Brandon is a good Muay Thai Coach, very technical and knows how to break down the techniques step by step.

Before writing my review - I took the time to read other reviews that are posted for inspiration and talking points (both negative and positive). I started at Evolution in the Fall of 2013 with the intentions of joining the fight team. By the Summer of 2014, I had my first fight with Evolution and won unanimous. Prior to becoming a member at Evolution I had a strong background in Karate & Boxing. However, there were a lot of holes in my game that Brandon quickly fixed. He is excellent at translating information, correcting form, providing motivation, and creating a platform for individuals to grow. Not only did I win my first fight under Brandon, but by 2016 I achieved 5 championship belts and a Gold Medal for Team USA. From originally having an awkward style to becoming proficient in Muay Thai - I would say Evolution is an outstanding place to train. Whether you are training to fight, become fit, build confidence, or learn the techniques - YOU will get all of that accomplished here. The amount of work you invest in your training will reflect. I don't have anything negative to say about this gym, but a response to the reviews that are not 5 stars: 1. If it is your FIRST TIME visiting, arrive on time. 2. The gym is usually HOT when it's crowded. As a person who occasionally travels to Thailand for extensive training - I prefer training in warm facilities to prevent injuries and sweat out sodium. 3. Brandon is comical, but just like any trainer - he knows when to be serious. Training is already tough and can be intimidating to newcomers, so it's important to remember to have fun. read more

Ive been training here about 4 years now... And it's still great. There have been a lot of changes over the last few years including them putting in boxing ring, creating a weight lifting area, they now have multiple fighters including one that is now in the UFC. Brandon teaches most of the classes but occasionally one of the fighters will teach - all good and they follow in his style. The gym also offers multiple classes for different levels - Muay Thai, Sparring, Clinch, Boxing, BJJ w Gi, BJJ no-gi, wrestling, and yoga (on Sundays). Whether you are a beginner, just training to be fit or to fight - EMT definitely a great place for you. read more

Best Muay Thai place in New York City. I have been to a number of Muay Thai gyms and at other gyms you will find male trainers who don't care about their female athletes, male trainers who are trying to have sex with the female students, and gym managers who are just trying to make money and who don't care about their students at all. At Evolution Muay Thai, you will find quite possibly the funniest, most knowledgable, trainer you will ever meet. It's hard to say which trait of Brandon's is the best - whether it's the fact that you can tell you are getting quality training from someone who knows what he's talking about, or whether it's his hilarious jokes, or whether it's that he will push female athletes just as hard as male athletes without trying to perv on them - either way, if you're trying to become a fighter, or even if you just want to get in shape, go. read more

I've trained with evolution for a couple of months now. This is my complete unbiased review: This gym is simply amazing. Brandon, and the other coaches do a fantastic job of training students in various disciplines whether it's Muay Thai, BJJ, or wrestling. I can only speak to the Muay Thai classes since I try to train there 4 days of the week. Brandon has a way of simplifying the techniques and works with you to make sure you can perfect them. Brandon is a patient, funny, yet caring coach/trainer (you don't see too many of Brandons!) Everyone at evolution is welcoming. Their ego is checked at the door. I took some classes at the Wat, but I felt evolution has a more home like environment. Everyone's welcoming, and they all work with you to make sure your techniques are on point. If you're looking to get into shape, or kick some ass this is the place for you! I'm proud to say I trained at evolution. Thanks again to everyone at evolution for working with me! Y'all are amazing. read more

