The Stronghold CrossFit & Brazilian Jiu Jitsu

This is a review for their Women’s Class.
If you are a woman, who has no prior experience to grappling or martial arts, looking for an introduction to Brazilian Jiu-​Jitsu, then I would highly recommend The Stronghold. Their Women’s Class is a very relaxed and comfortable atmosphere. The place makes you feel welcome and you won’t feel intimidated. The class goes over fundamental drills and Coach Raquel teaches the technique of the day. I would attend again if I was motivated enough to wake up (the class usually starts at eight o’clock in the morning).

Great Crossfit gym, I’ve been a member for 6 months and I gotten in better shape than ever. Ray and his team have been patient to teach proper techniques and understanding of Crossfit WOD. The Stronghold team have proven you can teach an «old dog new tricks,» as I’m 60 years old and learning Crossfit for the first time. Classes are smaller which allows for more individual coaching.

Stronghold recently affiliated with World Champion Rubens Charles Maciel and is now Cobrinha BJJ — San Diego. Owner/​Operator Professor Michael Cusi is a Roy Harris black belt with true passion for Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Mike is probably one of the most technical jiu jitsu practitioners you’ll ever meet (I’m quite sure that he has forgotten more about jiu jitsu details than I will ever learn.) Additionally, Mike has a unique talent for teaching martial arts. He has a knack for understanding that each of his students is different in both body and mind and each needs a different approach and motivation to guide their development.
I came to Stronghold looking for a fun way to get in shape. What I found was a second family and a martial art that I know I’ll practice for the rest of my life. If you would have told me that at age 40 I would be competing in national and world-​level jiu jitsu competitions I would have never believed it, but that’s what Mike and the Stronghold family have motivated me to do. Stronghold has one of the most active competition teams in San Diego. The kids program is particularly well known in the San Diego Jiu Jitsu community.
Having recently done a major renovation, the all new Zebra mats are laid over a fully-​sprung platform. It’s truly a nice clean place to get a great workout and meet some really nice people. I’m thankful in every way for having Stronghold in my life.
** Additionally, Stronghold now offers King Tiger Muay Thai and Judo as well!

I’m not sure what the appropriate number of stars to give this place is. 12? 17? Unilocal will only let me give them 5.
I am an avid CrossFitter and was in San Diego for a month. Before my travel began, I sent out a few emails inquiring about boxes in the area. Ray from the Stronghold was very nice and enthusiastic in his response, so I figured I would give them a try. Jackpot!
The level of instruction was the best I’ve ever had. Ray is a super nice dude with a keen eye for the smallest of nuances, plus he always has a way to fix any problem. I ended up doing a month membership during my time there. If I lived in San Diego, I would totally join this gym full time. I highly recommend coming here, even if it’s just for a drop in.

I can’t say enough great things about this training facility. If you want train & learn some great skills & get a great workout in. Come here or their other locations. After I heal up from my own self inflicted injury I’ll be back in there!

We’re new to The Stronghold Jiu Jitsu family and immediately my 14 year old has been made to feel like he’s part of The Stronghold team. I have seen how the students, from the newer, to the more experienced ones, pull together and help each other out. My child has personally told me that he likes how everybody helps each other and nobody makes him feel like a «newbie.» I know that this great environment stems from Coach Mike and his leadership skills. I also want to say that Coach Mike’s wife, Raquel, deserves recognition as she has been so helpful and quick to respond when I’ve had questions.
I am confident and glad that we decided on The Stronghold as the place that will help my boy learn self-​defense techniques, the importance of staying fit and how to be a good team player. Thank you all!

This place is amazing! You will find out quickly that instruction is key when trying to learn anything worth of value in life. Coach Mike (BJJ) and Coach Ray (CrossFit) both teach with passion, never leaving you feeling left out and always ensuring that you understand why you are doing certain movements.
My son (11 yrs old) and daughter (7 yrs old) train at all three locations when possible. I’ve asked my son why he trains. He easily replies, «Because it’s fun!» There’s nothing more satisfying than knowing that your kids were introduced to an activity they love at such an early age. Kid’s instruction is so fun to watch, all instructors are patient, attentive, and caring of every child. I can definitely tell you that when the kids are consistently attending classes, they are always more behaved. Trust me on this.
For those adults looking for a ways to get back into shape and relieving stress, there’s nothing like a full class of BJJ training. Techniques are fully covered and practiced numerous times with full attention from the instructors. I leave class always feeling humbled and knowing that my day is complete.
If there was one word to describe The Stronghold it’s FAMILY. Mike and Raquel are genuinely awesome and caring folks. They understand that a strong bond is made inside and outside of the gym (home). It’s a family friendly environment and always encouraged to remain that way. There are numerous family functions throughout the year. You even have your occassional softball and flag football games to remind us of our past athletic failures.
Other members are always welcoming and encouraging. Members constantly strive to motivate each other, you’ll find no egos, just a group of people trying to learn something fun, valuable, and worthwile.
Whenever you get the time, come by and just visit. Let the coaches know what your goals are and they will tailor it to your need. As you can tell, I highly recommend this place. We come all the way from Rancho Bernardo several times a week. I can honestly say it’s our home away from home.

