Testimonials

Professor Travis Tooke

Gracie Jiu-jitsu Black Belt

Andrew Craig

Muay Thai Instructor

Team Tooke MMA

“I’ve had the pleasure of training with Chris Martinez in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu for a couple of years now. One thing I have noticed is his passion for the art. As a former Marine, I highly recommend Chris as an instructor for his discipline, motivation, and dedication to Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. If you are hesitant or a little shy about getting on the mat, maybe feel this “isn’t for you” or “I won’t be able to hang”, his inviting personality and professionalism provides a comfortable, relaxed environment for learning. Chris’ attention to detail, ability to instruct, and his technical skills has really improved my game.”

Mike Ortiz

Midtown MMA Houston Combat Athlete

- Coach Jeremy Trahan

- Team Tooke MMA Brazil

I began my BJJ training with Chris Martinez for a few months now, and within a short period of time I have obtained an abundance of knowledge, technique and much, much more. I’ve had some previous Brazilian Jiu Jitsu training however the difference with Chris is that he provides an in-depth teaching to each technique and class. He always becomes self-involved, and adapts to each different student to ensure no one is left without knowing the teachings of his class.

After shortly enrolling with Chris at Midtown MMA Houston, I’ve managed to lose between 10-15 lbs only within a few short weeks and noticed more muscle definition.

Chris has a great personality and always makes him available to his students for any additional questions or information. I’m more motivated now than ever to achieve my goals and advancing in BJJ and all due to Chris who has helped spark that fire to keep my momentum going! He makes the training fun and provides an excellent training and class environment.

Jaime Reyes

Midtown MMA Houston Gold Member

I have been training Brazilian Jiu-jitsu and Muay Thai with Chris Martinez for several months now and have already recommended it to friends and coworkers. Since joining the classes, I have noticed an overall increase in energy and am regaining the coordination I had while playing sports a few years ago. Chris has done an excellent job of creating a welcoming environment for anyone looking to start or improve their BJJ or Muay Thai skills. His class style is technical, but relaxed, which allows you to learn and progress at any pace you require. His easygoing personality and enthusiasm makes it fun and fulfilling for anyone interested in learning and practicing MMA

Chris Butler

Midtown MMA Houston Combat Athlete

I regularly worked out at a fitness gym for years and have never had as intense of a workout as I did when I start training at Midtown MMA Houston. The training consists of a combination of cardio and weight training that has worked out muscles in my body that I have never worked out before. I noticed a huge difference in my body within weeks; I had become leaner and a whole lot stronger. Not only have I gained a lot of lean muscle, I have learned a lot of self-defense along the way. I got bored of doing the same routine workouts over and over again at the fitness gym, which is why I really enjoy training at Midtown – I get to interact with a fun crowd of people, learn self-defense, get an intense workout in, and challenge the strength that I never thought I had.

Amnah Baig

Midtown MMA Houston Gold Member

Before joining Midtown MMA Houston I was searching for a location in which to study Muay Thai kickboxing and Brazilian Jiu-jitsu. Chris Martinez was the only person to respond to me in an immediate manner. What I appreciate most is that Chris is very technical and hands on. You won’t leave a session making the same mistakes and the personal time that is spent was very surprising despite that fact that there is a full class. Midtown MMA has given me the opportunity to further study the arts and has put me on the correct path to being a better martial artist. I recommend Midtown MMA Houston to anyone that wants to learn self-defense, in need of an intense workout or wants to be a competitive fighter.

Sean Jefferson

Midtown MMA Houston Combat Athlete

I have come to grips with the fact that I’m a relatively stubborn guy. That said, one of my best friends has been studying Muay Thai for over the last four years to this day. Every week he has asked me to train with him. Just check it out once. Every week I would stonewall. Now, my friend understands that I am a fitness junkie: a runner, climber, tennis pro, soccer star, kettle bell crosstraining expert, etc. What I didn’t understand is that all of those combined don’t stand up to a single hour of Muay Thai. Yes, you’re reading that right-- In a matter of three months of Muay Thai training with Chris Martinez at Midtown MMA Houston, I’ve come to understand TRUE fitness. I am in THE best shape of my life. I have a true measure of confidence, discipline, assertiveness and most of all, a POSITIVE and STRESS FREE demeanor! This is all with Muay Thai alone!

