I have been coming to this gym almost three years and I can't imagine going anyplace else. The instructors each have a different style, which keeps the classes interesting and ensures you don't get bored. There are people in all different stages of fitness at each class and the classes are designed so that you can push yourself more or less, depending on your ability. The classes are always hard, but the difference over time is how much more you can push yourself in each class! When the new owners took over, I really felt a shift: the gym used to be a great and friendly place to workout, now it feels more like a community. All the instructors and the owners really care about the members - they motivate us to work hard, cheer us on when we are doing well, and encourage us when we are not. When there was an influx of members because of a promotion, the management increased the number of classes to match the demand and reserved some of the best classes for those who have long-term memberships. It is such a fun gym, and such a great workout! Thank you Addy and CKO! read more

My workout here was great, Kwame is a fun and encouraging instructor who organized and ran a fine, challenging class. The workout room seems clean and well-kept with good equipment and ample bags with adequate spacing for a good sized session. It does feel a bit as if the place is run on the fly or in a casual manner though, I must admit. I signed up for a 7:10 Monday evening class and there was just no one there--doors locked, no explanation, no notice or indication that there was a class listed online that was not taking place. And their website feels a bit wonky and not up to date, so I ultimately had to go in in person to get refunded for the session that I booked and didn't take place and change my password. However, I did eventually get a refund and get to try out a class, which I enjoyed. They have a $10 intro class offer which is a great deal to try it out and see if it's for you. Feels to me like it's perhaps best for Uber local folks who want to make it a primary spot than for drop in classes, fwiw. read more

I love CKO. Great workouts, difficult but possible to adapt. They got me through the start of COVID with Zoom and then outdoor classes.

What I love about CKO is that the instructors recommend going at your own pace and the workouts are manageable, fun, and kick your ass! I have been kickboxing since April and I love it because it's a total body workout. Some of my favorite instructors are Jake, Addy, and Marco. read more

Awesome workout place! -Great staff! Energetic, motivational, friendly, neighborhood folks. They genuinely care about the members, chit chat with everybody, and offer great advice. -Intense workouts that can be tailored to your ability. High intensity training is proven to burn more fat and calories. Throughout the workout, you get bursts of intensity, with short breaks to catch your breath, and then you're back in it! Trainers Gineen and Nicole are beasts! -Great class sizes. -Air conditioned for the upcoming summer days -Very efficient use of my time. I used to spend an hour in a regular gym and never sweat the way I do at CKO. The 1 hr class goes by surprisingly quick, but you'll be exhausted at the end! -Punching a heavy bag is a great stress reliever, builds muscle, and give your body some feedback, rather than shadow boxing. -Fantastic ab and core routine at the end of each workout! Some tips before you begin: - Watch your footwork when you kick; it's easy to turn an ankle if you don't pivot your feet properly. -Work on your form first. The power and speed will come later as you improve. I signed up for a membership right after my first intro class. They have great prices on handwraps so I picked up a pair of those and some gloves too. It's a wonderful addition to the Fort Green/ Clinton Hill nabe. We were missing a good place to workout and I'm glad I found CKO. read more

CKO Kickboxing Clinton Hill - Ollie from dc optics pays a visit to CKO Clinton Hill. - Gyms Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

My wife and I have been coming here since 2014, and I can't recommend it enough. Great community, fantastic instructors!

I miss coming here so much!! I was an annual member before the pandemic and I would go 3-5x a week - they really whipped me into shape. All of the instructors were fantastic, the workouts were really fun/different and the studio was always kept very clean. I moved out of then neighborhood recently and I still tell everyone how it was my favorite place to go. Highly recommend if you live in the area and you're looking for a fun place to work out. read more

I really wanted to like this place, but as someone with anxiety, I couldn't. I scheduled an early intro workout for 645am. I made sure I arrived 15 minutes early, as suggested by the gym and my own anxiety. I can't go to new places and just jump in without feeling anxious, so for my own sake, I arrive early to get a feel for the place. Much to my surprise, the place was still closed at 630am, then, 645am. The anxiety in me wanted to leave, but I stuck it out. Someone finally arrived around 655am to let me and 3 other people in the gym; no introduction to who this person even was. I took in my surroundings for a second, watched what the others were doing, and then when to put on comfortable gym pants. By the time I came out, 3 minutes later, the class had already started; no intro to the instructor, the gym, or the workout. I fell uncomfortable, but I stayed. The breaking point for me was when I asked the instructor to model a movement I seem to be doing incorrectly. For some reason, this seemed to offend him,so he proceeded to inform me of how many years he has been doing this. Besides the fact that he kept calling me, "You" to demonstrate any moves was rude, but I i found his lack of patience even more rude, and this caused me to lose all my mojo,so Ileft mid class. To make matters worse, I found out after that this person was the owner/manager. Maybe he was having a bad morning or doesn't want any new clients, but whatever it is, this gym is not for me. read more

