This is a great place to train. My wife and I do BJJ and our kids do karate. The couple that owns and runs the gym (Jason and Carly Dodd) are very welcoming and promote a family-friendly environment. I cant recommend Mat Life highly enough.

I’ve been going to Mat Life for quite some time now and I can honestly say it’s my favorite place to train. The coaches know what they are talking about and all of them are truly good folks, that want to see you succeed. There is also a great sense of community among everyone, and it is a very welcoming place. I highly recommend you go to this gym if you’re looking for a place to do martial arts. 10/10.

Gave me a hobby that I enjoy and that made me more productive and a lot healthier. Staff members are super friendly and caring. This is where you wanna be :)

My entire family is apart of this gym, so I am there 5-6 days a week and it is amazing. I really like the coaches and the atmosphere. I am constantly learning new things while also getting an amazing workout. Plus I have had the best massage of my life here. The masseuse literally fixed a knee issue I was having with a single session. Would highly RECOMMEND!

I was in a very bad car accident last year and do not have great mobility. I was looking for a great work out to start when i came across matlife.I started my 3 week trial. The price is reasonable especially when it comes with all the gears needed for training. I was really happy about that.Im very self conscious especially working out or training with other people. But I feel home here. Not only the instructors are cool. They really do work with you.Most places have their own ways of teaching and techniques but I really do like their ways here. 🥰 Sparring on your first day? LOVE IT! I mean, if you’re not ready to train, why show up? If you’re not comfortable, or you have questions, SPEAK UP. Also, Coach was making jokes on me on my first day. Im glad he did, coz it only made me do better. and It makes me less sensitive and tougher 😂 trying not to be a cry baby. Is that part of the training coz if so, it works 😂 such a funny man.You also get to spar every class for 20-15 mins.Who wouldn’t want that? You get to test what they teach you. And it makes you feel more comfortable punching somebody 😂 love them. The students here really work with you. You just have to learn how to communicate.I wish more women will join the co-ed class coz its not really that bad. I enjoy it coz during sparring. I also see and learn my teammates’ techniques. I actually gained mobility and I am a bit more flexible.For a small business I am glad that this business is thriving. They sell everything you need! How convenient!!! Also, they just started this fat loss program and Ive only been a member for weeks and i lost 13 lbs.As a new student of this establishment, I can say that I have been more disciplined, i am beyond grateful to be a part of the matlife family, everyone is like family, and I always cannot wait to be in class.This is definitely a good place to start. If you think youre a pro and better than the coaches here, go and teach else where 😂😂😂Cannot please everyone. 🥰But I AM A PROUD MATLIFE STUDENT.COME TRAIN WITH US!LETS GET STRONGER TOGETHER!Shout out toCoach Jason, Dani, Both Natalie, Matt and Carly!For always motivating us to do better daily!!

My Partner and I trained Muay Thai with Mat Life from January 2021 to March 2021 (originally was supposed to end in April 2021 but skipped an entire month out of our contract because of how bad it was). There are way too many things wrong with this place but ill try to concentrate it into 4 things:1. Not Muay Thai/Dutch Style Muay Thai: What they teach is more of their own unique blend of kickboxing with Muay Thai influences which isnt a problem if they advertised/sold it as that (but they dont and will even go as far as to say that its Dutch Style Muay Thai). All the coaches (including the most accredited coach there Jason Dodd) that teach Muay Thai teach off balance stances and combos that go against basic body mechanics that only the senior students know not to follow. My partner and I learned more from watching youtube videos about Muay Thai than we ever learned here.2. No Sparring Rules or Etiquette/ Way too much sparring: There was no instruction or rules for sparring. They will literally let anyone (newbies on a first trial) walk in and spar if they want. Its shocking how many of their own senior students dont know the difference between sparring hard and light. They also spar every class which wouldnt be bad if they gave goals or rules for sparring. The sparring felt so aimless that it feels like they purposely made sparring an everyday thing so they didnt have to teach for those 20-30 minutes. Not to mention that sparring everyday isnt healthy for students especially if they arent training for a match anytime soon.3. Sexism: For a place that advertise themselves as an Anti- Machismo zone that is empowering women (their words not mine), they dont, especially if youre in the co-ed class. I have health issues concerning my ovaries and made them aware of these issues when I was on my free trial in my application and in person. Not even a week into our contract, Jason (one of the owners of the gym/head coach and husband of Carly, the person who assured me that my health needs wouldnt be a problem for class) made a distasteful period joke at me as reasoning for me taking a break on sparring day. After giving him a disapproving look, (no apology was made) he then proceeded to ignore me for the rest of my contract. I even talked to some of the other girls in the Muay Thai class and they had similar stories of either the coaches or the senior students treating them differently. I personally think that the womens only classes were probably created because of these issues and it isnt a good long-term solution, but instead a bandaid on a bullet hole.4. Sell, Sell Sell: They are always selling a new program or gear and seem more interested in making more money off of you than actually teaching you or improving your skills.The only reason me and my partner stayed here as long as we did is because of other students hospitality and kindnesses. I DO NOT want to be contacted by any of the owners of Mat Life or employees of Mat Life. Just do better for your future students.TLDR: Bottom line is this place smells like a scam (on the Muay Thai side of course, I cant speak on the other classes). I wouldnt recommend this place to anyone actually interested in Muay Thai or Dutch Style Muay Thai /Kickboxing. If you dont believe me, It checks off a bunch of boxes on literally any McDojo red flags list.

