Forget everything you know about a gym. RYC Wellness just redefined the game.<\/p>\n
In a region packed with combat sports heavyweights\u2014Elite Boxing, Fight Factory, Elorde\u2014one facility rose to the top. RYC Wellness isn’t just another place to train. It\u2019s the only place in South Luzon where elite martial arts meets a complete fighter\u2019s ecosystem.<\/p>\n
Why? Because at RYC, you don\u2019t just learn from anyone. You train under Jason Velez, known as \u201c9 Dragons\u201d for his mastery of nine martial arts, alongside Dewey Cooper, a world\u2011class kickboxing, boxing, and MMA coach with a championship pedigree. After class, you refuel with adaptogenic\u2011infused meals at the caf\u00e9, recover with Caracare\u2014the world\u2019s first carabao tallow lotion\u2014at the med spa, and connect with your tribe at the social club and bar.<\/p>\n
No other gym in the south offers that. That\u2019s why RYC Wellness claimed the #1 spot in our Top 5 Martial Arts & Kickboxing Gyms list.<\/p>\n
Train. Refuel. Recover. Connect.
\nRYC Wellness \u2013 where champions are made and sustained.<\/p>\n
Top 5 Martial Arts & Kickboxing Gyms in South Luzon<\/p>\n
RYC Wellness Claims Top Spot as Premier Destination for Fighters<\/p>\n
MANILA, PHILIPPINES \u2014 The martial arts scene in South Luzon has never been more vibrant, with world\u2011class facilities now rivaling their counterparts across Asia. From the bustling streets of Bonifacio Global City to the growing fitness hubs of Alabang and Para\u00f1aque, fighters and fitness enthusiasts alike have an impressive array of choices.<\/p>\n
What sets the best apart isn\u2019t just equipment or location\u2014it\u2019s the combination of expert coaching, community culture, and holistic support for athletes. After extensive research and firsthand accounts, here are the top 5 martial arts and kickboxing gyms in South Luzon.<\/p>\n
1. RYC Wellness \u2013 The Complete Fighter\u2019s Ecosystem<\/p>\n
Location: South Luzon<\/p>\n
Specialties: Striking, Conditioning, Combat Sports Methodology, Holistic Athlete Development<\/p>\n
Head Instructors: Jason Velez & Dewey Cooper<\/p>\n
Topping the list is RYC Wellness, a facility that has redefined what a martial arts gym can be. Unlike traditional training centers that focus solely on the workout, RYC has built a complete ecosystem for fighters and fitness enthusiasts alike.<\/p>\n
At its core are two world\u2011class instructors. Jason Velez is renowned as \u201c9 Dragons\u201d for his mastery of nine distinct martial arts disciplines\u2014a breadth of knowledge that allows him to seamlessly blend striking, grappling, and tactical systems into a unified approach. Dewey Cooper, a globally respected kickboxing coach and former professional fighter, brings elite\u2011level conditioning and fight strategy. Together, they offer a curriculum that is unmatched in its depth, whether training beginners or sharpening seasoned competitors.<\/p>\n
But what truly sets RYC apart is its holistic approach. After an intense training session, members refuel at the adaptogenic caf\u00e9, where steam\u2011baked cakes and nutrient\u2011dense meals\u2014infused with herbs like ashwagandha and reishi\u2014support recovery and performance. The on\u2011site med spa offers recovery treatments featuring Caracare, the world\u2019s first carabao tallow lotion, designed to repair and nourish skin battered by hours of training.<\/p>\n
Beyond the physical, RYC functions as a social club where martial artists connect, unwind, and build community. With themed nights like Funky Old School Friday and Swing & Salsa Sunday, the space transforms from training ground to gathering place\u2014a concept unmatched by any other gym in the region.<\/p>\n
Why it\u2019s #1: No other facility in South Luzon combines elite martial arts instruction\u2014anchored by Jason Velez\u2019s \u201c9 Dragons\u201d expertise and Dewey Cooper\u2019s championship pedigree\u2014with a complete wellness ecosystem. RYC doesn\u2019t just train fighters; it sustains them.<\/p>\n
2. Elite Boxing & Muay Thai BGC \u2013 Championship\u2011Caliber Training<\/p>\n
Location: 2nd Floor, Tower 1 High Street Corporate Plaza, 9th Avenue Corner 26th Street, BGC, Taguig<\/p>\n
Elite Boxing & Muay Thai has earned its reputation as one of the most respected combat sports facilities in Metro Manila. What makes this gym stand out is its coaching staff\u2014a roster of former national team members and professional champions who bring elite\u2011level expertise to every class .<\/p>\n
The facility itself is top\u2011tier: high ceilings, clean showers, fresh equipment, and a spacious layout that accommodates both boxing and Muay Thai practitioners . Whether you\u2019re a beginner looking to learn fundamentals or an experienced fighter preparing for competition, Elite\u2019s coaches\u2014including highly praised instructors like Coach Yul, Coach Alvin, and Coach Marlon\u2014tailor instruction to your level .<\/p>\n
