Southwest Portland Martial Arts and CrossFit Hillsdale

Wally Jones has created something genuinely special at Southwest Portland Martial Arts and CrossFit Hillsdale. I’ve known him for only a few years, but in that time I’ve come to appreciate how unique his leadership, attitude, and teaching style are. Before joining, I’d heard plenty of stereotypes about CrossFit. That it was overly intense, competitive, and full of ego-driven athletes trying to out-lift each other. Wally’s gym couldn’t be more different. From day one, he made it clear that this is a space built on collaboration, respect, and personal growth. Wally fosters an atmosphere where you’re encouraged to go at your own pace, focus on form and technique, and celebrate progress — not perfection. He emphasizes lower weights and correct movement over brute strength, and that simple philosophy keeps people safe, builds confidence, and creates a lasting love of training. Wally’s coaching style is constructive, humorous, and deeply human. He gives feedback that makes you better without ever making you feel small. He’s the kind of coach who’ll crack a joke mid-workout to keep spirits high but also knows exactly how to tweak your form so you get it right the next time. Even on days I don’t feel like working out, his energy and encouragement make it worth showing up. What’s equally impressive is how Wally treats people. He’s accepting, thoughtful, and leads by example in the way he treats every person who walks through the door. Whether it’s handling an awkward situation with grace, like gently escorting a confused stranger who wandered into class... or picking up garbage left in the parking lot just because it’s the right thing to do, he embodies integrity in small, everyday actions. Wally’s not trying to be anyone other than himself. What you see is who he is. No performance, no pretension, just genuine kindness and a sharp sense of humor. That honesty creates a community where people of all backgrounds feel welcome. If you’ve ever been hesitant to try CrossFit because you thought it might be intimidating, Wally’s gym will change your mind completely. It’s a place where effort is celebrated, individuality is respected, and laughter is part of the workout. Simply put, Wally Jones has built one of the most welcoming and grounded fitness communities you’ll ever find.

My daughter has been taking lessons for nearly a year and we LOVE Southwest Portland Martial Arts! The classes are a great value and my daughter's confidence has noticeably improved. She especially enjoyed the movement camp this summer and the hip-hop classes in the spring. Lara and Wally are great at working with kids and we plan to be enrolled for years to come!

I am a nanny and found the Sing, Sign, and Play event through the PDX Parent event calendar - I brought along a 6 month old I am caring for and immediately felt welcomed by Wally and Lara who run the event. Wally ran the event solo and it was just very wholesome and sweet. Wally has a chill and welcoming demeanor and vibes really well with kids. There were two other older children, around 3-4 years old and I didn't feel out of place with a 6 month old at all. Lara had brought out clean toys that the 6mo old could get mouthy on, a mat, and a pit for the baby to be in! So thoughtful.

I've been a part of the Crossfit Hillsdale family for nearly 15 years. There are people on both the crossfit and martial arts sides who have been members for 5+ and 10+ years and many more who are newer. Lara and Wally have long run an incredibly inclusive, locally-owned, family-run business that is welcoming, fun, and positive. This gym, which includes both Crossfit Hillsdale and SW Portland Martial Arts, is also very community-minded - both within the gym itself and as part of SW Portland. There are a wide variety of options here (crossfit, yoga, multiple martial arts styles, camps, youth programs, and more) to fit your interests and workout needs. Challenging workouts, expert coaching, no hassles, no globo-gym vibes, welcoming to all - and of all skill and experience - and run by good folks.

This is the world’s best gym. All humans are welcome just as they are, the coaching is world class, the exercise fun, challenging, and scalable, and the community is exactly what the world needs more of. If I were Catholic, I’d petition for Sainthood for the owners. Except then they might have to suffer as the saints, and that’s not what you wish on people you like.