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Defensive Edge Martial Arts Academy
4.8 ★★★★★ 101 Google reviews · Muay thai gym in Wakefield, Massachusetts
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 — 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
- Fight team a competition team for members who want to test themselves as amateur fighters
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule defensive-edge.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone (781) 245-0250
Hours
| Monday | 4–9 PM |
| Tuesday | 6–7 AM, 12–1 PM, 4–8:15 PM |
| Wednesday | 9–10 AM, 4–9 PM |
| Thursday | 12–1 PM, 4–8:15 PM |
| Friday | 6–7 AM, 9–10 AM, 4–9 PM |
| Saturday | 8:45 AM–1 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“Walking into a martial arts gym can be intimidating for someone who has never trained before, but the people here will make you forget all about that almost immediately.”
“The coaches are incredibly professional,highly skilled,and they truly care about your progress weather your a competitor or someone just starting out, even kids all ages!”
“Connor Barry is one of the best jiu jitsu coaches in the area, highly recommend hitting his classes or taking a private lesson with him.”
“The decision to compete is purely your own, and not everyone does, but the supportive environment at Defensive Edge empowered me to do so in a short time.”
“They offer a variety of classes, so there’s something for everyone, whether you’re interested in Brazilian jiu jitsu, Muay Thai (kickboxing), self-defense, or fitness training.”
Other martial arts here
“They offer a variety of classes, so there’s something for everyone, whether you’re interested in Brazilian jiu jitsu, Muay Thai (kickboxing), self-defense, or fitness training.”
“Whether is boxing, mma, Muay Thai, self defense, fitness or bjj they offer a variety of classes that cater to both youth and adult!”
“The jiu-jitsu program is ran by Coach Connor Barry, a terrific coach who has the experience and skillset to make anyone better on the mats.”
“When I searched I found MMA with defensive edge instead and I knew from the start this was the only place that I wanted us to go to.”
“I’m a single mother and my 6 year old daughter asked for “karate” lessons in sept last year 2019.”
What members say
“The instructors are knowledgeable and approachable, always creating a welcoming atmosphere that makes everyone feel comfortable, no matter their level.”
“The instructors are knowledgeable and approachable, always creating a welcoming atmosphere that makes everyone feel comfortable, no matter their level.”
“It's a fantastic place for people of all ages to learn valuable self-defense techniques with a welcoming environment.”
“Their kids program is fantastic, they win competitions constantly, and the classes are always packed with kids and the smiling faces of parents.”
“The Owner Ricks Fight Fit class is like nothing else and will definitely get you in shape or check out one of their other classes.”
“They are worth every single penny you spend on training as an adult or for your children/family.”
From the reviews
Defensive Edge is an amazing martial arts school. Josh and his team of coaches are some of the most genuine and knowledgeable people I have had the pleasure to train with. The school is always clean and the classes are always fun and challenging.
I walked into Defensive edge around 7 years ago and haven't looked back. DE is very well kept, well equipped, and offers a variety of training options. The coaches are incredibly professional,highly skilled,and they truly care about your progress weather your a competitor or someone just starting out, even kids all…
I can't say enough great things about Defensive Edge! My kids started training here first and had an amazing experience. The instructors were incredible with them—patient, encouraging, and made every class fun. Watching how much they were growing in confidence and skills inspired me to give it a try myself.
I started training at Defensive Edge 7 years ago, as a father of two in my 40s, after taking my daughter to a birthday party hosted there. I saw how the instructors made the challenge of learning martial arts fun and accessible while taking skill development and fitness seriously.
New to muay thai? Start at Defensive Edge Martial Arts Academy
Defensive Edge Martial Arts 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.
Your first muay thai class at Defensive Edge Martial Arts 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.
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