Sierra MMA

"Many have already written excellent reviews while articulating similar positive attributes to Pedro and his team; as well as the entire family of students whom train at SMMA. I Think the most important and impressive attribute is the overall "vibe" at SMMA. Considering there is such a range of high-level fighters, along with many new or less adept students, one might expect a more "traditional" i.e. hieratical stratification amongst those who have acquired a solid skill set, and those who have not. I remember the first moment I walked onto the SMMA open mat and noticed how remarkably friendly everyone was - not just to myself - but everyone else for that matter. It was like being in the kitchen of a really fun house party. This has been a constant now for well over a year. It allows for not only a feeling of safety and caring, but a whole LOT of learning, which I attribute to Pedro, all the other coaches and highly ranked belts. A pervasive warrior spirit minimizing ego or false accolades. There is an expectation for improvement and hard work, but also a nurturing and realistic understanding of each student's ability. Truly a remarkable gym! With exemplary leadership, passion for the discipline's involved with emphasis towards caring for each other; both on and off the mats. Come and join the party! OSS."

"So I definitely recognize that I'm in the minority in having a bad experience here, but man was my experience bad, so take it for what it's worth. I'd done a lot of MMA training for a few years about a decade ago, but took time off for school and my career. Wanted to get back into it because it really is a fun way to stay in shape. But at Sierra, it was anything but fun. There were three major things that made my experience here pretty awful. So in a small group class, there were three of us taking turns rolling. I got winded and needed to sit it out for a few minutes at the end. This got Pedro very frustrated and he started talking loudly about how obnoxious and irritating I was being. This was not done in a "haha, come on ya' wimp," playful way, but was very clearly happy to try to put me down way. Not impressed. The next issue was in a similar class where we were doing exercises trying to either maintain mount or escape from mount. Pretty basic and clear. But this one guy was trying to show how tough he was, so when he escaped from mount, he unexpectedly threw me in an armbar and cranked it 100%. I didn't resist in the least, because in my mind the exercise was over. Freakin hurt! I just laughed it off and said something along the lines of "ouch, wasn't expecting that with what we're doing." He said sorry, and Pedro just watched. Didn't say anything. Ok, that stuff happens. Then when I was doing my next rotation with him again a few minutes later, he threw me in an armbar and fully cranked it again! And again I wasn't expecting it because I thought it was clear we weren't doing that. Pedro still just sat there, didn't intervene or say "that's not what we're doing man." Almost a year later, my tendon is still recovering from the two hyperextensions. Poor discipline made it a dangerous place. Finally, I decided I wasn't interested in continuing working with Pedro because I felt unsafe and hostile. So I called Pedro and said I was canceling my membership. He looked me up, very rudely said my membership was already canceled for lack of payment, then hung up on me without another word. Funny thing is, I could look through my bank records and see that I had paid my dues, including an unclear charge for $300 earlier that week. So, that's my two-cents. Seemed hostile, unsafe, weird financials, and just not a place I could recommend. Fighting should be fun and inclusive, and that's been my experience everywhere else I've been. This was the only gym I've ever been to with any of this negativity, so I'd have to suggest to anyone looking for an MMA gym to look elsewhere."

"Best MMA gym in SLC area. Coaches are patient and talented, atmosphere is friendly, classes are tons of fun and the value is excellent. I always leave in a better mood than when I show up. Highly recommend."

"I started training at Sierra MMA May of this year, and it has by far been the greatest and most productive training experience I've ever had. Pedro is truly an exceptional coach, with a unique (and highly efficacious) approach to training that creates rapid improvement in all areas of grappling. You will not find a more welcoming, fun, and humbling training environment quite like this anywhere else! Training here is the best parts of my week. Cannot recommend them enough!"

"I am a black belt visiting from Philadelphia. Coach Pedro welcomed me with open arms. He ran a very fun, very active class and even took time during the hour to go over some of his leg lock systems with me. It was fun, competitive and above all super safe. I will definitely drop back in any time I am in the area."