- Address:153 17th St, Oakland, CA 94612
- Phone:(510) 593-2342
- Website:http://fourelementsfitness.com/
- Rating:5.0
FOUR Elements Fitness
Reviews
Rated 5.0/5 based on 20 customer reviews.
Mushtaq Ali
July 19, 2019 05:04
One of the most innovative and inclusive martial arts schools in the East Bay
Warren Buckland
June 6, 2019 11:35
Warm and caring instructors, dedicated classes for ladies and queer people, and a perfect balance of challenge and support.
Clara S
January 4, 2019 17:44
Fantastic place to learn, the instructors are very patient and welcoming.
Lilith Benjamin
June 25, 2018 00:08
Above all FOUR Elements Fitness is a safe place to train for everyone regardless of race, LGBTQAI+ status, or ability. The instructors are great and make for a place where queer people can be themselves without judgement or fear.
Paige Benjamin
June 25, 2018 00:08
Above all FOUR Elements Fitness is a safe place to train for everyone regardless of race, LGBTQAI+ status, or ability. The instructors are great and make for a place where queer people can be themselves without judgement or fear.
A Google User
June 25, 2018 00:08
Above all FOUR Elements Fitness is a safe place to train for everyone regardless of race, LGBTQAI+ status, or ability. The instructors are great and make for a place where queer people can be themselves without judgement or fear.
Karli McBryde
December 23, 2017 18:30
So happy that I found this gym! I started attending Brazilian Jiu Jitsu classes at this gym about 2 years months ago and have since fallen in love. I had never done BJJ before, but found Shawn (one of the gym's owners and BJJ coaches) to be a warm, patient teacher who was excited to introduce others to grappling. She's created a space that's super welcoming to all and that feels more like a community than a gym.
Because I haven't regularly trained at another gym I can't speak with much authority on how it compares to other BJJ gyms, but I think that FEF stands out in a few ways...
For one, it's a small and unaffiliated gym that's low on politics. We all regularly roll with Shawn and the other coaches, and we're all encouraged to take opportunities to train at other gyms. The availability of Sambo and wrestling classes also makes the gym feel more like a "grappling" gym than a purely BJJ school. We regularly practice take downs and leg locks and are challenged to think of how Jiu Jitsu fits in with the other forms of grappling. The other classes are also super complimentary to BJJ. Judy and Mollii, both black belts in Jiu Jitsu, teach conditioning classes that have definitely improved my strength and mobility. Judy's Burn It to the Ground! class is heavy on kettlebells and HIIT. I always feel like Jello after the class is over but in the best way possible. And Mollii's Ginastica Natural class is unlike anything I've done before - it's like yoga meets Jiu Jitsu meets conditioning. It has a big focus on natural movement that use just your body weight. It, also, makes me feel like Jello. Also in the best way possible.
Overall, this is a super great gym that feels more like a home. It regularly challenges me to push my limits and has introduced me to some incredible people who I feel lucky to call me friends. I now genuinely look forward to going to the gym, which is something that I never thought I would ever do. :P
A Google User
December 23, 2017 18:30
So happy that I found this gym! I started attending Brazilian Jiu Jitsu classes at this gym about 2 years months ago and have since fallen in love. I had never done BJJ before, but found Shawn (one of the gym's owners and BJJ coaches) to be a warm, patient teacher who was excited to introduce others to grappling. She's created a space that's super welcoming to all and that feels more like a community than a gym.
Because I haven't regularly trained at another gym I can't speak with much authority on how it compares to other BJJ gyms, but I think that FEF stands out in a few ways...