I’ve more recently joined the Brazilian Jiu-jitsu program as well, and find it to be an even greater challenge! Chris Martinez is a true Mixed Martial Artist. He is very focused during our sessions and pays close attention to TECHNIQUE. For example, during Muay Thai training Chris will constantly remind me specifically to keep my guard up when throwing my beloved left hook, to never cross my feet when circling, etc. During BJJ sessions Chris is very technical and deliberate in his instruction—He even goes as far as to cover the small nuances of weight shifting and control when performing submission technique!

I’ve checked out several other MMA programs in the Houston area and this is clearly the best. Patient, easy going and positive instructors like Chris are few and far between.

As cliché as it may sound… Midtown MMA has changed my life for the better.

BELEE DAT.

Angsuman “Ozzy” Pahi

Midtown MMA Houston Combat Athlete

The first thing that drew me to MMA was my desire to learn self defense. The first thing that drew me to actually considering pursuing a class was the convenient location of Midtown MMA. The first thing that drew me to actually contacting Midtown MMA was the 30 day free trial. The first thing that drew me to actually showing up was getting a call from Chris about an hour after I submitted my form online. The first thing that drew me to sign up full time was after the first class when I realized that Midtown MMA was more than I could have hoped for!

After a few short months, Midtown MMA has helped boost my confidence in my physical and mental ability to defend myself. You build on the physical side during the first part of the class where Chris leads you through a "warm-up" which is more like a mini boot-camp that leaves you with a good burn. The mental and physical side is continually built through the second portion of class as you work on muscle memory routines, perfecting techniques, following drills, and self guided practice.

The great thing about Midtown MMA is that your motivation doesn't come from someone yelling at you, it comes from the everyone else giving it there all and encouraging you to test your limits. Everyone is there to learn the proper techniques and advanced students are more than will to give and take constructive criticism when working in teams. There are a good mix of males and females of all different physical capabilities which lead to good match-ups during the drills. No one is there to judge you, I have never had that feeling even when I thought I must look pretty goofy.

Chris is an awesome instructor who keeps the class relaxed but professional and directed. He's good about gauging what each student needs to focus on during the drills - technique or power - and making corrections for individual students during the drills. He is interested in the needs of the class and will reserve certain sessions to address student questions. It is easy to have a lot of respect for Chris. This helps make you accountable and give you that extra boost to show up for training on the (rare!) occasion that you may be less motivated to do so.

I definitely recommend Midtown MMA to anyone who is even remotely curious, we'll see you there!

Angela Bloch

Midtown MMA Houston Gold Member

I've been training with Chris Martinez for about 3 months now at Midtown MMA Houston. He has taught me the most technical way to do Brazilian jujitsu, he has also taught me how to use the GI ( kimono ) and use it to my advantage. Not including the intense and killer workouts we also do in class.

Anselmo (Junior) Munoz

Midtown MMA Houston Gold Member

I have been training with Chris Martinez at Midtown MMA Houston for 2 months. I am a 34 year old female who has been mostly inactive since high school. I have never been comfortable working out in front of others so the class environment was very intimidating to me. Chris made me feel at ease from the beginning and the students are supportive and encouraging as well. The first few weeks were tough on me – each class left me so sore that I could barely move the next day. There were some core exercises that I just could not complete when I started but Muay Thai training has made me stronger and now those exercises are easy for me. While my goals for this class are fitness-related, there are other benefits as well. Chris does a great job tying in a self defense aspect for the females in the class. He even uses the time before and after class to teach these practical aspects of MMA. And the class is a fun way to burn a lot of calories.

Debbie Fleming

Midtown MMA Houston Gold Member

Jeremy Korman