HomeMichiganFowlerville › REAL WORLD MMA Street Self Defense

REAL WORLD MMA Street Self Defense

4.4 ★★★★☆ 50 Google reviews · Kickboxing gym in Fowlerville, Michigan

Kids & teens Private lessons

Plan your first class

  • 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 independentmartialarts.us — book classes and see the live schedule
  • Phone (517) 861-7648

Hours

Monday Closed
Tuesday Closed
Wednesday Closed
Thursday 6–8 PM
Friday Closed
Saturday Closed
Sunday Closed

Hours shift for holidays and class-schedule changes — worth a quick check before a special trip.

The classes they run

Kickboxing classes on the schedule at REAL WORLD MMA Street Self Defense, confirmed in members' own reviews and the gym's own info — not guessed from the sign out front.

🧒 Kids Kickboxing 6 mentions

“With the ability to learn at your own pace and not feel rushed by others it is a place both children and adults can learn.”

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🤜 Sparring

“There is no sparring as the techniques would be too dangerous, so there is a heavy reliance on two person drills to safely train muscle memory and reflexes.”

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🦵 Muay Thai 2 mentions

“The system relies heavily on combinations, hands, elbows, knees, low kicks, traps and locks.”

All gyms that run muay thai →

👤 Private Lessons 2 mentions

“Excellent one-on-one training to prepare for real world experiences.”

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Other martial arts here

Kickboxing gyms are usually multi-discipline. Here's what else members mention training under the same roof at REAL WORLD MMA Street Self Defense — mined from their reviews and the gym's own info.

🏟️ MMA 14 mentions

“He is very knowledgeable and passionate for mixed martial arts and that really shines through in his business.”

Other gyms that also teach mma →

🛡️ Self-Defense 7 mentions

“For those of you who don't know, this system comes from Bruce Lee's teachings and pulls only the most practical self defense techniques from 34 different styles.”

Other gyms that also teach self-defense →

Disciplines are mined from reviews and the gym's own info — they show what members have trained, not a formal class guarantee. If you specifically want muay thai, boxing, or MMA alongside your kickboxing, confirm the current schedule with the gym.

What members say

The things reviewers bring up again and again across 50 Google reviews — in their own words.

🧑‍🏫 expert, motivating coaching 3 mentions

“John is an incredible instructor who truly cares about his students and teaching others how to defend themselves in real life situations.”

🎉 fun, high-energy classes 2 mentions

“John's demonstration will get you hooked.”

💵 good value / fair pricing 3 mentions

“Additionally, the rates are incredible affordable compared to other places in the area.”

🧠 builds confidence & relieves stress 5 mentions

“John has taken our son under his wing and has been key not only in training him to defend himself but also in building self esteem, confidence and over all good character.”

🤝 friendly, family gym 8 mentions

“The welcoming and friendly atmosphere makes it ideal for beginners with no previous experience, and the personalized training makes it so you can work at your own pace.”

From the reviews

Meeting John has been a blessing for our family! We are new to the area and were looking for a positive outlet for our teenage son to be involved in. John has taken our son under his wing and has been key not only in training him to defend himself but also in building self esteem, confidence and over all good…

★★★★★ — Elizeth, Mar 2021

This is so relaxing if you have a lot of built up anger or you are just tense about anything and you just need some type of relief but it will only works if u let it. But you have to put in the work to and actually want to do something not just sit around and be lazy like some people.

★★★★★ — Luna, Mar 2019

John is a well mannered instructor. He speaks very clearly and respectful towards his students. He is well-trained and knows his business. You will not find any bullying in this gym, he requires respect from his students and requires them to give respect to everybody else in the gym.

★★★★★ — Gary, Dec 2017

As someone who has at various times studied Judo, Taekwondo & aikido, I can attest that what is taught here is extremely effective for self defense. Not that the other arts are not effective, but the level of proficiency required in them to be able to defend yourself is high. With the methods taught in Sefu's dojo, i.

★★★★★ — Stephen, Mar 2022

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 50 reviews →

Your first kickboxing class at REAL WORLD MMA Street 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.

Kickboxing is a contact sport. Warm up, pace yourself, listen to your coaches, and if you have any injuries or health concerns, mention them before class and check with a doctor if you're unsure.

Where to find REAL WORLD MMA Street Self Defense

450 N Hibbard St, Fowlerville, MI48836

Get directions

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Listing verified July 2026 from public business records and member reviews. Something out of date? Report a correction. Own this gym? Claim your listing — it's free.