Holy crap, I didn't realize we have a 100% 5-star rating!? NICE. (Don't anyone ruin it for us now.) I took Muay Thai under Kru Brandon for a short stint back when he rented out space at Fight House. Thank God he got his own gym. Evolution Muay Thai is, hands down, the best Muay Thai school in NY. Now you're probably asking, "Oh really? And why is that?" I'll tell you, in no particular order: 1. Highly structured class. 10 minute warm ups, including some strength training drills. ~25 minutes of partnered exercises. You rotate partners after every drill so you're not stuck with one person the whole time. Yes, sometimes you may be partnered with someone much taller or shorter than you, but that teaches you to adjust what you do and how you do it. Also, you don't get comfortable with any one person; you are constantly challenged. 2. PRIORITY = TECHNIQUE! Kru Brandon stresses proper technique like mad. He constantly drills into students that proper technique makes for a solid foundation as an effective fighter. In effect, you learn how to strike cleanly and maximize your movements. He also always explains and demonstrates every single drill he instructs us to do. 3. Personal attention. Kru Brandon always walks around the space during drills to comment and critique. If you start getting sloppy or lazy, he will be on you like flies on poop. He definitely forces you to push yourself. 4. Brand NEW everything! The gym is new, we just got a boxing ring a few weeks ago, additional heavy bags, last week we just got a workout cage, in the next few weeks we'll be getting brand new lockers.. The gym has central A/C, lots of space, great lighting, etc. Mats get cleaned regularly (though I don't know exactly how often that is). As students, we very obviously see where our money is going. TO US! :D 5. Affordable. For $160 a month you get unlimited classes, which includes Muay Thai, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, or boxing. There is NO contract, so you can sign up for a month if you want. OR! You can pay $20 per day for unlimited classes. 6. Great people. Everyone here at Evolution is awesome! No joke. Everyone is very approachable and friendly. I've been to schools where it's the exact opposite, and it can be really isolating. This is especially obvious when going to any Muay Thai fights in the city; Evolution members stick together and have a great sense of camaraderie. 7. Killer work out. You will be exhausted by the end of the class, guaranteed. Yes, men have stepped off the floor to vomit in the bathroom. I have definitely noticed substantial muscle toning since I've joined! There's a lot more than that, but those are the most major points. Everyone is welcome to try a free class, which is great. Make sure you are hydrated, nourished, and preferably have your own hand wraps and gloves. If not, there are some to borrow, but they stink. A beverage vending machine is available on the premises. There are little cubbies for your shoes, but your gym bag is kept at the side of the room. We are anticipating new lockers though! Also, holding Thai pads for 25 minutes straight when you start out is INCREDIBLY DIFFICULT. Yes, they are heavy. It's probably the real reason my arms have toned up. I don't care if you are a petite girl or a juiced up muscled 6'4" dude, your arms will hurt. Don't be embarrassed, it's a rite of passage. Kru Brandon is a funny guy with a huge personality. He may (and probably will) tease you. Or just blatantly make fun of you in front of the class if you've been around long enough. It definitely helps to have a good sense of humor! At the end of the day you can still tell he holds respect as his #1 priority. If you want high quality Muay Thai training, Evolution is it. read more

Kru Brandon Levi is the best fight instructor I've had in my ten years of taking various martial arts. He moved his school to a new location after teaching Muay Thai for many years at FightHouse. The other students in his classes are dedicated in addition to being great fighters. As an instructor, he is funny as hell and tough as nails. read more

Evolution Muay Thai - Kru Brandon Levi - Muay Thai Near Me - New York, New York

I can barely type this review because my shoulders are so sore... I have done boxing before at other gyms, but have never done muay thai, so I took a trial class here last night. The gym is a huge loft with back to back classes of people punching bags, each other and doing other martial arts things. Its a completely barefoot gym so everyone leaves there shoes at the door and steps on this funny feet sanitizer pad before walking around. The person at the front desk was so friendly and helpful when I came in. He explained how things work during the class, where the locker rooms are and what we would need. I am a very fit and active person (I run marathons) but this class was tough because it utilized totally different muscles than I am used to. You start out doing some warm up stuff with your body and doing some strength training that definitely got my blood pumping. One minute of push ups, one minute of sit ups, one minute of burpees, etc...you get it. I was tired after that! Then we finally get the gloves and pads to do the fun part. I have to say, I LOVE punching. Like a lot. Like I wish I had a punching bag in my living room. I would put on my gloves and punch it all day. The teacher was very helpful, almost too helpful, I would say. He corrected my form after almost every punch I threw during the class. While it was nice to have some instruction, I really just wanted to get all my anger and frustrations out on the nice person holding up the pads for me :) I guess I am not so worried about my form, because I dont ever expect to box anywhere where it would actually matter if I am protecting my kidney or my chin. Holding the pads is the HARDEST part of the class. The pads are heavy! While I didn't mind catching someone's punches, I could barely hold the pads up in front of me for more than a few seconds at a time. I have boxed other places before and I have never had such heavy pads! In the end, i decided, I still don't know the difference between boxing and muay thai. I would love to come back here, but membership is too expensive for me :( its $25 a class or $175 a month. Now if it were $10 a class, then I could see myself coming in every once in a while. read more

