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The Martial Arts Laboratory
5 ★★★★★ 130 Google reviews · Muay thai gym in McKinney, Texas
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
- Drop-ins drop-ins run around $30 — many gyms also offer monthly memberships and a discounted first session, so ask about new-member rates
- 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 3–13) — 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
- Fitness & conditioning muay thai fitness and cardio classes — a serious workout you can do without ever having to spar
- Sparring & clinch sparring and clinch sessions for members ready for controlled contact — always optional and coach-supervised
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule themartialartslaboratory.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone +1 972-848-9499
Hours
| Monday | 6 am–8 pm |
| Tuesday | 6 am–9 pm |
| Wednesday | 6 am–8 pm |
| Thursday | 6 am–9 pm |
| Friday | 7–8 am, 5–8 pm |
| Saturday | 8:30–11:30 am |
| Sunday | 11 am–3 pm |
The classes they run
“Perfect for any experience level from day one beginner to years already under your belt.”
“Coach Don does a fantastic job building relationships with each kid giving them the confidence to take risks, push their limits, and celebrate their growth.”
“I started in January and got addicted fast, I just competed in my first competition.”
“I would recommend youths who are interested to learn self defense to attend the martial arts laboratory.”
Other martial arts here
“Regardless of your previous background JiuJitsu is truly great and for anyone at any age!”
What members say
“The instruction and coaching is amazing at both locations from all the staff.”
“Your first day you will realize how great everyone is no matter their belt or experience.”
“She absolutely loves her training sessions and it truly makes us feel like we are ONE big family!”
“Coach Don has a unique style that really makes his technique and skill stand out.”
“I’ve been training here a little under a year now and I’m in the best shape I’ve been in since my early 20s.”
“My son loves it, some days more than others but I would definitely recommend.”
From the reviews
Don is a great teacher and is great with kids. Besides learning Jiu-jitsu, kids get to learn how to be respectful and responsible. My kids love going to class everyday. Great experience! Highly recommended.
It’s More Than Training—It’s Family. Professor Don Turnage has built an atmosphere of connection at The Martial Arts Lab. I train with the adults, while my 10-, 7-, and 4-year-olds participate in the kids’ classes. When you miss a session, teammates reach out, checking in like family.
We love the Lab!! We love Coach Don!! Our daughter began a little over 2 months ago and we have seen so much growth in her confidence and ability in such a small time. She has always been very timid and cautious but now you'd never know.
I’ve been training here a little under a year now and I’m in the best shape I’ve been in since my early 20s. Jiujitsu is the ultimate physical and mental challenge, but Coach Don makes it so simple. He’s very supportive, encouraging, and I really appreciate his teaching style.
New to muay thai? Start at The Martial Arts Laboratory
The Martial Arts Laboratory 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.
Your first muay thai class at The Martial Arts Laboratory
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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