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US SHIDOKAN

4.6 ★★★★★ 11 Google reviews · Muay thai gym in Arlington Heights, Illinois

Muay Thai gym Kids & teens Fight team

Plan your first class

  • 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 usshidokan.com — book classes and see the live schedule
  • Phone (224) 347-7120

Hours

Monday 5:15–8 PM
Tuesday 5:15–8 PM
Wednesday 5:15–8 PM
Thursday 5:15–8 PM
Friday 6–8 PM
Saturday 9 AM–12 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 US SHIDOKAN, confirmed in members' own reviews and the gym's own info — not guessed from the sign out front.

🧒 Kids Muay Thai 4 mentions

“My son and I started together when he was 6 years old and earned his black belt at 14.”

All gyms that run kids muay thai →

🏆 Fight Team

“Training is very good and instructor is a world champion fighter.”

All gyms that run fight team →

Other martial arts here

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

🦵 Kickboxing

“Amazing place to train, learn good all around kickboxing and karate strikes, and mma.”

Other gyms that also teach kickboxing →

🏟️ MMA

“Amazing place to train, learn good all around kickboxing and karate strikes, and mma.”

Other gyms that also teach mma →

🎽 Karate 5 mentions

“Karate is less about learning how to fight, rather it's about self discipline, hard work and showing respect to others.”

Other gyms that also teach karate →

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 11 Google reviews — in their own words.

🤝 no-ego, friendly gym 6 mentions

“All my family and friends were stunned because I was the least likely person to do exercise or play sports, let alone martial arts.”

📘 real technique & fundamentals 2 mentions
🔥 killer workout & conditioning 3 mentions

“Very intense workout combined with competitive students in a great environment.”

🥊 legit sparring & fight team 2 mentions

“Karate is less about learning how to fight, rather it's about self discipline, hard work and showing respect to others.”

🧠 builds confidence & discipline 4 mentions

“Training at the Matsumoto's Dojo has significantly benefited my son's confidence, fitness, focus, and athletic ability.”

From the reviews

Several years ago in my mid 40s, wanting to start something new, I was looking for a jazz piano lesson, but somehow ended up joining U.S. Matsumoto Shidokan Karate instead. All my family and friends were stunned because I was the least likely person to do exercise or play sports, let alone martial arts.

★★★★★ — Takeshi, Dec 2020

Great place for training. Everyone is very friendly and I learn a lot when I actually have time to go to class! Would definitely recommend - be prepared to work HARD.

★★★★★ — Rafael, Jan 2018

Shihan Matsumoto and Sensei Etsuko emphasize family and family values at their dojo. Karate is less about learning how to fight, rather it's about self discipline, hard work and showing respect to others. It's a sport that transcends it's martial roots.

★★★★★ — Seiji, Dec 2020

My son has been training here for over 3 years. Training at the Matsumoto's Dojo has significantly benefited my son's confidence, fitness, focus, and athletic ability.

★★★★★ — Daniel, Mar 2016

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 11 reviews →

Your first muay thai class at US SHIDOKAN

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 US SHIDOKAN

950 W Northwest Hwy, Arlington Heights, IL60004

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.