For one, it's a small and unaffiliated gym that's low on politics. We all regularly roll with Shawn and the other coaches, and we're all encouraged to take opportunities to train at other gyms. The availability of Sambo and wrestling classes also makes the gym feel more like a "grappling" gym than a purely BJJ school. We regularly practice take downs and leg locks and are challenged to think of how Jiu Jitsu fits in with the other forms of grappling. The other classes are also super complimentary to BJJ. Judy and Mollii, both black belts in Jiu Jitsu, teach conditioning classes that have definitely improved my strength and mobility. Judy's Burn It to the Ground! class is heavy on kettlebells and HIIT. I always feel like Jello after the class is over but in the best way possible. And Mollii's Ginastica Natural class is unlike anything I've done before - it's like yoga meets Jiu Jitsu meets conditioning. It has a big focus on natural movement that use just your body weight. It, also, makes me feel like Jello. Also in the best way possible.
Overall, this is a super great gym that feels more like a home. It regularly challenges me to push my limits and has introduced me to some incredible people who I feel lucky to call me friends. I now genuinely look forward to going to the gym, which is something that I never thought I would ever do. :P
A Google User
December 22, 2017 22:10
Warm and caring instructors, dedicated classes for ladies and queer people, and a perfect balance of challenge and support. Amazing spot, and it's spoiled me - at this point I would never train anywhere else. Go check them out!
Alexander Cotton
December 22, 2017 22:10
Warm and caring instructors, dedicated classes for ladies and queer people, and a perfect balance of challenge and support. Amazing spot, and it's spoiled me - at this point I would never train anywhere else. Go check them out!
A Google User
December 10, 2017 23:55
Good place for many. Never visited but I been invited. One day I will visit.
Troyetta Landry
December 10, 2017 23:55
Good place for many. Never visited but I been invited. One day I will visit.
Tong Ginn
October 24, 2017 19:57
I just attended a 2.5 hour class there. They are very welcoming and friendly. My teacher for the session was extremely knowledgeable and happy to share all he knew. I'm grateful they are there and glad I went. Thank you
Tong Ginn
Kelly Knight
October 24, 2017 19:57
I've taken both combat fitness and body positive yoga at Four Elements Fitness. Both classes had knowledgeable instructors who really tailored the activities to individual capabilities (a benefit of the gym's small footprint). The gym is a safe space for anyone who wants to train, and the care and respect shown by instructors and class participants is noticeable. I'll definitely be coming back for more.
Sita Bhaumik
October 24, 2017 19:57
This gym changed my life. I am not a gym person. In fact, I am afraid of gyms but my friends convinced me to go. Four Elements is more like a community studio and accessible to all sorts of levels/body types/genders/etc. When I started I was tripping over the ropes (literally) and now I'm breaking a sweat three times a week. Each instructor that I've been to has a different martial arts background and expertise in women's self defense. Yes, even the pilates class. They're great about tailoring the workouts to injuries, etc.
Jeremy Kirshbaum
October 24, 2017 19:57
Great basic fitness for all
Janice Chou
October 24, 2017 19:57
This is a great place to work out. I am a weak desk drone with lots of injuries and less strength and coordination then most.
Ryan , Shawn and Sharon are very sensitive to my issues and give me workouts that help me build strength to overcome these issues while making me feel encouraged and excited to work out.
Tong Ginn
October 24, 2016 04:03
I just attended a 2.5 hour class there. They are very welcoming and friendly. My teacher for the session was extremely knowledgeable and happy to share all he knew. I'm grateful they are there and glad I went. Thank you
Tong Ginn
A Google User
October 24, 2016 04:03
I just attended a 2.5 hour class there. They are very welcoming and friendly. My teacher for the session was extremely knowledgeable and happy to share all he knew. I'm grateful they are there and glad I went. Thank you
Tong Ginn
Kelly Knight
June 27, 2015 01:02
I've taken both combat fitness and body positive yoga at Four Elements Fitness. Both classes had knowledgeable instructors who really tailored the activities to individual capabilities (a benefit of the gym's small footprint). The gym is a safe space for anyone who wants to train, and the care and respect shown by instructors and class participants is noticeable. I'll definitely be coming back for more.