Best Martial Arts School in Portland
"An amazing experience." We transform kids into leaders full of discipline and focus. We help adults get fit and safe, fast. And we do it with FUN classes, an amazing community, and action-packed martial arts. Try us risk-free today. Start your journey to a better you with the best martial arts training in Portland.
Our Portland members see results fast. You’ll see the difference in as little as 1 week.
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Best kids and adults martial arts center in Portland. See why hundreds of Portland residents love our martial arts classes for their kids. You’ll love our fun, friendly community of members.
Kids Jiu-Jitsu
in Portland
Teen Jiu-Jitsu
in Portland
Adult Jiu-Jitsu
in Portland
Adult Muay Thai
in Portland
Strength & Conditioning
in Portland
Summer Camp
in Portland
why CHOOSE Mata Leao Combat Sports?
We opened our martial arts school here in Portland with a simple mission: Help our community get safer, and stronger — inside and out. For thousands of years, martial arts have helped millions of people become their best selves. As you master the techniques, train hard, form bonds with your classmates — you transform on the inside too. Your confidence grows. Your focus grows. Your discipline grows. You’re able to achieve more in your day-to-day life.
Kids do better in school and find it easier to make friends and socialize. Adults focus more intently on their careers, relationships, and family. And knowing that you have the skills to keep you and your loved ones safe gives peace of mind. We’re committed to our community, and to you. Come try us out with our amazing web special and see for yourself today.
“This BJJ academy in Portland is top-notch! A huge shoutout to Tristan for being so supportive and helpful throughout my onboarding – he made getting started a breeze. Meeting Professor Omar during orientation was a great experience, and my initial classes have me completely sold.”
“My kids have been there for 2 years and they enjoy the sports.“
“Mata Leao is a truly excellent gym, both for complete beginners and those who have a few years of experience. Omar and the rest of the instructors are knowledgeable and welcoming; fostering a community of people who embody the passion and dedication inherent in the art form.”
“This place rocks. I drive almost an hour, past half a dozen other decent gyms to be here with the best. The best spot for kids, beginners and high level fighters alike. Professor Omar teaches in a way that is extremely digestible and insightful. Truly a level above whatever else you will find around. You will wish you started yesterday!”
“I’ve never been to a martial arts gym before so I was a bit worried starting out 6 months ago, but Mata Leao has the best coaches and training partners who help beginners and encourage them. If you’re wanting to get into BJJ, muay thai, etc then this is the best place to go!”
“They have a few bags and a lot of workout equipment. Aside from Muay Thai and Jiu Jitsu they also offer strength training and conditioning classes. They have a great program for kids and my son loves it. He immediately felt a part of the group and has been learning a lot from the great instructors here.”
“I’ve had a great first experience with BJJ because of Mata Leao. I can’t stress how fun it is to be able to keep seeing progress. Part of the reason for being able to progress so well is thanks to coach Omar who is very enthusiastic about teaching which makes it easier to learn and remember certain techniques.“
“Our grandson has been taking lessons for 3 years. This has been a great experience and he has grown in skill and confidence. Classes are fun and challenging and keep him wanting to keep learning. Omar Santiago is a great teacher and motivator.“
It's the will. Not the skill.
Build Self-Discipline
Your starting fitness and skill levels don’t matter – as long as you put in the effort in every class, you’ll see results.
Gain Confidence
When you step out of your comfort zone in our classes, you allow space for unshakable confidence to grow.
Improve Focus
Mindfulness practices don’t go away when you step off the mat. The skills you gain in class flow into everything you do.
About our programs
Kids Jiu-Jitsu
in Portland
Teen Jiu-Jitsu
in Portland
Adult Jiu-Jitsu
in Portland
Adult Muay Thai
in Portland
Strength & Conditioning
in Portland
Summer Camp
in Portland
Frequently Asked Questions
Most frequent questions and answers about our martial arts programs
Bullies are rooted in insecurity and fear. But our Portland kids martial arts classes grow confidence, focus, and respect. And our group training builds positive social skills and confidence. So long story short: No! Your child won’t become a bully, and there are no bullies in our classes either!
That is up to you! If you need some ‘me time’ — go grab a coffee and relax. Your child is in great hands. If you’d like to stay and observe, you’re welcome to do that as well, and make friends with the other parents. We’ve got a great community here in our Portland martial arts school and can’t wait for you to become part of it.
No way! Some folks come to us who have never exercised in their lives. Others have athlete-level fitness. That’s the beauty of martial arts — everyone starts at the same place. And although you’re in a group setting, you’re on your own personal journey. Some people advance faster than others. Every pace is okay. There’s no ego here in our Portland kids and adult martial arts classes. Just support and positivity.
There is no real answer for this! And we’d urge you to be cautious of any school that gives you one. The truth is, the path to black belt is a deeply personal and individual journey. Some folks have natural talent and practice hard every day. Other people need to spend more time building coordination and fitness.
It’s not about getting to black belt, it’s about you becoming a better version of yourself along the way. As you train, overcome obstacles, make friends, find support — you’ll become a stronger you, inside and out.
And our instructors here at Mata Leao Combat Sports Portland are committed to you every step.
Assuming all spots are not taken — claiming your amazing web special is easy.
1) Scroll to the top of this page and fill out the form. Or…
2) Click to access any of our program-specific pages, and fill out the form on that page. Or…
3) Give us a call at 503-208-3160! We’re happy to sign you up over the phone, too!
Spots are limited, so please hurry. We’d hate to see you miss out.
For your first martial arts class here at Mata Leao Combat Sports in Portland, you’ll only need a few things: comfy clothes, a water bottle, and an open mind.
It’s perfectly natural to be nervous your first time, too. Happens to everyone! As soon as you see how kind and welcoming our community here is, that will disappear.
Not at all! Portland men, women, and children of all fitness levels come to us, whether it’s for kids or adult martial arts. Come as you are!
Some of our top students were unfit and uncoordinated at first. Now they’re performing techniques they never dreamed possible. The confidence they gained realizing what they were capable of is the biggest gift of the process.
All you have to do is show up. We’ll take care of the rest.