Way of the Warrior Training

I came to this gym with no background in martial arts and not knowing what to expect. I really wanted to try BJJ but never went for it. I am mostly experienced in the BJJ classes, so this review is about my experience on BJJ at WOTW.
When I first came to Way of the Warrior I felt an awesome vibe from everyone in there, Pete is a really nice and patient guy who is always willing to help you. I started with the BJJ beginners classes with Gi and No-​Gi. Little by little I moved on to the intermediate and advanced level classes taught by Sensei Gustavo Gasperin. Gustavo is an awesome instructor and a really accomplished BJJ fighter, he truly has a vocation to teach. He breaks down the steps for each technique and is always teaching you the basics, even when the technique is a bit more advanced. Pete himself and his guest coaches are really knowledgable as well, its definitely a great school to learn. It is important to note that you get a lot of personal attention from these instructors during the classes, which is awesome because it helps you progress so much more.
I also regularly do the conditioning classes. These classes are awesome if you are trying to complement your training with a bit of cardio and strengthening.
I don’t know how is it in other gyms, but at Way of the Warrior there is a sense of family between all the students and coaches. Everyone is helping each other to be better with a really positive attitude. If you are interested, Pete offers a Free trial for a week!!! Come and try it yourself, you will get addicted!

I had been interested in trying out boxing/​Muay Thai to try and get back in shape in a way that was fun and engaging. After trying out a few places all over LA, I can decidedly say that Pete is the best there is.
Pete is a really chill guy who’s passionate about his craft and it shows in his dedication to his students. I felt like I learned more with Pete than any other place I tried. He does a great job of setting a challenging pace, but listening to your needs and interests. Its instantly clear he’s a knowledgeable trainer that has a 1001 ways to get you working and all of them are dope. My sessions with Pete were money well spent and I’m eager to come back and train with him. For all of you out there who are on the fence, do it. You won’t regret it.

Less than a month and so far so good, Pete is an awesome instructor, very patient and friendly. Wish there was more parking but still definitely deserves 5 stars. Highly recommend!

Great MMA gym! The owner Pete is a gracious guy and the culture here is very helpful to the students to learn in a safe environment. Everyone training here is nice (no idiot thugs or dickheads). The BJJ Instructor Gustavo is amazing. Gustavo is a Brazilian with legit BJJ pedigree. He teaches techniques in detail and walks around the room ensuring people are executing correctly. Gustavo is first rate instructor in a first rate gym. The gym is an incredibly large space with VERY REASONABLE PRICING. Most gyms don’t tell you the prices on their websites to lure you in. WOTW has it right there at affordable rates. I have a lot of experience in fighting and marital arts and WOTW is top notch. Train here and you will learn a lot and not be disappointed.

I’m no bruce lee, however I would love to be. If bruce lee was still physically alive he would be MMA’s biggest advocate.
With the growing audience and popularity of MMA, a seed to take a martial arts class was implanted. I took a karate class in college, one session of BJJ with a friend, however I did dare call myself a martial artist.
I went to go shopping for a place where they offered both hand-​2-​hand combat with some courses on bjj — I think to be an overall fighter in today’s world — you have to know both — striking and ground.
For myself, I went strictly for the Muay Thai, and not the BJJ due to my own time constraints. I would have loved to do both. My review is on my Muay Thai experience at WOTW.
First of all the instructor — Pete — is awesome as an instructor — patient and constantly looking at form — striking, defense — everything. I never felt rushed or out of place. I just felt that Pete was looking out for my own interest — which was to become the best martial artist to my capabilities.
On the studio, it has everything that you need to practice Muay Thai in a comfortable and clean envrionment. Focus mitts to larger pads, and the flooring of the studio was never an issue. Most of the time we were standing up barefoot, and I never once tripped or fall. To my understanding the studio has grown considerably — which is a sign that the studio is gaining popularity. As it should be.
On the fellow students — great bunch. I had a couple of social gatherings with the group outside of class — once at a UFC fight at someone’s apartment, and the second at a local bar for a UFC fight. Before class, after class, and during class — I did not feel any ego from anyone. I sparred a few times, and the times I did spar, my fellow classmates were in control, and all was good.
I haven’t been to class for quite a while, since I started a new job, and also moved farther away from WOTW. But here and there I would drive past the studio on Venice and I would reminisce on my experience. A great experience I hope to find at a new studio. For the time being, I do miss WOTW environment, people, and instructors… the only thing I don’t miss is the warm-​ups and sometimes, warm-​downs. Maybe I’m saying this since I am really out of shape (currently as type this… my fingers are aching).
But those who are looking for a martial arts studio — and you live close to the palms/​culver city area… or if your commute everyday is along the path of WOTW — do drop by — and do the trial. See if you dig it. I did, and I stuck around for almost a year. A year well spent, IMHO. Good luck.

Just go. This place is great and you will agree with me in one session. Pete and his crew of instructors are amazing. Pete sets a great tone for the gym — relaxed but serious when it comes to learning! I have been going here off and on since 2013 and whenever I get the chance to train bjj I only go here! The friendly atmosphere remains the same. No one is walking around like they are too good for anything or rookies like me. I wouldn’t go anywhere else — you shouldn’t either.

A great place to start the training early. My 4 year old is loving it. Pete has awesome patience with the kids, making sure they develop their form well. I highly recommend it!

Looking for a gym where I could do both BJJ and Muay Thai, I tried every MMA gym within a 5 mile radius, and Pete’s was the best. Simple, small class size, more one on one attention, great teachers, month to month, humble, friendly people, all levels of experience. Great workouts. I always leave this place in a great mood.

