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Lions Den Martial Arts and Fitness

4.9 ★★★★★ 63 Google reviews · Muay thai gym in Rensselaer, New York

Beginners welcome Kids & teens Fight team

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
  • Women's classes dedicated women's muay thai classes — a welcoming space to train and start out in
  • Fight team a competition team for members who want to test themselves as amateur fighters
  • Today see hours ·
  • Website & schedule lionsdeneastgreenbush.com — book classes and see the live schedule
  • Phone +1 518-478-3777

Hours

Monday 11 am–9 pm
Tuesday 5–9 pm
Wednesday 11 am–9 pm
Thursday 5–9 pm
Friday 5–8:30 pm
Saturday 9 am–2 pm
Sunday 10 am–1:30 pm

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 Lions Den Martial Arts and Fitness, confirmed in members' own reviews and the gym's own info — not guessed from the sign out front.

🌱 Beginner Muay Thai 3 mentions

“My son tried wrestling for the first time as a seventh grader which was tough because he was wrestling children who did pee wee wrestling or belonged to different clubs.”

All gyms that run beginner muay thai →

🧒 Kids Muay Thai 20 mentions

“My son tried wrestling for the first time as a seventh grader which was tough because he was wrestling children who did pee wee wrestling or belonged to different clubs.”

All gyms that run kids muay thai →

💪 Women's Muay Thai

“I started out in the Women’s only classes but now take all of them so I can do some with my husband .”

All gyms that run women's muay thai →

🏆 Fight Team 2 mentions

“The skills gained from the "Den" enabled him to have a successful 2nd year and compete in multiple out of season in tournaments and place in the top 3.”

All gyms that run fight team →

🛡️ Self-Defense 4 mentions

“Not only is it an excellent workout, but I am learning self defense that is, by far, superior to other martial arts.”

All gyms that run self-defense →

Other martial arts here

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

🥊 Boxing

“Boxing, youth wrestling, youth and adult Jiu Jitsu, and more.”

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🥋 Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) 7 mentions

“Our family memberships include all the classes offered here but the Brazilian Jiu Jitsu program quickly became my favorite .”

Other gyms that also teach brazilian jiu-jitsu (bjj) →

🏟️ MMA

“This Top Quality MMA Gym is very competitively priced for the great instruction it's a steal.”

Other gyms that also teach mma →

🤸 Wrestling 4 mentions

“My son tried wrestling for the first time as a seventh grader which was tough because he was wrestling children who did pee wee wrestling or belonged to different clubs.”

Other gyms that also teach wrestling →

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 63 Google reviews — in their own words.

🧑‍🏫 expert, authentic coaching 7 mentions

“Knowledgeable coaches have created a safe environment for all skill levels and we’ve made great friendships.”

🌱 welcoming to beginners 6 mentions

“My son tried wrestling for the first time as a seventh grader which was tough because he was wrestling children who did pee wee wrestling or belonged to different clubs.”

🤝 no-ego, friendly gym 21 mentions

“Before signing my family up here at the Lions Den I researched all of the local programs as well as the different types of martial arts offered.”

🔥 killer workout & conditioning 2 mentions

“I'm learning to defend myself while getting in the best shape of my life.”

🧒 strong kids program 2 mentions

“It is a great way to participate in a sport that your kids love. My family has grown in confidence, strength, and discipline since joining Lions den.”

🥊 legit sparring & fight team 4 mentions

“The skills gained from the "Den" enabled him to have a successful 2nd year and compete in multiple out of season in tournaments and place in the top 3.”

From the reviews

Lions Den has something for everyone in the family. Boxing, youth wrestling, youth and adult Jiu Jitsu, and more. It is a great way to participate in a sport that your kids love. My family has grown in confidence, strength, and discipline since joining Lions den.

★★★★★ — Rachael, Jan 2021

I’m so glad I made the decision to join Lion's Den. My husband and 9 year old son also take Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Not only is it an excellent workout, but I am learning self defense that is, by far, superior to other martial arts. My son is also learning to be more confident and disciplined all while having FUN!

★★★★★ — Kathleen, Aug 2019

So grateful we found The lions den. My 10 year old son has come such a long way with his confidence and skill! He absolutely adores Tom,Trent and Caleb and always looks forward to class.There truly is No other three I would want my son to look up to the way he does them. Amazing place Hands-down!!!!

★★★★★ — Jessica, Aug 2019

My son has been doing BJJ classes for about 3 months and he always looks forward going to class. Prior to starting the classes he was not doing well in school but after 3 months of BJJ his grade have gone up and I can honestly say it is because of BJJ!. Tom is an awesome teacher and a great person.

★★★★★ — Abimael, Jan 2021

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 63 reviews →

New to muay thai? Start at Lions Den Martial Arts and Fitness

Lions Den Martial Arts and Fitness 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.

See their beginner class info

Your first muay thai class at Lions Den Martial Arts and Fitness

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 Lions Den Martial Arts and Fitness

501 Columbia Turnpike, Rensselaer, NY12144

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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.