Find a martial arts class in Elmhurst, IL

Find martial arts classes in Elmhurst, IL

Find martial arts classes in Elmhurst, IL

Share a few details and we'll show you the best martial arts classes in your area.
Zip code

Disciplines interested in

Find martial arts classes in Elmhurst, IL

Share a few details and we'll show you the best martial arts classes in your area.
Zip code

Disciplines interested in

Top 10 martial arts classes in Elmhurst, IL

Students agree: these Elmhurst martial arts classes are highly rated for knowledge, experience, communication, and more.
Kicking Dragon’s Circle Martial Arts

Kicking Dragon’s Circle Martial Arts

5.0Exceptional(8)
1 hire on Lessons
27+ years in business
Serves Elmhurst, IL
Amy M. says, "Eric is an amazing teacher. Patient, funny, and kind. I love that he adapts moves to work for MY body (I'm a little teapot, short and stout), and also that he fosters an atmosphere of respect and inclusion. He uses bits and pieces from many traditions to create a toolkit for each person that is both fun to learn and practical to use. I've taken lessons with him for years and brought my teen-aged niece and young daughter to learn self-defense as well. I can't recommend Kicking Dragon's Circle enough!" Read more
Ice Cold Fighting Style

Ice Cold Fighting Style

5.0Exceptional(8)
Offers online services
Serves Elmhurst, IL
Kevin L. says, "This guy really knows his stuff. He will explain and make sure that you understand and feel confident in what you are doing. I would definitely recommend taking a class. Great instructor! I will absolutely be going back for a second session. " Read more
Illinois Shotokan Karate Clubs

Illinois Shotokan Karate Clubs

New on Lessons
46+ years in business
Serves Elmhurst, IL
We have been teaching karate for over 40 years and teach children and adults all over the Chicagoland area become more confident and learn to protect themselves. All instructors have 15+ years of experience, all CPR certified and have a passion and love for karate. We love teaching students respect for themselves and others as well as confidence. We love seeing our young students become community leaders.

Your Martial Arts Classes questions, answered

Answers to commonly asked questions from the experts on Lessons.

What is mixed martial arts (MMA)?

Mixed martial arts (MMA) is a full-contact combat spot that incorporates striking, footwork, and grappling techniques from boxing, wrestling, jiu-jitsu, and Muay Thai. Many MMA fighters also blend techniques from judo, karate, kung fu, kickboxing, and other martial arts.

Mixed martial arts competitions take place in an octagon-shaped ring, sometimes called a "cage", with fighters competing against others in their weight class. Fighters are free to punch, kick, knee, elbow, slam, and grapple their opponents. However, for safety purposes, biting, eye gouging, head butting, and certain other moves are against the rules.

How much do mixed martial arts classes cost?

Mixed martial arts classes cost $100 to $180+ per month on average, depending on the class age range, number of classes per week, combination of martial arts taught, and the coach's expertise and reputation. MMA gyms are typically more expensive if they have well-known coaches who are UFC champions on staff, with some membership fees reaching $300 per month.

Many MMA gyms offer a 1-day drop-in option for $10 to $20 to give you the chance to attend a class and see if the gym is right for you.

Is mixed martial arts good for self-defense?

Mixed martial arts (MMA) is ideal for self-defense training because you'll learn a combination of skills and techniques to help you escape dangerous confrontations without injury. MMA's "no holds barred" style is often considered the closest to real-life fighting when compared to other martial arts.

However, MMA does not teach you techniques like knife defense or how to disarm an opponent with a weapon. MMA training is also geared toward dealing with only one attacker at a time.

What does mixed martial arts training help with?

Mixed martial arts (MMA) training incorporates strikes—including punches, knees, and elbows—short and long-range kicks, groundwork, and grappling. You'll also practice controlled and supervised sparring. This training provides a wide range of benefits:

  • Build your confidence
  • Improve your discipline
  • Get fit and increase your endurance
  • Improve your strength, balance, and flexibility
  • Reduce stress and improve your concentration

Where can I learn mixed martial arts near me?

Follow these tips to find the best mixed martial arts gym near you:

  • Research the instructors' competition record and reputation.
  • Read gym and instructor reviews on Lessons and Google.
  • Confirm the gym offers classes for your experience level.
  • Visit the gym in person to confirm it is clean and well-maintained and the staff is professional.
  • Take advantage of their free one-day pass to take a class and ensure the gym is a good fit for you.
  • Get a copy of the membership contract in writing before making any payments.

What questions should I ask mixed martial arts gyms?

Before deciding on an MMA gym, be sure to ask these questions:

  • Is the gym beginner friendly?
  • What kind of membership contracts do you offer?
  • Do you offer a free trial class or one-day pass?
  • What is your class schedule?
  • How many students do you have?
  • How many students are in a typical class?
  • What is the instructor's competition record?
  • What kind of uniform or clothing is required?
  • Do your students and instructors compete regularly?
  • How often do you clean your mats?

Reviews for Elmhurst martial arts classes

Recent success stories from people in the Elmhurst area.
Sebastian G.
Eric Miller, the head of Kicking Dragon's Circle Martial arts, is a fantastic teacher. I've been training for 30 years and competing in boxing and grappling for 10 years. I reached an impasse while sparring and competing so I reached out to Eric to ask for help. His ability to assess a person's strengths and weaknesses and build off of then is invaluable. I pretty much just go to him now when my coaches don't have any answers. I even signed up at an mma school with a weekly open gym just so I could invite Eric since his school is too far from me. During our first session Eric helped us learn more than we had in the last four weeks. He kind of reminds me of Dean Thomas in the sense that he seems to have an answer for everything except Eric's knowledge goes way beyond just grappling. I can't recommend this school enough!
Kicking Dragon’s Circle Martial Arts
Brandon M.
Aero is a great teacher. He’s patient and knows what he is doing. I told friends about his lessons.
Ice Cold Fighting Style
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