquette, positions, and terminology which helped me feel more comfortable and confidence. Felt all the good, positive vibes from the gym, and everyone there was willing and open to teach me something. The gym made me feel safe, welcomed, and excited to learning more! Let’s go!

Mary Rose Feliciano

Amazing place to learn ju jitsu, you’ll feel welcomed by everyone when you first walk. The coaches are very knowledgeable and will guide you through proper training technique, I highly recommend this dojo!