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Gilbert Defense Arts
5 ★★★★★ 157 Google reviews · Muay thai gym in Gilbert, Arizona
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
- 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 gilbertmartialarts.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone (480) 855-7586
Hours
| Monday | 3–8:30 PM |
| Tuesday | 8:30 AM–8:30 PM |
| Wednesday | 12–8:30 PM |
| Thursday | 8:30 AM–8:30 PM |
| Friday | 12–6 PM |
| Saturday | 8 AM–1 PM |
| Sunday | 11 AM–2 PM |
The classes they run
“Whether you're a beginner or experienced, there's something for everyone, and the atmosphere is welcoming, with a community that's both supportive and encouraging.”
“As a parent who gets busy transporting too many kids to too many activities, I love that the studio allows our son to learn at his (or our) own pace without extra pressure.”
“Our teen son has been taking karate lessons at Gilbert Defense Arts for a couple of years now and we have nothing but good things to say!”
“The classes are challenging but supportive, and the instructors take time to help you learn proper form and techniques, especially in kickboxing and self-defense.”
Other martial arts here
“The classes are challenging but supportive, and the instructors take time to help you learn proper form and techniques, especially in kickboxing and self-defense.”
“Our teen son has been taking karate lessons at Gilbert Defense Arts for a couple of years now and we have nothing but good things to say!”
What members say
“Whether you're a beginner or experienced, there's something for everyone, and the atmosphere is welcoming, with a community that's both supportive and encouraging.”
“Whether you're a beginner or experienced, there's something for everyone, and the atmosphere is welcoming, with a community that's both supportive and encouraging.”
“The classes are challenging but supportive, and the instructors take time to help you learn proper form and techniques, especially in kickboxing and self-defense.”
“I highly recommend Gilbert Defense Arts for any ages and skill levels - our son has grown leaps and bounds in his confidence, eye/hand coordination and discipline.”
“It's really clean, affordable, and really seems like everyone is having fun and proud of the work they put in.”
“It's really clean, affordable, and really seems like everyone is having fun and proud of the work they put in.”
From the reviews
I initially contacted Gilbert Defense Arts to sign my children up for self-defense classes. My son is a 14-year-old, highly sensitive, tender soul, and he’s been targeted by bullies his entire life for his kindness that is perceived as weakness.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Gilbert Defense Arts is absolutely amazing! From the moment you walk in, you can tell this place is something special. The instructors are incredibly knowledgeable, passionate, and truly care about every student who walks through the door. It’s not just a martial arts studio—it’s a community.
Gilbert Defense Arts has been one of the best decisions I’ve made, from the moment you walk in, the vibe is welcoming and inclusive, whether you’re a complete beginner or already have some experience.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I had an incredible experience at Gilbert Defense Arts, and I can't recommend this studio enough! The standout feature of this place is Sensei Casey and his unwavering dedication to his students.
New to muay thai? Start at Gilbert Defense Arts
Gilbert Defense 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 Gilbert Defense 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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