One World Self Defense & Fitness

«I never thought that you would ever have THIS body in your entire life»
My wife recently gave me a great compliment but she also knew how to keep my ego from being inflated to Donald Trump sized proportions.
I recently entered my 40s and I’m in the best shape of my life. I could’ve run laps around my 20 year old self. My new appreciation for fitness is because of the One World Boot Camp (OWBC) and Barbell Club classes.
It all started in late 2014 when my cousin, who was already a OWBC member, asked me if I wanted to try out the class. I said ok and she told me come to special birthday class session on Friday at 4:30am and to get ready to work out for 2 hours. 4:30am!!! 2 hours!!! I thought she was joking. To my surprise there were at least 30 to 40 people who showed up that morning. Needless to say, afterwards I was dead tired but I was energized too. For the past year, OWBC has become part of my morning ritual and my hour of «meditation» for at least 3 to 4 times a week.
I’ll probably never sign up for another 24 Hour Fitness gym membership again because for less than $ 7 per class, I get to train with a friendly group of people, receive top-​notch coaching, and have access to an array of exercise equipment and a clean facility.
The Community — Who doesn’t love giving high fives and fist bumping each other after finishing a grueling workout? Everyone can feel like they’re a rock star when they come here. The «Dirty 530» community extends outside of the gym and in social media too. Many of my fellow members obsess about eating bacon, cookies, and ice cream as much they talk about running marathons.
The Coaching — The kind of people I truly respect and want to learn from are the ones who care about their craft. Coach Chris Robertson has demonstrated that he’s deeply committed to his craft of physical fitness. He’s constantly keeping routines fresh and introducing new exercises. He’s also good at sensing the mood of the group and making adjustments during the class. I really trust him to tell me what to do because my brain is still usually waking up at 5:30 am.
More importantly Coach Chris told me the secret to washboard abs (my lifelong goal) is all due to diet. Eating clean was and still is my weakness (just see my Unilocal restaurant check ins). I didn’t really take his advice to heart until I participated in a 10 week nutrition challenge. During those 10 weeks I saw my weight drop over 10 lbs, with the same level of activity, just by eating healthier, cutting out alcohol, sweets, and carbs.
I had achieved a few significant personal accomplishments as I look back at 2015
1) Completed my 1^st half marathon (13.1 miles) at the San Francisco race.
2) Completed my 2^nd half marathon in under 2 hours at the SF Giants race.
… I’ve always hated running especially long distances
3) I dead lifted 265 lbs and placed 3^rd overall with my partner in the 2015 OW Cross Fit/​Boot Camp Competition
… I’ve never wanted to try Olympic style weight lifting
4) Completed my first Spartan Super (8+ miles, 20+ obstacles) at Toro Park, Monterey
5) Completed my first Spartan Beast (14+ miles, 30+ obstacles) at Squaw Valley, Lake Tahoe
… I’ve never wanted to push myself to exhaustion
I’ve learned the real meaning of grit, determination, and mental toughness with all of these experiences and OWBC,
Words never really convey the actual experience so just stop by and try a OWBC class to decide for yourself. Guests are welcomed to stop by at 7am on Saturdays. If you don’t make a commitment to make that first move, then you might never know what you’re fully capable of.
Nothing has impacted my mental and physical health more than this gym and class.

Probably the first thing you notice is a clean facility, then the welcoming staff. When people start gathering for class, you can feel the anticipation of what’s to come… hard work! I’ve only been to Coach Marlo’s class on Mondays 4:30pm so far and he worked us! It’s GREAT! With approximately 20 – 25 participants, he’s encouraging and motivating to each one while guiding us to go at our own pace, cheering us on and steering us to perform in a safe manner. Want to try to make it to Coach Chris’ class who’s also awesome! Highly recommend!

Professional and open hearted: this gym is a second home.
A variety of classes and fitness levels, from MMA, to gymnastics, to yoga, bootcamp and CrossFit.
Find your strength and keep coming back!

The Krav Maga program is awesome. The instructors and students in class are great, and I love that they foster a very positive, comfortable environment to learn Krav Maga. The vibe is unlike any other that I’ve seen. Great support from instructors and students alike, while also teaching you self defense tools that will save your life.

best crossfit/​krav maga gym in the bay area! excellent facility with incredible staff members!

