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Plus One Defense Systems

4.9 ★★★★★ 189 Google reviews · Muay thai gym in West Hartford, Connecticut

Muay Thai gym Free trial Beginners welcome Kids & teens Private lessons 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 5–13) — built around discipline, focus, and confidence
  • Women's classes dedicated women's muay thai classes — a welcoming space to train and start out in
  • 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 teamplusone.com — book classes and see the live schedule
  • Phone +1 860-922-5343

Hours

Monday 6:30 am–9:30 pm
Tuesday 11 am–9:30 pm
Wednesday 6:30 am–9:30 pm
Thursday 11 am–9:30 pm
Friday 6:30 am–9 pm
Saturday 9:15 am–4 pm
Sunday Closed

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 Plus One Defense Systems, confirmed in members' own reviews and the gym's own info — not guessed from the sign out front.

🌱 Beginner Muay Thai 8 mentions

“I recently attended the pistol permit and modern weapons class with Darin (through The Tactical Boutique), and it was my first time ever shooting.”

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🧒 Kids Muay Thai 5 mentions

“Alberto gave my son a trial private lesson and within minutes understood my sons needs giving him confidence and truly having fun with him!”

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💪 Women's Muay Thai 3 mentions

“The women-only class is also great opportunity, not only for the technique taught and smaller class size, but also for those who may be unsure about training with men.”

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👤 Private Lessons 2 mentions

“Alberto gave my son a trial private lesson and within minutes understood my sons needs giving him confidence and truly having fun with him!”

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🛡️ Self-Defense 2 mentions

“I would absolutely recommend this place to anyone looking to obtain their pistol permit or for any firearms or self-defense training.”

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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 Plus One Defense Systems — mined from their reviews and the gym's own info.

🥋 Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) 8 mentions

“If you're interested in Brazilian Jujitsu, BJJ as well as the many other martial arts they offer, I would highly recommend attending Plus One!”

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

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 189 Google reviews — in their own words.

🧑‍🏫 expert, authentic coaching 3 mentions

“The professor leading the class gave great instruction and even gave some additional details later on.”

🌱 welcoming to beginners 15 mentions

“I recently attended the pistol permit and modern weapons class with Darin (through The Tactical Boutique), and it was my first time ever shooting.”

🤝 no-ego, friendly gym 23 mentions

“Darin and the rest of the Plus One team are so encouraging and inviting, you really feel like a part of a big martial arts family.”

📘 real technique & fundamentals 3 mentions

“The women-only class is also great opportunity, not only for the technique taught and smaller class size, but also for those who may be unsure about training with men.”

🔥 killer workout & conditioning 2 mentions

“Classes are challenging and rewarding, and I'm constantly learning (and getting a great workout, AND having a ton of fun).”

🇹🇭 authentic Thai roots 2 mentions

“Plus One offers a variety of authentic martial arts styles to choose from.”

From the reviews

I am having a fantastic time learning BJJ at Plus One. I didn't have any martial arts background, but everyone is so welcoming and helpful. Every question I've had has been quickly and thoroughly answered, by the instructors and by the experienced practitioners, who are eager to see me succeed.

★★★★★ — Kirsten, Jun 2022

I can't recommend Plus One Defense Systems enough. It's a safe training environment that encourages members to push themselves without having to worry about getting hurt. If you're a beginner looking to train Muay Thai look no further!

★★★★★ — Erik, Nov 2024

This gym is fantastic. I came from out of town and got a week's worth of classes. I immediately felt welcomed and part of the community. The training is safe and the instructors are knowledgeable. They also keep the facility clean. I highly recommend them!

★★★★★ — James, Feb 2025

Coming from someone who has been practicing martial arts for 8 years, this school is second to none. I’ve been a student at Plus One for over 6 years now. I still to this day regret not signing up sooner. Since becoming a member of the Plus One family I’ve had nothing but amazing experiences and opportunities.

★★★★★ — Jonathan, Sep 2017

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 189 reviews →

New to muay thai? Start at Plus One Defense Systems

Plus One Defense Systems 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 Plus One Defense Systems

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 Plus One Defense Systems

9 Tolles St, West Hartford, CT06110

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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.