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Empire Defense & Fitness Inc
4.8 ★★★★★ 132 Google reviews · Muay thai gym in Albany, New York
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
- 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
- Fitness & conditioning muay thai fitness and cardio classes — a serious workout you can do without ever having to spar
- Sparring & clinch sparring and clinch sessions for members ready for controlled contact — always optional and coach-supervised
- Fight team a competition team for members who want to test themselves as amateur fighters
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule 518empire.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone +1 518-608-3059
Hours
| Monday | 9:30 am–12:30 pm, 4–9 pm |
| Tuesday | 4–7:30 pm |
| Wednesday | 9:30 am–12:30 pm, 4–9 pm |
| Thursday | 4–7:30 pm |
| Friday | Closed |
| Saturday | 9:30 am–12 pm |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“All techniques and moves are explained in such a way that it is easy for even a beginner like myself to understand and apply.”
“It is a different experience than any other gym, mixed martial arts studio or private training facility.”
“If you want a good environment to get fit, destress in a friendly community come join any of the programs that peak your interest.”
“I also appreciate the focus on hitting the training pads and only light contact sparring.”
“Alan and Cheryl are extremely kind, competent, compassionate people and want to see everyone succeed.”
“Alan and Aaron are really great instructors who emphasize on basics and proper techniques.”
“Being a Novice in the martial arts/Self Defense, they really made me feel welcome and comfortable.”
Other martial arts here
“I’ve been going just a few months, and was nervous about doing kickboxing.”
“It is a different experience than any other gym, mixed martial arts studio or private training facility.”
“I joined the Krav Maga class as a beginner at Empire Defence and Fitness.”
What members say
“Alan and Cheryl have created a wonderfully welcoming and positive atmosphere where you immediately feel engaged and supported in your efforts.”
“Alan and Cheryl have created a wonderfully welcoming and positive atmosphere where you immediately feel engaged and supported in your efforts.”
“All techniques and moves are explained in such a way that it is easy for even a beginner like myself to understand and apply.”
“I have a blast at every Muay Thai class that is both a killer workout and full of practical technical training.”
“There are no fighting rules in real life so it’s a great program to know how to defend yourself against anything and I love how different each class can be.”
“I live an hour away from my work and Empire and will always take on a long day to be able to do something I thoroughly enjoy that challenges and disciplines me.”
From the reviews
I have been in the program for 4 weeks and have found it to be a great workout. I only wish I had started the program sooner. It has a very conducive atmosphere to learn and Alan is extremely knowledgeable, patient and a good instructor. I would highly recommend this program to my friends and family.
Call them today to level up in life! I have been a student for roughly 6 months. The personalized hospitality of Alan and Cheryl has been consistent since day 1. If you are willing to learn, they will go above and beyond to share their extensive knowledge with you.
I needed to learn some basic self defense, ASAP. Empire Defense & Fitness was the only facility around that offered just what I needed and I was able to sign up right away. The instructors are kind and encouraging, but also direct. They help you get started on self defense skills, from day one.
Love this place!! I’ve been taking Muay Thai classes and they are exactly what I was looking for. I always leave class feeling I’ve had a great workout. It’s intensive but adjustable to your own level of comfort, so anyone could do it!
New to muay thai? Start at Empire Defense & Fitness Inc
Empire Defense & Fitness Inc 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 Empire Defense & Fitness Inc
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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