The best gym I’ve ever had. I started coming here to train in preparation for my
job. I attend the boot camp classes by Chris, and every now and then I show up to a Saturday Crossfit class.
The atmosphere at One World is unlike any other «major» name you may go to. There is a community/​family atmosphere here – we all support each other and encourage each other to meet our goals.
Another cool thing is that they teach Krav Maga and Jiu-​jitsu here.
Brad, Maria, Kevin, Harvey, and James are a few more great people who have helped me train.
They gym is kept very clean as well.

Well I survived the very first week of Krav Maga. First I was afraid that I wouldn’t be able to try something so new and challenging, but that thought quickly gone after meeting the staff. James and Brad are great instructors/​coaches. They will teach and make sure you feel comfortable of what you are doing. The classmates are so friendly and helpful to work with newbies like me. The front desk staff are energetic and welcoming as well. They actually told me to go to Groupon to get the trial classes. I was so glad that I did it. I think I will try Crossfit class shortly. Oh by the way the gym is very clean and neat, plenty of parking space in a nice and quiet neighborhood. I would highly recommend anyone to join!

My husband and I signed up for the 6 week boot camp with Chris and Justin (Yoga). We were initially pretty intimidated by the thought of it but having almost completed it now, we are both so happy that we did it. We had every excuse in the world to not do it but after seeing how family-​oriented and supportive the instructors were in the kids BJJ program (see other review under jiujitsu), we had to. Here is a rundown of our experience and thoughts through the workout process. Overall we agree with pretty much all the positive reviews that have already posted:
1) I signed up for the popular 5:30 am class. The only morning class so it draws a crowd but somehow Chris makes it move along and varies workouts with teamwork so space isn’t an issue. You neither feel cramped or lost in the shuffle. My husband did the 8 pm class. He is a true workaholic when it comes to time in the office and getting work done. So it took someone like Chris — non-​pressuring, respectful, committed, engaging to draw him into making it a priority.
2) We were not fit people to begin with. After spending 7 years having 3 kids and dealing with life’s general stresses, we were just surviving sometimes. We lacked sleep and motivation to start working out again. We nearly passed out and I know I almost threw up during the initial day. But if you commit to just attending as much as possible and giving the best of your individual ability, you will feel and see results.
3) We both feel fantastic now after almost 6 weeks. We will definitely continue. It still is hard for me to get up at the sound of my alarm at 5 am and I know it is a constant challenge to attend the 8 pm class for my husband who drives a long commute and often takes the night shift for the little one if he wakes up crying, but we do it. We do it because of Chris’ supportive coaching style, because of the the friendly and supportive people in our class, and because we feel so much stronger and fitter.
4) Lastly, we truly feel lucky that we found One World as a whole, for the entire family, since we never knew it even existed and we live very close to it. The crossfit area with the equipment obviously isn’t kid-​friendly but it is such a family-​friendly environment. There are a lot of physcially intimidating looking crossfit people who workout seriously and strenuously, but I appreciate how they still smile and say a quick hi to my very active and energetic 2 year old as he waits impatiently to catch up to his siblings in the BJJ class. You just feel very comfortable there and that’s really what makes you go back.