I’ve been thinking about writing a review for Way of The Warrior for a while now but it didn’t happen because life got in a way. I finally found some time to sit down and write about this gym. I never trained, exercised, worked out, or even gone to the gym seriously before let alone training in any kind of martial art. One day I was walking my dog and saw the gym and I thought that I wanted to give it a try. Since then I never looked back. Even though I don’t have any experience in martial art at all, Pete made it very easy for me to understand. Pete makes sure that everyone in either the beginner or intermediate class gets attention from him. One other GREAT thing about this gym is no one has any ego and everyone is very friendly and very helpful.
If one of your New Year resolutions is getting back in shape, trying to lose weight, trying to become an amateur fighter, or whatever reason you have in mind, come check Way of the Warrior out. Pete offers a Free trial for a week. You can come and try all of the classes and experience the awesomeness yourself! I can go on and on and on about this AWESOME gym. But I think it’s best for you guys (and girls) out there to come and check it out yourself!

Been coming here for almost two years now for both muay thai and jiu jitsu.
Although I had some previous jiu jitsu experience this is the place where I got my blue best from Sensei Gustavo Gasperin. Intermediate jiu jitsu classes on Tuesday and Thursday are very good. Sensei Gustavo always starts by making sure you have the basics down before adding anything flashy to your game, which I greatly appreciate.
Although I had no previous muay thai experience it has become my favorite martial art. Kru Panos is extremely knowledgeable and is always drilling fundamentals in both the beginner and intermediate classes. He is very good at keeping an eye on everyone and tailoring classes to everyone’s level. You will be getting personal attention from him in every class.
With all this being said what makes this the best gym in the area is the presence of Grand-​Master Sensei Sifu Kru Chew.
. He is Grand-​Master of the gym and makes sure the gym is running to his very strict Thai standards. He has been developing his special martial art called Chew Jitsu and has been teaching some techniques to his students. He is very nice as long as you are extremely polite and respectful so always make sure to bow to him whenever you walk into the gym and before leaving.

This is a great school that offers different styles of martial arts from Muay Thai to Brazilian JiuJitsu. The best thing about this school are the instructors and training partners who pushes you to be your best in an ego less environment.

This is a great gym! Pete is a great instructor. There are a few girls who train here. If you’re a beginner, come for a trial class — there is gear for you to borrow. I would recommend absolute beginners start with the Tue, Wed, or Thurs classes only. Everyone who trains here is great, there are no egos!

I’ve been training at Way of the Warrior for a year and a half now and I can honestly say that when I first started I had no clue about martial arts let alone Muay Thai and how to throw a punch. But under Pete’s tutelage I’ve grown stamina, conditioning, strength and the ability and confidence of self defense.
Pete is an amazing teacher with a tremendous amount of patience and understanding of each individuals needs. He knows when to push you harder than you think you can perform and also when to ease up if your having a rough day.
The students at the gym are really great people to work out with, there aren’t any egos or macho ism. They’re friendly and always willing to give you a tip.
If you’re ready for a no frills get your ass into shape and be pushed THIS GYM IS THE PLACE! I can go on and on about how awesome it is here but try a free week and you’ll see.
Wwwwwwaaaaaayyyy ofooofff thhhaaa WwArrior!!!

Pete Panos is a great instructor! I’ve trained in martial arts for many years and been with many instructors. Pete is awesome. He know’s how to break down techniques and sparring strategies very well. Love the atmosphere at WOTW. Everyone is there for self improvement, not stroking egos. Great place to train.

I am thoroughly enjoying my training here at Pete’s gym. I am a blue belt who originally trained overseas and have, in the past, been turned off by the attitudes of American BJJ gyms (especially Brazilian owned ones… it always felt like they were after my money). The vibe here is great. During training, everyone is friendly and focused more on long term improvement than single match victory. The guest instructors are exceedingly knowledgeable, as is Pete himself.

I started training here back in 2009 without any previous knowledge or training of Muay Thai and now I’m proud to say I teach the women’s Muay Thai class on Saturdays! Pete has trained me to be stronger person both mentally and physically in and outside the gym.
The small class sizes guarantee a lot of one on one attention which leads to a greater development in technique.
WOWT is NOT your fluff kickbox cardio class… get ready to be pushed to new limits.

If I could give it an extra ninja star I would. Great everything!!!

This is a great place for Men and Women boys and girls. No matter what point you are at there is a class for you. Why not have a good workout while learning a skill. Good people to workout with a place to learn and have fun. What I like the most is you get to see what works for you.

Love coming here. The team and instructors are amazing.
I’ve been attending classes for about 4 months, and am very happy I have finally found a great gym.
My skills have improved thanks to the team and the talented instruction. It has gotten me to the point that I am willing to compete — which is not something I originally ever planned to do. My confidence and fitness levels are much higher than I wouldve expected!

I stumbled up the Way of the Warrior gym walking back from another ho hum gym routine at LA Fitness. They were having an open gym and I had the opportunity to speak with the owner Pete for a few minutes and I walked away über impressed. There are certain people in this world that exude passion about what they do and that is exactly what I found in Pete. He is extremely passionate about the Way of the Warrior Training and that passion immediately made me want to be a part of what he is building. I have been involved in sports my whole life but never martial arts and I have to say Pete ranks right up there with some of the best coaches I have had throughout sports career. I am in the beginning stages of my journey into Muay Thai and Jiu Jitsu but I know Pete and the other instructors are going to help me achieve the goals I set out.
For those, who may be a little apprehensive, this gym has no ego nor do the people and you will feel at ease as soon as you walk in the door but get ready to put in work because I can honestly say my clothes are drenched when I walk out of there. Finally, anyone who has ever thought that they would like to start training in Muay Thai and/​or Jiu Jitsu but. were intimidated for whatever reason, I can assure you there is nothing to be intimidated by with this gym so do yourself a huge favor and come see what Pete is building and after meeting him, you will be immediately impressed.