So, I have always been as sedentary as Queen Akasha was in the beginning of Anne Rice's Queen of the Damned. I don't know what made me even think that I could take on the 16 week challenge at CKO, but I'm sure glad that I did. It's also encouraging to see people at different levels of capability taking these classes. The instructors are all excellent and differ in their approach, but rest assured you'll be able to find out quickly enough which trainers fit your workout style. I never thought that anyone or anything could make working out fun...CKO Clinton Hill does just that. I feel stronger, more confident and most of all very proud that I've taken the first steps to better health. read more

I have been using yelp for a very long time now and have never ever written a review. But after being a member of this gym for about 3 months now and getting to know the two owners and their staff I felt compelled to write a stellar review. So here are the quick points. - This place is awesome. I have yet to go to any gym or even business for that matter where the people who run and own it care so deeply about their patrons. They are true believers of the workout and push everyone with the right amount of "no pain no gain attitude" and good old positive reinforcement. - Gineen (one of the owners) is a badass. She teaches the hardest class but you feel stellar afterwards. She couldn't be nicer but she pushes you for your workout. - The music is great and gets you going. - I was a newbie. I had never done anything even remotely close to kickboxing, but the staff and even other members have created an atmosphere where it doesn't matter. The classes run the gamut of people with different experience levels and I have never felt uncomfortable. - My schedule is all over the place but they have enough classes that I can always find one that works for me. - Honestly, just take a free class and join. I guess that's it. Since I have joined I feel better and I could not be happier. It's a great group of people and I am always excited to go. read more

I joined this gym at the end of the summer and really decided to make a full on commitment to go consistently in the past 7-8 weeks or so. I needed a head start on that New Year's Resolution, but more so to create a lifestyle change. I can feel the results already in terms of inches lost, but also that I feel stronger. It's a no-frills place, but once you're there, you are going to sweat, burn, and work for a solid hour. That's something that my former gym, with all of the brightly colored machines and DJ booth just couldn't offer, and I got bored and unmotivated. You can show up right before class, glove up, and get started. The classes consist of a warm-up, stretching, cardio/bag work/ab work/sometimes free weights, and cool down. The instructors are great--they're all so positive and motivating from their routines to the music they pump. I've taken classes with almost all the instructors, and you push yourself and feel a different burn after each one's class. The members are also great--people are really friendly and warm, and it's an overall a really positive experience. I'm looking forward to continue seeing and feeling results. It's an amazing release after a 12 hour work day and is literally keeping me sane right now. :) read more

This is by far the best workout place. Not only do you get an amazing workout, but everyone is super nice the members, staff and the owners. I look forward to my workouts. You don't feel like you are going to the average gym, you almost feel like you are going to workout with all your friends. Gineen is super nice and so caring about everyone. She takes time to talk with all members to make sure they are happy. She also kicks your butt in the workouts. I usually get bored with workouts and i been here since December and never bored. I also see how much stronger i have gotten and leaner. Its totally worth it, you have to try it for yourself. read more

I just started going to CKO Kickboxing Clinton Hill a month ago. I'm a fairly regular runner and did some 1/2 marathons for a challenge. Running is great but I really needed a full body workout. This place is one of the best workouts I've ever done. It's intense but it's also a lot of fun. It's very satisfying hitting a full heavy bag. I really feel I am getting the most complete workout possible and each trainer has their own approach and mixes things up so it never get's boring. In just one month I can see and feel a big difference. I am losing weight and tightening up. This place is 3 blocks from my house so it's very convenient. Even if you don't live near one, it's well worth the trip. Again, the workout is intense but it's a very positive, fun and supportive environment. As much of butt kicker as it is, I crave going back for more! read more

I've never enjoyed working out. I am the girl who has always weaseled out of a regimen, running, or Soul Cycle classes, partly out of laziness, partly out of just not finding the right routine. And yet, after taking Gineen's Saturday 930am "free" trial class, I signed up for a year membership. A YEAR after one workout. The class is hard - but you are supported by the instructors & your peers the entire time. Many reviewers below point out how friendly the community at CKO is - and it's absolutely true. You're encouraged the entire time. The hour goes by surprisingly fast & before you know it, you are done & feeling like a million bucks. The beauty of the class is that you really don't pay attention to anyone else except the bag in front of you. It's very self-focused & can be both physically & spiritually rewarding, depending on what you put in mentally. Also incredibly priced compared to the various gym/class memberships around NYC. One of the best decisions I've made all year. read more

