I had an alright time to start. However there was one coach who for some reason refused to give pointers to myself and a friend. Perhaps it's because we were doing this to be active and have fun, rather than wanting to compete in future? It's also ridiculously busy and they don't cap class sizes. Because of this and a free-flow of people, they teach the same thing week on week, so it's hard to progress unless you get a personal trainer. Anyway, skip a few months where it's impossible to find the correct contact details on their website and their webform and phone numbers don't work (though the webform says my messages went through). Ended up being charged when requested to freeze my account for not emailing - if the webform wasn't correct I should have received a response telling me the correct email address for the process of asking to freeze my account. (Surely the webform links to the email? Regardless, the website says use the email OR the webform). After constantly requesting a reply, I didn't receive any and was then told I went through the wrong process. I STILL should have received a reply from the webform as it was more than 3 weeks before payment should have been taken. Instead they waited, took payment and then only refunded after a number of complaints from myself. There are a number of much better, friendlier, and more trustworthy martial arts places to go in Manchester! I would suggest you choose any of those instead.

Previous attendees at SBG have included Randy Couture and Gunnar Nelson. The gym has a full time MMA pro team who train during the day. The team includes UFC, Cage Warriors, and Bellator veterans. There are 4 BJJ Blackbelts and 1 brown belt in residence. I think training here was one of the best decisions I made.

After going to sign up for the free trial, I couldn't believe the prices I was quoted. Over £60 a month for 2 classes a week, and over £80 for 4!!!!!!!!!!! Plus, I had to sign a contract for a year, hardly the spirit of the martial arts. McDojo Alert. And to top it off, the head coach was very rude and pretty much kicked me out for questioning the prices. Avoid at all costs, other reviews either work there or are drawn in by the cult of it.

I traveled yt come train here from the north of Scotland for 3 days to train BJJ and i can happily say i was far from disappointed. The coaches were brilliant and very welcoming. I was slightly nervous before i got there as there is such a high level of talent there but was made very welcome from all. I learnt a great deal in the three days i was down there thanks to karl and his excellent bunch of guys. I had a outstanding time getting to train and meet great people. I would definetly recommend this gym to all. New comers and for the experienced. I will definitely be going back there in the future.

Just got back from my trip to sbg mainline , was a great experience ! Gym was welcoming an coaching was second to none! Really helped me improve on both my stand up and bjj game! Overall great experience and will definately be going back !:D

Just had my second trip to SBG Mainline and just like the last time it was amazing. Karl Tanswell and the coaching staff at Sbg truly are the best around. I would recommend this gym to any one looking for an no nonsense environment with amazing coaching staff that will allow you to meet your goals! Will definitely be back in the future!!

I recently got into MMA after watching Ronda Rousey. As a woman, the idea of training with men never really appealled to me but I decided to give it a go as there are quite a few women on the mat, especially in the BJJ classes on Monday and Wednesday. I have since learned that its frowned upon for anyone here, especially men, to use their strength when training. If anything, the guys go light and try to use my own force against me. I've certainly lost more weight than I would have doing aerobics as every training partner tries to push you but I use to get bored in conventional fitness classes as well. Doing BJJ, you are always learning something new.

I decided to join after hearing about the gym from a friend and I'm pleased to say It's lived up to expectation. Entering this type of environment with no previous experience can be daunting as hell. However, the whole atmosphere is very welcoming, there's zero attitude and it's been an extremely enjoyable challenge from the word go. Coaches a very professional, knowledgeable and Inspirational. Only regret is not joining years ago!

I've been a member of the SBG family for ten years now and I can safely say that SBG has changed my life. Apart from being an excellent facility the gym's enthusiastic members and well-informed coaches share in a unique and healthy culture. The training methods and syllabus material are second to non and have proven results. Due to the quality of the methods employed in training, the healthy environment and the emphasis on fundamental skills as a philosophy, every single person on the mat will improve greatly rather than just a select group of individuals with more physical / athletic attributes. The SBG experience is one in which every person in the gym plays a part in every other person's individual journey on the road to reaching their full potential. Training at SBG is always a mutually beneficial process for all those who take part.

