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Knoxville Martial Arts Academy

4.9 ★★★★★ 153 Google reviews · Muay thai gym in Knoxville, Tennessee

Free trial Beginners welcome Kids & teens Private lessons Fitness classes Fight team

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 3–12) — 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
  • 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 knoxmma.com — book classes and see the live schedule
  • Phone (865) 771-9775

Hours

Monday 7–11:30 AM, 5–9 PM
Tuesday 7–11:30 AM, 4–9 PM
Wednesday 7–11:30 AM, 5–8 PM
Thursday 7–11:30 AM, 4–9 PM
Friday 7–11:30 AM, 5–8 PM
Saturday 9 AM–1 PM
Sunday Closed

Hours shift for holidays, seminars, and open-gym times — worth a quick check before a special trip.

The classes they run

Muay thai classes on the schedule at Knoxville Martial Arts Academy, confirmed in members' own reviews and the gym's own info — not guessed from the sign out front.

🌱 Beginner Muay Thai 4 mentions

“Whether you’re brand new or a vet, people actually want to see you get better and will help you achieve your goals.”

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🧒 Kids Muay Thai 4 mentions

“The children’s classes are a delight to witness.”

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🔥 Muay Thai Fitness 2 mentions

“Whether you are just looking to get in shape or aspire to be in the UFC one day, KMAA can definitely help you achieve your goals.”

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🏆 Fight Team

“Whether you’re a dedicated fighter or just someone curious about martial arts, they’ve got you covered.”

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Other martial arts here

Muay thai gyms are usually multi-discipline. Here's what else members mention training under the same roof at Knoxville Martial Arts Academy — mined from their reviews and the gym's own info.

Disciplines are mined from reviews and the gym's own info — they show what members have trained, not a formal class guarantee. If you specifically want BJJ, boxing, or MMA alongside muay thai, confirm the current schedule with the gym.

What members say

The things reviewers bring up again and again across 153 Google reviews — in their own words.

🧑‍🏫 expert, authentic coaching 4 mentions

“The coaches are extremely knowledgeable and will take the time to make sure that you understand what they are teaching and will answer any questions that you have.”

🌱 welcoming to beginners 11 mentions

“The place is run like a well-oiled machine, every single team member we encountered was above and beyond welcoming and the class was the perfect level of intensity.”

🤝 no-ego, friendly gym 21 mentions

“The place is run like a well-oiled machine, every single team member we encountered was above and beyond welcoming and the class was the perfect level of intensity.”

📘 real technique & fundamentals 3 mentions

“If you're looking for a place to work hard, feel supported, and transform your fitness journey, this is the gym for you.”

🥊 legit sparring & fight team 2 mentions

“Now getting the chance to be apart of the team in preparation for my 11th professional fight has been nothing short of extraordinary.”

💵 good value / fair pricing 2 mentions

“5 out of 5 stars—worth every penny, and I plan on sticking with them as long as I can.”

From the reviews

Thank you KMAA for helping me improve my twin mommy body!! I feel better now more than ever, absolutely Life changing!!🥰🏃‍♀️🏋️‍♀️🥊🌟 Thank you to the KMAA professional coaches who I've had the pleasure to learn from, I love every minute!! Coach Morgan MaxFit💖!!!!

★★★★★ — Julie, Aug 2023

I am admittedly biased, but I whole heartedly believe KMAA is hands down the best school in our region. Whether you are just looking to get in shape or aspire to be in the UFC one day, KMAA can definitely help you achieve your goals.

★★★★★ — Eric, May 2025

In just the few short practices that Eric and the KMAA team have worked with me on, I already feel like part of family. I’ve know Professor Eric for years and have always had a high level of respect and admiration for him.

★★★★★ — Somerset, Feb 2024

After losing 125lbs, finding a gym that could help me build confidence and reconnect with my body was essential—and I found exactly that at KMAA. The coaches here are incredible; they are patient, supportive, and genuinely invested in your success.

★★★★★ — Lauren, Mar 2025

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 153 reviews →

New to muay thai? Start at Knoxville Martial Arts Academy

Knoxville 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.

Check beginner classes on their site

Your first muay thai class at Knoxville 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.

Muay thai is a contact sport. Ease in, listen to your coaches, and if you have any injuries or health concerns, mention them before class and check with a doctor if you're unsure.

Where to find Knoxville Martial Arts Academy

6514 Chapman Hwy, Knoxville, TN37920

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Listing verified July 2026 from public business records and member reviews. Something out of date? Report a correction. Own this gym? Claim your listing — it's free.