I seriously love this place. I have been active my entire life (played D1 soccer through college, run marathons, practice yoga, tried the cross fit thing for 18 months) and I have never had so much fun working out. Each class is so challenging and it is impossible for your body to plateau. It is unbelievable how much stronger you will bet from the heavy-bag combinations and all of the body weight exercises you do throughout class. It is a full body work out and actually sustainable fitness that doesn't leave you aching and lying on your back gasping for air and gassed for the next day. Not only have I gotten stronger with the movements we do in class, it has improved my running drastically and has helped me shave minutes off my marathon which I haven't been able to do on my own for a couple years. This place is perfect for fitness levels of all shapes and sizes. Each trainer is great about breaking things down and showing you how to modify if needed. Everyone is extremely positive and the high energy is contagious. Definitely come in and try a few classes- it's a fun work out and the hour flies by. You'll get hooked (no pun intended). read more

This joint is the best gym I've ever been to, and I've been to a few. Fabulous trainers and a truly fun and friendly atmosphere. I've met wonderful friends and really amped up my workouts here (in fact, I get rammy when they are closed or I can't make it there, which isn't often.) Lemme tell you about the powerhouse staff. Vlad and Gineen have created such a wonderful space, and are both such great, high-energy teachers. Jen and Nicole are badass and creative. Emmanuel challenges me and cheers me on every day. So come on in! Say hi! Sweat with us! read more

I went to this gym consistently for 6 months to the 6:30am classes and loved it (had to stop because I moved). The instructors are always super encouraging and push you but you set your own pace. It's probably not the most technique-attentive kickboxing gym, so if you're looking to work on form you may want to go somewhere else. However, if I ever had questions on form I always felt comfortable asking the trainers and they had answers/knowledge readily available. I loved my 6:30 crew that consistently showed up! When cancelling my membership after I moved away, Addy worked with me to figure out fees and such. All in all a great gym! read more

If you are looking to get fit, CKO Kickboxing in Clinton Hill is the place to be. The instructors are awesome, encouraging and very supportive. In a one hour class you will perform a total body workout that will tone your body like no other workout. The combinations are intense, the music is pumping and the atmosphere is so much fun and energizing. Be prepared to work up a sweat and burn tons of calories. Trust me, you will start to see results in no time. Commit yourself to a healthier you, your body will love and thank you for it! read more

I LOVE CKO in Clinton Hill! I decided to commit to an annual membership with in the first part of my first class! I am athletic and consider myself to be in really good shape and have noticed big results already! My body has been getting more trim, stronger and more flexible. The work out is never the same and the pace and variation of the work out makes the time fly by. It really is the best work out and not only will you see amazing physical results but you will also develop mental toughness as well. The members and staff are so nice and its a supportive and encouraging place to get in shape and have fun at the same time. I cant recommend this place highly enough! read more

CKO Clinton Hill is a great place, just know what you're in for. What it is: a great cardio/core/heavy bag workout, with almost no breaks in between. I thought I was in shape when I first came here, but the first few classes had me pretty gassed. I've done 9 now, and I can feel my cardio improving. What it is not: a place to learn kickboxing/muay thai/self defense. They'll give you a tutorial your first time, and instructors will sometimes help you adjust your technique during class, but this is NOT an MMA/kickboxing/muay thai gym. That said, I did actually get to do some pad work with one of the instructors today, and after class he helped teach me how to do a spinning hook kick, which is why this place gets 5 stars instead of 4. I've been training MMA/muay thai/boxing for almost two years now, so I'll go somewhere else to learn new techniques, but I'll still come here to get a great workout. That said, if you know what you're doing, a good heavy bag workout really can help you improve your technique-repetition, repetition, repetition. Most MMA/muay thai gyms teach you a combination, have you try it for a few minutes, and then break and teach you a new one. CKO goes straight through, with almost no breaks (or at least "breaks" where you're doing squats/sit-ups/burpees, etc.). Again, I've been training for a while, but even I recognize that this is one of the best places to work on your cardio. I'd recommend it. read more

