Mata Leao Combat Sports
Mata Leao Combat Sports is a boxing gym located in Portland, Oregon. Specializing in MMA, Youth Boxing and Self Defense. Rated 4.8 out of 5 by community members.
Specialties
Reviews (10)
I've been training here since December 2022 and I absolutely love it! This gym has such a welcoming and inclusive community, very down to earth. I appreciate the patience and dedication from the instructors. Being a part of this community has helped me grow as a person.
My 8 year old has been coming here for about 6 months as of 5/2026. My kid loves it and we've noticed many positive changes at home in behavior patterns. As far as the actual instruction goes, it's safe supportive and professor Omar gives top notch training to everyone in the class. My opinion on the training comes from decades of being a martial artist myself. I think we're going to be here for many years to come!
First and foremost the gyms community here has set the bar high.The people here silenced any doubts and fears I had with starting at a new gym, which was a first for me in general. Obviously anyone is going to be nervous/ uncomfortable doing something out of their comfort zone, but taking that step forward and committing to Mata Leao has given me a sense of community within the gym. Amongst learning how to choke someone out and learn self defense, which as a woman is an extremely important skill to be learning. The instructors are superb, shout out Brandon and Professor Omar! The classes aren’t over populated which allows a lot of one on one engagement with the instructors for class, not to mention how tentative they are and that goes for everyone who teaches.
Aksana, thank you so much for this — it genuinely means the world to read. That first step through the door is always the hardest one, and I'm so proud of you for taking it. You walked in without any BJJ experience and have been progressing at a rate that honestly turns heads. Watching you blend your wrestling into your jiu-jitsu has been one of the most exciting things to witness on the mat this year. And shoutout to Brandon — love that he got some well-deserved recognition here too! Having you and Jori in the gym is an absolute blast. The intensity you both bring elevates everyone around you. So grateful you're part of this community, and we're just getting started. See you on the mat!
First and foremost the gyms community here has set the bar high.The people here silenced any doubts and fears I had with starting at a new gym, which was a first for me in general. Obviously anyone is going to be nervous/ uncomfortable doing something out of their comfort zone, but taking that step forward and committing to Mata Leao has given me a sense of community within the gym. Amongst learning how to choke someone out and learn self defense, which as a woman is an extremely important skill to be learning. The instructors are superb, shout out Brandon and Professor Omar! The classes aren’t over populated which allows a lot of one on one engagement with the instructors for class, not to mention how tentative they are and that goes for everyone who teaches.
Starting off; this place has the best community I have ever experienced and actually have been apart of. The vibes are always up and support radiates within. Questions get tackled and answered with much depth and passion which really makes me feel like I’m safe to expand my knowledge and work outside of my comfort zone. Professor Omar is extremely dedicated to his students and has proven himself as a great teacher through sheer willingness and commitment. No matter what your background is, Coach Omar is ready to tackle any questions and challenges you have to make you achieve what it is you’re looking for at this gym.
Jori! So glad I finally get to respond to this — better late than never! Thank you so much for taking the time to leave such a thoughtful review. What you described is exactly what we pour our hearts into building here at Mata Leao, so hearing that it's landing means everything. And honestly, I have to say — what you and Aksana bring to this gym is something special. Your energy, your quirky spirit, and that high-intensity wrestling you bring to the mat makes every class better. That's exactly the kind of student this community is built for. It is truly a pleasure having you both here, and training with you is always a blast. Can't wait to see where you go from here!
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