Welcome to El Nino Training Center
Dedicated to excellence in combat sports and athletic performance. Located San Francisco, California, El Niño Training Center is home to one of the most successful teams of fighters and coaches in MMA:
Head Coaches
-
Gilbert 'El Niño' Melendez (MMA Grappling)
Cesar Gracie Fighter, Strikeforce Lightweight MMA Champ,
Former WEC/Shooto Champ -
Jake Shields (MMA American Jiu Jitsu)
UFC & Cesar Gracie Fighter, Former Strikeforce & EliteXC Champion -
Jongsanan (Wooden Man Muay Thai / Striking)
5x World Muay Thai Champ and 2x Lumpini Champ -
Mark Mian, CSCS (AlterCenter Athletic Performance)
Former Athletic Coach for Fairtex & US Muay Thai World Cup Team -
Albert Salopek, ATC, LAc, CMT, (Accelerate Sports Medicine)
Athletic Trainer for Oakland Raiders, Acupuncturist, Bodyworker
Other & Guest Coaches
- Daniel Roberts (MMA/Grappling) :: UFC & Cesar Gracie Fighter
- Katrine Alendal (Women's MMA) :: Professional Skrap Pack MMA Fighter
- Cesar Gracie (Guest, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu) :: BJJ Master
- Nick Diaz (Guest, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu) :: Strikeforce Middleweight Champion& Cesar Gracie Fighter
- Nate Diaz (Guest, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu) :: UFC & Cesar Gracie Fighter
Facility
Our 7,000 square foot facility features:
- MMA Octagon
- Boxing Ring
- Grappling Mats
- Strength & Conditioning (under construction)
- Sports Med Treatment & Massage Rooms
- Cardiovascular Training Equipment
- Shower Rooms
- Parking (at gym & ample street)
- Easy Access via Bike, Public Transport, Highways & Bridge
Our Philosophy We pursue modern combat sports in the spirit of martial artists: as a higher way of life. In pursuing our excellence, we must exceed our limitations and develop our entire selves. And in facing such limitations with others, we develop mutual respect and community. A team spirit emerges, inspiring us to higher levels than attainable alone.
Our vision of MMA and modern combat sports is of an emerging American martial art that stands on the shoulders of giants. Our style is a constant evolution of traditional practices through new learning, founded in: American & Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Wooden Man Muay Thai, Wrestling, Boxing - and optimized by Athletic Performance Training and Sports Medicine. Although our coaches are specialists, they share a passion for understanding the art of combat as a whole. Our edge is in how we integrate these disciplines, preserving their authenticity while aligning them towards a single, adaptable way of fighting.
El Ninõ Training Center promotes a healthy warrior's lifestyle, emphasizing a balance of intense training, active recovery and play. Regardless of your level, you can expect to consistently advance if you commit to your training and teamwork with a positive attitude. Is El Niño the best training for you? That is ultimately your own decision: find what inspires you and then commit to making the most of it. What we offer is a chance to train with champion fighters and coaches who have, through lifelong dedication, become uniquely experienced, creative and effective in their methods.
See you in training!
The El Niño Family