We love this place! My son has been here almost 2 years now. We love how we were welcomed and it felt like a family oriented place. In the two years we have been coming, there has been great changes and improvement in the facility. Great work guys! The coaches are great with the kids. I see how they are so patient since there are kids from 3 years old to 16 years old. Of course they have different level of classes for the kids depending on skill level, weight and age. Which are the toddlers, kids and Adults classes. They have great times for the kids’ class, since I’m a working mom myself it gives me enough time to get out of work and get to the gym on time to get there at 5:30pm. They also have great adults Brazilian Jiu Jitsu classes. I know since I tried it for myself and my boyfriend trains as well and alongside with my brother. Lol! Like I said «family oriented» Raquel and Mike are great in involving everyone, we go on field trips and treat nights (mainly for the kids), events for kids and the whole family, kids camp, and, and we even have an annual «Stronghold Banquet» Those are awesome! If you want to know more info ask for Raquel and Mike (Jiu Jitsu): 619−674−4677 or look on their website:
The gym not only has BJJ but they also have a great space to work out for those CROSSFITTERS out there. Ray (CrossFit): 858−414−6693 is great at his job. He is well versed and maintains his CERTS and keep on earning them to be the best in the field. He pushes you hard to get to your goals. Lol! Even though I haven’t been there personally to train in a month. LOL! Sorry Ray. I’ll try to come soon enough. They also have crossfit kids’ classes. Ray also updates you on the website for the WOD (work out of the day). There are free trials classes as well, again call Ray or go on the website for more info:
. Just like BJJ, Crossfit we also have great times and get to meet new wonderful people.
Hope to see you guys there soon!

The Stronghold is one of my favorite BJJ spots in town. I really enjoy the atmosphere there. The owners are truly wonderful people and are superb with their kids classes. They donated their time to teaching children free martial arts among having very quality instruction they have numerous visiting instructors stopping through all the time. This is truly one of those spots that you could bring the whole family to and train at not only in jiujitsu & nogi but as well in Crossfit to get back into great shape. They will help motivate you and really individualize training with you to increase the areas you are lacking in. The proof is in the puddling, all you have to do is hang around them for a little while and you can see this place is worth the value.
I would recommend the Stronghold for anyone regardless of age or gender. The Stronghold is a family operated establishment with great moral beliefs. If you want your child to do more then just learn to punch and kid, send them here. They will be helped by a group of wonderful people who truly view themselves as a family. They are very warm to new people too. Go in and check it out, you will see exactly what I am talking about.
I give them 5 stars for customer service, quality training, awesome morals, great equipment, constant improvements, and the total family atmosphere. Best kids location in San Diego.

I haven’t trained at any other gym nor would I train anywhere else.
The instructor is very detailed and attentative and unlike some places that hold a class and you are just a face, the instructor Mike Cusi also gives instruction and tips based on who you are.
Kids classes are also excellent as my kids attend the BJJ portion.
Crossfit Instructor Ray Regno is also great. While I have not taken a Crossfit Class under Ray — his classes are always packed and I can tell over time that people are definitely seeing results.
The gym is much cheaper than a regular BJJ or Crossfit gym alone let alone the rates for both, it really is a steal.

I’ve been training in CF here for a couple months now and it’s been a great experience. I had a decent fitness level going in, but the head trainer is very scientific and focused on form and has greatly helped my form in several lifts. I’ve always been shy on the Olympic lifts, and I’ve made great strides in those as well.
The gym’s classes are generally not so large as to make you feel like just a number. They are also generally not too small, so you don’t feel like you’re training in someone’s garage. When you get a membership here, it’s basically like you’re getting a personal trainer who meticulously studies your form and constantly helps to correct you. It’s helped me avoid injury so far and I feel accomplished after a tough workout. They also are very kid-​friendly, with BJJ classes and several families in and out throughout the day.
It’s a great gym, with a caring staff. I cannot recommend it enough. I urge you to give it a try if you’re even slightly interested.

I starting training in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu last year and recently started the CrossFit Training 3 weeks ago. The training staff are well equipped with the most recent training equipment and skill. Mike Cusi is a Black Belt in Jiu Jitsu, and Ray Regno being certified in CrossFIt. This team will keep you motivated and encouraged every time you come to train. Their workouts are designed for not only for personal muscle growth, fat lose and skill, but also gives you the confidence you need in your every day life. I highly recommend The Stronghold for all your personal strength and skill goals.

