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Battlehorse Martial Arts

5 ★★★★★ 17 Google reviews · Muay thai gym in Champaign, Illinois

Private lessons Fight team

Plan your first class

  • 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 battlehorsemma.com — book classes and see the live schedule
  • Phone (217) 436-6367

Hours

Monday 6–10 PM
Tuesday 6–10 PM
Wednesday 6–10 PM
Thursday 6–10 PM
Friday 6–10 PM
Saturday Closed
Sunday Closed

Hours shift for holidays, seminars, and open-gym times — worth a quick check before a special trip.

The classes they run

Muay thai classes on the schedule at Battlehorse Martial Arts, confirmed in members' own reviews and the gym's own info — not guessed from the sign out front.

👤 Private Lessons

“Our class sizes are small enough that you get one on one work with the instructor, and large enough that the energy in the room makes every class fun.”

All gyms that run private lessons →

🏆 Fight Team

“Personally, I enjoy hard training, competing in grappling tournaments, and helping our fighters in their camps.”

All gyms that run fight team →

Other martial arts here

Muay thai gyms are usually multi-discipline. Here's what else members mention training under the same roof at Battlehorse Martial Arts — mined from their reviews and the gym's own info.

🦵 Kickboxing

“Awesome kickboxing classes”

Other gyms that also teach kickboxing →

🥋 Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) 2 mentions

“Personally, I enjoy hard training, competing in grappling tournaments, and helping our fighters in their camps.”

Other gyms that also teach brazilian jiu-jitsu (bjj) →

🏟️ MMA 3 mentions

“If you’re pursuing MMA in the area this is the place to be!”

Other gyms that also teach mma →

🤸 Wrestling

“This includes Muay Thai, Wrestling, and Jiu Jitsu.”

Other gyms that also teach wrestling →

Disciplines are mined from reviews and the gym's own info — they show what members have trained, not a formal class guarantee. If you specifically want BJJ, boxing, or MMA alongside muay thai, confirm the current schedule with the gym.

What members say

The things reviewers bring up again and again across 17 Google reviews — in their own words.

🧑‍🏫 expert, authentic coaching 3 mentions

“A great spot with experienced, knowledgeable coaches and a welcoming atmosphere.”

🌱 welcoming to beginners 5 mentions

“A great spot with experienced, knowledgeable coaches and a welcoming atmosphere.”

🤝 no-ego, friendly gym 6 mentions

“10/10 I could not recommend it enough and I am very grateful for the BattleHorse Family!”

🥊 legit sparring & fight team 2 mentions

“Personally, I enjoy hard training, competing in grappling tournaments, and helping our fighters in their camps.”

💵 good value / fair pricing 2 mentions

“Great environment, excellent coaching, and very affordable.”

From the reviews

Great training, hard working training partners & a variety of classes! If you’re pursuing MMA in the area this is the place to be!!

★★★★★ — Nicole, Oct 2025

I have always loved martial arts but have never been motivated by an extremely strict, militaristic atmosphere that is common in many training environments. When I expressed this and my interest in starting training again, I was directed swiftly to Zac and Keary's gym. Battlehorse has been my home ever since!

★★★★★ — Jeto, Jun 2023

Battlehorse is a great place to start or continue your martial arts or fitness journey! I've been Zac's student for a few years now, and he is an excellent instructor. He encourages us to pay attention to the little details that make techniques work, while helping us to develop our own unique style.

★★★★★ — Scott, Aug 2022

This is a great gym with a really nice atmosphere that doesn't feel like a "bro gym" at all. I attend as a hobbyist who uses the classes as cross training for my other activities - so even though I don't intend on competing or even sparring, I've always felt very welcome and encouraged by everyone there.

★★★★★ — Michelle, Aug 2022

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 17 reviews →

Your first muay thai class at Battlehorse Martial Arts

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.

Muay thai is a contact sport. Ease in, listen to your coaches, and if you have any injuries or health concerns, mention them before class and check with a doctor if you're unsure.

Where to find Battlehorse Martial Arts

406 Ginger Bend Dr, Champaign, IL61822

Get directions Facebook

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Listing verified July 2026 from public business records and member reviews. Something out of date? Report a correction. Own this gym? Claim your listing — it's free.