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Cho's Academy - Martial Arts & Self Defense
5 ★★★★★ 46 Google reviews · Muay thai gym in Laguna Beach, 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 (ages 3–5) — built around discipline, focus, and confidence
- Women's classes dedicated women's muay thai classes — a welcoming space to train and start out in
- 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
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule chosacademy.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone +1 949-281-7517
Hours
| Monday | 3–9 pm |
| Tuesday | 12:30–8:30 pm |
| Wednesday | 3–9 pm |
| Thursday | 12:30–9 pm |
| Friday | 4–6:30 pm |
| Saturday | 9 am–1 pm |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“Jacob demonstrates an amazing balance of discipline and good-natured fun that creates an engaging and rewarding environment for kids at all levels.”
“COVID-19 has left few options for kids to get quality exercise along with positive messages, and we've been thrilled with his online experience with Master Cho.”
“My boy is on his journey to black belt and loves the teens Kick boxing and Jiu Jitsu.”
Other martial arts here
“Kickboxing and B Jujitsu is a lot to master but at Cho's Academy the discipline and skills each student learns is second to none.”
“My boy is on his journey to black belt and loves the teens Kick boxing and Jiu Jitsu.”
“I’ve been going to the Brazilian Jiu Jitsu classes for the past 8 months and I have learned so much.”
What members say
“Jacob demonstrates an amazing balance of discipline and good-natured fun that creates an engaging and rewarding environment for kids at all levels.”
“Master Cho cares deeply about the development of his students, not just in martial arts but in their overall development as good people.”
“Everyone looks forward to TKD even when there are conditioning work outs right before a tournament.”
“Our kids have gained confidence, focus, and strength while having a great time.”
“Practicing at Cho's Academy means consistent focus on the importance of perseverance, respect, integrity, self-discipline, modesty, confidence, and determination.”
From the reviews
Cho’s academy feels like home. I’ve been going to the Brazilian Jiu Jitsu classes for the past 8 months and I have learned so much. Jason and Adrian are both experienced black belts and have their own unique style of teaching. Cho’s Academy is very inclusive and has people of all ages and skill levels training.
Our son has been training at Cho's Academy for ten years, since he was three. Over the years, he has progressed in taekwondo and jujutsu and we are extremely proud of his accomplishments. Master Cho is serious about martial arts and belts are not awarded unless they are deserved.
I've been training at Cho's Academy for a little over a year and I could not be happier. The school offers a wide variety of classes on many days of the week, it really lets you be flexible with your schedule. All the teachers are incredibly knowledgeable and will cater to all skill levels.
My son started here when he was 8 after moving from another gym where we felt he wasn't progressing. Cho's Academy is the perfect balance of serious jiu jitsu instruction and safety and fun. My son has progressed and all the kids have fun and work hard.
New to muay thai? Start at Cho's Academy - Martial Arts & Self Defense
Cho's Academy - Martial Arts & Self Defense 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.
Your first muay thai class at Cho's Academy - Martial Arts & 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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