Sanda Fighting Arts in Watertown

Sanda Fighting Arts is a hidden gem! I was interested in getting into some form of boxing or martial arts, but found that many gyms were run down or the teaching wasn’t quite there. I’m a newbie so I definitely need some help and coaching. I hadn’t heard of Sanda before (it’s like kickboxing meets grappling), so I thought I would give it a shot. The moment you walk in, you can tell the how much thought and care was put in to designing the gym. It’s clean, bright, well organized and spacious. They let me borrow all the gear I would need to get me started. The gym alone had me hooked, but what I was not prepared for was coach Tye being such an amazing teacher. He makes classes fun, funny, and challenging. You can tell he puts a lot of thought in the class to make people of all skill levels feel welcome. His knowledge of Sanda and martial arts in general is amazing, and I feel he should be teaching his knowledge at a local university. I can honestly say he is one of the most skilled teachers I have ever had, and that goes well beyond martial arts. Another surprising bonus was the kind and inviting community at the gym. Everyone has been so welcoming and I’ve appreciated my time there. Whether you are a newbie like me or a seasoned fighter, I would highly recommend Sanda Fighting Arts.

After the shutdown in 2020 I decided it was time to join a combat sports gym. I didn't have any idea which gym to join, however a friend reached out to me and invited me over to SFA to try some wrestling and I've been here since. Everyone is nice, welcoming and trains hard. The systems Coach Tye teaches are great and there is plenty to learn whether you're brand new or have a few years under your belt!

Top quality venue, instruction, and community. Step onto the mats and you're in a spacious, high ceiling gym equipped with new pads, heavy bags, and a ring. (Bonus: the bathroom is impeccably clean). This place just INVITES you to train and it's not the best part. Coach Tye has studied with several masters of their arts. He brings over 20 years of teaching, competing, and coaching experience to deliver top notch instruction to everyone from hobbyists to competitors. He breaks down complex movements and builds them back up. Tye doesn't just teach martial arts, he teaches students. Check your ego at the door. This place is for students from all backgrounds who respect and encourage each other. Newcomers and beginners will feel welcome from day 1 so go sign up for a free trial! Park in the back lot and take the walking path to the building entrance.

I came across Sanda Fighting Arts on social media by random chance around June 2020 just a few months into the pandemic. My training options were incredibly limited due to the ongoing lockdown and I found myself bored like everyone else in the country and itching to get into some serious training again. Being a few states over from the gym, I asked if I was even allowed to sign up for their virtual class offerings. I was told yes, and it's been a wild ride ever since! After SFA ended their virtual programs around October 2020, I continued to keep in touch and decided to take the leap to ask Tye Tonkin (head coach and owner) to continue to personally train me through zoom. As a result of continuing to stick with my training under Tye, I am currently in the best physical shape of my life, my martial prowess has never been higher, and all aspects of my life have been enhanced! Not only did I find a place to practice martial arts and get a great workout, I found a community of likeminded martial artists and dear friends. In late August of this year, I hopped on a plane and went to do some proper hands on, in-person training for a week. This was hands down one of the best trips I've ever taken in my life! I partook in everything the gym offers: sanda, tai ji, shuai jiao, bökh, and qin na. I can't wait to make another visit out! The level of instruction from Tye is second to none, the gym itself is superb, the people who train there are welcoming. You really can't ask for any better than this place. Do you want to learn practical martial arts? Do you want more confidence? Do you want to get in the best shape of your life? Do you want a better life? Then step on in to Sanda Fighting Arts! Hopefully I'll see you there one time! Take the leap. You won't regret it. I know I certainly don't!

The best in the area! SFA is a fantastic space with knowledgeable instructors and friendly members. The community is always welcoming, encouraging, and helpful. The gym offers a large variety of programs for you to attend and partake at your own comfort level. So whether you're looking to shadow box, kick some bags, or throw your friends into the floor, definitely check it out. You won't be disappointed!

I found Sanda Fighting Arts after looking for a new gym for several months, and I'm so glad I did! ! Tye is an amazing wellspring of knowledge, and breaks techniques down in an almost academic way so that I can understand the "why" of movements on top of the "how." The gym is also impeccably clean, full of shiny new equipment, and has a friendly, welcoming community. Love it!

I have been training with coach Tye Tonkin for about 6 years now and words can not explain how thrilled I was when he finally opened his own gym. Now that I have been training at this gym for a little while, I can confirm that it filled all of my expectations. Whether you are looking for a fun way to get in great shape or looking to be a competitive fighter, I highly recommend you try a class at this gym! The gym itself is absolutely beautiful and filled with the best equipment. Coach Tye is not only an amazing coach, but an amazing person in general. He is extremely knowledgeable, and I learn so much every class. My skills have improved tremendously from working with him over the years. I have gotten a lot stronger and in much better shape. I love that these classes allow me to feel more confident in my self defense abilities. My favorite part of training at this gym is the support system that comes along with it. I always feel encouraged by Tye as well as all the other students I work with. I have met some of the best people I know through this gym and will always be grateful for that.❤️ Do yourself a favor and sign up for a free trial class!

This gym is awesome! A little off the beaten path but so worth it once you find it. The gym itself is spacious and professional with brand new mats, punching bags, rental equipment etc. and safety always seems to be a priority. Tye is a top notch instructor whose years of experience are evident in his teaching. Whether online or in-person he is great at taking the time to explain each move and answer questions so that you can really get a feeling for how your body should be moving and why! He knows when to slow things down for explanations on body mechanics and theory and when to push you to train harder once you've grasped the fundamentals. 10/10 would recommend for anyone interested in martial arts in the Boston area!