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MKG International Martial Arts Madison
4.8 ★★★★★ 56 Google reviews · Muay thai gym in Madison, Wisconsin
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
- Drop-ins drop-ins run around $79 — many gyms also offer monthly memberships and a discounted first session, so ask about new-member rates
- 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
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule mkgmadison.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone (608) 405-6542
Hours
| Monday | 4:30–7:30 PM |
| Tuesday | 4:30–8:30 PM |
| Wednesday | 4:30–7:30 PM |
| Thursday | 4:30–8:30 PM |
| Friday | Closed |
| Saturday | 9 AM–1:30 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“We felt really welcome as beginners-- the other students there even gave us friendly suggestions while we practiced with them.”
“Our children have developed fantastic life skills in addition to personal confidence and physical fitness through their MKG Littles and MKG Kids programs.”
“Though I have only been able to do private lessons for the last few months, I really am enjoying the elements & philosophy of MKG.”
“Very self defense oriented, but still always made it fun to train.”
Other martial arts here
“Take with a grain of salt as I only went for the beginner's kickboxing lesson.”
“Guro Josh is super knowledgeable and Coach Mark taught a great grappling course!”
What members say
“Tawny, Ezra, and Mitch are great instructors and really nice people, and I always look forward to getting to class (even after a long day at work)!”
“We train in a variety of arts, are always looking at new ways to piece them together, and have fun doing it in a welcoming, educational, and hard-working environment.”
“We train in a variety of arts, are always looking at new ways to piece them together, and have fun doing it in a welcoming, educational, and hard-working environment.”
“There's enough individual attention given to make sure new techniques are understood, without sacrificing the rhythm of class.”
“It happens that MKG Madison provides what I'm looking for, which is skill based training with a focus on safety and technical knowledge, without competition or posturing.”
“It happens that MKG Madison provides what I'm looking for, which is skill based training with a focus on safety and technical knowledge, without competition or posturing.”
From the reviews
MKG Madison is more than a martial arts gym, it’s a family. Josh, the owner and lead instructor, along with the other instructors at this facility are excellent. They are patient, practical minded and very knowledgeable.
Take with a grain of salt as I only went for the beginner's kickboxing lesson. The instructor, Josh, is super friendly and a good instructor. The gym is nice. However, a friend of mine tells me the price is very high for what they offer. So before you commit here, make sure you compare different gyms.
Josh has created an incredibly welcoming environment. From my first intro class on, I have always felt supported to approach training in a way that works for me. Always challenging but never overwhelming, with plenty of flexibility to attend classes when I can and focus on the areas that interest me.
My girlfriend and I tried our first class today, and we loved it. Josh (owner and instructor) is a very charismatic, easygoing guy, and a great teacher as well. We felt really welcome as beginners-- the other students there even gave us friendly suggestions while we practiced with them.
New to muay thai? Start at MKG International Martial Arts Madison
MKG International Martial Arts Madison 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 MKG International Martial Arts Madison
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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