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Institute of Combat
4.8 ★★★★★ 63 Google reviews · Kickboxing gym in Arcata, California
Gym offering muay thai boxing, wrestling, and other martial arts classes.
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 — built around confidence, focus, and fun
- 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
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule instituteofcombat.org — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone (707) 499-7217
Hours
| Monday | 3:30–8 PM |
| Tuesday | 11:30 AM–8 PM |
| Wednesday | 3:30–8 PM |
| Thursday | 3:30–8 PM |
| Friday | 3:30–8 PM |
| Saturday | 10 AM–1 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“They made my granddaughter feel so welcomed, that she wants to keep going back even though she is sore from such a good workout.”
“It doesn’t matter if you are a beginner or training to be a professional, everyone is welcome.”
“There is sparring and rolling after most classes and the sparring partners know how to control their moves so both partners learn.”
“I have been training here for over a year and a half for Boxing, Wrestling, etc.”
Other martial arts here
“So i showed up for a Muay Thai class.”
“I have been training here for over a year and a half for Boxing, Wrestling, etc.”
“Since the very beginning, the highly experienced team of trainers, led by MMA expert Cass Bell, have treated us like family.”
“I instantly became addicted to no gi jiu jitsu.”
“Get in shape and learn self defense at the same time, IOC is the best!”
What members say
“My son started wrestling at IOC before we moved out of town, was always great coaching and a great atmosphere in the gym.”
“A welcoming atmosphere with all the essential tools and support needed for strengthening the mind body and spirit.”
“Top notch coaches, a spacious and clean facility, and a place that feels like home.”
“As for Tristan and Riley who left 1 star reviews Tristan was booted after assaulting a female and Riley has never even attended.”
“This gym and the coaches have changed my life in a very positive way.”
“I was nervous about walking through the door of a place called "Institute of Combat" but as soon as I walked in everybody was so welcoming, helpful and patient.”
From the reviews
Let me tell you how awesome this place really is! Quick response on Messenger when i requested info about the gym. So i showed up for a Muay Thai class. Met Coach John, liked him immediately!
The Coaches and team are great. There is a wealth of knowledge at the gym and there is an emphasis on technique. There is sparring and rolling after most classes and the sparring partners know how to control their moves so both partners learn.
I have been going here for almost one year now and I love it. I am 46 years old and this is the first time in my life trying any type of martial arts. I was nervous about walking through the door of a place called "Institute of Combat" but as soon as I walked in everybody was so welcoming, helpful and patient.
I did my first trial class today and it was incredible. I already learned SO much. The lead instructor Juan was super helpful and patient with me. He gave me a lot of focus and time. The facility was clean and the people in the class were friendly. I will definitely be coming back.
New to kickboxing? Start at Institute of Combat
Institute of Combat comes up as a beginner-friendly gym, going by their listing and members’ reviews. 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 Institute of Combat
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
