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Lake Effect Martial Arts
4.8 ★★★★★ 55 Google reviews · Muay thai gym in Depew, 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
- 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
- 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 lakeeffectbjj.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone +1 716-395-3451
Hours
| Monday | 6:30–8 am, 5–8:30 pm |
| Tuesday | 6:30–8 am, 12:30–2 pm, 7–8:30 pm |
| Wednesday | 6:30–8 am, 5–8:30 pm |
| Thursday | 6:30–8 am, 12:30–2 pm, 5:30–8 pm |
| Friday | 6:30–8 am, 5:30–7:45 pm |
| Saturday | 9:30 am–12:30 pm |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“This gym is great for people who never trained before to those with years of experience.”
“If you are looking for great life development of your kids or nephews/nieces look no further.”
“If you are an adult looking to become a great jiu jitsu fighter and challenge yourself in a positive community look no further.”
“Lake Effect Martial Art is the place to train whether you want to compete at the highest level or just get in shape!”
Other martial arts here
“I’ve lived and trained jiu jitsu in New York City, Pittsburgh PA, Toronto Canada and Frankfurt Germany for Work at some of the most regarded Jiu Jitsu academies in the country.”
What members say
“Everyone at LEMA has been very welcoming and it is a great place to learn from knowledgeable coaches.”
“I had my first class with Lake Effect Martial Arts last night leaving sore and excited to continue training.”
“I came in as a black belt from another school and was not only immediately welcomed with open arms but part of the family atmosphere that is a staple when training here.”
“Special mention of Coach Chris Former Active-Duty Marine turned stand up comedian and butterfly guard master in his retirement.”
“I started jiu jitsu there last year and at 43 years old it's gotten me in the best shape of my life.”
“If you are an adult looking to become a great jiu jitsu fighter and challenge yourself in a positive community look no further.”
From the reviews
I’m new to BJJ, 41, and not in the best of shape. I was nervous getting going but am very happy I did here at LEMA. So far, a couple classes in and the Professors I’ve had the pleasure of working with are knowledgeable, helpful, and inclusive.
I had my first class with Lake Effect Martial Arts last night leaving sore and excited to continue training. The atmosphere is welcoming and hardworking gathering a group of likeminded people looking to push beyond their perceived physical and mental boundaries which is totally what I’m into.
I did a lot of home work and research before visiting any of the BJJ gyms in the Buffalo area and decided to reach out to Lake Effect a few months back. Professor Michael did a great job communicating with me, scheduled a visit to the gym, and spent the appropriate time answering any questions that I had.
Traveled into Buffalo for work. I was recommended to check out Lake Effect Martial Arts by a friend. I travel frequently and always bring a gi in hopes of finding a gym to train at while in town. This is by far the most welcoming gym I've been too. Both by the Instructors and the students.
New to muay thai? Start at Lake Effect Martial Arts
Lake Effect Martial Arts 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 Lake Effect 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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