Reviews

Awesome gym run by an awesome guy. I worked out with Kewesi for 4 years and he helped me regain flexibility and strength, and made me feel confident in the gym. You can't do better than KES.

Great studio. Cozy, yet good circulation. The instructor is a good guy. You'll get better as a boxer every time you go

I always feel amazing after each session. I look forward to my workouts which is a great feeling!

Kewesi is an awesome trainer! I started working out with him in April 2020 virtually in the pandemic. It has been a lifesaver! Kewesi is very professional and thorough in his instruction techniques. He is attentive to the abilities of his students and quickly corrects moves to maximize the impact of exercise. As a Senior, he put me at ease... read moreKewesi is an awesome trainer! I started working out with him in April 2020 virtually in the pandemic. It has been a lifesaver! Kewesi is very professional and thorough in his instruction techniques. He is attentive to the abilities of his students and quickly corrects moves to maximize the impact of exercise. As a Senior, he put me at ease and ensured no injuries. I always feel energized after class and aches & pains are disappearing. Although he is strict and precise, class is fun with his compassionate & energetic personality. Class with Kewesi is a good investment in improved health. read less

I've been working out with Kewesi at KES on and off for more than 10 years. The facilities are awesome and Kewesi is the BEST. He has customized workouts for me at various levels of being very fit and very "deconditioned" the word he used after I'd gained almost 100 lbs. He has been a complete support on my journey... read moreI've been working out with Kewesi at KES on and off for more than 10 years. The facilities are awesome and Kewesi is the BEST. He has customized workouts for me at various levels of being very fit and very "deconditioned" the word he used after I'd gained almost 100 lbs. He has been a complete support on my journey back to fitness, customizing workouts for a knee injury I have and very carefully taking the time to help get me back into shape without injuring me. It's a very holistic approach and his careful attention has been instrumental in me finding my way back to fitness. And most importantly HE IS HILARIOUS and plays great music and I'm always cracking up during my sessions with him read less

Kewesi is the type of trainer that explores each movement methodically and becomes an absolute expert in it...then presents that movement to his clients in the most empathetic and relatable of ways. He is a passionate and concise trainer who will help build you into a strong bodied, strong mind, resilient person. His group training courses are second to none,... read moreKewesi is the type of trainer that explores each movement methodically and becomes an absolute expert in it...then presents that movement to his clients in the most empathetic and relatable of ways. He is a passionate and concise trainer who will help build you into a strong bodied, strong mind, resilient person. His group training courses are second to none, and his 1:1 training will make you a better person and help you reach your goals. He has a way about him where he pushes you hard enough (just past your threshold) but never too far past what he knows you are capably of attaining.

I've referred many loved ones to his women's self defense course and I have participated in his Muay Thai and strength building programs. Ask him about strength and agility training, flexibility and stretching, as well as body work that he offers. read less

Kewesi is a top level trainer. He is an excellent communicator and knows how to motivate you to strive towards (and beyond) your potential. He has developed a great dynamic among the regulars who train with him, and he also works extremely well one-on-one with clients. I appreciate his full, comprehensive knowledge of the human body and how to adjust... read moreKewesi is a top level trainer. He is an excellent communicator and knows how to motivate you to strive towards (and beyond) your potential. He has developed a great dynamic among the regulars who train with him, and he also works extremely well one-on-one with clients. I appreciate his full, comprehensive knowledge of the human body and how to adjust training for injuries or other limitations. He is constantly broadening his already wide variety of skill sets which he employs in his classes and individual training. The gym has all the tools you need and is well maintained. I could not have asked for a better place to advance myself physically and mentally. read less

