Straight Blast Gym (SBG) Portland is the original functional martial arts academy in Portland, Oregon, offering classes in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ), mixed martial arts (MMA), kickboxing, boxing, wrestling, Judo, and yoga. With classes starting from 7am and running until 9pm, there are options available for people of all ages and genders. Coach Justin is one of the BJJ teachers at SBG Portland. He is known for his excellent teaching and for always having a kind word or thoughtful insight to share with his students. During a recent class with Coach Justin, the focus was on escaping opponents when they go for your head on the ground. The class was described as fantastic and humbling, with Coach Justin emphasizing the importance of letting go of one's ego in order to succeed at BJJ. A middle-aged blue belt visiting family for the winter holidays attended classes at SBG Portland and had a positive experience. The e-mails from staff were prompt and informative, and upon arriving at the gym, the staff and students were welcoming and made the visitor feel at home immediately. The visitor participated in a CAP and a Foundations class, both of which were taught in a progressive fashion that was easy to understand. They left the gym with new techniques and solutions to problems they had been having in their game. An online member of SBG Portland praised the organization's use of the scientific method and their constant search for truth and excellence. They mentioned that Coach Matt had mentioned the organization was behind on leglocks and that Coach Frankl had put his brainpower to work and problem-solved the issue. The visitor also praised Coach Whittier for his 40 plus series and for incorporating the concept of gamification into his teaching. They highly recommended SBG Portland for the excellent MMA instruction and the organization's commitment to constant improvement.
SBG is an amazing gym. As a first time BJJ student I had loads of fun and learned so much in just a short amount of time. The coaches are very supportive and helpful, what an amazing community!
July 2025
Great gym. They teach high quality Jiu Jitsu in a way that is easy to understand and very nice people. It’s rare to find a gym like that. You won’t regret trying out a class.
May 2025
Great instruction Great team No issues with payment no matter where the problem originated it gets handled. I walk in when I don't get a call back but usually my calls are returned.
