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Cruz Mixed Martial Arts Academy
4.7 ★★★★★ 55 Google reviews · Kickboxing gym in Nutley, New Jersey
Plan your first class
- 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 — built around confidence, focus, and fun
- 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 cruzmma.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone +1 201-409-6394
Hours
| Monday | 5:30–9:30 pm |
| Tuesday | 5:30–9:30 pm |
| Wednesday | 5:30–9:30 pm |
| Thursday | 5:30–9:30 pm |
| Friday | 6:30–8 am |
| Saturday | 11 am–12:30 pm |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“Both my son and I trained with Plinio at another gym that he filled in for on Sundays.”
Other martial arts here
“Everyone is super friendly and inclusive and wants you to succeed in your goals wether it is to train for your next mma match or just to lose some weight.”
“He is a BJJ Black Belt who is also one of the best striking coaches in the world (he is the coach of a professional kickboxing world champion).”
What members say
“Professor Plinio and Professor Thiago are the best instructors I’ve had in a long time.”
“Just finished up my first session, one of the most professional and helpful people I’ve met, Wasn’t too sure about joining but they make you feel like family immediately.”
From the reviews
I have been a member of CruzMMA for about 2 weeks now and my experience has been nothing short of amazing. All instructors are clear and concise with instructions. It is a competitive environment but everyone at the gym is nice and truly cares about each other.
This Gym is the real deal, the head coach is a real MMA fighter and a Brazilian Jiu jitsu, Judo Black belt. I have lost 50lbs since joined and have learned a lot from Cruz MMA. All courses are included in fee, unlike other schools who charge separate for BJJ, MMA & Kickboxing. Highly recommend. Cheers
Both my son and I trained with Plinio at another gym that he filled in for on Sundays. He trains hard and that is why his students are so tough. He is an excellent instructor and a former CFFC Heavyweight Champ. Highly reccomend.
Coach Plinio Cruz is a goat he gave me free training sessions and I got to meet my favorite ufc fighter Alex Poatan Pereira and former lhw champ glover these guys were amazing and I look forward to watching more of Alex pereira fights CHAMA🗿
New to kickboxing? Start at Cruz Mixed Martial Arts Academy
Cruz Mixed Martial Arts Academy 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 Cruz Mixed Martial Arts Academy
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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