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Rugged Combat Sports & MMA

4.9 ★★★★★ 145 Google reviews · Muay thai gym in Spanaway, Washington

Muay Thai gym Free trial Beginners welcome Kids & teens 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 — built around discipline, focus, and confidence
  • Fight team a competition team for members who want to test themselves as amateur fighters
  • Today see hours ·
  • Website & schedule ruggedcombatsports.com — book classes and see the live schedule
  • Phone +1 253-881-6177

Hours

Monday 10 am–12 pm, 4:45–8:30 pm
Tuesday 10 am–12 pm, 4:45–8:30 pm
Wednesday 10 am–12 pm, 4:45–8:30 pm
Thursday 10 am–12 pm, 4:45–8:30 pm
Friday 10 am–12 pm, 6–8:30 pm
Saturday 12:30–2:30 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 Rugged Combat Sports & MMA, confirmed in members' own reviews and the gym's own info — not guessed from the sign out front.

🌱 Beginner Muay Thai 8 mentions

“The coaches, Pete and Stelly are phenomenal instructors, and can take you from beginner to intermediate and beyond, in whatever disciplines you choose to pursue, in no time at all!”

All gyms that run beginner muay thai →

🧒 Kids Muay Thai 24 mentions

“The have the ability to make the first time shy kid/person feel like they can do anything as well as have the ability to challenge and help improve a seasoned athlete .”

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🥊 Sparring

“Every member that I have been able to spar with so far have only added to the great experience rugged has been so far.”

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🏆 Fight Team 5 mentions

“If you’re looking for a professional, family friendly gym, that can cater to all types/levels of students (whether you want to compete, or just train), then look no further!”

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🛡️ Self-Defense 2 mentions

“They make it clear that the skills learned in their gym are not to be used for bullying but for self defense.”

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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 Rugged Combat Sports & MMA — mined from their reviews and the gym's own info.

🦵 Kickboxing 3 mentions

“I highly recommend Rugged in Spanaway to anyone interested in signing their children or themselves up for MMA/ kickboxing or jujutsu.”

Other gyms that also teach kickboxing →

🥊 Boxing

“Awesome, family oriented MMA (Boxing, Kickboxing/Muay Thai, BJJ) gym!”

Other gyms that also teach boxing →

🥋 Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) 4 mentions

“The respect and general common practices of muay thai, jiu-jitsu or any martial art he put exceptional importance on and it reflects in how smoothly they run their gym.”

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

🏟️ MMA 7 mentions

“I’ve trained at gyms all over the country while traveling for work, and Rugged MMA stands out as a place I want to call home for a long time.”

Other gyms that also teach mma →

🤸 Wrestling

“We love wrestling in their gym and brings in coaches that are at the top of their game!”

Other gyms that also teach wrestling →

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 145 Google reviews — in their own words.

🧑‍🏫 expert, authentic coaching 9 mentions

“Thank you to Rugged, all the coaches and the amazing students who welcomed me as well when I was so new to the sport.”

🌱 welcoming to beginners 9 mentions

“The coaches, Pete and Stelly are phenomenal instructors, and can take you from beginner to intermediate and beyond, in whatever disciplines you choose to pursue, in no time at all!”

🤝 no-ego, friendly gym 22 mentions

“Super respectful, good people🙌💯 Rugged is the place to start learning grappling/striking skills in a friendly atmosphere full of people who want to improve together.”

📘 real technique & fundamentals 4 mentions

“Even if you're brand new, they break it down for you and focus on the fundamentals first and foremost.”

🧒 strong kids program 3 mentions

“If you want your child to stay active, build confidence, and grow into a great person, bring them to Rugged.”

🥊 legit sparring & fight team 8 mentions

“If you’re looking for a professional, family friendly gym, that can cater to all types/levels of students (whether you want to compete, or just train), then look no further!”

From the reviews

Awesome, family oriented MMA (Boxing, Kickboxing/Muay Thai, BJJ) gym! All I can say is I absolutely love this place! The schedule is put together very well, making it easy to find classes that fit within your schedule.

★★★★★ — Chris, Dec 2021

Exceptional Learning and Coaching Experience at Rugged Combat Sports! Review: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I highly recommend Rugged Combat Sports for anyone looking to enhance their skills in a supportive and engaging environment.

★★★★★ — Thomas, Apr 2024

Rugged was and is my first experience working out at an MMA gym. I came in with drive but with no real experience in combat sports and let me tell you, Coach Pete and especially coach Stelly know exactly what they are doing.

★★★★★ — Emily, Nov 2024

What can I say about this amazing gym! My children are part of their Youth program and both Coach Pete and Stelly are amazing instructors! You can see the dedication they put towards this gym and their students! As soon as you walk into the doors you are welcomed into a friendly AND SAFE environment.

★★★★★ — Trish, Feb 2021

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 145 reviews →

New to muay thai? Start at Rugged Combat Sports & MMA

Rugged Combat Sports & MMA 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 Rugged Combat Sports & MMA

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 Rugged Combat Sports & MMA

19323 Mountain Hwy E, Spanaway, WA98387

Get directions

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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.