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Carlson Gracie Riverside

4.8 ★★★★★ 34 Google reviews · Muay thai gym in Riverside, California

Muay Thai gym Authentic Thai Beginners welcome Kids & teens Fight team

Authentic Thai — reviews and the gym's own info point to coaching rooted in Thailand's muay thai tradition. If lineage matters to you, ask where the coaches trained and about their kru.

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 (ages 7–12) — built around discipline, focus, and confidence
  • Fight team a competition team for members who want to test themselves as amateur fighters
  • Today see hours ·
  • Website & schedule carlsongracieofriverside.com — book classes and see the live schedule
  • Phone +1 951-215-0734

Hours

Monday 10–11:30 am, 4–8 pm
Tuesday 8:30–11:30 am, 4–8 pm
Wednesday 10–11:30 am, 4–8 pm
Thursday 8:30–11:30 am, 4–8 pm
Friday 10–11:30 am, 4–8 pm
Saturday 12–1:30 pm
Sunday 10 am–1 pm

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 Carlson Gracie Riverside, confirmed in members' own reviews and the gym's own info — not guessed from the sign out front.

🌱 Beginner Muay Thai 2 mentions

“From young to old, beginners to competitors, this place covers it all at the same time.”

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🧒 Kids Muay Thai 12 mentions

“Coach Tony and Coach Courtney are wonderful with the little kids—very patient, encouraging, and consistent.”

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🏆 Fight Team

“After a couple years my husband and I also began training, now our whole family train and compete in Jiu Jitsu!”

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 Carlson Gracie Riverside — mined from their reviews and the gym's own info.

🦵 Kickboxing

“My whole family trains here, jiu jitsu, judo, and kickboxing.”

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🥋 Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) 7 mentions

“If you’re looking for a place to train Jiu jitsu and start your fitness journey, this is the place to go.”

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🤼 Judo

“My whole family trains here, jiu jitsu, judo, and kickboxing.”

Other gyms that also teach judo →

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 34 Google reviews — in their own words.

🧑‍🏫 expert, authentic coaching 6 mentions

“I think Coach Tony is an amazing Muay Thai coach and does really well with my 6 yr old.”

🌱 welcoming to beginners 4 mentions

“Ralph, the owner of the gym, was very welcoming, didn't make me feel inadequate, everybody was friendly, and immediately made me feel at home.”

🤝 no-ego, friendly gym 11 mentions

“Ralph, the owner of the gym, was very welcoming, didn't make me feel inadequate, everybody was friendly, and immediately made me feel at home.”

📘 real technique & fundamentals 2 mentions

“It has completely transformed his confidence.”

🧒 strong kids program 2 mentions

“Since starting here, I’ve noticed a positive change in my child’s focus, discipline, and confidence, and those skills are carrying over into school and other activities as well.”

🥊 legit sparring & fight team 2 mentions

“After a couple years my husband and I also began training, now our whole family train and compete in Jiu Jitsu!”

From the reviews

My son is 11 years old. Very shy and good hearted kid. He used to get bullied, but it all changed. He is being taught by coach Merrill, coach Tony, coach Sean and coach Adrian...... best coaching staff ever! My son is gaining confidence and is learning how to defend himself and I couldn't feel happier.

★★★★★ — Cesar, Dec 2019

My son has been at this gym for over 2 years now focusing on BJJ. He absolutely loves it. It has completely transformed his confidence. I started attending the adult BJJ classes 6 months ago and I absolutely love it. I can’t wait for them to open up after all of this COVID stuff. I really miss it.

★★★★★ — Micah, Apr 2020

This place is amazing! All professors and instructors are top notch. From the youngest and most novice levels through the adult and advanced levels they create an engaging learning environment. My whole family trains here, jiu jitsu, judo, and kickboxing.

★★★★★ — John, Sep 2024

Amazing program, makes everyone feel welcome. Outstanding coach's and very kind. I got 2 sons that go a 20 year old and a 12 year old. Best decision ever. Recommend to everyone 👍🏽

★★★★★ — Luis, Sep 2023

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 34 reviews →

New to muay thai? Start at Carlson Gracie Riverside

Carlson Gracie Riverside 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 Carlson Gracie Riverside

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 Carlson Gracie Riverside

7889 Mission Grove Pkwy S #B, Riverside, CA92508

Get directions Instagram · 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.