I've been a member at MK for a year now and wouldn't think of going somewhere else! Between the…read moreamount of gear and equipment, and the great people, I love this gym. A few things about MK:
-MK is certainly a mixed martial arts gym. At first sight most of its members come in for boxing. MK offers kickboxing, Muay Thai, and Jiu Jitsu classes that are legitimate classes taught by instructors who are experienced by either being current fighters or who have previously fought and now teach. These are not those typical cardio classes that you see advertised elsewhere. The classes are not directly aimed towards training someone for a fight. You will learn basic skills and techniques and if you're willing to learn can definitely pick up more advanced techniques which you can apply if you want to actually train for a fight. There are a few instructors and members who may be willing to train you for a fight, just ask around or ask the owner. There are also cardio kickboxing classes and other conditioning classes that are great workouts that are more creative than what you may usually think of.
-Sparring: MK is one of the only, if not the only gym around that allows sparring and contact between members. Title boxing, ilovekickboxing, etc will not offer this as it's a liability and members are to adhere to whatever is being taught in class. The only other types of gyms that allow sparring are mma gyms that are geared towards training you to be a fighter. MK's boxing class has designated days for sparring unless the instructor adds sparring onto other days as well. There are no specific kickboxing or Muay Thai sparring days at this time though MK allows any of it members to spar, meaning if you have a partner at the gym who wants to spar, you can use the ring or cage if it's free to spar on your own time. Grappling is done during jiu jitsu or with a partner on the mats, or in the ring or cage.
-Equipment: MK has a weight area and typical gym machines to use at your leisure as well kettle balls, ropes, a sled, tires, etc. There are mitts, shields, and body pads to be used in both the classes and on your own time with a partner. There's plenty of heavy bags as well as a variety of other bags (wrecking balls, speed bags, double end bags, etc). All of these are open to members at any time unless there's a class that are utilizing most of that area or equipment (though there's still plenty space and equipment to use).
-Facility: this gym is not a chain, but has one owner. Equipment will range from a few years old to some newer stuff. This means that it's members definitely use the equipment. It's a gym, there's sweat, it's going to be hot, and slightly smelly. You're not going to walk into a top notch facility, but you are going to walk into a much larger one that has many options. There are locker rooms with showers too.
-Members: there are many regulars who come to MK. Everyone is friendly, willing to help you if you have a question, and willing to workout with you depending on what the planned workout is. I probably say hi to 90% of the people I see in one day when I'm at the gym. A lot of us know each other by name, some of us are friends, and overall it's a positive environment! You can probably hear me laughing across the gym anytime I'm in because we actually enjoy our time at the gym and have fun. The gym is very male heavy, but there are a few women who come in on a routine basis. The guys here though are not meatheads like a lot of other gyms. And if you are a female, like me, will not make you feel uncomfortable. And if for whatever reason there is that person who makes you uncomfortable, just let an instructor or owner know. They'll nip that in the bud real quick.
MK is overall a great place to go whether you are looking for a great workout or want to learn mma techniques. Whether you are a beginner, or someone with experience who wants an affordable gym they can go to workout on the bags or do partner work. Whether you want to take a class or workout on your own. It's pretty much my second home! Check it out!
