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Thornton Martial Arts and Fitness
5 ★★★★★ 83 Google reviews · Kickboxing gym in East Hartford, Connecticut
Plan your first class
- 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 (ages 5–17) — built around confidence, focus, and fun
- Sparring sparring and partner work for members who want it — always optional, eased in gradually, with the coach controlling the contact
- 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 thorntonmartialartsandfitness.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone +1 860-289-1662
Hours
| Monday | 4–9 pm |
| Tuesday | 4–9 pm |
| Wednesday | 4–9 pm |
| Thursday | 4–9 pm |
| Friday | Closed |
| Saturday | 10 am–1 pm |
| Sunday | 11 am–1 pm |
The classes they run
“My kids and I joined the gym in November 2020 where we have developed a regular schedule to stay active.”
“The environment is super welcoming for beginners, but also has great structure for those who want to advance.”
“Whether you're looking to get in better shape, learn a new skill, or compete in the ring, I would highly recommend checking out Thornton Martial Arts.”
“Muay Thai is a great martial art to gain skill , technique and also fitness , I would recommend anyone in a heartbeat.”
“I recently joined the Muay Thai fundamentals class and the strength and conditioning.”
Other martial arts here
“Muay Thai is a great martial art to gain skill , technique and also fitness , I would recommend anyone in a heartbeat.”
What members say
“Best place to go and meet other people to just have a good time, feels like a second home with the people that train there always welcoming and trying to make you better everyday”
“I recently joined the Muay Thai fundamentals class and the strength and conditioning.”
“The staff are friendly, coaches are knowledgeable, and the facility is clean and adheres to cleanliness standards that are up to par.”
“Best place to go and meet other people to just have a good time, feels like a second home with the people that train there always welcoming and trying to make you better everyday”
From the reviews
Love this place! My daughter started the Muay Thai class this past summer and she loves it. The staff are friendly, coaches are knowledgeable, and the facility is clean and adheres to cleanliness standards that are up to par. I recently joined the Muay Thai fundamentals class and the strength and conditioning.
My kids and I joined the gym in November 2020 where we have developed a regular schedule to stay active. All of the staff there including the coaches have provided me with advise that has helped with my fitness journey. I am so grateful to be a part of this team.
I've only been a member for 4 weeks but I couldn't be happier with the decision to attend Muay Thai classes here. The staff and coaches are friendly, patient, and welcoming. Kru Ed challenges his staff and his members to do their best and have fun learning the different martial arts styles offered.
Thorntons is a gym that I will always come back to and I always wish I had more time to train at. Not only do the teachers consistently put in the time and effort to help you succeed, but the other students in the classes help you grow as well.
New to kickboxing? Start at Thornton Martial Arts and Fitness
Thornton Martial Arts and Fitness 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 Thornton Martial Arts and Fitness
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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