Kewesi is the best trainer I’ve ever had the benefit to know! I’ve been working with him over the course of the last year and a half - both one on one as well as in his small group training classes. I’ve made steady improvements without injury, undone some prior ailments, too - all without any cycles of progress/regress shame.... read moreKewesi is the best trainer I’ve ever had the benefit to know! I’ve been working with him over the course of the last year and a half - both one on one as well as in his small group training classes. I’ve made steady improvements without injury, undone some prior ailments, too - all without any cycles of progress/regress shame. I’ve had a number of coaches over the years - both for team sports as well as one on one - and Kewesi is truly the best. He listens to you, he asks questions, and he pushes you, but only as far as what is be safe for your body on that particular day. He’s always able to customize a workout for your abilities, and has an excellent eye for form. He’s also one of those special professionals who is constantly expanding their skill set. He’s genuinely interested and passionate about understanding the body, how it adapts, and what techniques each individual may best respond to in order to create lasting and intentional change. You get the benefit of his insatiable curiosity, since he’s constantly learning and applying new found skills like FRC, massage, acupuncture, you name it - he’s learned so much beyond what you’d normally get from a fitness professional. To top it off, he’s also just a stellar person. If you’re looking to truly change your body, I have no doubt he can help you! read less

Kewesi is the best trainer I’ve ever had the benefit to know! I’ve been working with him over the course of the last year and a half - both one on one as well as in his small group training classes. I’ve made steady improvements without injury, undone some prior ailments, too - all without any cycles of progress/regress shame.... read moreKewesi is the best trainer I’ve ever had the benefit to know! I’ve been working with him over the course of the last year and a half - both one on one as well as in his small group training classes. I’ve made steady improvements without injury, undone some prior ailments, too - all without any cycles of progress/regress shame. I’ve had a number of coaches over the years - both for team sports as well as one on one - and Kewesi is truly the best. He listens to you, he asks questions, and he pushes you, but only as far as what is be safe for your body on that particular day. He’s always able to customize a workout for your abilities, and has an excellent eye for form. He’s also one of those special professionals who is constantly expanding their skill set. He’s genuinely interested and passionate about understanding the body, how it adapts, and what techniques each individual may best respond to in order to create lasting and intentional change. You get the benefit of his insatiable curiosity, since he’s constantly learning and applying new found skills like FRC, massage, acupuncture, you name it - he’s learned so much beyond what you’d normally get from a fitness professional. To top it off, he’s also just a stellar person. If you’re looking to truly change your body, I have no doubt he can help you! read less

Kewesi is the best trainer I've ever had the benefit to know! I've been working with him over the course of the last year and a half - both one on one as well as in his small group training classes. I've made steady improvements without injury, undone some prior ailments, too - all without any cycles of progress/regress shame.... read moreKewesi is the best trainer I've ever had the benefit to know! I've been working with him over the course of the last year and a half - both one on one as well as in his small group training classes. I've made steady improvements without injury, undone some prior ailments, too - all without any cycles of progress/regress shame. I've had a number of coaches over the years - both for team sports as well as one on one - and Kewesi is truly the best. He listens to you, he asks questions, and he pushes you, but only as far as what is be safe for your body on that particular day. He's always able to customize a workout for your abilities, and has an excellent eye for form. He's also one of those special professionals who is constantly expanding their skill set. He's genuinely interested and passionate about understanding the body, how it adapts, and what techniques each individual may best respond to in order to create lasting and intentional change. You get the benefit of his insatiable curiosity, since he's constantly learning and applying new found skills like FRC, massage, acupuncture, you name it - he's learned so much beyond what you'd normally get from a fitness professional. To top it off, he's also just a stellar person. If you're looking to truly change your body, I have no doubt he can help you! read less

I’ve been working out here for YEARS. The facilities are on point, and Kewesi is a fabulous trainer and person. He goes above and beyond and tailors every work out to where your body is at that day. I have recently been dealing with some health issues and his training in massage has helped him identify and work through... read moreI’ve been working out here for YEARS. The facilities are on point, and Kewesi is a fabulous trainer and person. He goes above and beyond and tailors every work out to where your body is at that day. I have recently been dealing with some health issues and his training in massage has helped him identify and work through some aches and pains I was having that we’re keeping me from moving forward in my workouts. I highly recommend the gym and Kewesi as. Trainer! read less

I felt super safe and protected when I trained at KES, even at my age, because Kewesi is careful to assess what is safe for your body to do during personal training. I really enjoy his martial arts philosophy-based training. Ladies, you won't find a trainer with higher integrity and drive to help you learn to defend yourself on many... read moreI felt super safe and protected when I trained at KES, even at my age, because Kewesi is careful to assess what is safe for your body to do during personal training. I really enjoy his martial arts philosophy-based training. Ladies, you won't find a trainer with higher integrity and drive to help you learn to defend yourself on many levels. He is very encouraging no matter what level of fitness you are at. I'll never go back to a chain gym! read less

The owner and his family are great people; they take care of folks. Very professional and personable, too. Holistic fitness and health is the focus here. Highly recommend.