I have trained at several muay thai and striking schools, on both coasts and abroad and Kru Brandon has had the keenest eye for detail and striking technique out of all instructors I have encountered thus far. I've trained muay thai for several years, and I cannot stress how much of a difference the instruction at Evolution has made for me. I entered the program a confident striker, but in the year I trained here my game has completely strengthened and transformed since joining. Through his acute instruction and the occasional ass-kicking, Brandon draws the maximum power and precision out of experienced boxers and those who are completely green to martial arts. There are very few flashy or showy combinations in this gym - it's back to the basics, almost every time. Criticism regarding the number of active fighters is bogus. The quantity of the competitors doesn't define a gym - It is the quality of instruction that makes a difference. Besides the instruction, Brandon is a great guy and the gym has the feeling of a close, rowdy family. It's a great environment, that encourages growth - and more importantly comfort. In my experience, if you feel comfortable you learn fast. I would encourage anyone training in NYC to give EMT a shot. It will be an up-and-coming force in the NYC muay thai world, no question. read more

I've been there for almost a year and in my opinion, if you know WHEN to go and what you want, it's definitely worth more than what you spend on it. One thing I really like about this gym in particular is Brandon's (MT Coach) emphasis on accuracy/precision to everyone from beginners to the guys on his fight team (moreso than other MT/kickboxing instructors I've worked with in the past) and the results definitely show in his students (if you stay there for awhile you'll notice lots of students making really big improvements over relatively short periods of time.) For the longest time I thought I simply wasn't meant for striking but training there has definitely changed my mind. The training partners can also be helpful and the experienced ones will be nice enough to correct you (especially if you ask them nicely to point out what you're doing wrong beforehand.) Just make sure you have a tolerance for crude humor, or you might take what you hear from Brandon the wrong way Some important things to consider when you visit the gym: - It's best to train (or take your first FREE class) during OFF-peak hours, (off peak hours=anything but the weekday evening classes) Less people=more attention/help from the coach. I've heard mixed reviews (mostly good, some bad) about this gym from people I know (or from people they know) and the bad ones almost always come from people who are unlucky enough to visit during one of those peak hours - No showers - You can't just jump in with no training experience and spar, you need the coach's permission to join the sparring classes which are an hour long (USUALLY that takes a few months of training) - It's not as "dangerous" as people make it out to be, I've been asked by too many people if they have to worry about DYING...and the answer is NO Did I mention they have an awesome Jiu-Jitsu program included in the gym fee? It's great for beginners and most importantly, the BJJ instructor (Rene) ONLY teaches things you can get to work in sparring in a short amount of time (rather than teaching a technique and hoping a beginner will EVENTUALLY figure out how to use on his own through experience) But I'll go into detail for that in another review. read more

Brandon is great! Evolution Muay Thai is the real deal. You get top notch training all while surrounded by a positive unpretentious energy from the staff and members. I immediately signed up after my first free trial class. I was a little apprehensive to try something like this thinking that my "girly girl" esthetic would be met with rejection, but my experience couldn't have been more inclusive and welcoming. Brandon is extremely attentive and especially supportive of newcomers. No one makes you feel like you don't belong. Physically, I began to see changes in my body by the 3rd class. I'm still getting used to the physical and mental challenge of this sport and it's helping me to discover some nuances about myself that aren't so obvious. Muay Thai brings a level of focus and concentration that rivals my yoga and meditation practice. I had concerns that it would disrupt my "zen", but again I have been pleasantly surprised. Whether you're looking for a new outlet, a good workout, new hobby, or serious MMA training Muay Thai has it all for you. I recommend this place without reservation. read more

I cannot say enough good things about Evolution. I went in for my first class a few weeks ago and I had a really positive experience. The instructor was very patient and took the time to teach me the basics. Also, everyone in the class is so sweet. Besides having a skilled instructor, you have a class full of people who are ready to help, teach and encourage you. They really do a great job of accommodating all levels. Also, it's a great workout. I found it to be challenging and a great stress reliever. I plan on going again and again. read more

