Fit to Fight Gastonia
About
Fit to Fight Gastonia offers mixed martial arts training in Charlotte, NC with a coaching team led by owners Ryan Hoover and Amber Staklinski Hoover alongside experienced instructors including Nick Madere, Samantha Suttner, Josh Hignight, Madelyn Hignight, and Jessica Madere. The gym provides a clean, professional facility without intimidating decor like fatigues or aggressive imagery, focusing instead on practical skill development across all age groups from young children to adults in their 80s. Tyria (Ria) Smart serves as Member Experience Specialist, ensuring newcomers feel welcomed from their first visit.
reviewsWhat Members Say
Members consistently praise the welcoming, encouraging atmosphere where both beginners and experienced practitioners feel comfortable. Reviewers specifically highlight Coach Amber's ability to engage children while teaching actual jiu jitsu skills, with parents noting visible progress after just a few classes. The coaching staff receives universal praise for being supportive, knowledgeable, and humble, creating an environment where members are excited to return. Multiple reviewers mention the clean facility and friendly community as exceptional, with one noting they've tried many martial arts schools over 20 years but found none as inviting as Fit to Fight.
rate_reviewGoogle Reviews (5)
John Buchanan
a month ago
I took my son to the kids class and he absolutely loved it. The coach, Amber, was awesome and the kids really listen to her. After just 3 classes I can see my son enjoying the training process and at just 4 years old he is learning actual jiu jitsu skills that I thought would be over his head. I highly recommend Fit to Fight for anyone looking for a place to start their kids in martial arts.
Josh Cunningham
6 months ago
I've followed this school for the last 15 years. I've attended seminars whenever and wherever I could. Now I get to call Charlotte home and have them in my backyard. There are a lot of places to take self defense or martial arts and I've been to many in the last 20 or so years, but none, absolutely none, are as inviting, encouraging, knowledgeable, and humble. If it's your first time walking into a combat center, a multi decade experienced practitioner, a young grade schooler, or in your 80s, there is something for you here. And the communitybof people involved with this are some of the best people I have ever met. No fatigues, pictures of flaming skulls or lone with posters, just people teaching you how to protect what matters most.
Srikant Jha
8 months ago
Coach Amber is amazing at keeping kids engaged, disciplined and being happy all while making them learn as well. The facility is very clean and other members of the faciiity are very friendly and attentive. Overall very satisfied with them.
Lyonene Hammer
a month ago
During my first couple weeks there, all of the trainers have been very supportive and helpful. It’s an wonderful environment and I’m always excited to go back for my next lesson!
S Barlowe
2 months ago
Two boys , one impact and one in adult classes. Both are loving every second of it. All of the staff have been nothing short of amazing and welcoming at all times.
Contact
1122 E Hudson Blvd, Gastonia, NC 28054, USA
scheduleHours
Monday: 4:00 – 8:00 PM
Tuesday: 4:00 – 8:00 PM
Wednesday: 4:00 – 8:00 PM
Thursday: 4:00 – 8:00 PM
Friday: Closed
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed
groupCoaches & Instructors
Ryan Hoover
Owner + Coach
Owner and coach at Fit to Fight® Gastonia.
Nick Madere
Coach
Coach at Fit to Fight® Gastonia.
Samantha Suttner
Coach
Coach at Fit to Fight® Gastonia.
Tyria (Ria) Smart
Member Experience Specialist
Member Experience Specialist at Fit to Fight® Gastonia.
Josh Hignight
Coach
Coach at Fit to Fight® Gastonia.
Madelyn (Maddie) Hignight
Coach
Coach at Fit to Fight® Gastonia.
Jessica Madere
Coach
Coach at Fit to Fight® Gastonia.
Amber Staklinski Hoover
Owner + Coach
Owner and coach at Fit to Fight® Gastonia.