About
The Pit Martial Arts & Fitness offers martial arts classes that include Hawaiian Kempo, Jiu Jitsu, Grappling, and a martial arts and conditioning program. The program also offers CrossPit, a Kids Wrestling Camp, a Women’s Bootcamp, a Women’s Self Defense Seminar, and Beginner Jiu Jitsu.
• Ages: 3–18 years old
• Schedule: Class options are available Monday through Saturday in the late afternoon and evening, with additional morning classes on Saturday.
The Pit Martial Arts & Fitness was started in 1985 in Woodland Hills, California, by John Hackleman. When he moved to Arroyo Grande in 1990, he continued to train in his backyard in a 500 sq ft gym, and in 2001 he opened the gym to the public and allowed kids to join. John Hackleman combines his 50 years of Karate and Kickboxing experience to teach a blend of simple, effective fighting and training techniques. The adult programs for ages 14 and up include Hawaiian Kempo, Jiu Jitsu, and CrossPit, and the kids’ programs for ages 3–13 include Hawaiian Kempo and Grappling.
John started The Pit because he wanted people to learn a no nonsense martial arts and conditioning program. The Pit Martial Arts & Fitness states that its priority is to help participants and their children become better versions of themselves and that it is dedicated to their success. The program states that it stresses mental and physical conditioning, power, and discipline, and that its classes are upbeat and fun, yet very tough. It also states that its structured classes are meant to help develop coordination, physical fitness, mental strength, and social skills, and that through positive reinforcement it aims to bring out the best in children.
The Pit Martial Arts & Fitness states that martial arts classes benefit growing children beyond the dojo and in real-world scenarios, and that martial arts has physical, mental, and social benefits suitable for anyone. It states that participants can learn self-defense, build confidence, and work toward getting in their best shape. The program describes its instructors as professional and says they make classes unique, fun, and safe. It also states that it tailors programs to participant goals, highlights its community as a unique part of the experience, and notes that its professional instructors are available to students.
The Pit Martial Arts & Fitness describes itself as serving the communities of Arroyo Grande, Pismo Beach, Grover Beach, Oceano, Shell Beach, Nipomo, San Luis Obispo, and Santa Maria. It also states that by fusing The Pit and CrossFit together, it has created a strategy for training and getting in shape.
Parent and community testimonials describe The Pit Martial Arts & Fitness as a local business established in 1985 where many youth and adults have trained. One parent reports that it has been a safe place for kids to train and learn about character, self defense, and confidence, and notes seeing children and adults of all ages, races, and backgrounds work hard together. Another parent shares that after a one-week trial, both a 4-year-old and a 7-year-old wanted to continue, and mentions “great values” and “great people.” Other testimonials recommend the staff and facility, describe it as an “amazing” place to train, and refer to it as one of the best martial arts training facilities.
Last updated July 11, 2026.
• Ages: 3–18 years old
• Schedule: Class options are available Monday through Saturday in the late afternoon and evening, with additional morning classes on Saturday.
The Pit Martial Arts & Fitness was started in 1985 in Woodland Hills, California, by John Hackleman. When he moved to Arroyo Grande in 1990, he continued to train in his backyard in a 500 sq ft gym, and in 2001 he opened the gym to the public and allowed kids to join. John Hackleman combines his 50 years of Karate and Kickboxing experience to teach a blend of simple, effective fighting and training techniques. The adult programs for ages 14 and up include Hawaiian Kempo, Jiu Jitsu, and CrossPit, and the kids’ programs for ages 3–13 include Hawaiian Kempo and Grappling.
John started The Pit because he wanted people to learn a no nonsense martial arts and conditioning program. The Pit Martial Arts & Fitness states that its priority is to help participants and their children become better versions of themselves and that it is dedicated to their success. The program states that it stresses mental and physical conditioning, power, and discipline, and that its classes are upbeat and fun, yet very tough. It also states that its structured classes are meant to help develop coordination, physical fitness, mental strength, and social skills, and that through positive reinforcement it aims to bring out the best in children.
The Pit Martial Arts & Fitness states that martial arts classes benefit growing children beyond the dojo and in real-world scenarios, and that martial arts has physical, mental, and social benefits suitable for anyone. It states that participants can learn self-defense, build confidence, and work toward getting in their best shape. The program describes its instructors as professional and says they make classes unique, fun, and safe. It also states that it tailors programs to participant goals, highlights its community as a unique part of the experience, and notes that its professional instructors are available to students.
The Pit Martial Arts & Fitness describes itself as serving the communities of Arroyo Grande, Pismo Beach, Grover Beach, Oceano, Shell Beach, Nipomo, San Luis Obispo, and Santa Maria. It also states that by fusing The Pit and CrossFit together, it has created a strategy for training and getting in shape.
Parent and community testimonials describe The Pit Martial Arts & Fitness as a local business established in 1985 where many youth and adults have trained. One parent reports that it has been a safe place for kids to train and learn about character, self defense, and confidence, and notes seeing children and adults of all ages, races, and backgrounds work hard together. Another parent shares that after a one-week trial, both a 4-year-old and a 7-year-old wanted to continue, and mentions “great values” and “great people.” Other testimonials recommend the staff and facility, describe it as an “amazing” place to train, and refer to it as one of the best martial arts training facilities.
Last updated July 11, 2026.
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