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no illusions martial arts
5 ★★★★★ 75 Google reviews · Muay thai gym in Brookings, South Dakota
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
- 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 4–14) — built around discipline, focus, and confidence
- 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
- Website & schedule noillusionsmartialarts.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone (605) 651-1731
The classes they run
“It is a very supportive environment for all skill levels and the fellow trainees all work together towards a common goal.”
“My son started in the Ninjas Jiu Jitsu class about a month ago and I have seen a huge change in him.”
“Where you're an experienced martial artist looking to compete, or just an inexperienced newbie who wants a hobby, the team here will get you prepared.”
“I live in Sioux Falls and making it to their open mat on Sundays is something I thoroughly look forward to!”
“This is a great workout and made for all skill levels.”
Other martial arts here
“Would recommend to anyone looking to train jiu jitsu 🙏🥋 missing the mats, might have to drive to Brookings soon 💪🫶”
“I have no experience in wrestling or MMA fighting.”
What members say
“The coaches are great at starting you off with the basics, and know when to progress you on to more challenging techniques.”
“The instructors are incredible—they’re welcoming, skilled, and make you feel like part of their family from day one.”
“Instructors and students want you to succeed and it shows, its a gym that pushes you to be more and treats you like family.”
“Where you're an experienced martial artist looking to compete, or just an inexperienced newbie who wants a hobby, the team here will get you prepared.”
From the reviews
I’d been wanting to start training martial arts for several years but was worried my lack of background and exposure to the culture may eventually choke that desire out(pun intended). I could not have been more wrong.
My son started in the Ninjas Jiu Jitsu class about a month ago and I have seen a huge change in him. It's inspiring to watch him set goals and want to continue learning even after class ends.
The Muay Thai coach and the BJJ coach always put their best into every class. They really emphasized safety and genuinely cared about everyone training there. The coaches and members treated me like part of the team, and the training was both fun and challenging.
I’ve dropped in to this gym twice over the last two years while traveling through Brookings. Both times the crew were incredibly welcoming and the classes were great. Detailed technical instruction, good drilling partners, and tough rolls. What more could you want? The space is recently renovated and feels great.
New to muay thai? Start at no illusions martial arts
no illusions 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 no illusions 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.