About two years ago, I made the decision to start getting serious about my fitness and working out. I had taken some kickboxing classes in the past though I always felt unfulfilled - work-outs were minimal, with little, if any, attention to technique. Following the recommendation of a few friends, I began taking muay thai classes under the instruction of Kru Brandon at Fighthouse. Being my first encounter with muay thai, I wasn't sure what to expect. I realized soon enough that training under Kru Brandon, there were no airs of who was the best or the flashiest. It was back-to-basics techniques where even the most experienced fighters were level with beginners. The atmosphere of the classes were fun, enjoyable, and, most importantly, rewarding. I felt comfortable and confident in the skills I was gaining. When Brandon announced he would be stepping away from Fighthouse to start his own gym, signing up at Evolution was no question. Since beginning my muay thai training, I have never felt more challenged then I do at Evolution. The attention to technique at the gym is outstanding - the fighters that have come out of Evolution can only stand as a testament to that. Classes are rigorous and often times, exhausting, but the pay-off of such hard-core training is incredibly satisfying. Not only do I feel at my physical best at Evolution, I feel absolutely confident in my technique as a fighter. I have developed friendships with fellow trainers and instructors that only encourage my growth and I am eager to learn and become better because of the environment at the gym. I couldn't be happier to be training here. Come to Evolution! I promise you will not be disappointed! read more

I can assure you this is the best Muay Thai facility I've ever been to. Honestly me and my boyfriend we are beginners we never done Muay Thai before only mma which is totally different. I highly recommend beginners to try out because Brandon will help you and explain it to you every step. I feel comfortable and feel the family love here. Also ! If you want to train jiujitsu here we have the best coach instructor chad who will help you as well. Evolution Muay Thai will also help you with everything if you really want to lose weight or become the best fighter you can be this is the right spot for you. Now I've only been here for a month and it's worth it! I feel the love and dedication from all instructors who wants their students to succeed and do good. read more

I should have written this review already but better late than never right! I've been going to Evolution consistently for about 3 1/2 months now (about 3-4 days a week) and my experience has been WONDERFUL. I got into it because it looked like a cool martial art and I needed some way to get myself to be active and exercise (since I hate the gym). Well it's certainly accomplished that and I look forward to going to class each time, which is not always the case for some people when it comes to exercising. Everything is always different, from the conditioning that you do to begin and warm up, to the actual combinations you do in class with a partner; things are never the same. That keeps things fresh and keeps monotony at bay. Brandon and his team are excellent in welcoming new people and helping them settle in comfortably. This always stuck out to me when I started coming. This includes getting consistent and reliable feedback on how your coming along. Brandon's always roaming around and tweaking your form and all that so with each class you do feel a real evolution (no pun intended) of your understanding and skill. Another thing I love is the atmosphere, which is lighthearted, fun, but at the same time, make no mistake about it, serious and intense in the work that you're doing. You get a serious work out for sure. Most people in class are also really cool about taking an active role in guiding less experienced fighters and helping them along. I wish they had a place to shower but that's the only con that came to mind. All in all, I would recommend them in a heartbeat!! read more

I am sorry to be the one giving this a poor review, when all the others are admittedly giving great reviews (so for a fuller perspective, I suppose, read all the others). I am speaking specifically to fellow manhattan professionals. If you work hard and long hours at your job, and want to come to their classes - I urge you to be careful, for the following reason: if you show up late, you will not be allowed in. Today I showed up ten minutes late, and was not allowed to join the class which had just started and was only in warm-up phase. I could have quietly walked to the back and joined in, instead they gave me the option to wait fifty minutes or leave (I chose the latter). If a new client came ten minutes late to one of my events, I would have discretely ushered them to the back of the room and been happy for the business, but never have turned them away. Granted, you need to maintain order in your gym so the classes run smoothly, and their website clearly says, show up fifteen minutes early, but having worked out at various Karate and MMA establishments before this, I know you can come in five to ten minutes late once-and-a-while if you have a busy work schedule, join in the warm up, and miss none of the main part of the class. It's too bad too, because the gym did look great and the class looked like they were having fun. There could have been a win-win here (i.e. a potential new paying gym member rather than a discouraged guy ranting), but they were unwilling to be flexible and that doesn't work for me as a manhattanite with a million things on my plate (just like all of you, sans the folks who live for Muay Thai). Good thing there are dozens of other options in NYC, and, if you don't think you can be on time 100% of the time, I urge you to check the others out!! Good luck to all. read more

