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Academy of Self Defense
4.7 ★★★★★ 126 Google reviews · Muay thai gym in Santa Clara, California
Plan your first class
- Free trial or intro class most gyms welcome new members with a free trial or intro class — check their site or give them a call to book your first session
- Beginner-friendly all levels welcome, including total beginners — you don't need to be fit or have any experience to start
- Kids & youth classes kids and youth muay thai classes — built around discipline, focus, and confidence
- Private lessons private, one-on-one coaching available — a focused way to start or to work around a busy schedule; ask about availability and rates
- Sparring & clinch sparring and clinch sessions for members ready for controlled contact — always optional and coach-supervised
- Fight team a competition team for members who want to test themselves as amateur fighters
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule academyselfdefense.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone (408) 844-8485
Hours
| Monday | 6:30 AM–1 PM, 4–8:30 PM |
| Tuesday | 6:30 AM–1 PM, 4–8:30 PM |
| Wednesday | 6:30 AM–1 PM, 4–8:30 PM |
| Thursday | 6:30 AM–1 PM, 4–8:30 PM |
| Friday | 6:30–7:30 AM, 10 AM–1 PM, 5–7 PM |
| Saturday | 8:45 AM–12 PM |
| Sunday | 10–11:30 AM |
The classes they run
“No matter what class you come for, from fitness to contact sport, beginner or advanced, it’ll be a good time.”
“If you ever get the chance to do a personal training session, take it—you’ll gain more than just a workout.”
“You gain a community of friends, family, and an endless supply of sparring partners (or dummies to practice combos!”
“It’s a great place to build strength, improve conditioning, learn self-defense, and stay consistent.”
“I like to see families ( parents and their children) participating in all the different activities and events.”
Other martial arts here
What members say
“I have a better understanding of what my body needs to build muscle and have gotten so much support from the coaches. ASD is the best 🧡”
“The community is incredibly welcoming and supportive, and the instructors are all super knowledgeable and motivating.”
“If you’re looking to be challenged, grow stronger, and become part of a truly supportive community, this is the place for you.”
“Their constant encouragement, focus on technique, and attention to form help you improve one class at a time, no matter your starting level.”
“I got stronger, got introduced to Muay Thai, I increased my cardio, lost some weight in the process and I'm now improving my skill every time I step onto the mat.”
“You gain a community of friends, family, and an endless supply of sparring partners (or dummies to practice combos!”
From the reviews
I have been going to this for two years and I have never been this strong in my life. I have tried many gyms but would quit after few weeks. The classes are hard, but that’s what makes the body and mind stronger. I started taking only few classes a week, now I go pretty much every day.
Academy of Self Defense has quite literally changed my life. I came in wanted to get stronger and being able to defend myself. I was met with unwavering support, being cheered on by both coaches and other members every step of the way.
The coaches are knowledgeable, supportive, and really care about your progress. Classes are well structured, challenging, and fun, and the community is friendly and encouraging. It’s a great place to build strength, improve conditioning, learn self-defense, and stay consistent.
“I highly recommend this gym! Learning self-defense here has been both fun and interesting. The coaches are supportive, patient, and truly care about helping you improve. They take the time to make sure you understand the techniques and feel comfortable. It’s been a really positive experience, and I’m glad I joined!
New to muay thai? Start at Academy of Self Defense
Academy of Self Defense comes up as a beginner-friendly gym, going by their listing and members’ reviews. If you've never thrown a punch or a kick, that's exactly who a good beginners program is for. A few things worth knowing before your first week. First, you don't need to be fit to start — you get in shape by training, not before it, and coaches scale the conditioning to you. Second, you won't be thrown into sparring — reputable gyms build fundamentals (stance, footwork, and the basic strikes of the "art of eight limbs") for weeks before any contact, and sparring stays optional. Third, all levels really are welcome — ask about a dedicated beginners or fundamentals class time so your first session is alongside others who are also starting out. Most gyms are happy to let you watch or try a class first, so reach out before you commit.
Your first muay thai class at Academy of Self Defense
Nervous about walking into a muay thai gym for the first time? Almost everyone is, and good coaches expect beginners to come through the door. Here's what to know. What to expect: a typical first class is a warm-up, then drilling the basics on pads and bags — not fighting. Rest whenever you need to; no one will bat an eye. What to wear: shorts or athletic wear and a t-shirt; you'll train barefoot on the mats. What to bring: water and hand wraps if you have them — many gyms lend gloves for a first class, so it's worth asking when you call. As you keep training you'll add your own gloves, wraps, a mouthguard, and shin guards. Sparring is optional and comes later, once your fundamentals are solid. Arrive 10–15 minutes early to sign a waiver and meet the coach. It gets easier fast — most people feel far more at home by their third class.
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🥊 Free trial class — check their site