I miss this place so much!!!! Can't wait until they open back up after the lockdown! This place has the best trainers and it's the most fun and upbeat work out. I hate working out but these guys are really encouraging and push you to get the best work out without injuring yourself. The owner Adi is incredibly sweet and accommodating. Come back soon CKO!!!!! read more

Do NOT sign up for a membership at this location! The management here is extremely incompetent and lie to customers in order to get their money! I tried a free class and when asked about joining I brought up some concerns. I was assured by the manager Mark that I could cancel my membership at anytime if I needed to and that cancelling would be a very simple process. HOWEVER, when I tried to cancel April 29, I was told that there would be a 30 day cancelation notice but was assured that there would be no more payments after that 30 day period. Yet even after those 30 days, I am still being charged for a membership I no longer have. When I try to contact someone in charge, I'm told I will receive a phone call or email which never comes. This company has been giving me the run around every time I contact them! It's next to impossible to get in contact with Vlad, the owner of this location, who never responds to emails or calls after I leave numerous messages for him to address the issue. It's completely unprofessional for the only person authorized to remedy the situation to never be present at the location or willing to contact the customer. Its surprising that a franchise could continue to scam people out of their money. Save yourself the trouble and if you're thinking on joining this kickboxing then go somewhere else! read more

Wham bam.. thank you ma'am. Loved our first class.. so much.. that hubby and I signed up for an annual membership immediately following. There is literally nothing wrong with this workout. I don't see the possibility of plateuing because you could just raise your own intensity as you get stronger. The music was great, the instructor was fun and very good at what she does and I left sweaty and sore. What else do you want? read more

As one of the 5 star reviews states, "Just know what you're in for." The classes here are good, but do not join unless you have a very fixed, permanent schedule and don't tire of the same type of workout over and over again. There is no way to cancel without a $250 cancellation fee before 12 months are up, unless you move more than 25 miles away or have a doctor's note. And don't assume that when your year is up it will auto cancel - you have to give them 30 days notice to not get hit with a 13th month. So even though you have to give them 30 days notice, they don't have to give you any notice to auto-renew. It's approx $85/mo including fees and taxes. Also, the schedule that exists when you join will change seasonally, so even if you rearrange your schedule to fit in a certain class time, there is no guarantee that class time will exist going forward. These aren't secrets, but it is in in 9 point font in the contract and not incredibly obvious. A lot of reviews here encourage you to take one class and join; I suggest paying closer attention and considering your options. For example, Crunch has kickboxing classes on the weekends too, and you would have more flexible hours, a cheaper monthly fee, and the option to do other things (like free weights or spinning) . read more

Favorite place in the neighborhood! I have been taking classes here for about two years and can't imagine going anywhere else. The instructors vary in specialty so I feel like my workouts change day to day which keeps me coming back for more. The owner, management and trainers have become friends and accommodate my schedule when they can. Flexibility and fun is key for me so I couldn't ask for a better place! read more

This place rocks. If you're looking for a serious work out by instructors that know what they are doing, this is the place. I was looking for a way to improve my fitness and lose some weight. Not only was I able to achieve both but I had a ton of fun doing it. The front desk folks are super sweet and friendly and the management/owners are helpful and ready to answer any questions. I highly recommend this kickboxing gym! read more

I just got home from my free trial class at Cko and I am exhausted. It was awesome! Vlad was informative, incredibly positive, encouraging and kind. Its been a long time since I have kickboxed (like 15 years) so it was especially hard for me but you don't feel bad stopping and breathing and gearing up again, you get what you put in. You're definitely not in competition with others in the class it's, as Vlad put it, "you and the bag". I love individual group workouts and I plan on returning on payday to sign up for the very reasonably priced monthly membership. Overall awesome non-boring fast paced cardio! read more

I've been a member of CKO Clinton Hill for several months. The CKO team--led by Gineen and Vlad-- is so great and I really love this place. I have tried other group classes/workouts at other gyms and was never happy with them. But everything is different at CKO--the trainers are super nice and very welcoming. They do NOT berate you or humiliate you (this has happened to me at other places like Bar Method); at CKO they want you to have a good experience. It is the friendliest and most genuine gym I have ever been to. PLUS, the workouts are great. I am always amazed that the workouts can vary so much from trainer to trainer, and each workout progresses very rapidly. You never get bored or feel like you are doing the same routine over and over again. And make no mistake, despite how nice they are, they will work you very hard and really encourage you to push yourself. But again--it is all done in a very encouraging and supportive atmosphere. The only reason I am "docking" them a star (and it pains me to do this because I really love them!), is because I wish they had slightly more options for morning classes (they have a variety of evening sessions). In the mornings, they generally they have a really early session and then nothing until 10 am (and only the very early class on Fridays, which is odd since many people work at home on Fridays and could sneak in for a class). SO as much as I love CKO, I don't attend as often as I would like because a 10 am class is just too late for me, most days. I so wish they had an 8:30 am or 9:00 am session, at least a few weekdays/week. But I am sure this is costly or whatever, and I recognize they can't please everyone! In all, CKO Clinton Hill is a wonderful addition to the neighborhood--great workout opportunities in a supportive, friendly, fast-paced environment. Highly recommend! read more