A great place for adults and kids! My girls feel at home here

Have been attending martial art classes here for well over a month now. And not once did I feel disappointed, cheated, or left out. Would highly recommend!

I’ve been training muay thai at Mat Life for a little over a year and a half, and it’s been a wonderful experience. I’ve learned a lot about myself, muay thai and I’ve met some great people along the way. I’d definitely recommend Mat Life to anyone looking to learn self-defense, while transforming their body and mind.

Changed my life in the best way possible and I truly couldnt be happier. If you want to train somewhere that has great energy and helps you relieve some stress with amazing people, Mat Life is the place to be. I am constantly recommending this dojo to my friends and am now recommending it to anyone who reads this review. If youre looking to learn how to defend yourself or just get into the best shape of your life, look no further! TRAIN MAT LIFE!!! :)

It was great experience. Black belt coach very knowledgable good for beginners and advancedBJJ.

Mat life is a great place to practice/learn more about different combat styles & fitness. Their classes are suited for anyone with any level of background & Ive never felt uncomfortable training there, even as a beginner. The prices are reasonable & its definitely worth checking out!

I joined this gym and then got injured. I was unable to fulfil my contractual obligation to them and they worked with me. I could tell that the owners really care about their students and doing the right thing. The gym, the other students, and instructors are great people. Thank you Carly and Jake!

I love this place! The people are wonderful and the atmosphere is so welcoming. I have learned so much about myself and what Im capable of here and I cannot recommend it enough. I look forward to coming to class every single day. Go and see for yourself!

I did the Combat Fitness 6 week challenge and lost 11 lbs and 8% body fat! Not only is there a change in my body but also in my confidence! The trainers are great and the environment is welcoming, upbeat, and encouraging! A great place to go if you want to get in shape and have some fun! You WILL see results!

Mat life is an awesome dogo! Me and my daughter both take classes there. My favorite classes are the kickboxing & combat fitness. I started off out of shape and did just fine. It’s truly to your potential so don’t be intimidated to jump in if you’re a beginner!! My daughter is 2 yrs old and she does the kinder kicks classes. It has been a great experience for both of us. The trainers are amazing and I love the atmosphere. I have tried several gyms and they end up being social clubs or too girly for me. This gym is perfect. I’m very happy that I found mat life!

My husband and I moved to Gainesville a few months ago from Miami, away from family and everyone I know, starting a new life because my husband got in to the graduate program at UF. I found Mat Life through a co-worker and they completely took me in as one of their own. They treat me like family. Not only can I workout and be a healthier ME, but if I’m having a hard day, I know that I have a place to go to where I can get stress out on a punching bag and be surrounded by people who care about me, encourage me and push me to be better! If I don’t show up to classes for a little while, I’ll even receive a personalized text from their staff making sure I’m okay. I recommend them to anyone I can!!

I have been training here since 2017 starting with Muay Thai and honestly can’t imagine my life without Mat Life. Martial arts training has been monumental in building up my self confidence, and I’m also extremely thankful for the amazing community of people Mat Life has brought together.

