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The Bender Academy of Self Defense
5 ★★★★★ 20 Google reviews · Kickboxing gym in Youngstown, Ohio
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 — 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
- 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 benderselfdefense.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone +1 330-509-7970
Hours
| Monday | 6–8:30 pm |
| Tuesday | 5–8:30 pm |
| Wednesday | 6–8:30 pm |
| Thursday | 5–8:30 pm |
| Friday | Closed |
| Saturday | 9 am–1:30 pm |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“My son-in-law attends and now my son (11) has joined to learn self defense (experiences bullying) and overall discipline and confidence.”
“He breaks down everything to where it is easier to learn and grasp many concepts making it perfect for those with no experience and more challenging for those with experience.”
“Whether you are looking to compete, learn self defense, or just burn a few extra calories, Bender Defense is for you.”
“For MMA, BJJ, and Muay Thai, you're not gonna find anyone better than Coach Micah.”
“If you are looking for personal 1 on 1 training or somewhere to better yourself, Benders Academy is the place to go.”
“Whether you are looking to compete, learn self defense, or just burn a few extra calories, Bender Defense is for you.”
Other martial arts here
“For MMA, BJJ, and Muay Thai, you're not gonna find anyone better than Coach Micah.”
“As a former professional MMA fighter and Pedro Sauer black belt in BJJ, Micah brings so much experience to the table.”
“The experience they bring in BJJ and the way they deliver it to the kids, is unmatchable for the price you pay here !”
“I have taken self defense and regular adult classes and everything is broken down into easy steps, they really do their best to help you understand.”
What members say
“Coach Micah is extremely knowledgeable and passionate about teaching/instructing others.”
“He breaks down everything to where it is easier to learn and grasp many concepts making it perfect for those with no experience and more challenging for those with experience.”
“My son-in-law attends and now my son (11) has joined to learn self defense (experiences bullying) and overall discipline and confidence.”
“And the environment in the classes is always welcoming to everyone, where the newbies and the higher-ranking belts are all treated with equal respect.”
From the reviews
Micah Bender is one of the best self defense instructors in all of Ohio. If you are looking for personal 1 on 1 training or somewhere to better yourself, Benders Academy is the place to go. Learn how to defend yourself, gain confidence, discipline, and set goals and smash them everytime with him.
I have been to 2 gyms in my life, both were great. This by far has been the best one, if your looking to learn martial arts but have a fear that some tuff guy will just beat you up. That behavior is not tolerated by the instructor or anyone.
The Bender Academy of Self-Defense is an absolute gem in the Youngstown area for martial arts training. What stands out is the positive and friendly environment. From the moment I stepped through the door, I was greeted with warmth and encouragement.
I’ve been back training with Micah Bender at Bender Self Defense after a few years of a layoff from BJJ. Let me just add that the mind set, discipline, The Gracie Combative knowledge and training has me hooked again but this time permanently.
New to kickboxing? Start at The Bender Academy of Self Defense
The Bender Academy of Self Defense 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 The Bender Academy of 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.
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