Between hooks, Jabs, upper cuts and round houses we're challenged to burpees, squat jumps and planks. It is a full body workout. I signed up after my free trial. read more

Great workout! But terrible customer service. I was injured because we didn't stretch enough, strained my hamstring and was unable to go for a month. Then, I began to work out of town and called to cancel--just 3 days after the charge was put on my card--and they refused to cancel for another 2 months. Not cheap!!! In fact, way too expensive. I'd definitely opt for a normal (cheaper) gym membership in the future. read more

I started working out here a couple times/week a couple months ago and it's been a very positive experience. Really friendly staff and the classes are never boring and seriously kick your butt. I like that they have 5:30 classes every weekday so I have no excuse to not go straight from work. If you're looking to try a new workout regimen give cko a shot! read more

I love kickboxing and have really enjoyed being a member at CKO Clinton Hill. All the teachers I've had are awesome, especially Adam's weekend classes and Kwame's classes as well. Addy is the manager and so easy to communicate with. I actually lost my job this year and he was more than willing to freeze my account until I found a new one, that was such a relief and so appreciated. Thank you, Addy!! read more

Not the best and not the worst workout I've ever had. There was a clear focus on the intensity of the work and little attention paid to the technique. I felt like I was doing things wrong but the instructor didn't make any corrections. The gym was clean and staff was nice. I had a pretty decent workout. read more

I heart CKO. Convenient location, super workout, great instructors, lovely community. After having a baby, my time is limited, so I need to get there and get it done. CKO encourages just that. read more

I am a giant fan of CKO Clinton Hill. I cannot say enough how motivating, varied, exciting and challenging the workouts are. Cardio Kickboxing is a great workout because it combines aerobic exercise with muscle building (which can be varied by how hard one punches or kicks the bag). So with CKO, I no longer need to run and weight-lift, as cardio-kickboxing provides two-in-one. The teachers at Clinton Hill are damn good at what they do. They inspire you to work harder and get that burn. I definitely seen improvement in body physique and energy levels. In the past, I have taken HIIT (high intensity interval) classes at other gyms, but never got the same workout as I do at CKO. At Clinton Hill, I have taken classes with Alexandra, James, Joe, Wade, Adam, and Addy--the owner, and all are amazing. You should know there isn't a large bathroom to change and pamper oneself. And no CKOs in NYC have water-fountains so you gotta bring your own or buy from their fridge. And no equinox-like frills like juice bars. it's all about the workout. If you want an intense work, come here. read more

I am a big fan of the studio, the workout, the space and the fantastic crew of teachers. New management has taken over the studio since late last year and they have seriously turned the place around. I go pretty frequently and never have walked away without feeling like I got an intense and intelligently instructed class. The owner Addy is super sweet and accessible and the membership is affordable and probably the best work out in an hour you can get. read more

AWESOME! This place is an amazing addition to the neighborhood. Even if you live a ways away, parking is really easy under the BQE. The instructors are top-noch and make every workout fun and challenging. Great for any level - who doesn't want to kick the crap out of something after a long day! read more

Great, focused place to get an intense workout -- I've been a member for a year and agree with the posts below that you need to know what it is and what it's not before signing on. I went to two classes with different instructors before joining, and it's been perfect for me. read more

Hands down best fitness option around. Prices are fair. workouts are intense but great for every level. Free parking under the BQE. Good schedule, many classes throughout the morning/ day/evening. Caring local/family business - Vlad and Gineen have made a amazing community fitness spot. Highly recommended. read more

After I left the first review the owner graciously offered me 3 free classes to try out CKO another time. I took classes with 2 other instructors who were really great and put together great sequences. I took another class with the same instructor I wasn't a fan of, and while the workout was better, I'm not sure she's the right fit for me. All in all, the classes are good and you will sweat. However, I have a foot injury and at no time did any instructor ask about injuries in the class. I can't do certain kicks or exercises that are a big component of kickboxing, and I had to just modify it myself. read more