About
SBG NorCal offers training in mixed martial arts (MMA), kickboxing, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, functional fitness, Boxing BootCamp, conditioning, and self defense. Classes include work in Stand Up, Clinch, and Ground skills, as well as activities related to wellness.
SBG NorCal has been part of the East Bay martial arts community and a member of Straight Blast Gym International since 2003. It was formed by co-founders Lily and Alan Pagle in 2002, with Lily Pagle serving as Head Coach. SBG NorCal is organized as a non-profit under Martial Arts Training and Scholarship, a 501.c.3, and uses the phrase “Function Not Fantasy since 2003.”
All SBG NorCal coaches graduate from a year long coach’s course, and all coaches are volunteers. The coaching staff includes individuals with black belts and advanced ranks in arts such as Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Judo, Taekwondo, Aikido, Hapkido, SanShou Kickboxing, and Jiu-Jitsu, as well as experience in collegiate boxing and Krav Maga. Some coaches also have backgrounds in teaching and academic fields, including a PhD in Biochemistry and experience teaching kindergarten.
SBG NorCal offers scholarship programs for youth and families through Berkeley Unified School District and for young adults through the Berkeley Adult School. Along with martial arts and fitness programs, it offers free community workshops covering fitness, self defense, and wellness. The organization states that it provides a supportive environment where people of different backgrounds and experiences can get together and help each other become the best versions of themselves on the mat and in their communities.
Last updated August 10, 2026.
SBG NorCal has been part of the East Bay martial arts community and a member of Straight Blast Gym International since 2003. It was formed by co-founders Lily and Alan Pagle in 2002, with Lily Pagle serving as Head Coach. SBG NorCal is organized as a non-profit under Martial Arts Training and Scholarship, a 501.c.3, and uses the phrase “Function Not Fantasy since 2003.”
All SBG NorCal coaches graduate from a year long coach’s course, and all coaches are volunteers. The coaching staff includes individuals with black belts and advanced ranks in arts such as Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Judo, Taekwondo, Aikido, Hapkido, SanShou Kickboxing, and Jiu-Jitsu, as well as experience in collegiate boxing and Krav Maga. Some coaches also have backgrounds in teaching and academic fields, including a PhD in Biochemistry and experience teaching kindergarten.
SBG NorCal offers scholarship programs for youth and families through Berkeley Unified School District and for young adults through the Berkeley Adult School. Along with martial arts and fitness programs, it offers free community workshops covering fitness, self defense, and wellness. The organization states that it provides a supportive environment where people of different backgrounds and experiences can get together and help each other become the best versions of themselves on the mat and in their communities.
Last updated August 10, 2026.
Is this your business? There is no cost, but you will be asked to sign up or log in.