San Diego Combat Academy | East County San Diego Jiu Jitsu - Boxing - Kickboxing
About
San Diego Combat Academy offers comprehensive martial arts training across multiple disciplines including Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, boxing, Muay Thai, kickboxing, wrestling, and MMA. The gym features world-class coaching staff led by former Featherweight World Champion Tiger Smalls as head boxing coach, Kru Yai Nai Khanom Tom Tony Palafox as head Muay Thai/MMA coach, and pro boxer Prince Tiger Smalls for youth instruction. The facility provides excellent amenities tailored for all martial arts practices, with structured classes that include purposeful warm-ups, technique drills, and rolling sessions designed for skill development.
reviewsWhat Members Say
Members consistently praise the world-class coaching staff, particularly highlighting Tiger Smalls, Tony Palafox, Andy, and other instructors for their knowledge, patience, and ability to provide personal attention. Reviewers emphasize the welcoming atmosphere that accommodates all skill levels from complete beginners to elite athletes, with many noting how the inclusive environment helped build their confidence and discipline. Multiple members mention excellent amenities and structured classes with purposeful warm-ups and technique drills that facilitate skill development. Several reviewers specifically commend the gym for being family-friendly and accommodating drop-in visitors, with one member returning a year later to find the same high-quality experience.
rate_reviewGoogle Reviews (5)
audrey A
2 months ago
The teachers are great, classes are packed but really like the programs they offer
Abdulla Al Sudany
2 years ago
I started training here about a year ago and from day one everyone has been just amazing. The gym has awesome amenities for all their martial arts, the coaches are world class at what they do, and the atmosphere is great. Highly recommend this gym weather you’re a professional martial artist or if you’re just looking for a great new hobby for you and your family
Justin Wood
a year ago
Came to San Diego in vacation, I wasn’t expecting to train while here. SDCA had the perfect schedule to get a in a session. When I first arrived I met Tiger he was welcoming, and put all my anxiety at ease. He showed me around and let me tell you, this is a top notch club full of great people. I am 43 yr old white belt, I’ve been training Jiu jitsu for a year out of all the gyms I’ve visited this is my favorite. Andy is next level in grappling and coaching, gave me great pointers and let me work. Everyone was easy going and great guys. Excellent rolls, with sound Jiu jitsu. I wish I could train there more. Highly recommend to anyone the lives here or visiting. This next part of my review is one year later after the above review. I am in San Diego visiting family again, and planned a drop in to SDCA on this trip. Went to the Sunday class. Once again I was blown away. This time it was a structured class. Warm ups, technique, rolling. The warms ups were on point. Jiu jitsu specific movements. Very fundamental and purposeful. Technique was spot on too. Perfect amount of information along with good drilling. Definitely opened up my eyes. Coach Tony gave me plenty of attention. Super knowledae, patient, easy to understand and grasp the concepts. The students were great too. Good rolls and good times. I for sure am coming back.
Patrick Hall
4 years ago
This is the place!! The team here is incredible and dedicated to everyone’s growth. I’m being motivated by watching elite athletes continually climb in their abilities. I also have been entirely welcomed as a beginner. I came in with no fighting experience and was well out of shape starting my membership. San Diego Combat Academy is a great place for all ability levels. Very inclusive and encouraging. I’d trained with others for ultra sports in the past and this is different. The mindset here is real, everyone is here to get stronger. They’re also here for each other. I know that if I commit here, I’ll find versions of myself I didn’t know I were possible. I’ve worked with Tony, Gordon, Nick, and Criss and they are SOLID! I’ve witnessed Tiger, Prince, Andy, Nadine, and the the others create an awesome atmosphere that I want to keep coming back to. Thankful for the growth I’ve already experienced here!
matthew kowalzek
a year ago
My family and I have been taking classes at American Combat Academy since October 2023 and have had a great experience so far. The owner and primary instructor, Professor Anthony, is very dedicated and knows a lot about MMA and Jiu Jitsu. He also has an amazing staff, Sensei Daniel, Carl and others who join in and help with the classes, as there are multiple classes for all ages and genders on the weekends and in the evenings. Overall, the place is great for all ages. Our son with his learning difficulties has benefitted enormously from this – in the relatively structured and stimulating environment, along with the engaging classes, his attention and discipline has improved immensely. Our other daughter’s confidence has been raised through the training, which in turn has only helped her excel in other areas. My wife and I also both take adult MMA and Jiu Jitsu classes with him, and both classes are phenomenal. His instructors make it feel like a fun and supportive atmosphere, which in turn pushes you to work hard to get better. He also gives workshops for women’s self-defense now and then, which are fantastic for building self-confidence and learning to defend yourself.
Contact
2705 Via Orange Way, Spring Valley, CA 91978, USA
scheduleHours
Monday: 6:00 AM – 12:00 PM, 4:00 – 8:00 PM
Tuesday: 6:00 AM – 12:00 PM, 4:00 – 8:00 PM
Wednesday: 6:00 AM – 12:00 PM, 4:00 – 8:00 PM
Thursday: 6:00 AM – 12:00 PM, 4:00 – 8:00 PM
Friday: 6:00 AM – 12:00 PM, 4:00 – 8:00 PM
Saturday: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Sunday: 9:30 AM – 12:00 PM
groupCoaches & Instructors
Tiger Smalls
Head Boxing Coach
Former Featherweight World Champion, California Boxing Hall of Fame
Former Featherweight World Champion and California Boxing Hall of Fame inductee. Head Boxing Coach.
Tony Palafox
Head Muay Thai/MMA Coach
Kru Yai Nai Khanom Tom, BJJ Brown Belt
Striking specialist and Head Muay Thai/MMA Coach. BJJ Brown Belt lineage under Glover/Baker/Letsos.
Prince Tiger Smalls
Youth Boxing Instructor
Pro Boxer
Professional boxer and instructor for the youth boxing program.