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MBD Martial Arts Academy
4.9 ★★★★★ 158 Google reviews · Kickboxing gym in Des Plaines, Illinois
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 3–17) — 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
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule mbdmartialarts.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone +1 847-297-2788
Hours
| Monday | 5–9 pm |
| Tuesday | 11 am–9 pm |
| Wednesday | 4–10 pm |
| Thursday | 11 am–9 pm |
| Friday | 4–9 pm |
| Saturday | 9 am–3 pm |
| Sunday | 9 am–12 pm |
The classes they run
“My son thrives on positive reinforcement and Sensei Mike does a great job of pointing out when kids are following directions, doing moves correctly, and giving their best effort.”
“The instruction is excellent and is for all fitness levels; there is no judgement and no pushy intimidating instructors.”
“The Muay Thai class for adults is getting better each week with all those incremental lessons that build upon with each class.”
“Very family oriented, individualized, and personal training.”
“Sensei Mike is phenomenal with little kids as well as teens.”
Other martial arts here
“The Muay Thai class for adults is getting better each week with all those incremental lessons that build upon with each class.”
“We have been doing BJJ for about 3 years and karate before that.”
“My 9 year old son started taking karate classes twice an week almost one year ago and has so far moved up from a white belt to a yellow belt!”
“He has so much fun at his sessions, and is learning better self-discipline and self-defense.”
What members say
“They are very welcoming, they teach you very practical self defense maneuvers/tips, they’re involved in the community, offer free classes, birthday parties, scout events and more.”
“My son thrives on positive reinforcement and Sensei Mike does a great job of pointing out when kids are following directions, doing moves correctly, and giving their best effort.”
“Our little one has dealt with social anxiety for as long as we can remember but through MBD, she has grown confidence and has really started opening up!”
“They are very welcoming, they teach you very practical self defense maneuvers/tips, they’re involved in the community, offer free classes, birthday parties, scout events and more.”
From the reviews
I have been at MBD for over 10 years now and have found it to be an excellent school for both kids and adults. They offer several martial arts with no pressure to sign a long term contract. The instruction is excellent and is for all fitness levels; there is no judgement and no pushy intimidating instructors.
We love MBD! My 9 year old son started taking karate classes twice an week almost one year ago and has so far moved up from a white belt to a yellow belt! He has so much fun at his sessions, and is learning better self-discipline and self-defense. He’s looking forward to one day becoming a black belt!
I am beyond impressed with my son’s experience at MBD Martial Arts. In just one month, he has learned so much and has truly developed a passion for karate. He looks forward to every class and is excited to continue improving his skills.
My 5 year old son has been attending classes at MBD for about 1.5 years now and we are very happy with his progress. We hit some rough patches, but we continued on and I'm glad we did because he is doing so great in his class now.
New to kickboxing? Start at MBD Martial Arts Academy
MBD Martial Arts Academy 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 MBD 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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