SBG Events

matt2-vi

Over the last two decades, Matt Thornton has flown around the world, spreading the epistemology and philosophy of SBG. As the founder of SBG, a long time black belt, and respected functional Martial Arts pioneer, Matt’s skills are well known. However, it’s the radical way in which many people find their own personal style of training evolving, changing, and growing for the better, even after only spending a few days training with an SBG Coach.

Whether you are thinking of hosting a seminar, flying in for personal training, or visiting us here in Oregon for various group classes and events. you are guaranteed to have a fantastic time. Below are all the programs, protocols, and various reviews. If you have any questions please feel free to contact Matt direct at: sbginfo@yahoo.com

What others have to say about SBG’s teaching, coaching & seminars:

“Every gym I went to had their own way: Don’t do it that way, do it that way – you must stand that way, you must punch this way. But SBG wasn’t like that. They encouraged different movements. SBG is MY team.”

– Conor McGregor (UFC Champion)

My First black belt, Matt Thornton, is one of the best coaches and innovative thinkers currently bound to earth.”

– Chris Haueter (One of America’s first Black Belts)

I run the most successful MMA competition team in Ireland. Matt’s coaching and the SBG philosophy helped me achieve that. Matt is unique in his incredible ability to instill a love for training in students. I’d never witnessed so many people so motivated to train for the sake of training, until I visited his Academy. After a lifetime of competitive Martial Arts, I can see that should be the ultimate goal – the perfection of oneself through the medium of the Martial Arts. If you get a chance to train with him, do so, you will not be disappointed.”

John Kavanagh, (head coach for SBG Ireland)

matt_randy

“The training at the Straight Blast Gym has been instrumental in my preparation for reality fighting in the UFC. Matt’s expertise in stand-up, and ground fighting techniques has helped me win the Ultimate Fighting Championships. There is no rest for the best!”

Randy Couture (UFC 13, 14, & 16 champion)

Gunnar

“I started training with SBG when I was 16 years old. It all started when Matt Thornton visited Iceland. He explained the fundamentals so well, everything else just came freely.”

– Gunnar Nelson, (UFC fighter)

Here is what UFC fighter Gunnar Nelson said about training with Matt Thornton

burtonsunset

“Matt is on the cutting edge of JKD training and teaching. He has a fighters curriculum in all ranges of armed and unarmed combat.”

Burton Richardson (Black Belt Magazine Author, JKD Legend)

Matt Thornton is one of the clearest Martial Arts instructors I have come across.”

 

– Sam Harris, (NY Times best selling author)

Here is what famed BJJ Professor Fabio Santos said about SBG founder Matt Thornton

daniel duby

“I have flown Matt Thornton to the other side of the world in order to have him bring his skills, and coaching methods of the Straight Blast Gym to my home of Reunion Island. I cannot give a better example of how beneficial I believe his training programs are then that!”

Daniel Duby (kickboxing legend & Savate expert)

vunak

I respect Matt very much. He’s an excellent fighter, an excellent teacher, and I always recommend his tapes to everyone.”

Paul Vunak (JKD Pioneer)

 

Akins

“This is why I’m so honored to be a part of the SBG team. Like attracts like. I couldn’t ask for a better fit and it’s definitely awesome to be able to exchange ideas and knowledge with such an exceptional group of martial artists and teachers.”

 

Henry Akins (Rickson Gracie Black Belt)

Haueter

“There is a period of time, close to 2 1/2 years, when I was a young hungry Purple Belt, where due to circumstances of life and geographical distance from the Gracies and Machado’s, I had to do this “Jiu Jitsu” thing, my obsession, on my own! I began teaching a few guys that I peeled away from the local Aikido and jkd clubs. There was a few challenge fights, some intermural Martial arts politics… but that’s another story. Fast forward several years later I found myself in Oregon teaching at the Straight Blast Gym. The guys in Oregon were young, courageous and eager to learn, “ no bullshit“ martial artists, hungry for this Jiu Jitsu “mystery” Matt Thornton’s leadership of SBG and his martial arts journey is truly that of the heroes journey. Take a listen here. Take a listen here, Matt Thornton is truly a dedicated martial artist”

Chris Haueter(One Of The Dirty Dozen)

Matt Larsen

Joe Saunders –

"Matt is one of the few true geniuses of martial arts"

SBG‘s
Aliveness seminars have caused a paradigm shift in training philosophy for thousands of martial artists, all over the globe. Experience for yourself what everyone is talking about!

seminarsMatt has traveled all over the world spreading the curriculum and philosophy of the Straight Blast Gym. Seminars are generally two days in length and between ten and twelve hours, depending on the stamina of the students. The material covered at the seminar can be structured around the needs and wants of the seminar host. In general, Matt usually covers a mixture of stand up, clinch, and ground fighting skills.


