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Merced Mixed Martial Arts Academy

4.8 ★★★★★ 38 Google reviews · Muay thai gym in Merced, California

Free trial Beginners welcome Kids & teens 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 4–12) — built around discipline, focus, and confidence
  • Women's classes dedicated women's muay thai classes — a welcoming space to train and start out in
  • 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 mmamerced.com — book classes and see the live schedule
  • Phone (209) 384-0117

Hours

Monday 6–8:30 AM, 3:45–9 PM
Tuesday 11 AM–1 PM, 4:30–9 PM
Wednesday 6–8:30 AM, 3:45–9 PM
Thursday 11 AM–1 PM, 4:30–9 PM
Friday 4–9 PM
Saturday 8–11 AM
Sunday 8–9 AM

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 Merced Mixed Martial Arts Academy, confirmed in members' own reviews and the gym's own info — not guessed from the sign out front.

🧒 Kids Muay Thai 19 mentions

“Marcos, the Jiu Jitsu instructor is really good with the kids and Justin, the Kickboxing instructor for adults is very good at explaining how to perform techniques.”

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🏆 Fight Team 2 mentions

“our little guys compete in bjj tournaments and look forward to bringing back more gold medals to the gym and show coach marcos that his training is top notch.”

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🛡️ Self-Defense 2 mentions

“If you are serious about getting into shape, starting a new competitive sport, learning self defense and better self discipline I highly recommend Merced MMA.”

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🔥 Muay Thai Fitness

“I'm able to attend both BJJ and muay thai and worknit around my work schedule, great workout,classmates,admin.”

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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 Merced Mixed Martial Arts Academy — mined from their reviews and the gym's own info.

🦵 Kickboxing 2 mentions

“Marcos, the Jiu Jitsu instructor is really good with the kids and Justin, the Kickboxing instructor for adults is very good at explaining how to perform techniques.”

Other gyms that also teach kickboxing →

🥊 Boxing

“They have a wide variety of training available ranging from basic to advanced competition training in kick boxing, jiu-jitsu, fitness, no gi grappling and MMA.”

Other gyms that also teach boxing →

🥋 Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) 11 mentions

“Marcos, the Jiu Jitsu instructor is really good with the kids and Justin, the Kickboxing instructor for adults is very good at explaining how to perform techniques.”

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

🏟️ MMA 10 mentions

“Not only do the coaches teach mma but they also teach respect, responsibility and just how to be a good human to your kids!”

Other gyms that also teach mma →

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 38 Google reviews — in their own words.

🧑‍🏫 expert, authentic coaching 2 mentions

“Merced MMA and all of their staff, coaches and trainers are amazing!”

🌱 welcoming to beginners 4 mentions

“Staff are very welcoming and friendly I will definitely recommend ❤️❤️”

🤝 no-ego, friendly gym 16 mentions

“He's funny, friendly, respectful, disciplined, knowledgeable, experienced, right amount being strong & strict but also loving.”

📘 real technique & fundamentals 4 mentions

“Marcos, the Jiu Jitsu instructor is really good with the kids and Justin, the Kickboxing instructor for adults is very good at explaining how to perform techniques.”

🧒 strong kids program 2 mentions

“My kids love coming here.”

🥊 legit sparring & fight team 3 mentions

“They have a wide variety of training available ranging from basic to advanced competition training in kick boxing, jiu-jitsu, fitness, no gi grappling and MMA.”

From the reviews

I have trained at Merced MMA for just over five years now and I love it! They have a wide variety of training available ranging from basic to advanced competition training in kick boxing, jiu-jitsu, fitness, no gi grappling and MMA. The instructors are top notch and it is a very fun and respectful family environment.

★★★★★ — Brandon, Mar 2014

Professor Marcos is awesome with kids! My kids have changed in attitude and how they treat each other since they’ve been attending their BJJ classes. Marcos teaches at a level where all kids are equally treated alike and taught at their own pace! No one ever feels left behind!

★★★★★ — Gene, Apr 2021

Our boys train there and enjoy coach marcos.they like that marcos is very focused and likes to keep everyone in line so all the kids get the most from their time in class.

★★★★★ — Keith, Jun 2020

This gym is really great. Marcos, the Jiu Jitsu instructor is really good with the kids and Justin, the Kickboxing instructor for adults is very good at explaining how to perform techniques. Overall, it's a very family friendly gym. I'd highly recommend giving it a go.

★★★★★ — Dark, Jul 2020

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 38 reviews →

New to muay thai? Start at Merced Mixed Martial Arts Academy

Merced Mixed 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.

See their beginner class info

Your first muay thai class at Merced Mixed 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 Merced Mixed Martial Arts Academy

745 W Main St, Merced, CA95340

Get directions Instagram · Facebook

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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.