Well, considering that on Saturday ⁵⁄₁₀ marked my THIRD YEAR ANNIVERSARY at Crossfit One World, I guess it’s safe to say that I can finally leave a review ;)
I still remember like it was yesterday when I had decided that I needed to get more active and need to make a lifestyle change. I was going to a gym near my house and all I was doing at the time was elliptical or treadmill but never dare go into the weight room because I was intimidated by all these guys and those heavy looking weights. I’d show up, do my cardio and then leave without ever talking to anyone.
At that time a friend of mine showed me an article of her supervisor who lost a lot of weight and looked really strong and healthy and the article talked about her journey and lifestyle changes that got her to where she is today. She was actually working out at Crossfit One World so I figured, *shrug* what’s there to lose? (Besides fat and pounds I had hoped… haha)
I did my research beforehand and read up Unilocal reviews and looked at their website for more info. One of the Crossfit owners, Freddy, also posts on the One World blog in which he posts an entry about whatever is going on and at the end of the post, the Work Out of the Day (WOD) for the next day. From pics and postings, you can tell that this place had people that kept coming back and also besides working out, they actually had celebrations (like gym gatherings/​outings, Christmas exchange, Halloween party) where they all hung out with each other.
I visited the gym and that day I signed up with my 3 private sessions with Brad. Brad is one of the best coaches I’ve ever met. He is a patient teacher who went over all the movements and steps in the private training sessions, so you don’t go into the WOD hurting yourself.
There’s a lot of articles out there about the pros/​cons of crossfit and ultimately Crossfit One World has the mentality of really caring about the individual and making sure that they are doing the movements in a proper and safe form. From day one, you learn to «CHECK YOUR EGO AT THE DOOR». This place encourages improvement and friendly competition but never to the point where you feel scared or intimidated. Three years ago if someone told me that I can backsquat 197# or deadlift max 255#, I would have been like «WTF, no». But that’s the great thing about this place is that with consistent effort and commitment, you really do learn to grow and improve. The coaches are well trained and always motivating — constantly watching your form and giving advice on how to make the movements better.
Crossfit One World to me is not just another gym like 24 or Ballys (Crossfitters call crossfit ‘gyms’ = ‘box’, but of course, One World is not your average box either: P) I’ve met and made so many good friends here, some of which are closer to me than other friends I’ve known from high school or college — many of which I’m even inviting my wedding! To me, Crossfit One World is like family :) I wanted a lifestyle change and what I got was more than what I had bargained for — a place to consistently push myself to the next level while being cheered on by fellow members and friends. Likewise, after WODs, we’d all hang out and grab dinner or celebrate birthdays, anniversaries, even baby showers! The camaraderie and atmosphere at One World was definitely at the opposite end of the other gym that I had gone to before where everyone didn’t really talk to each other.
If you’re considering Crossfit, Bootcamp, Jiu Jitsu or Krav Maga, go and take a visit and just check out the place. I can guarantee that you will feel that there’s something different and special at this «gym» compared to others.

All of the crossfit instructors are knowledgable and supportive, I’ve been doing it a month now. No looking back!

This review is strictly for the Boot camp sessions by Chris Robertson.
One word sums it up! Amazing!!! Didn’t quite know what I was getting into when I started but now I can’t stop because it is well worth it! Always some different with lots of encouragement to work harder, work smart and most importantly trust my body because it knows what it needs, can do and can work towards. So grateful to have found this class!

This review is for The Boot Camp with Christopher Robertson.
This is by far the best thing I have ever done for myself. Chris energy is supportive and challenging. The folks in the class are amazing. I’m in week 3 of the boot camp and we have not repeated a workout. I am amazed at what I can do. Chris offers plenty of feedback so I am working out correctly, and lots of encouragement (right when I need it most). If you are looking for a kick ass workout, check out the next boot camp!

I have been going to One World for about 2 years now doing Krav Maga. I LOVE this gym! I go to as many classes as I can, 5 – 6 days a week. The instructors are very skilled/​awesome and have helped me develop my skills in self defense. I was intimidated when I first joined, but it didn’t take long for me to love Krav Maga. When I travel, I visit other Krav Maga gyms and hands down the cardio is the best at One World and the mat space is huge. I feel very lucky to be able to train in such a great gym, I encourage people to come in and try a class. :)

When I first joined One World SDF in January, it was because a friend wanted others to go along with him to do Crossfit. I’m fairly fit so I thought, I’ll do Crossfit for two months and then go back to 24 hour fitness to save money.
CROSSFIT:
Now I don’t want to go back to 24 hour fitness. I plateaued after almost 10 years of doing my regular workout routine. After 3 months of doing Crossfit around 4 times a week, I can lift weights that I lifted back in my «glory» days in college. And I look forward to surpassing my records in college.
The people here are awesome, friendly, and helpful. Every time I come, the class instructors and those who are more experienced offer tips on how I can better improve my form. Everyone is looking out for everyone else so that no one gets injured. And there’s that extra push that comes from working out together.
The workouts are well thought out, are not routine, and are completely scalable to just the right difficulty where they are challenging but not dangerous. Plus if I break good form (a sign I’m lifting too heavy or risking injury), the class instructors and others are quick to point that out.
The facilities are clean and well equipped. There are a lot of Crossfit sessions offered. As of this review, one hour classes are offered at 6:30a, 12p, 4p, 5p, 6p, and 7p.
KRAV MAGA:
After about 3 weeks of doing Crossfit, I started joining the Krav Maga classes. I was drawn to Krav Maga because it is really a martial art that is for the common every day person.
Just like Crossfit, the Krav Maga program at One World has the same welcoming, helpful culture. I was a bit intimidated at first because I do not have much of a martial arts background. But that quickly disappeared because the instructors and the students are approachable and friendly.
I feel that in every single class I’ve been in, I’ve received more personal attention on how to improve my techniques than other people. But I think everyone gets this attention. In a lot of classes there are two instructors going around watching people perform moves and then giving them tips. And a lot of the advance students have had patience showing me the right ways to do things.
I only wish they had more than one level 1 class a day. But if you join, they might start having more classes to accommodate more schedules!
Overall, I highly recommend One World.