Click here for some unsolicited seminar reviews found around the
web •

Videotaping is allowed, but restricted to the use of the seminar host alone. Matt’s seminars come highly recommended and attendance invariably increases with each visit.

These seminars will not only help improve your personal game as an athlete and introduce you to cutting edge training methods; but if you are a school owner, they will help increase your schools enrollment and attendance, often dramatically.

The cost of seminars with already established SBG ATGs, or Gyms is $3,800.00 (US$) stateside & Canada, and $4,300.00 for all overseas trips. For non SBG affiliated Gyms the fee is 5000.00 stateside & Canada, and 7000.00 overseas. Also, one round trip airfare, and accommodations at a hotel is required. This price is for seminars that include an audience of up to 55 people. For over 55 people an additional round trip ticket is required so Matt can bring an assistant SBG Coach. For 75 people or more e-mail Matt for current rates. If you would like Matt to bring another SBG Instructor with him for additional training, e-mail him for rates. Each day is three hours (This length seems to be optimal for information retention) with a Q&A at the end. However, seminars sometimes run overtime (assuming the host agrees to it, if the information requires it.)

Seminars need to be booked at least 3-4 months in advance. Round trip airfare and a deposit of $200 is required to secure the seminar date. Hosting schools will then be listed below. To reserve a date, contact Matt direct by e-mail, or call (503)230-7924.

NOTE: There will be a 20% additional fee added to overseas seminars that are paid in foreign currency (non US Dollars).

sbg-gorilla-bg-red2019 SBG Seminar Schedule

2024 Events:

March 9-10 SBG SBG Atlanta

April 13th-14th SBG Boise

May 17-19 Spring Camp Niagara Falls

May 25th-26th SBG Texas

June 1st-2nd SBG Alabama

June 14th-16th SBG Ireland

June 22nd-23rd SBG UK

July 27-28 SBG Ladies Camp

Aug 10-11th SBG Montana

Aug 17th-18th SBG SoCal

Aug 31st-Sept 1st SBG Bend

Oct 12th-13th SBG NorCal

Oct 19th-20th SBG Fall Camp Atlanta

Oct 26th-127th SBG Edmonton

Nov 2nd-4rd SBG East Coast

Nov 8-9th SBG Reno

 

events1

•Archive of Past Seminars and Events •

Private training with Matt (2014 rates):

Fly In Training

SBG Portland Oregon

flyin1One on one private coaching from Matt Thornton, and the SBG Headquarters Coaches, is now available! We highly recommend that you schedule your private time at least two months in advance as Matt’s available time is limited. The cost for training is the same for one to four people. As such you can split the cost of the course amongst you and your friends. Training time is typically done in the course of two full days at one of our facilities in Oregon. However, if you are planning on staying more then a few days, it can be broken up accordingly.

flyin2Private training costs – UPDATED: 03/01/16:

  • One to four people for ten full hours = Only $2500.00 weekday/ $3000.00 weekend
  • One to four people for five full hours = $2000.00 weekday/ 2500.00 weekend.
  • Five or more people (see seminar rates)
  • Three hours of privates with Matt, plus unlimited group classes for one week = $1750.00
  • One hour private lesson, plus unlimited group classes for one week = $1300.00

*All private students also receive unlimited FREE group classes while in Oregon, and there are classes 7 days a week. Also, videotaping is allowed, and encouraged!

Accommodations: We have local hotels which offer discount rates that average $59.00 per night. You can also arrange housing at an SBG student’s home who has rooms to rent. The cost is usually $70.00-80.00 per week, and booking is limited so we suggest you e-mail well ahead of time to arrange space if this is an option you are interested in.

events2

SBG Camps

2023 Spring Camp in Athens

Registration is now OPEN Click Here!