Ive been doing BJJ at Global for about six weeks now. In that time, Ive lost twenty pounds, tripled my stamina, and gained a sense of confidence that Ive not felt before. The staff and students at Global are wonderfully warm and welcoming. I cant imagine a better environment to learn in. They offer a free week too, so you might as well go by and give them a look. I dont think youll be disappointed.

I’m so love with Gainesville combat fitness. I just finished the 6 week challenge and lost 17Ibs. Although my percent body fat stayed the same, I believe it will decrease in time. I have so much more energy. I can see a change in my body....I love the trainers and the environment is small. You will not go wrong choosing this gym!!!!

I have never felt such fullness of energy and excitement to sweat before coming here! All the instructors are friendly and encouraging. I know that this will be a place that I will go to often!

The karate classes are really cool and the ambience of the place is warm, welcoming and friendly. They have neat plans for the class prices too.

My friend and I did the week class,very awesome encouraging people. Although we didnt have the time to stay, I loved the time spent there.

People are nice here. Coach Jason is very experienced and patient. Good place to make friends with the same interest!

Great environment, great instructors, great everything.

The couple who own this (Jason and Carly) do a great job at providing a safe, family atmosphere. They are also very encouraging. :)

I had a real good time training here. Close knit. I am moving unfortunately.

If you’re looking for friends or a pseudo family come here! Everyone is extremely friendly and helpful and you always feel welcome ❤️

I love this place, really swell staff and terrific classes.

Global MMA combines high quality training with a family-focused environment. Youll train with some of the highest quality people in town, on and off the mat!

Have been training here in Muay Thai for 8 months and jiu jitsu for about 1 1/2 months and all I can say is it’s a wonderful environment. The head instructor Jason is extremely knowledgeable and an excellent instructor. His wife Carly is a wonderful person as well and they sure make you feel welcome. All I can say is it feels like I’ve made another family and all the people who attend this place are awesome and super friendly. Excellent place for beginners and advanced students in every category, would recommend to anyone looking to learn martial arts/self defense.

After already signing up and speaking with the sensei, I went in on 12/10/2018 for my first day and as I’m getting ready to train/practice he notices me and says nothing to me at all. I go to the room next to them that has kickboxing and try to get loosen up and they ignore me as well. I will never go back to this place again they are nice people just don’t know how to make new people feel at home. Now I’m a man from the Midwest im a long way from home so I don’t know anybody here to where there’s any bad blood just don’t and will never recommend them to nobody.

These people are wonderful! Stopped by and no jerks around here, good training partners and friendly, healthy environment. Was recommended by some friends and definitely would stop by again! Head instructor and his wife are really down to earth people, very generous with their knowledge and arent trying to pressure you into anything. Had many technical questions and he went out of his way to show me around and share what he knew. Extensive background and strong lineage under Relson Gracie and Drysdale, and has black belts in Brazilian JiuJitsu, traditional Japanese Jiu Jitsu, and more which I cant recall. Very legitimate grappler for sure, blew my mind with little concepts and ideas, with an extensive background in wrestling. Really nice and genuine guy, and it shows with his students as well, who were all great and welcoming people. Cant say enough good things. Place was kept super clean and very tidy, and these were two different rooms and even a little gym, go take a look yourself! Working at a local a tournament, I observed his students at a local tournament and they were all very skilled for their respective levels and most importantly respectful to both the officials and their opponents. He is a coach who will back each and every one of his students, even if it means driving out several hours and spending the whole day. If you have any desire to start, this is a great place. You dont need any experience, and definitely dont need to get in shape beforehand. Martial arts get you in shape, and not the other way around.

I had the opportunity and the luck to find this gym here in Gainesville. During this week, to take advantage of the week experiemental and, I can say, I was surprised by the attention and professionalism of those responsible for the academy, Jason and Carly. I highly recommend for those who want to learn and train Muay Thai in a very friendly and familiar environment. A big hug to everyone!

Dropped in for a class while in town, the coaches were very welcoming and the class was awesome.

I cant say enough good things about everybody at Global! They are so family- centered and willing to work with anybody, at any level.

After the 6 week challenge, my favorite part of the day it’s when I’m there training.

Been training here for 4 years. Solid school. Solid Instruction. Oous.

Good program, good people.

Best Kickboxing in Gainesville.

Great people Great place