Chok Dee Athletics LLC
About
Chok Dee Athletics LLC offers authentic Muay Thai and MMA training in Newark, NJ, with a coaching team led by experienced instructors. The gym provides traditional Muay Thai instruction with roots in Sityodtong, complemented by Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu classes taught by credentialed coaches including a 2nd-degree black belt under Rafael Lovato Jr. Classes are carefully organized by experience level with structured curriculums that build skills progressively, and members can participate in fitness bag classes that combine heavy bag work with kettlebell and bodyweight conditioning for comprehensive strength and conditioning development.
reviewsWhat Members Say
Members praise the welcoming atmosphere where beginners, including female practitioners, feel safe starting martial arts. They highlight the skilled and encouraging coaches, particularly noting Kru Joe's organized curriculum and the traditional Sityodtong technique. Reviewers consistently mention the respectful community with no big egos, where students of all ages train together and partners care for each other during sparring. Specific coaches like Kru Joe, Mike Donohue, and the opportunity to train with world champion Liam Nolan receive special mention, with members describing the gym as a place to build confidence while having fun in group classes that effectively improve fitness.
rate_reviewGoogle Reviews (5)
Kristel Buschan
3 years ago
I got into Muay Thai because my boyfriend had always wanted to do it but I had never considered it before. Because of this gym I’m so glad I gave it a shot! The classes go by quickly because it is actually fun and I’m in better shape than if I go to the gym on my own because of course group classes help you push yourself. Looking forward to continuing the journey with all the awesome and patient coaches here! Plus every now and the. we get opportunities such as the one I got to train with Liam Nolan 2x muay thai world champion!!!
Elevated Studios
7 months ago
Chok Dee Athletics is an outstanding place to train Muay Thai! The coaches are skilled, encouraging, and truly dedicated to helping students improve. The environment is welcoming for beginners while still challenging for more advanced practitioners. You can tell the culture is built on respect, hard work, and community. I would highly recommend them to anyone looking to train authentic Muay Thai in a positive, professional setting!
Samantha Nowell
10 months ago
Started here with a free consult and absolutely fell in love with every part of this gym. Was brand new to Muay Thai and scared to try something new (especially as a female starting a combat sport) but glad I did...a great community, great male + female coaches, and worth every penny. Safe environment, clean, and a true representation of the sport and the culture
Hali Englert
3 years ago
I've previously trained at other martial arts gyms, but this is my first Muay Thai exclusive gym. Kru Joe is very welcoming, organized, and intentional about what he teaches to a wide range of students. Classes are organized by experience/skill and Kru Joe fully plans a curriculum to build skills that translate through the different levels. It's very cool to look around class and see 10-year-olds and college students paired up, along with teenagers partnering with their parents. Everyone is respectful and pushes their partners to take the techniques seriously while still having fun. There are no big egos here where someone tries to hurt you through sparring-- everyone here cares for their partners and work on trying new things! You can also take fitness bag classes which are a mix between heavy bag rounds with "rest" rounds in between that are kettle bell or body-weight based so you're strengthening AND conditioning. If you're new to the area and need a place to make friends and learn super cool skills, this is the place to go! Or honestly, if you're feeling stuck and need a new hobby, muay thai is a great way to build confidence, emotional control, and self-esteem for all ages. Either way you won't regret checking out Chok Dee Athletics!
Josiah Swarr
6 months ago
Joe and all his students have always been incredibly welcoming. Technique is top notch straight from Sityodtong. Traditional vibe but not exclusive. Great MMA and BJJ too.
paymentsMembership
$169/mo
Contact
101 John Campbell Rd, Newark, DE 19711, USA
scheduleHours
Monday: 5:00 – 9:00 PM
Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM, 5:00 – 9:00 PM
Wednesday: 5:00 – 9:00 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM, 5:00 – 9:00 PM
Friday: 5:00 – 8:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Sunday: Closed
groupCoaches & Instructors
Kru Joe Stripling
Owner, Founder, Head Coach
Black Pradjit (Muay Thai), Purple Belt BJJ, Delaware State Full Rules Heavyweight Champion
Began martial arts at age 6. Pro fighter from 2007-2019. Trained under Kru Eric Karner in Sityodtong Muay Thai. Promoted to black pradjit in 2015. Opened Chok Dee Athletics in 2016.
Kru John
Muay Thai Instructor
Leads 'All Levels Muay Thai' classes on Fridays.
Kru Kyle Gordon
Coach
Black Pradjit (Muay Thai)
Started training Muay Thai in 2015 under Kru Joe. Awarded black pradjit in 2021. Coaches beginners to amateur fighters and has cornered professional bouts.
Mike Donohue
BJJ Instructor
2nd Degree Black Belt BJJ under Rafael Lovato Jr.
Started training BJJ in 2006. Awarded black belt in 2013. Coaches and competes at all levels. Assistant wrestling coach at Tower Hill.
Kru Tony
Muay Thai Instructor
Leads 'All Levels Muay Thai' classes on Fridays.
Sydney Wallenhorst
Coach
Brown Pradjiat (Muay Thai)
Started at Chok Dee in 2019. Former lacrosse and rugby athlete. Has participated in smokers. Assists Kru Joe in training fighters.
Ian Platz
BJJ Instructor
Brown Belt BJJ under Mike Donohue
Multi-sport athlete who discovered grappling later. Competes in IBJJF & Fight 2 Win Pro. Passionate about training and team improvement.