NB: This rating is for the instructors and quality of instruction…read more Gustavo Machado Norfolk is an amazing dojo with great instructors. Professor Mark Sausser and his daughter Taylor offer quality instruction, multiple class options, and affordable pricing. Classes are structured with weekly progression, and live sparring at the end. The other students are respectful and helpful. The gym is a family, both at class, competitions, and outside. While small, the facility is clean and there is adequate training space. There are two restrooms, but no showers. Parking in the back is limited.

This place is awesome! Took my first class here, and I can't stop raving about this place! The…read moreteachers are so helpful and friendly. Definitely will come back! Highly recommended!

Wow!!!!! This was the beesssstttt workout I have ever had in all my years of being an adult. This…read morewas such an intense workout. I've been wanting to attend a class here for yearssss. But I'm not going to lie I was a little intimidated taking a class when I watch their videos on Instagram. But a couple of days ago. I said to myself life is to short. What the heck! Just go for it. I didn't want to go alone. So I bought my little brother along with me. If you want to take a free intro class just go online to their website and sign up. The intro class is so worth it to actually see what it's all about. I've seen kickboxing on lifetime shows. But let me tell you. It's nothing like what you see on TV and how easy actors and actresses make it seem. It was a serious WORKOUT!!! But a great workout! At one point I did feel a little light headed. And thought I was going to pass the hell out. Lol! Smh! I look over at my little brother like helpppp!!! Lol! I couldn't make it to my water. So I just leaned on the wall to take some deep breaths. I couldn't go out like that and pass out on my first day. Everyone motivates each other. No one judges each other. I loved that! You don't find that at most places. Wow those women and men had me all pump up! I'm trying to be fit this winter just like them! The membership prices weren't to bad too. They also have punch cards for a certain amounts of classes too. I'm not going to share all the juice. Cause what you need to do at this very moment. Yes you can do it!!! Go and sign up for their intro class to see what it's all about. Its super worth it! Then you can go from there!!!

Pretty good gym, but i've never see the owners/main trainer not even once in my time thereread more

I've gotten a lot out of going to the BJJ sessions here and after meeting all the students and…read moreteachers I am really looking forward to learning everything I can from them. Whether that's how to roll better or live my life better this dojo has a lot to offer for everyone of all ages

My daughter started taking Karate here about three months ago. Already noticed a major improvement…read morein her behavior, self-confidence and discipline! Mr Ron and Mr Lehman are fantastic with the students and go out of their way to assist when they need a little help learning correct form. Definitely recommend Kobukan to anyone!

East Side Muay Thai is the best Muay Thai gym in the Hampton Roads area! Conveniently located in…read morethe Strawbridge Marketplace Shopping Center. This gym provides a great environment for all levels of traditional Muay Thai with Intro Classes, Kids classes, Advanced Classes, and Fight Team Level! Anyone from no experience to advanced is welcome to class and the community at East Side is wonderful! No big egos and the head coach/owner, Jose is mindful of partner pairing with someone that will take care of you. Everyone is nice and supportive for class making you feel comfortable to train! Kru Jose is an amazing head coach who has a passion for Muay Thai and an impressive portfolio of experience within the Muay Thai community! Jose coaches all classes and provides detailed instructions for class by a combination of learning styles for everyone. What I like the most is that there is accountability and structure for the class to elevate your level of training, and motivate you to push yourself to be better each time. The other coaches Summer and Zedd are also amazing at teaching and supporting the gym! Summer leads women's classes on Saturday mornings and supports intro/advanced classes too making a great impact on women who also train at the gym. The gym has a history of successful active junior and adult fighters with championship titles! The gym is clean and spacious with a full-size boxing ring as well! If anyone is looking for a gym that will teach you the fundamental techniques of traditional Muay Thai and provide a great atmosphere/community this is the gym for you!

Welcoming , clean, and professional. Learning a lot and looking forward to more. Classes for all…read moreages

This was a great experience my first time with sport fighting! The atmosphere was really open and…read moreencouraging, classes were always challenging but I learned something new every time I went and felt good about practicing it on my own. Unfortunately I was only in town for a couple months but I got to attend one of their annual barbecues which was a blast. I mainly did BJJ and Muay Thai here and I would highly recommend it for anyone in the area and all skill levels!