I took Friday 12pm open level Muay Thai class with the owner Brandon. He has an awesome accent and he's a great instructor. I'm new to Muay Thai and even though we did a lot of partner work with pads, he took time to watch me and help me improve my technique. The class was small ~ about 10 people which is great if you truly want to learn rather than just get a workout. Everyone in class seemed like they were serious students. The training area was clean and organized and it's one of the better MMA studios in the city in terms of the quality of instruction and diversity of participants. I will definitely go back. read more

Great experience and amazing learning session for my first two days. I have been really eager but nervous about joining and learning the Thai Tradition Muay Thai fighting style but Brandon and the rest of the trainers were very welcoming and encouraging during conditioning. My first day was intense due to never training in Muay Thai but I was giving time to catch my breath even while Brandon gave me a power aid drink to help me rehydrate. All in all this was a great experience and I will gladly be coming back on a regular basis! read more

I train in Evolution Muay Thai..From the time Brandon Levi opened the school on and off. The first time I walk in to class I new right the way that's the place I will be training for a long time! Brandon Levi he is one of the best trainers I ever train with! He breaks down all the technic and explains them to you so you understand them and use them in selfdefense and bad situations, if you have too! It's a great workout not only physically but mentally too! Come and check it out and challenge yourself..you won't regret it! read more

I've been training here for 1.5 years and here are my feed backs. Evolution Muay Thai does not have showers but has a competitive and flexible membership. I can freeze my month to month plan whenever I go on an extended vacation. There is a smell of sweat at the peak hours because people come here to train and fight, not to hang around. This is an excellent fighting gym. I came back one night after the last class because I forgot my bag and observed all the mats were thoroughly cleaned by the staff. The members are sociable and cool. This is where I was introduced to the BJJ. If I have more time on my hands I will take the muay thai and the BJJ classes everyday. I recommend. read more

This is both an excellent and inviting environment for people who are looking for new exciting ways to get fit as well as for those who want to learn martial arts. It's also a great place for serious fighters to train muay thai. Kru Brandon, the trainer makes you feel right at home with his funny, weird and sometimes downright disturbing jokes, but still he is a great guy albeit a crazy one. However when it comes to training, he remained focus. You can tell he really loves his job and not a tiny bit stingy with his knowledge. For serious muay thai fighters, Brandon will really works your ass off. This guy knows what he's doing and has a very keen eye on spotting talents too. If he likes what he sees in you, he'll be harder and more critical on your techniques as oppose to the rest of the group. The more faith he has in you the more thrash talking will be involved, but all done out of love. I love this guy for he had made me look at myself in ways that I would never imagined. Rene the instructor for BJJ is also a great guy. Very welcoming and passionate about his sports not to mention an honest man too. Will show you a step by step approach of every movement whenever you are lost. All in all, this is a great place. Judge it for yourself! read more

My favorite place to workout. The head coach Brandon Levi is a funny, lovable Australian guy who is very hands-on and takes the time to show you how to do the techniques properly. This is not a cardio kickboxing class. It's a class that teaches you Muay Thai fighting while also giving you a great workout. Fear not though, you won't be sparring or fighting unless you are experienced enough and want to. The beginner classes are a mix between first timers and regulars. It's a 1-1 women to men ratio generally. It's definitely worth trying. read more

This has been my absolute happy place. From day 1 the dynamic duo of Brandon and Deirdre have made me fall in love with Mauy Thai! Not only is it an incredible workout it's also a great group of humans! Everyone is willing to give you tips and help you improve, from professional fighters to the people who come just for fun. If you work hard and listen to the instructors you'll see monumental improvements! Hit the bag after class to work on technique too. If you are interested they offer a free trial day where you can try all sorts of classes. It's typically $30 for a day pass so if you plan on coming more than 3 days a week a monthly is a much better option. Truthfully this place has kept me sane and given me a place that feels like home here in NYC! Thank y'all! read more

Best workout you can get. Brandon is an amazing trainer and overall good guy. He makes each workout different and keeps class light and fun. The gym is well maintained and easy to get to. The gym has a mix of beginners and serious fighters, but everyone is respectful and helpful. I recommend giving it a shot. I am now on the unlimited membership and really look forward to each class. Besides Muay Thai I do Kettlebells. I might try takedowns and yoga soon as well. read more

