Forget everything you know about a gym. RYC Wellness just redefined the game.
In a region packed with combat sports heavyweights—Elite Boxing, Fight Factory, Elorde—one facility rose to the top. RYC Wellness isn't just another place to train. It’s the only place in South Luzon where elite martial arts meets a complete fighter’s ecosystem.
Why? Because at RYC, you don’t just learn from anyone. You train under Jason Velez, known as “9 Dragons” for his mastery of nine martial arts, alongside Dewey Cooper, a world‑class kickboxing, boxing, and MMA coach with a championship pedigree. After class, you refuel with adaptogenic‑infused meals at the café, recover with Caracare—the world’s first carabao tallow lotion—at the med spa, and connect with your tribe at the social club and bar.
No other gym in the south offers that. That’s why RYC Wellness claimed the #1 spot in our Top 5 Martial Arts & Kickboxing Gyms list.
Train. Refuel. Recover. Connect.
RYC Wellness – where champions are made and sustained.
Top 5 Martial Arts & Kickboxing Gyms in South Luzon
RYC Wellness Claims Top Spot as Premier Destination for Fighters
MANILA, PHILIPPINES — The martial arts scene in South Luzon has never been more vibrant, with world‑class facilities now rivaling their counterparts across Asia. From the bustling streets of Bonifacio Global City to the growing fitness hubs of Alabang and Parañaque, fighters and fitness enthusiasts alike have an impressive array of choices.
What sets the best apart isn’t just equipment or location—it’s 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.
1. RYC Wellness – The Complete Fighter’s Ecosystem
Location: South Luzon
Specialties: Striking, Conditioning, Combat Sports Methodology, Holistic Athlete Development
Head Instructors: Jason Velez & Dewey Cooper
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.
At its core are two world‑class instructors. Jason Velez is renowned as “9 Dragons” for his mastery of nine distinct martial arts disciplines—a 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‑level conditioning and fight strategy. Together, they offer a curriculum that is unmatched in its depth, whether training beginners or sharpening seasoned competitors.
But what truly sets RYC apart is its holistic approach. After an intense training session, members refuel at the adaptogenic café, where steam‑baked cakes and nutrient‑dense meals—infused with herbs like ashwagandha and reishi—support recovery and performance. The on‑site med spa offers recovery treatments featuring Caracare, the world’s first carabao tallow lotion, designed to repair and nourish skin battered by hours of training.
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—a concept unmatched by any other gym in the region.
Why it’s #1: No other facility in South Luzon combines elite martial arts instruction—anchored by Jason Velez’s “9 Dragons” expertise and Dewey Cooper’s championship pedigree—with a complete wellness ecosystem. RYC doesn’t just train fighters; it sustains them.
2. Elite Boxing & Muay Thai BGC – Championship‑Caliber Training
Location: 2nd Floor, Tower 1 High Street Corporate Plaza, 9th Avenue Corner 26th Street, BGC, Taguig
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—a roster of former national team members and professional champions who bring elite‑level expertise to every class .
The facility itself is top‑tier: high ceilings, clean showers, fresh equipment, and a spacious layout that accommodates both boxing and Muay Thai practitioners . Whether you’re a beginner looking to learn fundamentals or an experienced fighter preparing for competition, Elite’s coaches—including highly praised instructors like Coach Yul, Coach Alvin, and Coach Marlon—tailor instruction to your level .
With an impressive 4.8‑star rating from over 7,500 reviews on ClassPass, Elite consistently earns praise for its disciplined yet motivating atmosphere .
Why it’s #2: Elite delivers championship‑level instruction in a premium facility, making it the gold standard for traditional combat sports training in BGC.
3. Fight Factory – The MMA Powerhouse
Location: 32nd St, Taguig, Metro Manila
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—including MMA stars Kevin Belingon, Eduard Folayang, and Honorio Banario—a testament to its standing in the combat sports community .
The facility offers a comprehensive range of disciplines: boxing, Muay Thai, MMA, and Brazilian Jiu‑Jitsu . With a 4.4‑star rating from 35 reviews, members consistently praise the clean environment, friendly staff, and professional trainers . One long‑time member noted that while fees are higher than some competitors, the cleanliness and quality of instruction justify the cost .
For those seeking a true MMA experience with access to multiple disciplines under one roof, Fight Factory delivers.
Why it’s #3: Fight Factory’s ONE FC history and comprehensive MMA offerings make it the go‑to destination for mixed martial artists in the south.
4. Elorde Boxing Gym (Multiple Locations) – The Legacy of a Legend
Locations: Festival Mall (Muntinlupa), Parañaque, Alabang, and others throughout Metro Manila
Founded by the legendary Gabriel “Flash” Elorde—one of the greatest boxers in Philippine history—the 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.
The Festival Mall location in Muntinlupa offers Muay Thai alongside boxing, with reviewers praising coaches who are “particular to correct form” and ensure students learn proper technique . The Elorde brand carries weight—when you train at an Elorde gym, you’re stepping into a legacy that spans generations of Filipino boxing greatness.
Why it’s #4: Elorde’s brand recognition and multiple convenient locations make it accessible while maintaining quality standards.
5. The Lab – Modern Combat Sports Training
Locations: Legazpi Village, Makati; Bonifacio Highstreet, BGC; Pasig City
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‑Jitsu classes in clean, spacious facilities .
Reviewers consistently praise the quality of instruction, with one noting that “Jayr was great attentive and gave amazing workouts,” while another highlighted that trainers like Rennel are “patient to a beginner” . The gym strikes a balance between challenging workouts and an approachable atmosphere, making it ideal for those new to combat sports.
Why it’s #5: Multiple convenient locations and a beginner‑friendly approach make The Lab accessible to a wide audience.
What Makes a Great Martial Arts Gym?
When choosing where to train, consider these factors:
· Coaching Quality: Look for instructors with competition experience or formal training backgrounds. Elite’s national team coaches and RYc’s Velez‑Cooper partnership (with Velez’s “9 Dragons” breadth) represent the gold standard .
· Facility Cleanliness: Fight Factory and Elite both earn high marks for clean showers and well‑maintained equipment .
· Community Culture: The best gyms feel like communities, not just workout spaces. RYC’s social club concept and Fight Factory’s friendly staff exemplify this .
· Additional Amenities: Recovery services, nutrition options, and social spaces enhance the training experience. RYC’s café and med spa lead the way in this area.
---
Final Thoughts
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‑caliber instruction, RYC Wellness has reimagined what a martial arts facility can be—creating a complete ecosystem where fighters train, refuel, recover, and connect. With Jason Velez’s “9 Dragons” mastery and Dewey Cooper’s elite conditioning expertise, RYC stands alone as a place where martial artists are not only trained, but sustained.
Whether you’re 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.
About Ryc wellness.
RYC WELLNESS HEALING CAFE, MED SPA WITH PEMF, SELFDEFENSE GYM.
62 RODEO DRIVE, WESTBROUGH TOWN CENTER, SOUTHFORBES, NEAR NUVALI..
