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Chad Shepherd Academy of MMA

5 ★★★★★ 30 Google reviews · Muay thai gym in Rocklin, California

Free trial Beginners welcome Kids & teens Private lessons Fight team

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
  • Fight team a competition team for members who want to test themselves as amateur fighters
  • Today see hours ·
  • Website & schedule csamma.com — book classes and see the live schedule
  • Phone (916) 704-1826

Hours

Monday 3–7:30 PM
Tuesday 3–7:30 PM
Wednesday 3–7:30 PM
Thursday 3–7:30 PM
Friday 3–6:30 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 Chad Shepherd Academy of MMA, confirmed in members' own reviews and the gym's own info — not guessed from the sign out front.

🧒 Kids Muay Thai 25 mentions

“My son wanted to start doing MMA, and I wanted to find a school that had a strong foundation in the philosophy of martial arts.”

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👤 Private Lessons

“It is small enough to get the true one on one instruction that is needed.”

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🏆 Fight Team

“Not long ago, I had the opportunity to Compete in the same Tournament that My Boys were in and it was special.”

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📘 Fundamentals 2 mentions

“My son wanted to start doing MMA, and I wanted to find a school that had a strong foundation in the philosophy of martial arts.”

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🛡️ Self-Defense 7 mentions

“I highly recommend this academy if you are looking to equip your child with self defense skills and fitness all while having fun.”

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🌱 Beginner Muay Thai

“Whether you’re brand new or experienced in MMA, I truly believe this is one of the best places you can train.”

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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 Chad Shepherd Academy of MMA — mined from their reviews and the gym's own info.

🥋 Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) 9 mentions

“Professor Chad offers the perfect blend of striking and grappling; and fosters an environment for students of all ages to learn and grow - physically, mentally, and emotionally.”

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

🏟️ MMA 9 mentions

“My son wanted to start doing MMA, and I wanted to find a school that had a strong foundation in the philosophy of martial arts.”

Other gyms that also teach mma →

🎽 Karate 3 mentions

“His passion for karate, patience, and ability to teach with both discipline and encouragement make Chad Shepherd Academy a fantastic place to train.”

Other gyms that also teach karate →

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 30 Google reviews — in their own words.

🧑‍🏫 expert, authentic coaching 5 mentions

“I have trained in martial arts for the better part of 20 years and I can confidently say Chad Shepherd is the best instructor I've ever had the opportunity to work with.”

🤝 no-ego, friendly gym 7 mentions

“The students are friendly, welcoming, and always willing to help each other improve, which makes a huge difference in your training experience.”

📘 real technique & fundamentals 4 mentions

“He creates a fun, informative training atmosphere and has even gone out of his way to help me prepare for a Jiu Jitsu competition, which meant a lot.”

🥊 legit sparring & fight team 2 mentions

“He creates a fun, informative training atmosphere and has even gone out of his way to help me prepare for a Jiu Jitsu competition, which meant a lot.”

💵 good value / fair pricing 2 mentions

“Whether you’re in Placer County or Sacramento County, the drive is worth it!”

💗 welcoming to women 2 mentions

“We've had the pleasure of having an informative and effective female self-defense class.”

From the reviews

Chad has been training my kids for the last 6 years and has been nothing short of amazing with Them. He was so integral to Their training that when He chose to venture out His own, both of My Boys did not hesitate to follow. MMA and BJJ were their favorite parts of the blended system They studied.

★★★★★ — Matthew, Dec 2025

My son and I have been at the Academy for just under a year. My son was very hesitant, as he is very shy and was not sure about going to the first class. Now he comes straight home from school and does his homework so he can get to class early. Professor Chad works with the kids on their level and their speed.

★★★★★ — Keith, Dec 2025

I can't say enough good things about Professor Chad! My son wanted to start doing MMA, and I wanted to find a school that had a strong foundation in the philosophy of martial arts. In professor Chad's teaching, we found both!

★★★★★ — Seth, Dec 2025

I have three kids who attend classes, it is such a great community and they have learned valuable leadership skills. Chad has worked with my oldest son for the last 10 years in two different locations.

★★★★★ — Catherine, Dec 2025

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 30 reviews →

New to muay thai? Start at Chad Shepherd Academy of MMA

Chad Shepherd Academy of MMA 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 Chad Shepherd Academy of MMA

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 Chad Shepherd Academy of MMA

6840 Five Star Blvd, Rocklin, CA95677

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.