G.I.R.L.S. Gym, Portland OR

Can't say enough good things about this place. Took a year long hiatus because of Covid but so glad we returned. This place is empowering and uplifting and has the best jujitsu studio culture. Everyone is respectful and understanding and it's such a supportive environment for my daughters (both under 10) to be surrounded by athletic badass women. I've seen my girls confidence sky-rocket with how they move thru life after GIRLS Gym. They speak their minds and are comfortable in their skin. My younger daughter is pretty reserved so I doubt she would've blossomed this way had we taken her to a mixed-gender studio. That said, DON'T KID YOURSELF - the battles and live practice sessions here are pretty raw and rough without the addition of boys because the coaches here are DETAILED and obsessed with technique. My son goes to a different jujitsu studio and altho that other place is fine, the coaches do not explain the "why" behind the approach and are less strict about technique so his movements aren't nearly as precise as his sisters'

Also, I take private classes with the owner (Sarah) who gives me structure to learn the basics and fundamentals. But she's also flexible enough that when I ask her "Hey, what happens if someone does this, " she has no problem taking a moment to teach me something outside of the planned curriculum. Hugely appreciated. This place is the best!

I feel incredibly lucky that decided to join GIRLS Gym. I am currently recovering and getting back on track with my fitness goals after having two babies. I feel comfortable, welcomed, and valued by all of the coaches. I love that I get a great work out while also learning a new skill. Great for my mind and body.

If you are on the fence about trying a class- do it! It is so much fun and so worth it.

All the coaches are amazing. This is a really good learning environment for beginners and a place to continue growing your skills. The community here is positive and welcoming.

I can't praise this place enough, I thought it would be hard to start or go by myself for the 7am kickboxing classes but man did they make it easy, the patience, knowledge, willingness, even the fun atmosphere. It's been a year and a half & I believe I'm a lifer. Love being a part of the G. I. R. L. S Gym

This is a great and unique gym! They specialize in womens kickboxing and grappling, with classes for kids teens and adults. All the teachers are really knowledgeable, kind and helpful. The whole community is as well! Great for a good workout or building self defense skills.

This is the real deal, not some fitness fad studio focused more on burning calories than learning technique — All of the classes focus on correct form and self-defense. It was really easy to join and jump right into classes.

It’s the first martial arts studio I’ve been to where the instructors don’t have inflated egos (no bowing or cult-like worship of the head instructor), and everyone has been really friendly and welcoming.

My child attended classes here for four or more years. They learned a lot and I am very grateful for all the skills they gained. I would highly recommend GIRLS gym to anyone. They especially enjoyed the occasional movie night. Thanks GIRLS gym.

I've been working with G. I. R. L. S. Gym for about six months now and I can't imagine what a better experience would be. I started out with no prior experience, lack of confidence, and an unathletic background. But, the founder (Coach Sara), made me feel instantly accepted-everyone is really welcoming. She has a great sense of humor, and she's super supportive with whatever level you work at but still pushes you to expand your comfort zone. I've learned so much about techniques, and I always look forward to my lessons.

Very excited to have signed up for this gym just this week! I came in to my first free class on Tuesday and immediately felt welcomed in this space. As a fellow introvert its hard for me to feel comfortable in a group setting but all the coaches and even the students were extremely kind and welcoming. I have taken kickboxing a few years ago at another gym and always felt intimidated (mostly from all the men) and this gym seems to check on the boxes. Ready to get ripped and up my confidence! HIGHLY RECCOMEND! Katie and Sarah have been so kind to me so far and look forward to further training!

I am so happy that I found GIRLS gym! I am a 72 year old woman and have been a fairly active member of a large chain gym for over 30 years. Two years ago, I had severe vertigo that came almost daily for over a year.
At the beginning of this year, I began working out again but was looking for some physical practice that would give me a sense of owning my body again, of having that personal power. I checked out martial arts studios but they felt too intimidating. I found GIRLS Gym during another search for the right gym. What a find!
The first class is free so I showed up two days later with great apprehension that first morning. Sarah warmly welcomed me, asked about what I was looking for, and guided me through that first class. I came again a couple of days later and just as all the reviews said, everyone is so supportive and helpful. Even those with much more experience and skill. It was so much fun; and exhilarating! Sarah and Gary give excellent coaching on technique. I was surprised to find that it is both a physical and mental workout as you are taught how to respond to cues and to execute a series of moves. The gym is comfortable and fairly small. The practice room is large and has plenty of room to move around. There is so much to learn but even for a total beginner with no previous martial arts experience like me, I feel proud of what I can do and am encouraged that I can get so much better. I’m hooked!

G. I. R. L. S. Gym has been truly life changing for me! This is an incredible community of knowledgable, strong, talented, supportive, and welcoming women. I am stronger and more confident than I thought I possibly could be! Couldn't recommend this gym more!

Organized a self defense workshop here for me and my coworkers and it was awesome! The coaches and assistants were all incredibly knowledgeable and friendly, we learned some great skills, and had a blast. Would recommend for any woman looking for a place to learn how to totally kick butt.