Michigan Institute of Athletics in Brighton
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Location on the map
Brighton, Livingston County, Michigan, US
Accessibility
Site: https://instituteofathletics.com/
- Monday:6AM–9PM
- Tuesday:6AM–9PM
- Wednesday:6AM–8PM
- Thursday:6AM–9PM
- Friday:6AM–8PM
- Saturday:9:30AM–3PM
- Sunday:9:30AM–3PM
MIA offers a state of the art facility with something for every age and skill set. Coaching staff really have created an amazing and welcoming atmosphere. Walking in to a new place can be intimidating, but nerves are quickly settled when you’re welcomed by several smiling and inviting faces. I also love their involved with our community, as they do so many remarkable outreach programs and have involvement in so many great initiatives. Amazed by where they started, how incredible they’ve become, and what’s in the future. “From the ground up.”
MIA is one of the best places to go to train and Become better at something. The trainers are amazing, they are always helping you and they care, they make sure that whatever your goals are they will help you achieve them! So if your lookin for a place to go train then go to MIA and become part of the family, it’s a very clean gym that is well kept and there are lots of people that become more then your friends they become your family.
James Gray and his entire coaching staff are all very personable and extremely knowledgeable of the sport. I have known James Gray for approximately 10 years I have watched both his gym and team flourish into a national brand. The Michigan Institute of Athletics can help anyone of any age or skill set see their true potential. If you are looking for the absolutely BEST I highly recommend you check them out.
Outstanding place to train whether you’re a newbie or a professional! All the coaches make you feel very comfortable and help you accomplish anything you want to learn or get better at. They all push you to be the best version of yourself!! 10/10 would recommend to anybody and everybody! 🤩
MIA is a great place for any athlete wanting to up their game to the next level! It’s also a great place to bring your children. We have an exceptional coaching staff, that has been working with kids of all ages for many years.It is absolutely amazing what James Gray has done. What started out as a Jiu Jitsu gym in the basement of his house, is now a compound containing everything an athlete or an aspiring athlete needs. Literally everything!
I’ve been training at Scorpion Fighting System (a branch of Michigan Institute of Athletics ) for almost 3 years. The level of instruction is amazing and the staff is very helpful, not to mention most of them train themselves. Whether you are experienced or just starting martial arts, you will be welcomed with open arms in this studio. Everyone helps each other level up as one. Five out of five recommend this gym! “From The Ground up”
MIA is a great place for families. My daughters, husband and I take different classes at MIA. The coaches and staff really help make us feel comfortable. My daughters love Jiu-jitsu so much that they have even competed in a few tournaments & I really enjoy punching things. :)
The quality of the athletes at MIA can be intimidating, because they are all the best at what they do. But the environment is collaborative and judgement free, so you quickly get comfortable whether you are a beginner just looking to have fun or professional competitor. They are friendly and helpful and have such a strong and supportive community it is hard not to love this place and the people that make it up!
MIA has something to offer any athlete, no matter their experience or fitness level - mixed martial arts, brazilian jiu-jitsu, kickboxing, boxing, yoga, wrestling, nutrition guidance, massage, and more - all under one roof. There is literally no better place in the state for martial arts instruction, whether for beginners or experienced athletes looking to up their game. Ive been a member at MIA for over 18 months and I can honestly say it will be a life-long gym for me and my family.
The coaches and environment here are unbeatable. If you are a child or 60+, there is something here for you. There are classes applicable to people who want to fight or to people who just want to overall improve the way they live their life. Nothing beats MIA, the coaches, or the people who will surround you in the best decision you’ll ever make
An unexpected blend of something for everyone. We were first introduced to MIAs owner James Gray about 7 years ago when my son took his first Jiu-Jitsu class (under Scorpion Fighting Systems). We were nervous as he was a non-athletic, timid and claustrophobic 12 year old. One thing became quickly apparent. James Gray is incredible with kids. He is a gifted jiu-jitsu teacher and practitioner that also connects and is compassionate with kids. What impressed me most was seeing how my son grew in confidence and abilities through this program.This guy that is so great with kids is also a true warrior that trains up other warriors. Along with competing at the highest levels of jiu-jitsu and MMA himself, Jim and the rest of the MIA team have developed dozens of world class fighters including some that have made it to the largest of all stages - the UFC.That covers two ends of the spectrum while I fell in the middle training as a guy in his mid-40s that just wanted to stay in shape while learning practical self-defense techniques. To be honest, it was the most satisfying and enjoyable sport of which I have participated. I unfortunately had to step away but I still have a great love for the program.A final great attribute to the program is the high expectation for honor and respect in and outside the gym. Martial Arts studios and other gyms come and go. This is not the case for MIA. It did not grow to the program and facilities it is today without good reason!Kids programs, Jiu-jitsu, Professional MMA, boxing, yoga, - it is all at MIA.
I trained with James when SFS was located in his basement. Even back then you could see the hunger And dedication to take his dream to the next level. What James has created is truly incredible and I would recommend Michigan institute of Athletics to anyone looking to not only learn about mixed martial arts, but also to those that want to become a better person.
