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Middle Ground Martial Arts
5 ★★★★★ 18 Google reviews · Muay thai gym in Harrisonburg, Virginia
Authentic Thai — reviews and the gym's own info point to coaching rooted in Thailand's muay thai tradition. If lineage matters to you, ask where the coaches trained and about their kru.
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
- Fight team a competition team for members who want to test themselves as amateur fighters
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule middlegroundmartialarts.com — book classes and see the live schedule
Hours
| Monday | 8 AM–12 PM, 5–8:30 PM |
| Tuesday | 8 AM–12 PM |
| Wednesday | 8 AM–12 PM, 5–8:30 PM |
| Thursday | 8 AM–12 PM |
| Friday | 8 AM–12 PM |
| Saturday | 9:30–11 AM |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“I had some background, but in my time at this gym I've also seen day-one beginners advance rapidly to competent and experienced levels.”
“Randy offers amazing personal training, also affordable, and has been a lifesaver for me and my health.”
“I had some background, but in my time at this gym I've also seen day-one beginners advance rapidly to competent and experienced levels.”
Other martial arts here
“Coach Jason and Alan are fantastic for striking, kickboxing, and Muay Thai, while Randy and Stephanie excel in Judo and grappling.”
“Great beginner-friendly workout options, especially for people interested in learning something new, like boxing fitness regimes.”
“Coach Jason and Alan are fantastic for striking, kickboxing, and Muay Thai, while Randy and Stephanie excel in Judo and grappling.”
“Coach Jason and Alan are fantastic for striking, kickboxing, and Muay Thai, while Randy and Stephanie excel in Judo and grappling.”
What members say
“Just started kickboxing, excellent place to learn with great instruction!”
“Great beginner-friendly workout options, especially for people interested in learning something new, like boxing fitness regimes.”
“Great beginner-friendly workout options, especially for people interested in learning something new, like boxing fitness regimes.”
“Dropped in for a conditioning class, very welcoming and overall great experience, and an amazing workout!”
“I had some background, but in my time at this gym I've also seen day-one beginners advance rapidly to competent and experienced levels.”
“Randy offers amazing personal training, also affordable, and has been a lifesaver for me and my health.”
From the reviews
Middle Ground Martial Arts is a pretty awesome asset for Harrisonburg! I love coming here to train for Muay Thai, Kickboxing and overall conditioning. I have yet to take a class from Stephanie or Randy, but they are always there, working with clients either individually or in a group class and are very knowledgeable…
Middle Ground Martial Arts is an incredible place to train, with a positive and welcoming atmosphere. Whether you're a beginner or more advanced, the gym has classes for all levels. Coach Jason and Alan are fantastic for striking, kickboxing, and Muay Thai, while Randy and Stephanie excel in Judo and grappling.
Coaches Jason, Alan, and Randy are all excellent, and the gym is always a friendly and welcoming environment to anybody while still offering serious and practical martial arts training.
This is a great, safe, and welcoming place for people who are wanting to try judo/kickboxing for the first time, who want to get back into the sport, and for those that already have previous experience! I was very scared to start fighting but Randy and all the members of the gym made it very comfortable and fun!
New to muay thai? Start at Middle Ground Martial Arts
Middle Ground Martial 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 Middle Ground 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. 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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