Having been to most of the Muay Thai gyms in the city, I can tell you this is one of the best. Brandon is a great coach who at times can be crude but is always coming up with inventive exercises and really tries to hone your form. The gym is well stocked with equipment, is cleaned daily and I never had problems with skin infections or any gym related infection. The fight team is large but I do feel like they work with the lower skill fighters and try to help them progress. The gym is bit small and the 530pm class can get crowded but Brandon seems to come up with inventive workouts to accommodate. Overall if you are inexperienced with Muay Thai or looking for some good sparing partners who want to see you improve, try out Evolution Muay Thai in the city. read more

Man it was honor to be apart of this experience a lot gyms this one really locked my interest and training. Foot bacteria virus but wish had shower room. Weight room diversity unity was super excellent atmosphere. read more

Took a month at Evolution Muay Thai , the only drawback is lack of showers , I live in Brooklyn so it was a deal breaker for me ... Kru Brandon is a fantastic person , he might pick on you at first but don't take it personal , he messes with everybody , especially newcomers.. Muay Thai provides great work out , even if you are not looking to become a fighter - you'll achive great results - lean muscles , flexibility and endurance..... you can't even compare regular gyms to Muay Thai work out if I lived in the city i'd have defenitely continued my training there and jog home after class , but sweating on the train all the way home is not that appealing to me ) read more

Terrible place, big waste of time and money! Brendan is the biggest jerk I've met in my history of martial art training. Listin to what those jerks did to me one time: Before I got into muay thai I did taekwondo for a year. One day in his class he asks us who has ever done taekwondo? So I said I did, then asked me for how long. I said a year. He asks me the same question 5 more times and then said "I hered you the first time now I just feel sorry for you lol." and then the whole class bursted out laughing their asses off while all the instructors are saying like "Good one brendan." Then he rambled for a few minutes on how he thanks taekwondo is such a sissy martial art. Look I don't care if that is what he thinks but GOD DAMIT THAT IS NOT HOW A MARTIAL ARTS INSTRUCTOR IS SUPOSE TO BE TREATING HIS STUDENTS!!!! One of the main things its supose to be about is discipline and those jerkoffs are sure lacking a lot of it. Stay away from that place, don't give your money to people who treat you like crap, seriously! read more

A great outlet for martial arts! This team has a great vibe. The owners are hilarious and down to earth. The members have no ego. The teachers just want to teach and help you reach your goals! read more

I've been to a few muay thai places in NYC and this is the best. I've been training here for a couple years now, and for a few years at another gym before that. Brandon does a great job of cultivating a community of people who enjoy fighting. You can tell that he truly loves muay thai and getting people to appreciate the sport. He's also quite a character (be prepared for some intense training and the occasional silly joke/prank). Some of his students are professional fighters, some are amateur fighters, and others just enjoy fighting as a hobby. Everyone trains as a single community and helps each other learn. This gives everyone a sense of pride when an Evolution fighter succeeds, because the whole community had a hand in training that person. The atmosphere is really chill for a fighting gym. People are friendly and get together for BBQs or to watch fights together. The people here are the best part of the gym. At any gym, if people are jerks it makes training a terrible experience. Brandon does a good job of weeding these people out and making sure everybody is safe and has a good experience. When someone from evolution is fighting at a big event, like Friday night Fights or Take On, there's guaranteed to be a couple dozen evolution people there to support them. Evolution is usually the loudest contingent of people there. Other gyms I've been to mostly either take themselves too seriously or not seriously enough. Some gyms are so focused on training fighters that beginner students pay through the nose without getting much benefit. Others are so focused on beginners that they have nothing to offer more advanced students. Evolution is the one place I've found that is both serious about fighting and knows how to make training enjoyable to students of all levels. ---- The way it works is this: If you're new to muay thai you'll train in the beginner class. The first ten minutes or so is calesthetics, then you'll put on boxing gloves and pair up with someone to hit thai pads. Brandon, or another instructor, demonstrates a combination and you repeat it. While you're doing so, he'll walk around the room and give tips on how to improve to each person. After a couple minutes, the whole class rotates and you'll hit pads with someone else. After several rounds of this, everyone who was holding pads puts on gloves and eveyone with gloves on puts on the pads. Then the cycle repeats. This is a great way to work with people of different sizes and levels of experience. After you've trained in the beginners class for a while you can ask to try out the intermediate class, which is like beginner class but with more variety. Then there's clinch class (a.k.a. thai wrestling) and sparring classes. read more

