Straight Blast Gym Niagara
BEGINNER FRIENDLY. TRIBE STRONG.
Welcome To
Straight Blast Gym Niagara
At Straight Blast Gym Niagara, everyone starts at the beginning — and that’s exactly how it should be. From your very first class, you’ll feel the difference: real coaches, real people, and a tribe that’s here to help you grow. Whether you’re looking to get in shape, build confidence, or challenge yourself in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Kickboxing, or MMA, you’ll find a positive, ego-free environment where progress happens every single day.
Our students don’t just learn techniques — they learn life skills. From problem-solving and focus to leadership and respect, our programs are designed to help you (or your child) thrive on and off the mats. Through our S.A.F.E. Bullyproofing System©, kids learn confidence and character as much as self-defense. Adults rediscover their strength, purpose, and community.
If you’re ready for something different — something real — come see why SBG Niagara has become the home for martial arts in the Niagara Region.
Get up. Show up. Never give up.
Welcome to the tribe.
START YOUR 2 WEEK
QUICKSTART EXPERIENCE!
Discover why we’re known as Niagara’s most beginner-friendly martial arts gym.
Who we are at
SBG Niagara
Our School
More Than a Gym. A Tribe That Grows Together.
At Straight Blast Gym Niagara, we believe martial arts should be more than just a workout — it should be one of the best parts of your day. Every class is intentionally designed to challenge, encourage, and inspire you, no matter your age or experience level. Our coaches don’t just teach techniques — they build connections. We notice when someone’s having an off day, and we make sure they leave feeling better than when they came in. From kids learning confidence and focus, to adults pushing limits and relieving stress, our mission is simple: help every member grow stronger, inside and out.
We live by our motto:
Get Up. Show Up. Never Give Up.
Because when you show up — even on the hard days — we’ll meet you where you’re at and help you rise. SBG Niagara isn’t just a place to train. It’s a place to belong. A place to laugh, sweat, learn, and keep becoming a little better — together.
Our Story
Building Better Humans Since 1994
Straight Blast Gym Niagara has been part of the Niagara and St. Catharines communities since April 22, 1994 — over three decades of helping people become stronger, more confident, and more capable through martial arts. Owner and head coach Rich Beaupit began his martial arts journey as a teenager in traditional Japanese Karate. Over the years, he explored many disciplines in search of what truly worked for real self-defense and personal growth. That search led him to meet Matt Thornton, founder of Straight Blast Gym International, and to join a worldwide tribe built on aliveness, honesty, and functional training. From day one, Rich’s purpose has been simple: to help people better themselves through martial arts — on and off the mats. Along the way, he developed the S.A.F.E. Bullyproof System©, a program that teaches kids confidence, respect, and resilience while helping them stand up for themselves and others. It remains one of his proudest accomplishments. As SBG Niagara grew, Rich moved the gym from its small downtown roots to its current home — a welcoming, modern space where students of all ages and experience levels can train, connect, and thrive.
Every decision here — from class design to coaching style — is guided by one mission:
To help every student become a better version of themselves, inside and outside the gym.
Welcome to SBG Niagara.
Welcome to the tribe.
What Makes SBG Niagara Different
A Martial Arts Experience That Builds Stronger Humans – Inside and Out
For over three decades, our S.A.F.E. Bullyproofing System has helped kids grow more confident, compassionate, and capable. Created by Coach Rich and taught in schools across Niagara, it gives children the tools to stand up for themselves and others — with courage and respect.
We believe progress should never come at the cost of safety. Every class is built on intelligent, structured training where technique and control come first — ensuring students learn, grow, and push themselves without unnecessary risk.
SBG Niagara has been part of the Niagara and St. Catharines community for over 30 years. Our mission has never changed: help people live better lives through martial arts. We’re proud to continue serving our community — one class, one student, one success story at a time.
Our coaches don’t just teach — they connect. We notice when a student walks in tired, distracted, or struggling, and we adjust. Every class is a conversation, not a lecture — and every student matters.
Led by Coach Rich, who brings more than 40 years of martial arts experience, our team blends technical mastery with genuine care. From Kickboxing to BJJ to MMA, we teach real, functional skills that help you grow stronger in every way.
Our kids don’t just learn punches and takedowns — they learn focus, kindness, leadership, and grit. That’s why we call it the Growing Gorillas Martial Arts and Life Skills Program — because we’re raising confident, capable young humans who stand tall in every part of life.
Our Class Schedule!
Want to find the best time to get started in St. Catharines martial arts classes?
Then be sure to take a look at our gym schedule! We have over 20 times per week to get in and begin a life changing journey!
Words from Our Community
Straight Blast Gym Niagara is a martial arts gym for anyone and everyone to grow, embrace, and thrive in. Our passion for helping others on and off the mats pushes us to make each and every martial arts class an enjoyable experience. And don’t just take our word for it. Check out what members of our community are saying about how SBG is the best Niagara martial arts gym for you!
“Coach Rich is one of the finest people I have ever met. Look no further than SBG Niagara, hands down the best school in the area!”
“Coach Rich is truly the best in the Niagara region. Each member of the SBG tribe works together to find success and have a great time doing it.”
“Having my children train with Coach Rich and the rest of the Coaches at SBG Niagara has been such a pleasure. I would whole heartedly recommend this gym to anyone.”
“I have been training at SBG Niagara for over 2 years now & I am so thankful I joined. SBG Niagara will change your life for the better! I recommend giving SBG Niagara a go, 10/10!!”
“The vibe is welcoming, the training atmosphere is fun and engaging. Once you walk in the door and meet him and the people who train there you will be hooked.”
START YOUR 2 WEEK
QUICKSTART EXPERIENCE!
Discover why we’re known as Niagara’s most beginner-friendly martial arts gym.
Contact Us Today!
Proudly Serving the Entire Niagara Region
We’re honored to serve the communities of St. Catharines, Niagara Falls, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Beamsville, and Grimsby. You’ll find SBG Niagara right by the Homer Bridge along the Welland Canal — a welcoming home for anyone ready to grow stronger, more confident, and more capable through martial arts.
Come visit, say hello, and see what makes SBG Niagara “Niagara’s Most Beginner-Friendly Martial Arts Gym.”