I’ve trained Brazilian Jiu Jitsu since 2000. In that time I’ve been blessed to be able to train at different gyms. One thing I’ve noticed about The Stronghold that sets them apart is the lack of cliques. Everyone is very welcoming and very eager to share their knowledge in hopes of making everyone better. Aside from the great instruction and workouts provided, the welcoming and family type attitude from the members and teammates is without a doubt what sets The Stronghold is head and shoulders above the rest.

These guys are as good as it gets. I have found nothing but good things to say about the way they run this place. Good training. Very large mats to roll on. easy going and open to who ever wants to learn how to train in BJJ. Thank you guys for all the things that you guys do. Cheers.

Since the moment I stepped into this gym I knew I had found the right place. The people are great, the staff is excellent, and the workouts are intense. Every time I walk out after a workout, I know I gave it my all and coach Ace gave his to us.
Since I first walked into the gym back in October, I have not looked back or regretted my decision in any way. If you choose to come through those doors, you won’t be disappointed.

I tried my first jiujitsu lesson last year in November 2010 because my roommate is an active member at Stronghold so I decided to go with him. I had no idea what jiujitsu was before last year but I decided to give it a shot and it was super fun!
Everyone at the gym was really warm and welcoming, like a big family! Even though I am a small petite young woman and everyone there seemed to be average 190lbs, built, not to mention they were all guys (few girls my size), they were all very understanding and let me roll with the big guys.
I know that a lot of jiu jitsu gyms would probably not let me roll or work out with them because I’m a big newbie and not a lot of woman my size/​age do it, but Stronghold is a gym that welcomes everyone, all sizes and all ages.
Also, the quality of teaching is super. Mike is a great (and funny) teacher who understands everyones level of ability.
They also have crossfit. I went in the other month to use their crossfit equipment and Raquel gave me a workout plan that really pushed me to do what I can. Apparently, I had bad position and posture for a lot of the workouts I’ve been doing but Raquel patiently told me what I was doing wrong and gave me a lot of tips on my workout plan.
Overall, I highly recommend the Stronghold gym! They’re super friendly and not only do you get to get a good workout, but you find yourself in a family oriented environment and start making friends as well.

I’ve been training here since it opened. Amazing owners. Mike and Raquel are great people, which leads to a great environment full of encouragement.
Their kids program is AMAZING which adds to the great family environment. Once my kids are older I’ll have them in there as well.
They recently opened up a location down in Eastlake, so if you live down south and Point Loma is too far for you head on out to the Eastlake location.
861 Harold Place #304
Chula Vista, CA 91 914

The Stronghold is not only a network of great people but one big solid family. When you join this gym, you will not only receive the support to pursue your fitness needs, you gain a life long friendship.
This is where children can build their self confidence… where my son has developed and grown physically and mentally doing Brazilian Jiu Jitsu within the last year. It’s also a place where I, myself have learned what it means to really commit to a sport and being physically fit.
It seems silly to me that anyone would give this place a bad review over an email or message. If anyone ever walks into this place, they know it’s not a ‘commercialized’ gym… it’s not about the money. it’s about the people. So maybe they overlooked a message but given the opportunity, I know the owners of this gym would have redeemed themselves.
Coach Mike really cares about everyone he trains. I think this gym has a bright future regardless of one bad review. Everyone that steps through that door can and will see the dedication that is given to each member of The Stronghold family.

A good friend of mine trains here so I’ve been here a few times to train with him. Funny how training becomes a fun way to hang out with your friends: P.
Anyways, every time I’ve been here, the owner Mike has always been super welcoming and chill. Not all academies like having visitors that aren’t going to be students but at The Stronghold, they’re just good people that love jiu-​jitsu and are happy to share it with others. In fact, they have programs to get kids that can’t afford jiu-​jitsu into their program because they know what a powerful and positive influence it can be.
And maaan, their kids team is HUGE! And they kick butt!!! Hard work, dedication, and leaders that truly care about their team with excellent skills? It’s a winning formula.
I admire Mike and his academy so much as well as the level of his team. I’m very grateful to have the chance to drop in from time to time and I hope that people will take the time to check it out cuz it’s definitely a great gym.

I train here mostly for the CrossFit and occasionally the Brazilian Jui Jitsu. I scoot here after work to make the CrossFit 6pm class. The coach is very patient and helpful with beginners. The WODs (Workouts of the Day) are intense and I always find myself challenged doing something new.
My first session at the stronghold showed me how inclusive and welcoming these folks are, its nothing like 24hour fitness where you train within feet of people and neither party acknowledges each other (pathetic!).
Men, women, and kiddos train here. Egos are checked at the door and hard training is norm.