I have been training under Kru Levi for nearly 2 years now and feel like I've been training all my life. He has helped shape me from a newbie off the street to a competitive fighter with an arsenal full of practical and effective offensive attacks and defensive strategies. Evolution Muay Thai has proven to "evolve" with it's newly opened gym(after the dismay of fighthouse being closed down), and will continue to evolve into one of the most revered martial arts clubs in New York CIty. It's a welcoming place to everyone from beginner to champion, with a student body who respect and appreciate one another, and treat all as equals. I am proud to be representing Evolution Muay Thai along with 3 other fighters at the WKA North American Championships June 18th-20th. read more

Evolution is a great place to train if you want to learn in an environment that is without ego and a meat head mentality. Kru Levi has created an atmosphere that allows students of all levels to fit into the system and learn at a pace that is appropriate for their skill. The best part is that everyone gets along with each other and there isn't any alpha male BS going on. Don't get me wrong, it's no cake walk and we train very hard - but at the end of the day, everyone gets along and helps each other improve their skills. And with the addition of Kru Rogan, the instruction is top-notch. They also offer Jiu Jitsu with Rene Dreifuss. He teaches all levels of JJ in a way that helps you learn the fundamentals with ease. Rene is highly-respected in the JJ community and is a great instructor. You couldn't find a nicer bunch of guys to learn from. read more

Terrible, poor facility.... very unprofessional and unhelpful. Facility was sub par and unclean

The people are friendly and it is a very social environment even for women. The Instructors are experienced professional and are great at making the classes fun and productive all in one. That's not even mentioning that it's a great workout and a great way to learn one of the many Martial arts that have been around for ages and it comes in handy as a form of self defense for both men and women. Hope you check it out because it's fun, a great work out and affordable. See you there! read more

This is a great gym with a great environment -- everyone is very inviting. Brandon does an amazing job at pointing out little mistakes and how to correct them, which is extremely helpful when learning a martial art versus being there just to workout. The workouts are intense and you will notice your technique improving in just the first week. The only thing I wish was different is having an absolute beginner class because everyone is mixed in -- which is fine once you get the hang of it. And the price absolutely can't be beat -- it's probably among, if not THE, cheapest in the city...about $150 a month unlimited or $20 per class ($15 for students and city employees). read more

As I tried in vain to find a decent Muay Thai gym in Manhattan I was becoming a bit frustrated. Fight House in Tribeca was ok as Sam was the always encouraging and kind- but it became too much of a hassel to let my licenseless teenager drive from midtown to downtown everyday lol. Stumbling across Evolution I was optomistic yet cautious. In other gyms we went by the guys seemed really hard-core and looked down upon a teenage girl (my daughter) being actually serious about Muay Thai- one actually told us with no hesitation they didnt actually have any girls at all and that he was in thailand most of the year but that when he was here he wouldnt have pity or mercy on a girl. Fk that Fker, Evolution is the BOMB. I am SOOOOO glad I found this place. Kru Brandon is an incredibly silly and funny, yet professional trainer. This guys attitude makes it worth it and you are happy to hand over the fee every month because they deserve it for the laughs alone! First and foremost they are super cautious about cleanliness- you must disinfect disinfect and disinfect! Secondly they start with a perfect warm up that includes ab work and strength training that will leave you gasping. If you thought you were in shape before this gym you will without a doubt have heart and muscle health you have never accomplished in any other gym. As an extremely busy massage therapist who specializes in sports therapy and heavy stretching, I am simply unable to do the daily workouts that this type of enviourment requires because doing five 90 minute massages per day would not allow me the endurance I would need for the padwork. However- my kid is completely 1000% dedicated to this gym and I have been many times to sit and watch in fascination as they kick, punch and twist, sweat and grunt. Its not a place for softies thats for sure as you are NOT allowed to do a push up from your knees lol. The workouts are interesting and intriguing and they include work for every muscle known to mankind and then some. It provides classes for newbies, intermediate and advanced. Its HUGE and they is plenty of equipment to go around. Brandons girlfriend is incredibly capable and seems to keep the gym in tip-top shape and she is nothing to mess with! I must add its not for the faint of heart or the faint of personality- people are not unfriendly but I have noticed you seem to kind of have to earn your respect there- a few of the people are a TAD bit condenscending Ill admit but I havent seen it affect anyones workout- it just makes my own kid want to work that much harder seeking acceptance, approval and admiration which I personally believe is ideal when you are a part of a group this elite. I say elite because not just anyone can have the dedication it takes to continue a workout this hard- Seeing more than one person on the verge of vomiting I know I couldnt take it though Im a dedicated runner. I have seen beginners completely change their body in a matter of 6 weeks, its the most amazing thing. They also just started offering classes to children and I think parents should RUN not walk there to sign those kids up/ Brandon, his girlfriend and a few other trainers all do their best and give much much more than any group of people I have ever met to make this gym effective for everyone from all walks of life. It produces the best fighters Ive met thus far and tooting my own horn I have to say I have massaged the best of the best in the fight world so I do know and am qualified to write what I am writing- but dont just take it from me, do down and give it a try, you dont have anything to lose but your extra pizza weight and weak muscles! Three cheers to Evoluction mates!!!! read more

