Mat Lab Reviews

Customer Reviews

My kids attend classes 4 days a week and have been training for a year. My eight year old says " It is a great place to learn jiujitsu because Travis and all the coaches are nice. They help you learn the moves." Our family has seen a huge jump in our children's confidence. It has been and remains to be one of the amazing experiences we have given our boys!!!
Sara K
If you want to learn from one of the most knowledgeable Brazilian jiu jitsu black belts in the central Ohio area, this is the place. Classes are conducted in an atmosphere conducive to learning with an emphasis placed on the growth of the student. Both adult and kids classes are available. There are several families that attend this gym.
Greg G
Amazing place to become very skilled. As well as a great, and friendly training environment.

Gana31
The best martial arts gym and program in Ohio. Both my daughter and husband take classes here and I am amazed at their progress. Perfect program for teens especially- teaching respect, restraint, and self defense. The gym is also very clean and well maintained.
Katie D
Not having much experience in combat sports before starting at Mat Lab I was nervous to get started. After the first day I was hooked and I promise you will be to. Mat Lab is everything you could want in a gym, it’s clean, well run, and the skills you learn are not fancy YouTube videos but real technique proven for decades. If your on the fence about starting your first class is free!
Chris H
This is the best places I've trained. Travis Haynes really knows his stuff and is a phenomenal teacher. The group of people that train here are wonderful to train with. Everyone shows respect to each other and the atmosphere that results is excellent!  If you are even thinking of giving Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu a try, then this is the place to do it!!!
Andy Y
Joining Matlab is one of the best decision I ever made. As a woman, joining any fighting gym can be intimidating but, everyone and everything about this school is welcoming and safe. Professor Travis Haynes, is amazing and takes the time to break down every position and technique making everyone feel welcome. I encourage everyone to challenge themselves and try it at least once, you will be hooked!
Ashley W
I have trained with various teams and academies in the area. I can say without reservation, this is the spot for technical BJJ. You will get more than a couple techniques a week here. Solid conceptual training that will follow you into higher belts. The students are welcoming, and the instructor is a wizard.
Ben P
I love this place. It has become my 2nd home. Everyone here is friendly, has a great attitude, and willing to learn.

The instructor is extremely knowledgeable. He's well versed in Sambo and Judo as well as BJJ. (Hence the Matlab, experiment and use what works) You'll learn moves and details most other schools cant offer because of his background.

I will continue to come here to relieve stress from the work day, workout, and build strong friendships. Oh and learning to defend yourself is a big perk too ;)
Alex D
The people of Columbus should really take advantage of this unique and top grade self-defense resource. I began jiu jitsu in Los Angeles County a few years back. BJJ is fairly common there as you have a choice of many great schools, but so far it's just not nearly as widespread in Ohio (which I quickly found out after relocating here). FORTUNATELY for everyone, one of your choices is Mat Lab, owned by instructor Travis Haynes, 3rd degree black belt under legend Marcello C. Montiero. This school is not only on par with jiu jitsu studios I've been in on the west and east coasts, but in many ways is better. The vision is progressive, the intent is serious and calculated, and Travis is an incredible maestro of jiu jitsu, judo, and sambo that we all should be grateful to have access to. . .
Kevin Van G
Was nervous in the beginning but the team at Matlab is the most welcoming people there are. Feels like everyone is family and it is a very fun and welcoming environment!! If your struggling finding a place to join and train look no further, this is definitely the place to be!
Steven S
My home away from home. Technical, detailed instructions in an easy to understand format. I’ve lost waight, made friends and found a positive outlet for my stress. BJJ done rite!
Ben T
The best martial arts gym and program in Ohio. Both my daughter and husband take classes here and I am amazed at their progress. Perfect program for teens especially- teaching respect, restraint, and self defense. The gym is also very clean and well maintained.
Katie D
I had the pleasure to train with Travis Haynes. Travis is both a highly skilled and seasoned black belt. His teaching style is easy to understand and will prepare any BJJ practitioner to reach a higher level. White belts will definitely develop a strong foundation for their Jiu-Jitsu to stand on and Travis is a strong piece of iron for other black belts to sharpen on.
Michael C
I love the energy at Mat Lab, every time you come into the studio you are welcomed and accepted into an encouraging group of people that make you feel like family. The women's self defense class was so much more than I expected! I am learning simple, effective techniques that give me more confidence to work up to advanced moves. It's addicting and fun!
Travis Haynes is so uplifting, funny and very knowledgeable about Jiu Jitsu. My son will also start training soon. I'm so excited to see him grow and develop in this sport. I am mentally stronger and empowered since I started training. I am so grateful. 
Melissa H
I’ve been training with Travis for almost 3 years and am an original member of MatLab. I can’t say enough positive things about how this school is run. Being the oldest member at 55, I can tell you that you’re never too old to learn, train and compete in BJJ and that MatLab is a positive and inviting facility for any age or gender. Unlike a traditional gym or fitness routine, there is nothing routine about BJJ. It includes cardio and strength-training combined with the intellectual challenge of learning techniques and understanding the origins of the sport. It’s never boring and gives you the confidence to confront and overcome any psychological or physical challenge you encounter. It is my therapy.
Tom B
Great atmosphere. My 9 Y.O. loves training which has helped her build confidence as well as self defense skills that I could have never taught her. I highly recommend this to all fellow moms. I am confident that whith this training my daughter will know how to react under a stressful situation.
Yolanda C
Top notch instruction coupled with a team oriented environment ripe for learning and increasing one’s overall level of fitness. Lost 15 lbs in the last few months.
James W
Today, I trained at Mat Lab Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and had a very pleasant experience. Travis is a great instructor, with not only a great knowledge, but with an incredible ability to explain the techniques. The dojo is great, very spacious and clean, and the atmosphere was amazing too. Truly an outstanding group of people, very humble and welcoming. I’ll come back next time I am in the area.
Alexis G
Mat Lab is a super nice, clean and welcoming gym to learn JiuJItsu! Mat Lab has the best jiujitsu instruction around under professor Travis Haynes with a great team behind him with a positive attitude and fun family vibe!
Rich M
High level Self Defense And Jiu Jitsu instruction from the Knowledgeable Coach Proffesor Travis Haynes. Detailed Team based drilling and instruction to help you become a better Human on and off the mats.
Evan R
Hands down the best gym I’ve ever been to. I’ve been apart of multiple sports teams including other martial arts and have never felt this much at home from one team. Everyone there genuinely wants to make you better. Travis the professor is encyclopedia of countless techniques. There is different age groups, skill levels, body types etc so there’s always a new partner to work with. Although it may sound corny, this gym is more of a family and team than a gym. Without a doubt I recommend and welcome everyone to go here. Oss!

Amir A
I started there on 9/30. I’m overweight and out of shape. Travis really eased me in so that I am challenged physically but still enjoying myself. You learn something new every time you go. My four year daughter is excited to get started as soon as she is old enough (5 years old). I look forward to being able to train with her. BJJ continues to grow in popularity. There are more and more training choices out there. I’m convinced I made the right choice in schools. I would encourage anyone that is interested to come out and see what it’s about.
Mathew K
It's an amazing place full of amazing people that genuinely care about each other and love BJJ. I wouldn't go any place else to learn BJJ in the Columbus Ohio metro area. I love being part of the MatLab family.

John D
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