If you are looking for a technique focused training program look no further…read more I have been a member of Grindstone Athletics since they opened in January of 2018, I have been training Muay Thai for over 4 years. The advances that I have been able to make due to the constant critique and attention to detail from my coaches Tom & Chase are unbelievable. I make mistakes daily, but the key is they are teaching me how to fix my mistakes one step at a time. Slowly molding me into a stronger, better version of myself. I have also gained another family in Grindstone, the friendships forged in the gym are meaningful and lasting. It is undeniable when you step onto the mat with these two that they love what they do and they love teaching and helping others learn their art. Under the watchful eye of coach Tom I will be venturing into his weight training program starting tomorrow, I couldn't be more excited but surprisingly not nervous at all because I know he has my best interest in mind. If you are looking for a clean, centralized, laid back gym; it doesn't matter if you are a beginner, a pro fighter or someone looking to bulk up or slim down, Grindstone Athletics is where you can reach your FULL potential if you are willing to give them your potential!

Kru Dennis has been in the game for years, knows what he's doing and can get almost anybody fight…read moreready if you're willing to put in the work. You very much get out of it what you put into it, sign up, no time like today

After checking out the open houses for the different Muay Thai locations in the area, we found this…read moreone to be the most pure Muay Thai experience and closest to our home. Other places mix in Jiu Jitsu in their styles but Kru Dennis does an awesome job of keeping it pure. My kids and husband have been going for about four months already and they all love it. It's a great experience and Kru Dennis makes it really educational and fun at the same time. He's always welcoming and inclusive of any new kids and encouraging to all to keep them motivated. My husband and kids went in as beginners. Check them out for a trial class, you won't regret it.

The coaches here are excellent - knowledgeable and good at conveying information. So far, I've…read moretried the Muay Thai, bag class, strength and conditioning, and MMA wrestling classes. All of which are fun while maintaining a good intensity, and there are plenty of women to train with. Everyone I've met have good vibes which also makes training great.

Muay Thai class was so awesome! There is strength and conditioning class as well! I had such a…read morewonderful training!

I've been attending this academy for about two week now and I've enjoyed every minute of it. It's a…read moresmall family owned martial arts school and you can really feel that family atmosphere from the moment you walk in. Everyone here is so friendly and welcoming they make you feel like part of the team right away. The facility is clean and well maintained and you can tell they take pride in their space. Starting in 2026 they'll be introducing a dress code so everyone trains in the same uniform which I think is a great idea to build unity. Each class is about an hour long and for adults there's a sparring session afterward at no extra cost just people helping each other improve. It's been an awesome experience so far and I'm looking forward to continuing my training here.

My kids go here great teachers and have great adult classes too. They also sale equipment there…read more Also very clean environmen.

As a 47 almost 48-year-old with no martial arts experience I was a bit apprehensive about starting…read moremy journey. After a bit of research, it was suggested to train in Muay Thai at my age, after further research, and visiting and speaking with head instructor Wahsei I made the decision to train at Eastern Academy of Mixed Martial Arts. I have been only training, for a little over a month and I am really glad I started Muay Thai and chose to train here. Head instructor Wahsei is extremely patient no matter what your skill level is. He is extremely knowledgeable in a multitude of martial arts and spends a lot of his own resources to attend further trainings and seminars in order to improve upon his own training and teachings. A great example of this, is when I had some issues getting my foot work correct during a drill. Instead of trying to keep the drill up and causing frustration for myself, he switched to two different drills that covered the same exact principle but was easier for more to conceptualize. The students in the classes are very patient as well and are very welcoming. You can easily tell they are well trained, disciplined, and follow the golden rule. If they see you struggle with a concept or drill, they will stop and help you within the moment to get you back up to speed. They understand they were beginners once as well and are always willing to help you. Not a lot of people have that mentality. The facility is well equipped, extremely clean, and always being updated. I have really enjoyed my time here so far. I am starting to feel better about myself and have been getting into a routine for a healthier lifestyle. If you are thinking about a martial art, whatever skill level you are, do not wait (I wish had not) and stop by or contact Head Instructor Wahsei.

My husband and 9yr old son both attend this school...my husband received his black belt from here…read moreand has been at this school for over 10 years and son for almost 5 years I think. Both have learned so much. The head instructor Wahsei is absolutely amazing...he is knowledgeable, patient and thorough. Discipline and confidence are some of the key things he tries to build into his teaching which I appreciate. I would recommend this school to anyone who wants to learn mixed martial arts!