Hard Knocks Muay Thai & Judo

Coach Renzo is an excellent martial arts instructor. If you’re willing to put in the work, he’ll make sure you get the most out of every Muay Thai class. The only drawback at Hard Knocks is that it can get crowded during warm ups for evening sessions. but that’s a sign of a quality gym with strong demand. Despite having many competitive fighters, Coach Renzo’s classes are great for building solid fundamentals. I especially recommend Hard Knocks for anyone still learning the ropes of striking, like myself.

An amazing place to study Judo - the instructor, Sensei Josh, is a 4th degree blackbelt, and really focuses on doing the techniques with precision and *correctly* so no one gets hurt. Case in point, he puts heavy emphasis on learning breakfalls (many places try to gloss over that even though it's the most important part of Judo). Classes start with calisthenics before moving into standard drills. About 30 minutes in, we are introduced to a technique and practice it for 30 minutes. The last 30 are spent on sparing, both standing and ground techniques. (90 minutes classes 4x week). This is traditional Kodokan rules so the class starts and ends with the traditional kneeling, greeting, and bowing; ground work is emphasized, leg grabs are allowed; etc. I've learned a lot since I came here from another Judo dojo.

Been going to Hard Knocks for years. Now that I am older and past my prime. My kids are going there. He is an amazing coach and mentor and will teach you life skills that may one day save your life.

"Hard Knocks" it's in the name- expect tough training and teach your kids the value. My child has been training Muay Thai here since she was 5; almost 3 years now. Renzo is a great coach for the kids, he really cares for them in and out of the gym. My daughter loves training here, and is eagerly waiting for her little brother to join.

Trained with Renzo as a teenager, now my 6 yr old is training here. So far he loves it. The coach is great with kids and always keeps it fun for them with a good balance of humor and motivation. This is real Mauy Thai so not for weak parents/children. If you want to learn Mauy Thai and aren't afraid of training hard, this is the place for you.