"I met Mateo almost 5 years ago at another gym. I was over 320lbs. He was teaching Muay Thai, which I took for around 6 months. He laid the groundwork for me losing over 120lbs. Now I am a member at his gym, the School of Hard Knox. He shows professional commitment in this regard to his client’s well being and future. The staff and trainers at Hard Knox are all friendly, dedicated, challenging and truly concerned for members of the gym. The gym itself is truly magnificent-in regard to MMA and weight training. There is plenty of space, a wide range of equipment, clean environment and lots of motivated individuals present to push a person to achievement. The kickboxing classes are exceedingly challenging from start to end. I have a lot of experience in gauging different classes and Hard Knox rates at the top. From a customer standpoint who has been through the grueling weight loss process, Hard Knox and Mateo are a perfect combination to help anyone achieve any weight loss or fitness goal. From beginner to advanced, Hard Knox has something for everyone."
-Jesse Cash age 29
“The School of Hard Knox has been an absolute blessing. I am the type of person who is always on a diet or some type of workout plan, but I have never found anything that works as well and fast as kickboxing, and it is fun! Since starting at Hard Knox in late October, I have gone from a size 11 to a size 7! At every other gym I have tried, I felt like people were judging me, but here it is so different. All of the trainers and employees actually care about you and your results! There is not a single person at Hard Knox that I don’t like. Joining Hard Knox is by far the best decision I have ever made for my fitness!
-Ashtyn Glover age 18
“The School of Hard Knox and the trainers have transformed my life, my body and my spirit! I feel better than I have ever felt and now looking better and stronger every day. Sherri, Mateo, Chris and Tee have been instrumental in keeping me interested in coming to train. They challenge me to want to see how far I can go. There is no place like it, there is no one like them.”
-Malinda Alexander age 40
“I chose Hard Knox because of the high intensity training, great training partners and equipment. I love it here because I learn something new every day and always leave with a smile on my face. Hard Knox has also helped me lose 100lbs. Now, I can’t go a day without training!”
-Este Marin age 19
“I chose to train at Hard Knox because they offer the best striking and stand up training for serious fighters in the southeast. Combining that with top level Brazilian Jiu Jitsu coaching, the training at Hard Knox has managed to create a true home for serious fighters of all levels and ages. When I first made the switch to Hard Knox, I prided myself on my conditioning and was a solid 6’3” 255lbs. After 7 short months with Mateo, Sherri and all the trainers at Hard Knox, I find myself at a lean 208lbs and I am in the best shape of my life! To be the best, you must train with the best. Every day is a learning experience when I walk through the doors at Hard Knox!
-Frankie Pannell age 24
“The atmosphere at Hard Knox is unlike any other place. The coaches are motivating and encouraging even when they are busting your butt. The facility is top-notch, you are never crowded and have a wealth of equipment available. With the help of some of the staff, I was able to put on 20lbs of muscle in 4 months and I am continuing to see gains. Hard Knox will make you a fitter and healthier person so you can live a better life!
-Brian Brockel age 54
“I chose to train here because it is the best place with the best coaches. When I started training at Hard Knox three months ago, I was 180lbs. I lost 30lbs and I am in great shape.”
-Sergey Grubnyak age 22
“Mateo, Sherri, Diego and the rest of the Hard Knox crew push you and motivate you to reach your short term and long term goals. My beginning weight was 167lbs, I am now 138lbs.”
-Josh Aguilar age 24
“I choose to train here because besides a top winning team, we are a family. The level of expertise and professionalism is insane compared to other gyms I have trained at. The level of confidence and discipline I’ve received is top notch. Mateo is on a whole different plan when it comes to being an instructor. The BJJ is well beyond what I have seen at the other gyms. The respect of each of the teammates is unreal. There are no huge ego’s to deal with. We are a family. I have come leaps and bounds training here. This is my home away from home.”
-TJ Edwards age 29
“I chose to train with Mateo at Hard Knox because he is willing to take time out of his class to coach you one on one to help you improve on a technique. He will take the time to make sure you understand the technique before moving on. Since I have started training at Hard Knox my strength and cardio have improved drastically. I have lost body fat and the full weight room is great tool to use before training sessions. I have really enjoyed my training here and I appreciate the passion for the sport displayed by the coaches and staff. This is a fantastic gym whether you just want to get in shape or further your career in MMA.”
-John Stennis age 26
“Hard Knox has helped me push myself and motivate me to do things that I only saw in movies. It helped me look better and feel better about myself. It is a place where I get a good ass kicking and I want to come back for more. My trainers motivate me to keep going when I think that I can’t go anymore. I have also met a lot of cool people there. It feels like a big family here.”
-Jesus Dorantes age 23
The trainers herehave helped me get back to enjoying my workouts. I appreciate their contant motivation and the way they are always constantly testing your limits because they always step it up a notch. I constantly have something to work towards. I have lost many inches in my legs, hips.....Everywhere. I have become so much stronger than with any other workouts I've done in the past. After 3 months of kickboxing I was able to run a 55K! Love the trainers. You guys are great!”
-Nydia Johnson age 34
I just want to say that the training here is top notch and inspiring. sherri gives a highly technical kickboxing class with a solid conditioning edge while Mateo and Josh concentrate at the higher level of conditioning... They have my body doing things that I thought were long gone from a possibility. I can now regularly do 50+ sets of push ups while traveling. The scheduled classes help maintain a healthy workout routine and are much harder to avoid. I have lifted weights and ran most of my life, always with a large start and stop rate. The formal structure and the fun factor have keept me in class and I have been willing to miss very few classes while home. I'm stronger, faster, and feeling better than I have in a long time. I would definitely recommend this for everyone.
-Greg Dondero age 53
Hard Knox had epitomized the definition of what it means to be a fighter. Mateo and Sherri have worked to not only enstill great technique but to also include the values essential to being a good person outside of the ring. When you sign up at Hard Knox you're not just signing onto a gym, but you are gaining a family that will never let you fall. Thank you, Mateo and Sherri and the rest of the Hard Knox Family for helping me achieve my dreams and to not be afraid to fight for them.
-Matt Robinson age 18
Hard Knox is an excellent place for training and fitness. I was redeployed to Afganistan and the training and fitness at Hard Knox kept me in shape so I was able to go war.
-Jeremy Sapp age 24
At Hard Knox the training has been a positive experience for me. I have lost approximately 40lbs since I've joined. I believe that without the trainers here I would not have been able to accomplish that. My goal is to continue with my training and get into better shape than I am now. Thank you Hard Knox for helping me accomplish my goals!
-Joshua G. Sapp age 29