This is THE premier location in Michigan for combat sports, period. But anyone looking to better their life by joining a family who’s interests include health, fitness, and positivity look no further. Michigan Institute of Athletics is where you need to train at or compete out of.
I cant believe a childish owner would reopen despite a law. Its putting their employees and patrons at risk. They definitely lost my business. Such disrespect for common decency. You should have had enough in your business coffers to go through a tiny 10 week emergency. If you dont, be creative....Do a fundraiser. Do a go fund me. Ask your local church for help but what you dont do is put your employees at risk. Selfish. Absolutely selfish and deplorable business practices.
Total reviews rating 4.8
72 Reviews for Michigan Institute of Athletics 2023:
Review №1
2022-03-19I couldnt recommend this gym highly enough. If you are interested in jiu jitsu or other martial arts you will not be disappointed here.The instructors are phenomenal and super passionate for the sport, makes every class fun and exciting. The students in class are all friendly and very encouraging and helpful. Ive learned so much from them as well.I started without the slightest clue of anything. Im also not athletic and have a long history of chronic illness and Im shorter than most 12 year olds, so if I can survive the classes, I think anyone could.So much fun. And also a great antidote to the winter blues. 😁Im moving and sad to be leaving this gym!
Review №2
2020-01-07I have been employed here since 2016 and I absolutely love this place. Michigan Institute of Athletics has created so many new opportunities for me and I am now the operations manager of the greatest martial arts facility in the nation. I love getting to interact with so many amazing people on a daily basis, the dynamic feels like a second family, which is truly amazing. I have enjoyed seeing the academy grow from a small business with a couple classes to an entire facility that offers over 360 classes a month, multiple programs, and opportunities for everyone. Whether people come in to find a great work out, or aspire to be professional fighters, they all find exactly what theyre looking for here and it is so amazing to be a part of their journey.
Review №3
2020-01-10I’ve been training at MIA for almost a year, and I love it. I drive an hour one way, and the excellent classes and awesome coaches make it worth it. There is so much I get out of their program, that I feel like I can’t get anywhere else. It is very professional, and I love that there is something for everyone at MIA. I take part in BJJ, kick-boxing, boxing, wrestling, punches & Crunches, and yoga. I’ve been to a couple other gyms before, but I feel like MIA really helps me grow as a person, and as an athlete. The coaches are very involved, no matter the level of the student. You meet so many talented people. We are all one at MIA. You’ll feel the support from your coaches and your team mates, whatever your personal goals may be.
Review №4
2020-01-08We absolutely LOVE Michigan Institute of Athletics! My kids have been involved in several different sports and have played for top-level clubs, but I have never seen the quality of coaching weve experienced at MIA. We also love the atmosphere - its like one big family where everyone, from the professional fighters to the beginners, supports each other in reaching and exceeding their goals.
Review №5
2020-01-09Hands down the best martial arts gym in Michigan. Everyone is extremely kind and accommodating. Whether you are just starting out, are a seasoned athlete, or just looking for a phenomenal program for your children. They have it all. And with professional and patient coaches to guide you every step of the way, you simply can not go wrong here. Would highly recommend SFS to anyone. At any age and skill level.
Review №6
2020-01-07Ive been training here for about a year, after trying out a few other gyms. No group of people is as passionate and skilled at helping people of all levels reach their fitness and martial arts goals. There is a wide variety of classes and programs available. All of the coaches are super knowledgable and enthusiastic. They are constantly working to improve the facilities and equipment. The thing that stands out the most is the family environment. Whether youre completely inexperienced with martial arts and looking for fitness or a professional fighter competing at the highest levels, there is a place for you here.
Review №7
2020-01-10I have been a member here for 5 years now. This place has one of the best atmospheres I’ve ever experienced. The coaches are great, and the team is very inviting. Whether you’re looking to be a world class athlete or just get in a good workout, MIA is worth checking out.
Review №8
2020-01-09The Michigan Institute of Athletics is the premiere place for everything martial arts and fitness in the Midwest. The facility is amazing, having in house yoga, massage therapy & nutritional coaching my champions choice muscle relief. All of the Martial Arts classes are run by professional athletes and the coaches will give you their individual attention and have a passion for teaching & coaching their students to achieve their goals.
Review №9
2020-01-09An amazing place for adults and children. My twin boys attended MIA and loved every minute of it. They not only began learning a martial art, but became friends with many of the other students. MIA offered the perfect balance of “kids being able to be kids” and teaching discipline/structure. I highly recommend.
Review №10
2020-01-09I have been both training and working at this gym for quite some time now. The experience you get from spending even an hour there a day is incredible. Dreams are made here. Whether it be as crazy traveling the world or even as simple as being apart of a family. It’s more than a gym. It’s a place where you learn responsibly, discipline, loyalty and respect. There is a reason why we have hundreds of people wanting to train here from all over the world. It’s simply the best. No matter who you are, what your background is, your age or your experience. You will feel at home in this gym. The people are amazing and the coaches are devoted to helping you achieve any goal.