There is only one fact you'll need to know if you're looking to start your journey into martial arts - SBG Mainline is the ONLY place you need!!!! This is a world class facility with a world class coach. This opinion is not just my view but also the view of many commentators on the MMA scene world wide. Karl Tanswell is a world class coach, that is Fact #2. This guy literally has been there and done it all. He is sought after on the seminar scene teaching fighters and martial artists around the world. He has been a coach to world class MMA fighters who have competed at the top level in the UFC, he has coached top Brazilian Jiu Jitsu fighters competing at international level. He has numerous fighters competing professionally in MMA again at international and domestic levels. His coaching methods have been tried and tested and are internationally recognised. The hard work he's put into coaching has produced 4 new BJJ black belts. It will also not come as a surprise to learn that the two black belts running rival MMA schools in central Manchester can all trace their training lineage back to Karl and his SBG school, whether they choose to acknowledge that fact or not! Enough about the man, the school itself is great, with a relaxed yet productive vibe running throughout each class, be that MMA, BJJ or stand up fighting. The fact that you have guys with years of experience and training under their belt participating in the beginners classes highlights why the standard of training is so high. The fact that the girls who train here can beat the stuffing out of most guys on the street again shows how good this school is. If you wanna learn how to fight, come here. If you wanna learn how to defend yourself, come here. If you wanna learn BJJ, grapppling, boxing, thai boxing, MMA, come here. If you wanna get fit, come here. If you wanna learn cage fighting or wanna make excuses - then don't!! This is a martial arts school with traditional martial arts ethics and discipline but without the bowing!

Been to many gyms over the years and nothing comes close . The level of coaching is in a league of its own . For me the best part of the gym is the people involved from coaches to students . Everyone has an extreme passion to learn and help each other . Which for me personally makes me never want to miss a session . See you in the gym !!

I joined SBG because I was looking for a new challenge and it turned out to be the best decision I've ever made. Taught by the best coaches in the business I've learned so much in 8 months and feel fitter, more confident and happier than ever before. The quality of the teaching is outstanding, and the passion and commitment of everyone at the gym, both instructors and members, is an inspiration and infectious. I can't wait to train at the end of the day and am looking forward to learning more and more as I develop my game. Truly, a fantastic place to train and learn.

Without a doubt the best mixed martial arts gym in the north of England. I have trained at numerous facilities and i can honestly say nothing even comes close to the tuition on offer at SBG Mainline. Firstly the level of the instructors is without equal. You have numerous and legitimate black and brown belt BJJ instructors in every available session, daytime and evening. Then you have striking coaches who themselves are sucessful and very active professional fighters. Its ok some "sensai" or "master" showing you some "special moves" but these are guys who are currently competeing at a high level so they know what works and what doesn't. The strength and conditioning coach is absolutely fantastic and also very knowledgeable when it comes to nutrition and diet.....oh and he's a fully qualified yoga instructor. Come once and try a class and I'm 100% certain that the positive attitude shown by students and instructors alike will grip you as it has me, don't waste your time anywhere else.

I joined 3 months ago not knowing what to expect or if I would last but instead I look forward to every single session and cant wait to get onto the mat at SBG Manchester. The gym has such a great environment to learn from which is all down to the outstanding coaching, whether your at beginner or pro level. I have gained so much confidence in training and my fitness has really excelled from learning proper technique, motivation and working on fundamentals of each class taught by the best blackbelt BJJ and MMA coaches in the business.

Tuition from top level black belts, world class MMA athletes, and a friendly & clean environment to be taught in. SBG teaches functional, efficient combat in an 'alive' environment - the only way to learn without cheating yourself. Learning from someone as well versed in the world of martial arts as Coach Tanswell is something 99% of gyms are simply unable to deliver - skills that have been built upon from years of hard work and dedication. The experiences the gym has given me over the past 3 years have been invaluable, and my sole regret is that I haven't been able to be there every single day! My hiatus ends in a couple of weeks, and from the moment my last exam finishes, I'll be living there...see you in class?

The coaching and instruction at SBG is on another level as far as professionalism and an intelligent approach is concerned. I have trained at many different gyms in America, Brazil and the UK and I have found SBG to be among the very best. The people there are friendly, and the serious approach to training is balanced out by the members and coaches being willing to have a laugh and make you feel at home (if you respect the people there!) I would massively recommend this gym to anyone looking to anyone looking to get in shape, all the way to people with dreams of being in the UFC.