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Bismarck Self Defense Academy

5 ★★★★★ 18 Google reviews · Muay thai gym in Bismarck, North Dakota

Beginners welcome Kids & teens

Plan your first class

  • 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
  • Today see hours ·
  • Website & schedule icedragonacademy.com — book classes and see the live schedule
  • Phone +1 701-226-2205

Hours

Monday 5:30–8:30 pm
Tuesday 5:30–8:30 pm
Wednesday 5:30–8:30 pm
Thursday 5:30–8:30 pm
Friday 5:30–8:30 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 Bismarck Self Defense Academy, confirmed in members' own reviews and the gym's own info — not guessed from the sign out front.

🛡️ Self-Defense

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🧒 Kids Muay Thai

“Kids' third month they love it.”

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Other martial arts here

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

🦵 Kickboxing

“BJJ and Kickboxing are excellent skills to learn for defense and fitness.”

Other gyms that also teach kickboxing →

🥋 Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ)

“BJJ and Kickboxing are excellent skills to learn for defense and fitness.”

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

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 18 Google reviews — in their own words.

🧑‍🏫 expert, authentic coaching 2 mentions

“Great instructor, great people to train with and a very friendly environment.”

🤝 no-ego, friendly gym 6 mentions

“This is a very knowledgeable dojo with a friendly atmosphere and a smart and experienced coach.”

From the reviews

This is a very knowledgeable dojo with a friendly atmosphere and a smart and experienced coach. You never have to worry about people trying to bully or intimidate you because everyone is there to better each other and it shows. You will get in great physical and mental shape by going here. Osu!

★★★★★ — Jesse, Sep 2022

Great and very knowledgeable people, also a very welcoming environment to newcomers. Josh and Trevor are excellent teachers. BJJ and Kickboxing are excellent skills to learn for defense and fitness.

★★★★★ — Bv, Jan 2024

Amazing instructors and friendly training partners. 10/10 would train here again.

★★★★★ — Dalton, May 2019

Stopped in for a drop in session while in town for work and it was a great experience. The instructor even asked if I as an outsider wanted to work on anything. Great guys to roll with and I will definitely check back in next time im in town.

★★★★★ — Colin, Jun 2021

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 18 reviews →

New to muay thai? Start at Bismarck Self Defense Academy

Bismarck Self Defense Academy comes up as a beginner-friendly gym — noted on their own site. 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.

Check beginner classes on their site

Your first muay thai class at Bismarck Self Defense Academy

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 Bismarck Self Defense Academy

3007 Morrison Ave, Bismarck, ND58504

Get directions Instagram

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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.