The new year brings a fresh start for putting healthy habits in place and setting goals for the year ahead. If moving more to get healthier is a goal you’ve set for yourself, it’s essential to do something you enjoy to ensure you’ll stick with it. One unique option for shaking up your workout routine is kickboxing or Muay Thai. Muay Thai, or “Thai boxing,” is a martial art and combat sport that uses stand-up striking in addition to clinching techniques. Also known as “the art of eight limbs” as it sees opponents using their fists, elbows, knees, and shins in matches
Norfolk houses one of the best spots to take kickboxing, Muay Thai, or even Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu classes at The House of Muay Thai, located in Ghent on Colonial Avenue. You can find this gem of a gym nestled between the Pixels barcade and Yorgo’s Bageldashery. The wide range of classes focuses on fitness but varies in experience and competitiveness levels.
Welcome to “The House”
The House of Muay Thai teaches authentic Muay Thai, Kickboxing, and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu classes to a wide variety of experience levels – from seasoned fighters to novices just looking to get in shape in a rewarding and fun environment. The gym provides a welcoming atmosphere to ensure comfort, no matter their background or level of expertise. The instructors are friendly and knowledgeable, eager to help students with form and technique while providing an effective workout. Kickboxing can be intimidating to get into initially, but The House of Muay Thai makes it easy to take the first steps. Here’s a breakdown of the different class options you can try.
Fitness Kickboxing
The kickboxing class is a prerequisite before students enroll in more advanced options, such as Muay Thai. This high-intensity, no contact class is perfect for people of all different fitness levels and experiences. It teaches basic punches and kicks using a punching bag while providing a fantastic workout.
Muay Thai
The Muay Thai class teaches students various techniques through partner-based routines that include light contact. Aside from the excellent workout the course provides, students will learn self-defense and fighting skills, leaving you with more than just a killer workout. Check out their website for a video demonstration of Muay Thai in action.
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
The House of Muay Thai also has a solid Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu program with an inclusive learning environment, allowing people of different experience levels to enjoy. This advanced, high-contact combat program teaches students to grapple and offers a more competitive class option. There’s a traveling competition team with a wide range of experience, from local and regional competitions to competing in the UFC for those with a more profound ability in the sport.
For those interested in classes, The House of Muay Thai is open Monday through Friday, with a large selection of class times ranging from 6 am to 7:30 pm. Check out the schedule on their website.
Be sure to check out their Facebook and Instagram page for updates on events and class details.
Tiffany Frazier
Ghent, NFK
Tiffany grew up in Chesapeake but has called Norfolk home for the past seven years. She fell in love with the city while working with Festevents during college summer breaks. She graduated from James Madison University (Go Dukes!) with a degree in corporate communication. Tiffany now works as a digital marketing specialist and enjoys strolling and rollerblading her way around Norfolk. She lives in Ghent with her husband Trevor, and their two cats, Tux and Joe.
