Rugged Combat Sports & MMA

I recently started attending Rugged Combat Sports with my son, and I’m beyond impressed with the entire experience. The atmosphere is warm, welcoming, and genuinely supportive—from the coaches to the other students. My son not only learned valuable techniques in jiu-jitsu (like staying calm, focusing, and looking for openings) and kickboxing but also gained a huge boost in confidence. The coaches did an outstanding job guiding him through tougher moments, like when he was nervous or faced a tough opponent, and they provided the perfect balance of challenge and encouragement. As an adult beginner myself, I really appreciated the care and restraint shown by everyone I trained with. Instead of trying to overpower me, my training partners stayed just a step ahead—enough to push me and help me grow without risking injury. It’s clear that each coach and student at Rugged is passionate about martial arts and genuinely committed to helping others improve. I highly recommend Rugged Combat Sports to anyone in the area looking for a great MMA gym for both kids and adults. It’s absolutely worth the drive. You’ll find a supportive community, excellent coaching, and an environment that helps you (and your kids) develop skill, confidence, and a true love for martial arts.

Rugged was and is my first experience working out at an MMA gym. I came in with drive but with no real experience in combat sports and let me tell you, Coach Pete and especially coach Stelly know exactly what they are doing. Even if you're brand new, they break it down for you and focus on the fundamentals first and foremost. Both Stelly and Pete are extremely accomplished in their craft, knowledge base and to top it all off, they are some of the best people and owners of any type of gym I've ever met. They are kind, thorough, knowledgeable and demonstrate the utmost respect and class with each and every one of their students. Stelly taught me first how to fight effectively, she just knows how to explain and demonstrate something so well that you pick up and understand fast. She is a class act, a fierce fighter and there's no one who deserves this review and the success she's had more than her. Although I didn't talk with Pete much, every class he taught was very professional. The respect and general common practices of muay thai, jiu-jitsu or any martial art he put exceptional importance on and it reflects in how smoothly they run their gym. Both Pete and especially Stelly, in their amazing mentorship, put the love of martial arts and fighting in me now. Their dedication to their gym and their students, I promise you, you will find no where else like Rugged. Regardless if you're brand new or a seasoned fighter, you will find everything you could ever want to be taught or receive at Rugged and I mean that whole-heartedly. Stelly and Pete, thank you so much for being the incredible fighters and teachers you are. Your gym is a direct reflection of all the countless hours and hard work you've put into mastering not just your business, but your personal skills as well. I am forever grateful to have been at Rugged and I'm privileged to have met Stelly, she inspired me and instilled confidence in me when I never had it myself. Thank you to Rugged, all the coaches and the amazing students who welcomed me as well when I was so new to the sport. I will forever look back and tell anyone that's willing to hear about how great this gym and the people there are.

My son joined Rugged at the beginning of January 2021 to keep him active during Covid. Coach Pete and Coach Stelly are awesome! Their principles for their young team are to be respectful, work hard in school, listen to mom and dad (their mantra at the end of every practice). Their gym has an atmosphere of hard work, discipline and family. They make it clear that the skills learned in their gym are not to be used for bullying but for self defense. Students learn to help each other get better at the skills they are learning. I highly recommend Rugged in Spanaway to anyone interested in signing their children or themselves up for MMA/ kickboxing or jujutsu.

Amazing striking and grappling programs coaches are wonderful and the gym is very nice with good equipment come here if your looking for a good gym to train at

Awesome, family oriented MMA (Boxing, Kickboxing/Muay Thai, BJJ) gym! All I can say is I absolutely love this place! The schedule is put together very well, making it easy to find classes that fit within your schedule. The coaches, Pete and Stelly are phenomenal instructors, and can take you from beginner to intermediate and beyond, in whatever disciplines you choose to pursue, in no time at all! And the price for this area, just can’t be beat! You pay one fee to attend as many classes as you can fit into your week! If you’re looking for a professional, family friendly gym, that can cater to all types/levels of students (whether you want to compete, or just train), then look no further! Oh! They’re also upgrading their weight/functional fitness room right now as well, so it’s an all around one-stop-shop if you’re looking to get in great shape!