North County MMA & Ultimate Fitness

Escondido, California (Central Escondido)
4.8 (20 reviews)

What We Like

  • Elite coaching staff
  • Diverse disciplines offered
  • All ages and skill levels
  • Experienced, professional trainers
  • Large, central facility
  • Dynamic group sessions

What to Consider

  • Closed on Sundays
  • Limited evening hours

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there punching bags available?
The gym features a 12-station heavy bag wall.
Is it beginner friendly?
Training includes group sessions designed for all skill levels.
What training style does the gym focus on?
The gym offers specialized fight training and fitness programs.
Who are the trainers?
The coaching team includes Johnny Hughes, Douglas Shultz, Marcos Lopes, Eddie Ledesma, Kreed Gentz, and Derek Anderson.
What types of classes do they offer?
Class schedules include Kids Jiu Jitsu, Kids Boxing, Kids Muay Thai, Adult MMA, USA Boxing, Gi and No-Gi Jiu Jitsu, Muay Thai, and wrestling sessions.
What kind of equipment do they have?
The gym has a free weights corner, a 12-station heavy bag wall, a boxing ring, and a caged octagon.
Does the gym have a full-size boxing ring?
Yes, the gym has a boxing ring.
How big is the training area?
The gym spans over 5,000 square feet.
Is the gym clean?
The gym is described as a clean place.
Is it easy to get to?
It's central in the city.
Are there showers and locker rooms available?
There is a locker room.
What's the vibe like?
The facility has been praised for its professional training environment and dynamic group sessions, with testimonials highlighting the gym's excellent atmosphere.
Does this gym prepare boxers for competitions?
North County MMA has participated in 118 fighting events this year across multiple disciplines.
Do they offer programs for children or teenagers?
Classes cater to students as young as 5 years old, with classes such as Kids Jiu Jitsu, Kids Boxing, and Kids Muay Thai.
What experience or certifications do the coaches have?
The coaching staff includes professional trainers with over 60 combined years of combat and self-defense training experience; Kreed Gentz is a Marine Corps Boxing Hall of Fame inductee, and Derek Anderson has competed in Bellator.

About North County MMA & Ultimate Fitness

North County MMA & Ultimate Fitness, located at 319 E Valley Pkwy in Escondido, California, is a premier training facility dedicated to providing high-quality instruction in a variety of combat sports and fitness disciplines. Serving the community of Central Escondido and beyond, the gym offers a comprehensive approach to martial arts and physical conditioning for individuals of all ages and skill levels.

Location and Accessibility

Situated in a central location at 319 E Valley Pkwy, Escondido, CA, North County MMA & Ultimate Fitness is easily accessible to residents throughout the region. The gym’s convenient location in Central Escondido makes it a prime destination for individuals seeking top-notch martial arts and fitness training. The roll-up door facing E Valley Rd gives the facility a warehouse training feel.

Facilities and Equipment

Spanning over 5,000 square feet, North County MMA & Ultimate Fitness provides ample space for training and development. The facility is well-equipped with everything needed to excel in various disciplines, including MMA, Boxing, Muay Thai, and Jiu Jitsu. Among the key features of the gym are:

  • A free weights corner for strength and conditioning work.
  • A 12-station heavy bag wall, ideal for honing striking skills and building endurance.
  • A traditional boxing ring, providing a safe and authentic environment for sparring and technical drills.
  • A caged octagon, allowing students to train in a realistic MMA setting.
  • A fully equipped locker room for convenience and hygiene.

The expansive space and diverse equipment ensure that students have access to everything required to reach their full potential.

Training Programs and Classes

North County MMA & Ultimate Fitness offers a diverse range of training programs tailored to meet the needs of students from 5 to 70 years old. Whether the goal is to improve fitness, learn self-defense, or compete at a high level, the gym has something to offer. Training options include:

  • One-on-one personal coaching for individualized instruction and guidance.
  • Group sessions that foster camaraderie and a supportive training environment.
  • Professional training programs designed for serious competitors and aspiring fighters.

