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The Academy

5 ★★★★★ 39 Google reviews · Muay thai gym in Portland, Maine

Plan your first class

Hours

Monday 4:30–7:30 PM
Tuesday 12–2 PM, 4:30–7:30 PM
Wednesday 6:30–7:30 AM, 4:30–7:30 PM
Thursday 12–2 PM, 4:30–7:30 PM
Friday 6:30–7:30 AM, 4:30–7:30 PM
Saturday 12–2 PM
Sunday 10–11 AM

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 The Academy, confirmed in members' own reviews and the gym's own info — not guessed from the sign out front.

🛡️ Self-Defense

All gyms that run self-defense →

Other martial arts here

Muay thai gyms are usually multi-discipline. Here's what else members mention training under the same roof at The Academy — mined from their reviews and the gym's own info.

🥋 Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) 11 mentions

“Jay was teaching the advanced no-gi class but came over during a break to introduce himself and invite me to stay for the gi class, even lending me a jacket.”

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

🏟️ MMA

“The academy is where I started Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and MMA training.”

Other gyms that also teach mma →

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 39 Google reviews — in their own words.

🧑‍🏫 expert, authentic coaching 5 mentions

“Jay, the owner and coach is a really welcoming and knowledgeable guy.”

🌱 welcoming to beginners 7 mentions

“Jay, the owner and coach is a really welcoming and knowledgeable guy.”

🤝 no-ego, friendly gym 11 mentions

“The vibe was friendly and focused; the moves were a bit more vicious than what I've typically learned, but that's why we cross-train.”

🧠 builds confidence & discipline 4 mentions

“The brand of BJJ they practice here is really fun and useful and seems to be focused on how to apply BJJ in the streets as well as a sport.”

From the reviews

The atmosphere is incredible. Everyone is very friendly and ready to work hard! My wife and I have only done one "On-Ramp" class and I felt well instructed. Using my body and mind to do new motions felt great. Edit: We're still both going 3-5 times a week a year and a half later. Life Changing!

★★★★★ — Charles, Mar 2024

I was in Portland for a week visiting family and friends. I stopped in to the Academy to see if I could drop in to a class or get in on open mat. Coach Jay generously allowed me to train for free the whole week. I went to 4 classes. GI and no GI. Great people, big beautiful and clean gym and top tier Jiu Jitsu.

★★★★★ — Jamie, Jul 2023

I dropped in unannounced while in town for a course (I wasn't sure if I'd get in early enough), and was greeted by a very affectionate rescue puppy. Jay was teaching the advanced no-gi class but came over during a break to introduce himself and invite me to stay for the gi class, even lending me a jacket.

★★★★★ — Kyra, Jul 2024

Such a great place. I'm visiting Portland for a couple of weeks, and wanted somewhere to train a few times while I was here. Jay, the owner and coach is a really welcoming and knowledgeable guy. A true OG of BJJ.

★★★★★ — John, Aug 2022

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 39 reviews →

Your first muay thai class at The 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.

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 The Academy

18 Ashmont St, Portland, ME04103

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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.