My first experience and Impression of OneWorld CrossFit was amazing. From a guy coming from a different Box in Stockton (CenCal CrossFit) I was welcomed with warm smiles and friendliness. Everyone introduced themselves individually to me. I am very competitive and went hard for the WOD yet everyone pushed me. Some people would be offended but they embraced it. Freddy was the trainer that day and I believe he is part owner. That guy is fun to be around. He makes you feel in place with the group by interacting with everyone, making jokes and still has time to warm up with you. Overall I would highly recommend this CF Box to people that want motivation and a family oriented atmosphere.

Hands down the best gym for Crossfit, Krav Maga and BJJ in the Fremont/​Union City/​Newark area.
I’m also a member of a Club One gym at work and ClubSport in Fremont (family membership) for logistical purposes, but One World is THE gym that I prefer to work out at whenever I can, for the great instructors, supportive atmosphere, varied/​intense workouts and well-​equipped facility.

I decided to take up krav maga about a year and a half ago (awesome decision #1), then started training here (awesome decision #2). This place has it all: great instructors, great atmosphere, and a great workout.
I recently moved back to SF, so in the past few months I’ve been trying out a few krav maga and muay thai gyms on the other side of the bay. Finally settled on KM Institute, but all I can think about is One World. Counting down the days until my month-​long winter break so I could train here again!
One key difference from this gym and the others I’ve tried is the SPACE. One World is huge compared to most other gyms; it’s great to have all that space. More room also means a better variety of workouts.
I seriously have not found a single thing to complain about and I’ve trained here for a while. They’re definitely doing something right.

Just signed up for more Crossfit here, which amazed me as:
I am not a joiner. I hate working out indoors-​or maybe existing indoors at all. I have the attention span of a gnat. Gyms have never worked for me.
I originally signed up for on-​ramp to learn basics, strengthen up my upper bod to match the lower parts, and just to stay occupied during the crap weather months when hiking or running after work is impossible.
I’m staying because they’ve pushed me, to push myself beyond what I expected, I’m clearly getting stronger & looking better, it’s not too big and crowded, but also not small and dead, and most importantly: people are truly super friendly.
None of the meat heads one normally fends off in other places.
The work outs vary every time so I can’t get bored, and there is just enough friendly competition and hollering encouragement to keep me going– but also support and acceptance of whatever level we are all at.
Definitely worth checking out if you are at a plateau in your fitness
–free classes on some Sundays and good introductory rates

Awesome!
Went with a big group and did the intro Krav Maga class. It was killer! Great cardio along side technique work. Learned a lot, and had a great workout.
Going to checkout their free Sunday class for sure!

This gym teaches crossfit, krav maga, Jui-​Jitsu, eskrima, and kravfit (like boxing training). They also do full krav maga sparring which requires shin and head protective gear. So far I’ve tried kravfit, krav maga, crossfit, and eskrima classes. Krav maga is very practical self defense that assumes you want to take out an assailant as fast as possible while minimizing risk to yourself. You won’t find a lot of fancy kicks to the head, unless the other person is already on the ground. This is my latest gym after migrating from 24hr to Gold’s to Undisputed Boxing over the last few years.
Schedules for classes extend from noon to 8:30pm. There are classes on both Saturdays and Sundays now. The gym is clean and well maintained. Instructors are great at pairing students with similar skill levels (or lack thereof in my case) and diagnosing what needs to be fixed. Most of the conditioning exercises are done as fast as you can do them, which means that you don’t get stuck going only as fast as the slowest person in the class. If you want to show rapid improvement, come here regularly — the instructors are excellent at making sure nobody plateaus and everyone is gasping at the end of a drill. If you are currently snoring through your kickboxing/​boxing/​weights training give it a try.