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tkfmma

4.9 ★★★★★ 30 Google reviews · Muay thai gym in Durham, North Carolina

Beginners welcome Kids & teens Fitness classes

Plan your first class

  • 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
  • Fitness & conditioning muay thai fitness and cardio classes — a serious workout you can do without ever having to spar
  • Today see hours ·
  • Website & schedule tkfmma.com — book classes and see the live schedule
  • Phone +1 919-213-1705

Hours

Monday 7:30–8:30 pm
Tuesday 7:30–9 pm
Wednesday Closed
Thursday 7:30–9 pm
Friday Closed
Saturday Closed
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 tkfmma, confirmed in members' own reviews and the gym's own info — not guessed from the sign out front.

🧒 Kids Muay Thai 9 mentions

“Best of all, he's great with kids of all ages, and successfully manages classes of both boys and girls starting at age 5 all the way up to us "big kids.”

All gyms that run kids muay thai →

🔥 Muay Thai Fitness 2 mentions

“Great workout and great people!”

All gyms that run muay thai fitness →

🛡️ Self-Defense 5 mentions

“I'm preparing myself for enlistment and to eventually teach others in self defense and I'm glad I found a learning place like this along the way.”

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 tkfmma — mined from their reviews and the gym's own info.

🦵 Kickboxing

“I have been going to TKF since September attending the kickboxing fitness classes.”

Other gyms that also teach kickboxing →

🥊 Boxing

“My son has been taking mma and boxing classes for close to a year here.”

Other gyms that also teach boxing →

🏟️ MMA 5 mentions

“Although I am not a MMA student, Mike and the other students make me feel welcomed.”

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 30 Google reviews — in their own words.

🤝 no-ego, friendly gym 4 mentions

“The regulars are all friendly and helpful, and the instructors make sure to include everyone in the lessons.”

🔥 killer workout & conditioning 7 mentions

“Classes aren't just about martial arts - it's a mix of strength and conditioning and mental "zen" too.”

🧒 strong kids program 3 mentions

“Best of all, he's great with kids of all ages, and successfully manages classes of both boys and girls starting at age 5 all the way up to us "big kids.”

🧠 builds confidence & discipline 2 mentions

From the reviews

I started martial fitness classes at TKF when I was 63 and I’m still going strong at 65. There was plenty I could not do when I first started. I have made significant progress thanks to Sifu Mike’s acceptance, support and instruction. Great school, great people.

★★★★★ — David, May 2019

I have been going to TKF since September attending the kickboxing fitness classes. Although I am not a MMA student, Mike and the other students make me feel welcomed. Great workout and great people!

★★★★★ — Ceaira, Feb 2019

Sifu Mike is great. It's clean and friendly and has a great, welcoming atmosphere. Classes aren't just about martial arts - it's a mix of strength and conditioning and mental "zen" too.

★★★★★ — Randall, Sep 2020

My son has been taking mma and boxing classes for close to a year here. Sifu Mike is awesome and super knowledgeable he is an awesome teacher and I highly recommend his program. The progress my son has made is amazing. Thanks tkfmma you rock

★★★★★ — David, Sep 2019

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 30 reviews →

New to muay thai? Start at tkfmma

tkfmma 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 tkfmma

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 tkfmma

4228 Garrett Rd, Durham, NC27707

Get directions Instagram · Facebook

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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.