I've been training at Evolution for over four years, so this review is overdue. It's a great gym. Brandon, the owner, is always energetic and positive and makes the workouts fun and varied. There are a number of fighters who train at the gym who also lead classes, all of them great teachers, and you can do everything from beginner to very advanced classes. It's a friendly atmosphere and quite a few members of the gym go out to support the fighters when they have bouts on local cards. If you want to learn how to fight, this is a great gym; if you just want to go to a place where you will always get a strenuous workout, it's also a good choice. There's no pressure and it's up to you how far you want to take it. read more

Having never taken Muay Thai before I went to one of their Muay Thai classes as a trial. And I felt this was more like boot camp than actual traditional Muay Thai. What I mean is you definitely do get a good work out and you will be sore everywhere (which is the best thing about this place) but, I don't feel like they have enough discipline as one should have when you practice a martial art (I realized this after going to other Muay Thai gyms after trying this place out). When I first stepped into the gym it stunk, I do not understand when people say this place is super clean and has no smell??? The mats seemed kind of soggy and wet when I walked on them and the place was more humid than a tropical island. I used their communal gloves because I don't have my own and they were warm and wet inside and according to the staff it was because they disinfect them every night... but by not letting gloves dry completely they are more prone to mold and bacteria. Anyway after class I took the gloves off and my hands smelled TERRIBLE, even after I used strongly perfumed hand sanitizer 6 times and washed my hands with soap 4 times... Another thing is that they don't really have a REAL beginners class, they have a class open to all level fighters. The class consisted of pad work, where you pair up and do exercises and then switch off partners after every 4 or so minutes. A lot of the senior members were really nice to me as a beginner but at the same time many kept looking back at the timer to see when it was time to switch me off, on top of that they seemed greatly annoyed that I was slowing their training down which didn't feel welcoming at all for me as a potential new member. Also Kru Brandon do try to help you fix your posture and help you get that punch right and so on but honestly compared to the other Muay Thai gyms I've been to he barely gives any attention to detail or teach you how to really kick or punch right... Oh, and as some people mentioned they don't have showers, which is a big no-no for me because you get DRENCHED from these classes. NOTE: I went to one of their off-peak classes, there were only around 10 people in total. So I don't find there's an excuse for the Kru's lack of attention to detail, jussayin' VERDICT: If you only want a good work out, definitely check this place out. But if you want to learn serious martial arts I think you should keep looking. read more

It was my first time here since my friend likes kickboxing ever since he watched creed ( just kidding haha). This place is really as good as it gets. Pros: Great customer service with workers being very knowledgeable. People who are members of evolution muay Thai are very friendly to new faces and old faces. Clean. Classes are tough and confusing for beginners like me but instructors AND MEMBERS took the time to teach me and help me grow. Cons: Price. I can't wrap my head around the fact that you're paying rent money or close to rent money for space. They provide u with gloves, equipment and gym equipment( very small), But I just don't see how its worth it. Overall: The 25 dollar a day would do for me and I would surely come back. Its fun and its a great workout! read more

I really enjoyed the workout here. The training was top notch and the coaches and members were very friendly. My only issue is not having a shower on site is problematic. read more