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Progressive Martial Arts Academy
4.9 ★★★★★ 99 Google reviews · Muay thai gym in Oak Ridge, Tennessee
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 — 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 pmaoakridge.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone (865) 481-8901
Hours
| Monday | 3–8:30 PM |
| Tuesday | 3–8:30 PM |
| Wednesday | 3–8:30 PM |
| Thursday | 3–8:30 PM |
| Friday | Closed |
| Saturday | Closed |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“My son is only a beginner, but I can already see the things he is learning in class trickling into other areas of his life.”
“Having mentioned that, I recommend starting children out as young as possible because thy do not have the restrictions that we adults have.”
“Even with the plethora of classes and private lessons, being a mother and having a career makes it difficult to train as much as I like.”
“I especially liked my time on the competition team, where I had the chance to participate in three local NAGA tournaments.”
“It is a great way to relieve yourself of stress and learn something that can help protect yourself and others.”
Other martial arts here
“I participate in both Kenpo and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.”
“physical fitness, nutrition education, mixed martial arts training, PMA will lead them there and empower them to achieve even more!”
“It provides a great community for our daughter to learn karate and many life skills.”
What members say
“My son is only a beginner, but I can already see the things he is learning in class trickling into other areas of his life.”
“The atmosphere is safe, welcoming, accommodating, and familial for students, families and friends of ALL ages.”
“The instructors are very knowledgeable and take time to make sure you get the technique down.”
“I especially liked my time on the competition team, where I had the chance to participate in three local NAGA tournaments.”
“Thank you Sempai Madeline for showing that ladies can kick butt too!”
“You will not only learn martial arts at this academy, but also the discipline, respect, confidence, and self-motivation that are inherent to traditional martial arts.”
From the reviews
We looked at multiple martial arts locations. After asking around and having the free session, we settled on Progressive Martial Arts in Oak Ridge. Extremely pleased! The instructors are disciplined, hold students accountable but at the same time make training a lot of fun.
I trained in the BJJ adult classes for ~1.2 years and have nothing but positive things to say about PMA. All the instructors are exemplary teachers, and the students are helpful and encouraging (both on and off the mat).
I love PMA. For a small studio in Oak Ridge, TN, PMA brings larger than life quality to martial arts training. I cannot imagine a more positive experience anywhere else.
Happiest place on earth, and yes, that includes Disney Land. I have been a member at PMA for over 4 years, whether training myself or watching family members train. Everyone there is so nice, inspiring, and encouraging, not to mentioned skilled. My brothers trained here for 3 years before I joined the dojo myself.
New to muay thai? Start at Progressive Martial Arts Academy
Progressive Martial Arts Academy 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 Progressive 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.
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