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Marcellini's Martial Arts Academy - Riverside
5 ★★★★★ 37 Google reviews · Kickboxing gym in Riverside, California
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
- Cardio kickboxing classes high-energy cardio kickboxing on the bags and pads — a fun, sweaty workout built for fitness and weight loss, at your own pace
- Kids & teen classes kids and teen kickboxing classes (ages 3–13) — built around confidence, focus, and fun
- Women's classes dedicated women's kickboxing classes — a welcoming space to start out and train
- 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 riverside-brazilianjiujitsu.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone +1 951-742-5733
Hours
| Monday | 5–8:30 pm |
| Tuesday | 5–9 pm |
| Wednesday | 5–7:30 pm |
| Thursday | 5–9 pm |
| Friday | Closed |
| Saturday | Closed |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“His students, from kids to adults, love and respect him, learning both martial arts and valuable life lessons.”
“Whether you’re brand new or already have some experience, Sam makes you feel comfortable while still pushing you to level up every class.”
“Meanwhile, the advanced BJJ curriculum focuses on defending yourself against opponents trained in BJJ, boxing, wrestling, or Muay Thai.”
“Meanwhile, the advanced BJJ curriculum focuses on defending yourself against opponents trained in BJJ, boxing, wrestling, or Muay Thai.”
Other martial arts here
“Meanwhile, the advanced BJJ curriculum focuses on defending yourself against opponents trained in BJJ, boxing, wrestling, or Muay Thai.”
“Meanwhile, the advanced BJJ curriculum focuses on defending yourself against opponents trained in BJJ, boxing, wrestling, or Muay Thai.”
“If you’re looking for a place to build real MMA fundamentals with a knowledgeable instructor who cares about his students, I highly recommend training here.”
“What separates MMAA from other academies in the area is the clear focus on real world self-defense as opposed to “scoring points” as you would in sports Jiu Jitsu schools.”
“What separates MMAA from other academies in the area is the clear focus on real world self-defense as opposed to “scoring points” as you would in sports Jiu Jitsu schools.”
What members say
“If you’re looking for a place to build real MMA fundamentals with a knowledgeable instructor who cares about his students, I highly recommend training here.”
“The fundamentals/beginner curriculum focuses on defending yourself in a street fight against an untrained opponent.”
“From the moment you walk in, you’re welcomed into a clean, professional, and friendly environment.”
“The instruction goes beyond sport rules and focuses on practical self-defense, control in chaotic situations, and decision-making under stress.”
“All in all, if you’re looking to join a quality school with real-world applications and a true family-like atmosphere, MMAA is a safe bet.”
From the reviews
I’ve been training at this Martial arts gym with Sam for a while now, and it’s honestly a great experience. Sam is one of those rare instructors who’s not just skilled, but also a genuinely gifted teacher.
My experience here has always been great. Sam’s ability to not only teach jiu-jitsu but also share life experiences and advice is what separates him from other instructors. The students here are also fantastic to work with, they all are eager to help and guide you with whatever moves or positions you need help with.
I have been attending MMAA for just under 2 months now, and I learn so much in every class I attend. Sensei Sam genuinely cares about the growth and development of each one of his students, and I'm very happy with my decision to join.
Our daughter is now in her third year at Marcellini's Martial Arts Academy, and we truly couldn’t be happier with the experience. Before finding this academy, we tried several different activities and programs, but nothing really clicked for her.
New to kickboxing? Start at Marcellini's Martial Arts Academy - Riverside
Marcellini's Martial Arts Academy - Riverside 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 Marcellini's Martial Arts Academy - Riverside
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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