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Embrace Martial Arts
4.8 ★★★★★ 98 Google reviews · Muay thai gym in Wake Forest, North Carolina
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
- Fitness & conditioning muay thai fitness and cardio classes — a serious workout you can do without ever having to spar
- Fight team a competition team for members who want to test themselves as amateur fighters
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule embracemartialarts.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone (919) 777-3649
Hours
| Monday | 10 AM–12:30 PM, 3:45–8:30 PM |
| Tuesday | 6:30–7:30 AM, 10–11:30 AM, 4:45–8:30 PM |
| Wednesday | 10 AM–12:30 PM, 3:45–8:30 PM |
| Thursday | 6:30–7:30 AM, 10–11:30 AM, 4:45–8:30 PM |
| Friday | 10 AM–12:30 PM, 4–8 PM |
| Saturday | 9 AM–12:30 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“I highly recommend Embrace Martial Arts if you are experienced and a beginner.”
“The Professors and Coaches do a phenomenal job of teaching and holding the students accountable but are also approachable and offer safe environment for the kids.”
“Overall, I highly recommend this gym for anyone looking to get fit, learn self-defense, and be a part of an amazing martial arts community.”
“Overall, I highly recommend this gym for anyone looking to get fit, learn self-defense, and be a part of an amazing martial arts community.”
Other martial arts here
“After spending 5 years at our first gym in florida we moved here to Wake Forest, unsure that we would find a new BJJ family like the one we left behind, we tried Embrace.”
“Embrace is a gym that offers mixed martial arts classes, and I have to say it's been an incredible experience.”
What members say
“Great camaraderie, great instructors, family friendly.”
“The professor sincerely cares about each student and has been welcoming to myself and coworkers.”
“After spending 5 years at our first gym in florida we moved here to Wake Forest, unsure that we would find a new BJJ family like the one we left behind, we tried Embrace.”
“I feel very welcomed and safe here, the higher level belts focus on forum/technique with you instead of just constant tapping you lol seems like everyone here cares and enjoys it.”
“I feel very welcomed and safe here, the higher level belts focus on forum/technique with you instead of just constant tapping you lol seems like everyone here cares and enjoys it.”
From the reviews
Embrace is a gym that offers mixed martial arts classes, and I have to say it's been an incredible experience. The trainers are knowledgeable and passionate about what they do, and they create a supportive and motivating environment for everyone. The workouts are intense and challenging, but also a lot of fun.
I have trained for many years at different gyms in the area. Professor Joel brought a new a whole new type of gym to our area. Not only does it provide the absolute best instruction for those that want to compete, this gym also is great for the everyday person who just wants to learn a martial art and get in shape.
I’ve been training at Embrace BJJ since it open and I love it. It’s a great place to train and everyone treats you like family. Professor Joel Garcia cares about the quality of instruction he teaches and even more importantly cares about his students well being. He is especially great with the kids class.
I started training in Brazilian Jiu jitsu at age 67 and I'm now 73. Professors Joel and Tiago and their coaching staff have created a safe environment to learn and grow in the arts of Jiu Jitsu and/or Muay Thai. The lessons learned during training will touch every area of your life. Age is not a limitation.
New to muay thai? Start at Embrace Martial Arts
Embrace Martial Arts comes up as a beginner-friendly gym, going by their listing and members’ reviews. 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 Embrace Martial Arts
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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