The gym's class schedule includes:

  • Kids Jiu Jitsu
  • Kids Boxing
  • Kids Muay Thai
  • Adult MMA
  • USA Boxing
  • Gi Jiu Jitsu
  • No-Gi Jiu Jitsu
  • Muay Thai
  • Wrestling

Classes are held throughout the week, providing flexibility and opportunities to train consistently. The gym is closed on Sundays.

Coaches and Staff

The coaching staff at North County MMA & Ultimate Fitness is comprised of experienced and dedicated professionals with a wealth of knowledge in their respective disciplines. With over 60 combined years of combat and self-defense training experience, the team is committed to providing high-quality instruction and guidance. Key members of the coaching staff include:

  • Johnny Hughes: Owner and Founder, former professional boxer with a 20-0-1 record.
  • Douglas Shultz: Owner with a background in wrestling and Jiu Jitsu, with multiple tournament placements.
  • Marcos Lopes: Lead Jiu Jitsu Instructor.
  • Eddie Ledesma: Muay Thai Coach.
  • Kreed Gentz: Lead Boxing Instructor and Marine Corps Boxing Hall of Fame inductee.
  • Derek "Barbaric" Anderson: MMA Instructor and Bellator veteran with an 18-4 record.

This team of skilled and passionate instructors ensures that every student receives the attention and support needed to succeed.

Atmosphere and Community

North County MMA & Ultimate Fitness cultivates a supportive and motivating training environment. The gym prides itself on creating a welcoming space for individuals of all backgrounds and experience levels. The sense of community is strong, fostering camaraderie and mutual respect among students. The gym has over 200 current enrollments and has participated in 118 fighting events this year across multiple disciplines. The dynamic group sessions and enthusiastic trainers contribute to a positive and engaging atmosphere.

Training Focus

Boxing: North County MMA & Ultimate Fitness provides comprehensive boxing training, from basic fundamentals to advanced techniques. Kreed Gentz, a Marine Corps Boxing Hall of Fame inductee, leads the boxing program. The gym’s boxing program helps individuals develop striking skills, footwork, and overall fitness. Classes cater to beginners and experienced boxers alike.

Muay Thai: The gym’s Muay Thai program, led by Eddie Ledesma, emphasizes authentic Thai boxing techniques. Participants learn powerful strikes, clinch work, and defensive maneuvers, improving their physical conditioning and self-defense abilities.

Jiu Jitsu: With Marcos Lopes as the Lead Jiu Jitsu Instructor, the Jiu Jitsu program at North County MMA & Ultimate Fitness focuses on both Gi and No-Gi grappling. Students gain expertise in submissions, escapes, and positional control. The classes cater to all skill levels, from beginners to advanced practitioners.

MMA Cage Fighting: Derek "Barbaric" Anderson, a Bellator veteran, leads the MMA program, integrating techniques from various martial arts to create well-rounded fighters. The program includes training in striking, grappling, wrestling, and cage work.

Wrestling: Douglas Shultz's background in wrestling enriches the gym’s wrestling program. The wrestling sessions focus on takedowns, control, and conditioning.

Conclusion

North County MMA & Ultimate Fitness is a leading martial arts and fitness facility in Escondido, California. With its comprehensive training programs, experienced coaching staff, and supportive community, the gym offers a unique and valuable experience for individuals seeking to improve their fitness, learn self-defense, and achieve their athletic goals. From kids' classes to professional training, North County MMA & Ultimate Fitness is dedicated to helping students of all ages and skill levels reach their full potential.

Contact Information

319 Valley Pkwy, Escondido, CA 92025

Location

319 Valley Pkwy, Escondido, CA 92025

Hours of Operation

Monday 5-9PM
Tuesday 5-9PM
Wednesday 5-9PM
Thursday 5-9PM
Friday 5-9PM
Saturday 11AM-1PM
Sunday Closed