PIT.FIT MARTIAL ARTS & FITNESS
About Us
Pit.Fit
Pit.Fit is led by our two head coaches, Antonio Banuelos and Justin Fraser. Antonio is a former UFC fighter, former Division I wrestler, holds a black belt in Hawaiian Kempo and has been a part of the MMA scene for 20 years. Fraser is a grappling expert, an All-American wrestler and has been the head of the grappling program for 15 years. Their decades of expertise have created a superior curriculum in which you can take your skills to the highest possible level. Under their tutelage, some of our students have taken their careers to the ultimate heights of combat sports.
Home to both UFC fighters, teens looking to build confidence, World Champion Kickboxers, health conscience college students, world class grapplers and many children looking for mentors, guidance and someone to just look out for them.
We aim to train students of all ages, fitness, and experience levels. Whether you want to make a career out of combat sports, get in shape, or be part of our close-knit gym community, we have something for everyone. Check out our class schedule to see what best fits your needs!
how it started
Pit.Fit began as SLO Kickboxing in 1998 when it was opened in University Square of San Luis Obispo by Chuck “the Iceman” Liddell and Scott Adams. Adams and Liddell were teammates on the California Polytechnic University wrestling team and after graduating, wanted to not only continue training, but also to share their knowledge with San Luis Obispo natives and college students.
Both brought impressive wrestling abilities, but Liddell’s extensive striking background combined with Adam’s experience in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu made for a complete curriculum. Liddell and Adams would both compete in the UFC, but would shortly go in different directions. Liddell would become the UFC Light heavyweight champion and Adams would found World Extreme Cagefighting (which would eventually be absorbed by the UFC).
The Pit History
The Pit was founded by John Jackleman in 1985 in Woodland Hills, CA. John started The Pit because he wanted people to learn a no-nonsense martial arts and conditioning program. All he asked was for students to give Kempo and The Pit the respect and loyalty it gave them. Confidence, loyalty, and humility are what he expected from all Pit Monsters.
John now operates The Pit out of Arroyo Grande, Ca. He stresses mental and physical conditioning, power and discipline. He combines his 25 years of Karate/Kickboxing experience to teach a blend of simple, yet effective fighting and training techniques.
John's philosophy is simple: Use what works, discard what doesn't. The only way to get into top shape (cardio and strength) is by training very intensely, and leaving your comfort zone often. The only way to improve is through an open mind and countless repetitions. Because of this, The Pit has evolved into one of the world's most famous and respected martial arts gyms and has produced world-renowned UFC World Champions such as Chuck Liddell and Glover Texeira.