Professor Tommy is brilliant!
He has poured blood, sweat, and tears into every technique he teaches. He has gone through trials and errors like no other to figure out ways to keep others on the straight and narrow in their own journey as best as one could go. If you need a good gym to go to in the boardman, Youngstown area, I highly persuade you to check out 36 chambers. It’s great for kids, teens, young adults, older adults. There is no age limit, and you don’t need to know a thing prior to entering the door where they greet you with a smile and excitement to get you ready to learn some martial arts. Professor Tom has a vast knowledge beyond Jiu Jitsu! His staff is also incredible! I could go on and on.
I joined this gym after dropping in on a week that my previous gym was closed. They offer a monthly membership, with discounts for 3-month, 6-month, and annual advance payment. By paying annually, my fees here are half the price of my previous gym.
There is an adult class or open mat every day except Sunday, offering an even mix of both gi and no-gi. It’s not noted on their public schedule, but there is almost always an additional hour of open mat rolling after each evening adult class.
The atmosphere is more relaxed than previous martial arts schools I have attended; there is no lining up by belt or bowing. The cleanliness standards are strict, though, which I appreciate. The mats appear to be brand new with no worn/broken down spots. The gym is exceptionally clean and well-maintained - I witness the owners cleaning every time I am there.
The instructor Professor Tom’s teaching style is very logical and easy to follow - we learn 2 to 3 variations of a specific technique each class, often the standard move and then a couple of alternative “what if the opponent reacts this way instead.” Class sizes are relatively small, which often allows for individual attention.
This gym in particular seems to draw people who are very serious about the sports of Brazilian jiu-jitsu and wrestling/grappling. Everyone is very athletic and we have several medal-winning competitors who train here. However, competition is optional, not a requirement. As someone who is not fit or athletic and who started training as a fun hobby to get out of the house a few times per week, I find the lessons challenging but still accessible. Everyone here is kind, encouraging, and helpful; nobody has ever made me feel bad about myself for modifying an exercise to my level, for asking questions, or for doing something incorrectly at first.
There are at least 4 women who train regularly, and an additional two that come intermittently. The environment feels very safe and supportive of women - no creepy or inappropriate comments/behavior here. When only male training partners are available, they take extra care to work at my level and avoid injuring me.
My ten year old is taking the youth courses at 36Chambers. The facility is super clean and the prices are very reasonable. The instructors are amazing and take their time with each student. My kid loves it so much, she literally laughs when she's put in a chokehold... she has the best time rolling with the other kids.
Fantastic gym - super family friendly, excellent instruction and all around wonderful place to be. I moved here (to Youngstown) as an upper belt (purple with stripes), older, smaller woman and have been incredibly impressed with the technical nature of this team - this speaks wonders for the leader of this gym, Tom Scala. Thumbs up 100%!!!
My son has gained so much confidence in such a short period of time. The team there makes him feel welcomed and a part of something. Highly Recommend!
I have been doing jujitsu for 15 years. Tom’s knowledge of the art is nothing less than impressive. I have been training here for 5 months and to say I’ve improved substantially is an understatement. 🥋💪🏼
At 39 years old a lot of things in life change. I have been interested in training for a while and decided now was the time. From the moment I walked in the door everyone here was welcoming and had answers to any questions I could think to ask. After I was offered a trial I started showing up as often as my schedule allowed and ever since my confidence with grappling has improved and my desire to learn seems to never end! Bottom line is that this is a great place to learn and train! I would recommend 36 chambers to anyone curious about the sport! The hardest part was walking in the door!
Tom and his facility are second to none. Beautiful, CLEAN space, with world class instruction. If you are looking for a clean, safe and inviting place to learn Jiu-Jitsu in the Poland/Boardman/Youngstown/Canfield area, 36 cannot be beat!