Kewesi is an excellent martial arts and personal fitness trainer. He is gifted at motivating you beyond your potential without pushing you too hard for what you're physically not ready for. I highly recommend KES Fitness.

The focus is on helping you get where you want to be. Strength, balance, coordination, thought, it’s all there and they’ll help you harness it.

My wife and kids LOVE the place. I'm back to being a kid again as this is the kind of space I grew up in.

Kewesi is an amazing personal trainer, he has helped me to recover from having a baby and, maintain longevity to do a physically demanding job. He also mixes in self defense, with core, and weight training.
Kewesi can help you learn to stay calm, composed and powerful in the face of confrontation and fear. Whether this gets applied in... read moreKewesi is an amazing personal trainer, he has helped me to recover from having a baby and, maintain longevity to do a physically demanding job. He also mixes in self defense, with core, and weight training.
Kewesi can help you learn to stay calm, composed and powerful in the face of confrontation and fear. Whether this gets applied in a dark alley, or giving a presentation at work. The skills taught in Kewesi's self defense classes, and personal training sessions (which come from a mixture of martial arts training and personal strength training and years of experience), have a value far beyond your every day class. Get real, safe, and sustainable results at KES Fitness read less

Kewesi is an amazing personal trainer. He is a master in the world of working out so you don't have to be. You can relax and have fun and trust that you are getting a great workout that is safe for you body. He has all the regular gym equipment, weights and machines, but he also has a... read moreKewesi is an amazing personal trainer. He is a master in the world of working out so you don't have to be. You can relax and have fun and trust that you are getting a great workout that is safe for you body. He has all the regular gym equipment, weights and machines, but he also has a dojo where he mixes in elements of Muay Thai, knife fighting, self defense, and even slack lining if your lucky. He tailors workouts individually. He also helps you train your mind to be calm in the face of stress and fear, a skill that is priceless and a gift that keeps on giving in and out of the gym! read less

KES Fitness, owned and operated by Kewesi Simon, is singlehandedly the best gym I've been a part of. I've been attending for about a year, and each time I see Kewesi feels like seeing an old friend.

The level of attention Kewesi gives each of his students and trainees during his sessions or classes is unparalleled. Even with several students engaged... read moreKES Fitness, owned and operated by Kewesi Simon, is singlehandedly the best gym I've been a part of. I've been attending for about a year, and each time I see Kewesi feels like seeing an old friend.

The level of attention Kewesi gives each of his students and trainees during his sessions or classes is unparalleled. Even with several students engaged in weight training or martial arts, he still makes it feel like you get the one on one attention of one of his personal training sessions.

Kewesi is a kind soul who genuinely cares about the development of his clients, and yet at the same time is a fierce warrior who enjoys teaching people to defend themselves. He recently called me, on his day off no less, after a tough workout just to see how I was doing.

Whether you're in shape already and just looking to learn some new skills, or are someone looking to start their health and fitness journey, Kewesi at KES fitness is the guy for you. read less

I was very impressed by Kewesi's beautiful and inviting gym. Kewesi is welcoming and friendly, but when it comes to defense and martial arts, he is all business. I can't wait to go back and train with this power house. Yes! Highly recommend!

The level of personal attention Kewesi gives everyone in class is amazing. I'd never trained Muay Thai before and I got hooked and stayed on until I left Oakland. The boot camp classes are also great. Be consistent and you will get fit and fearsome. The regulars are smart, interesting, and dedicated people.

The best place to be if you are looking for emotional and physical fitness. I enjoy going there at a minimum 3 times a week. Love it. Thanks Kiwese!!!