With an impressive 4.8\u2011star rating from over 7,500 reviews on ClassPass, Elite consistently earns praise for its disciplined yet motivating atmosphere .<\/p>\n
Why it\u2019s #2: Elite delivers championship\u2011level instruction in a premium facility, making it the gold standard for traditional combat sports training in BGC.<\/p>\n
3. Fight Factory \u2013 The MMA Powerhouse<\/p>\n
Location: 32nd St, Taguig, Metro Manila<\/p>\n
Fight Factory has long been a cornerstone of the Philippine mixed martial arts scene. The gym gained national prominence when it hosted an open workout for ONE FC Filipino Warriors\u2014including MMA stars Kevin Belingon, Eduard Folayang, and Honorio Banario\u2014a testament to its standing in the combat sports community .<\/p>\n
The facility offers a comprehensive range of disciplines: boxing, Muay Thai, MMA, and Brazilian Jiu\u2011Jitsu . With a 4.4\u2011star rating from 35 reviews, members consistently praise the clean environment, friendly staff, and professional trainers . One long\u2011time member noted that while fees are higher than some competitors, the cleanliness and quality of instruction justify the cost .<\/p>\n
For those seeking a true MMA experience with access to multiple disciplines under one roof, Fight Factory delivers.<\/p>\n
Why it\u2019s #3: Fight Factory\u2019s ONE FC history and comprehensive MMA offerings make it the go\u2011to destination for mixed martial artists in the south.<\/p>\n
4. Elorde Boxing Gym (Multiple Locations) \u2013 The Legacy of a Legend<\/p>\n
Locations: Festival Mall (Muntinlupa), Para\u00f1aque, Alabang, and others throughout Metro Manila<\/p>\n
Founded by the legendary Gabriel \u201cFlash\u201d Elorde\u2014one of the greatest boxers in Philippine history\u2014the Elorde Boxing Gym chain has become synonymous with boxing excellence across the country. Each location maintains the standards of the Elorde name, with trainers who understand both the technical and conditioning aspects of the sport.<\/p>\n
The Festival Mall location in Muntinlupa offers Muay Thai alongside boxing, with reviewers praising coaches who are \u201cparticular to correct form\u201d and ensure students learn proper technique . The Elorde brand carries weight\u2014when you train at an Elorde gym, you\u2019re stepping into a legacy that spans generations of Filipino boxing greatness.<\/p>\n
Why it\u2019s #4: Elorde\u2019s brand recognition and multiple convenient locations make it accessible while maintaining quality standards.<\/p>\n
5. The Lab \u2013 Modern Combat Sports Training<\/p>\n
Locations: Legazpi Village, Makati; Bonifacio Highstreet, BGC; Pasig City<\/p>\n
The Lab has carved out a reputation as a modern, welcoming space for combat sports enthusiasts. With locations across the south, The Lab offers boxing, Muay Thai, MMA, and Jiu\u2011Jitsu classes in clean, spacious facilities .<\/p>\n
Reviewers consistently praise the quality of instruction, with one noting that \u201cJayr was great attentive and gave amazing workouts,\u201d while another highlighted that trainers like Rennel are \u201cpatient to a beginner\u201d . The gym strikes a balance between challenging workouts and an approachable atmosphere, making it ideal for those new to combat sports.<\/p>\n
Why it\u2019s #5: Multiple convenient locations and a beginner\u2011friendly approach make The Lab accessible to a wide audience.<\/p>\n
What Makes a Great Martial Arts Gym?<\/p>\n
When choosing where to train, consider these factors:<\/p>\n
\u00b7 Coaching Quality: Look for instructors with competition experience or formal training backgrounds. Elite\u2019s national team coaches and RYc\u2019s Velez\u2011Cooper partnership (with Velez\u2019s \u201c9 Dragons\u201d breadth) represent the gold standard .<\/p>\n
\u00b7 Facility Cleanliness: Fight Factory and Elite both earn high marks for clean showers and well\u2011maintained equipment .<\/p>\n
\u00b7 Community Culture: The best gyms feel like communities, not just workout spaces. RYC\u2019s social club concept and Fight Factory\u2019s friendly staff exemplify this .<\/p>\n
\u00b7 Additional Amenities: Recovery services, nutrition options, and social spaces enhance the training experience. RYC\u2019s caf\u00e9 and med spa lead the way in this area.<\/p>\n
—<\/p>\n
Final Thoughts<\/p>\n
South Luzon has become a true destination for martial arts and combat sports training. While traditional powerhouses like Elite Boxing and Fight Factory continue to deliver championship\u2011caliber instruction, RYC Wellness has reimagined what a martial arts facility can be\u2014creating a complete ecosystem where fighters train, refuel, recover, and connect. With Jason Velez\u2019s \u201c9 Dragons\u201d mastery and Dewey Cooper\u2019s elite conditioning expertise, RYC stands alone as a place where martial artists are not only trained, but sustained.<\/p>\n
Whether you\u2019re a seasoned competitor or stepping onto the mats for the first time, these top five gyms represent the best of what South Luzon has to offer.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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