SBG International (SBGI)

Straight Blast Gym began officially in Portland Oregon, in 1992. Founded by head coach Matt Thornton, the organization developed around functional training methods in martial arts. Thornton began his martial arts path in boxing before moving to Portland Oregon, where he continued boxing, practiced JKD Concepts, and took up Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under coach Chris Haueter. Instruction at the headquarters academy emphasizes the training philosophy of Aliveness, introduced in a 1999 instructional video. The curriculum centers on Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, boxing, and combat sports, preparing athletes through progressive technical drills and unscripted practice. Training opportunities include group classes, personal training, and open mats scheduled seven days a week. In addition to running the Portland academy, Thornton has conducted over four hundred seminars globally. The organization hosts seasonal training camps, specialized workshops, and competition preparation for athletes ranging from recreational practitioners to professional mixed martial arts competitors.