No nonsense gym. It's not fancy, but the owner and trainers are dedicated and very caring. Great place for a serious workout
at your own pace.

My new spot!! Thanks, Kewesi!

If you have not had the pleasure of meeting Kewesi Simon, you're missing out. He knows what he's doing, he's smart, professional and inspiring! KES fitness is an awesome spot, because he is a gem of a guy!

Kewesi has become an exemplary instructor for me since my first day in his Muay Thai class 3 years ago. His teaching is as rigorous as it is rewarding. My experience at KES Fitness has truly changed my life for the better. Thank you for everything Kewesi and everyone at KES!

Kewesi has become an exemplary instructor for me since my first day in his Muay Thai class 3 years ago. His teaching is as rigorous as it is rewarding. My experience at KES Fitness has truly changed my life for the better. Thank you for everything Kewesi and everyone at KES!

Kewesi is a great trainer for both conditioning and Muy Thai. I left for a few years to train other martial arts and have come back after some serious back injuries because he's the only trainer I trust to help me get strong while protecting my back. I can't express how relaxing it is to train with a teacher... read moreKewesi is a great trainer for both conditioning and Muy Thai. I left for a few years to train other martial arts and have come back after some serious back injuries because he's the only trainer I trust to help me get strong while protecting my back. I can't express how relaxing it is to train with a teacher who knows how bodies work and tailors individual workouts to each student for our long term benefit. It took leaving to appreciate just how special this place is. The music is good, there's no space for egos, and the gym itself looks like a cross between Rocky and Flashdance. What's not to like?

Muy Thai here is focused on technique and discipline, and it draws a supportive, hardworking, fun group of people. And there are classes nearly everyday, so it's super convenient.

But the best part is that I get my ass back when I train at KES! It disappears into sad flatness when I'm playing other sports, but a few weeks into training here and there it is -- enough tush to strain a pair of jeans. That alone is worth the price of admission. read less

Sooo so grateful to have found Kewesi and this great gym.

I came to KES in need of healthy outlets for anger and frustration, and also hoping to refocus on taking care of my body so that I could feel healthy and fit again (I work in the food industry... its pretty easy to forget eating carb-cenrtic meals three times... read moreSooo so grateful to have found Kewesi and this great gym.

I came to KES in need of healthy outlets for anger and frustration, and also hoping to refocus on taking care of my body so that I could feel healthy and fit again (I work in the food industry... its pretty easy to forget eating carb-cenrtic meals three times a day is not so good!)

The results were almost immediate- after my first session I was buzzing with energy and could practically hear the serotonin rushing around my brain. In weeks I remember being surprised when I spotted the shadow of a newly-toned muscle under my arm! I just felt *better*.

Kewesi is extremely intuitive and patient and encouraging to work with. He really honed in on my strengths and weaknesses and used that knowledge to curate an effective regime for me which, again, had great results. Fast. He's a joy to work with.

The gym offers several different services (with more on the horizon, as I understand), such as personal training, Muay Thai, boot camp, self-defense.... all of which offer results, and plenty of personal attention. I'm so glad we have something like this here in Oakland!

Thank you KES!!! read less

I don't understand people who say they love to work out. It's time-consuming, it's sweaty and it's painful. I'd honestly rather lay on the couch and catch up on Glee than do push-ups any day.
Kewesi gets this and makes me laugh while jumping rope. Somehow, my resistance to doing anything that is going to make me sweat is wiped away.... read moreI don't understand people who say they love to work out. It's time-consuming, it's sweaty and it's painful. I'd honestly rather lay on the couch and catch up on Glee than do push-ups any day.
Kewesi gets this and makes me laugh while jumping rope. Somehow, my resistance to doing anything that is going to make me sweat is wiped away. Temporarily, of course.
I just started back with personal training after 6 weeks off and Kewesi guided the workout so that I was challenged, but not to the point of wanting to give up. I've certainly been pushed NEARLY to my breaking point a few times, but he is incredibly in tune with how I'm doing and adjusts the training accordingly.
I highly recommend KES to anyone who wants to make a firm commitment to improving their physical fitness. I've seen incredible results and have had plenty of laughs doing it. read less