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Cho's Academy - Martial Arts & Self Defense
5 ★★★★★ 46 Google reviews · Kickboxing gym in Laguna Beach, California
Affiliated gym — reviews and the gym's own info suggest it belongs to a known kickboxing or boxing-fitness franchise or network (think 9Round, iLoveKickboxing, CKO, TITLE Boxing Club or Jabz). Franchise gyms run a consistent class format and are often a friendly, familiar place to start. If a specific brand matters to you, confirm it on the gym's own site.
Plan your first class
- Free trial or intro class most gyms welcome new members with a free trial or intro class — check their site or give them a call to book your first session
- Beginner-friendly all fitness levels welcome, including total beginners — no experience needed, and you get in shape by training, not before
- Kids & teen classes kids and teen kickboxing classes (ages 3–5) — built around confidence, focus, and fun
- Women's classes dedicated women's kickboxing classes — a welcoming space to start out and train
- Private lessons one-on-one coaching available — a focused way to start or to work around a busy schedule; ask about availability and rates
- Sparring sparring and partner work for members who want it — always optional, eased in gradually, with the coach controlling the contact
- Competition team a competition team for members who want to test themselves in the ring — amateur kickboxing, muay thai, or K-1
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule chosacademy.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone (949) 281-7517
Hours
| Monday | 3–9 PM |
| Tuesday | 12:30–8:30 PM |
| Wednesday | 3–9 PM |
| Thursday | 12:30–9 PM |
| Friday | 4–6:30 PM |
| Saturday | 9 AM–1 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“COVID-19 has left few options for kids to get quality exercise along with positive messages, and we've been thrilled with his online experience with Master Cho.”
“Jacob demonstrates an amazing balance of discipline and good-natured fun that creates an engaging and rewarding environment for kids at all levels.”
“Everyone looks forward to TKD even when there are conditioning work outs right before a tournament.”
“My oldest son loves his Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai, and kickboxing classes here.”
“My boy is on his journey to black belt and loves the teens Kick boxing and Jiu Jitsu.”
“My boy is on his journey to black belt and loves the teens Kick boxing and Jiu Jitsu.”
Other martial arts here
“My oldest son loves his Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai, and kickboxing classes here.”
“My boy is on his journey to black belt and loves the teens Kick boxing and Jiu Jitsu.”
“I’ve been going to the Brazilian Jiu Jitsu classes for the past 8 months and I have learned so much.”
What members say
“Jacob Cho is a fantastic instructor. He takes a great interest in how each child develops.”
“Jacob demonstrates an amazing balance of discipline and good-natured fun that creates an engaging and rewarding environment for kids at all levels.”
“Everyone looks forward to TKD even when there are conditioning work outs right before a tournament.”
“Our kids have gained confidence, focus, and strength while having a great time.”
“The facility is always kept clean and well organized.”
“Practicing at Cho's Academy means consistent focus on the importance of perseverance, respect, integrity, self-discipline, modesty, confidence, and determination.”
From the reviews
Cho’s academy feels like home. I’ve been going to the Brazilian Jiu Jitsu classes for the past 8 months and I have learned so much. Jason and Adrian are both experienced black belts and have their own unique style of teaching. Cho’s Academy is very inclusive and has people of all ages and skill levels training.
I've been training at Cho's Academy for a little over a year and I could not be happier. The school offers a wide variety of classes on many days of the week, it really lets you be flexible with your schedule. All the teachers are incredibly knowledgeable and will cater to all skill levels.
My son started here when he was 8 after moving from another gym where we felt he wasn't progressing. Cho's Academy is the perfect balance of serious jiu jitsu instruction and safety and fun. My son has progressed and all the kids have fun and work hard.
Our son had a great experience with Master Cho when we lived in Orange County-he helped reinforce discipline, respect, taking care of your body and your mind. We moved to San Diego last year and tried a couple of studios but couldn't replicate what we had at Cho's Academy.
New to kickboxing? Start at Cho's Academy - Martial Arts & Self Defense
Cho's Academy - Martial Arts & Self Defense comes up as a beginner-friendly gym — noted on their own site. If you've never thrown a punch or a kick, that's exactly who a good beginners class is for. A few things worth knowing before your first week. First, you don't need to be fit or coordinated to start — you get in shape by training, not before it, and coaches scale every drill to you. Second, you won't be thrown into hard sparring — reputable gyms build the basics (stance, footwork, and punches and kicks on pads and bags) first, and any contact eases in gradually under a coach's control. Third, all fitness levels really are welcome — ask about a dedicated beginners or fundamentals class time so your first session is alongside others who are also starting out. Most gyms are happy to let you watch or try a class first, so reach out before you commit.
Your first kickboxing class at Cho's Academy - Martial Arts & Self Defense
Nervous about walking into a kickboxing 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 — stance, footwork, and punches and kicks on pads or a heavy bag — not hard sparring. Go at your own pace and rest whenever you need to; no one will bat an eye. What to wear: comfortable athletic clothes you can move and sweat in, and supportive trainers. What to bring: water, and hand wraps and gloves if you have them — many gyms lend loaner gloves for a first class, so it's worth asking when you call. As you keep training you'll add your own gloves and wraps (and shin guards once you start sparring). Sparring is optional and eases in gradually, once your basics 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.
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🥊 Free trial / intro class — check their site
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