FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
Do I Need Any Experience?
Not at all! A large number of our students started without any experience.
Do I Need to Be in Shape?
Nope! Our Muay Thai programs eases you into the workout at your own pace and skill level.
What Is the Class Like?
We have few different classes available to members. Two main categories fall under ‘Pad work classes’ and ‘Sparring classes’. All of our classes following the same weekly curriculum tailored for experience level.
Generally all our ‘Pad work classes’ start with 2×3 min rounds of skipping rope, and then one round of group stretching. Then you are taught the lesson using a combination of different pads to practice with your partner.
There classes include:
‘All Levels Muay Thai’
‘Beginners Muay Thai’
Our ‘Intro/Beginner’ classes and ‘Advanced’ classes are a hybrid of partner drilling and pad work classes.
All our members are taught how to safely and correctly hold pads for each other during these classes.
Our sparring classes involve zero pad work and meant to learn how to apply techniques learned in class in a ‘combat’ scenario’
These classes include our ‘Competition Class’, ‘Beginners Drilling/Sparring’ ‘Sparring’, ‘Clinch Class’ and ‘Beginners Clinch’.
All of our ‘Sparring’ Classes are optional.
What is Muay Thai Training Like?
Your average lesson will consist of you warming up, learning and practicing technique, pad work and cool downs. Also included in the lesson is a great emphasis on correct form, execution, conditioning, ring strategy (if necessary) and more. A session of Muay Thai not only has a high caloric expenditure; it’s also a great way to tone your body and relieve stress. it’s high energy but suitable and enjoyable by all levels.
Is Muay Thai for me?
YES! If you want a fun, tough, enjoyable work out then MUAY THAI IS DEFINITELY FOR YOU!
What is the gym culture like?
We are a little gym with a big heart. We have a diverse and eclectic member body that spans across all ethnicities, occupations and sexual orientations. We are inclusive and empowering using the martial art of ‘Muay Thai Boxing’ as a vehicle to help each reach our goals and potentials. We are serious about the sport but professional, light hearted and gentle with our approach, hence our motto:
‘The art of striking and the science of fitness’
We are not a ‘fighting’ gym, but rather a learning institution. We have programs available for those wanting to compete and we compete frequently, but competing isn’t a requirement for joining the gym.
If you would like to know more about our gym culture, you can check out our ‘Code of Conduct’ by clicking the link below:
Our Inclusion statement:
Who are the coaches?
At the moment we have 5 main coaches that teach classes throughout the week and on average, two coaches at a time teaching the ‘All-Levels’ and ‘Beginner’. We all have varying years of training and teaching experience and like to think we compliment each others styles. We all undergo constant training to make sure we are always at our best to help our members grow in technique and experience. You can check out our coaches bio’s for more information by clicking the link below:
How do I join? (Also, How do I bring a friend in?)
Thanks! We are always totally flattered when someone wants to come and try the gym or even join!
here’s a breakdown of options!
The first drop-in class is $20, and any drop-in after that is $40. If someone wants to try the gym but has no Muay Thai experience, we suggest attending the ‘Intro Semi-Private’ class on Mondays at 7 PM with Coach Lee. This class is limited to five people and is designed to teach beginners the basics of the sport while observing our classes and training methods.
‘Zero Experience’ generally means no Muay Thai experience, including no knowledge of how to hold pads or work with a partner. This is distinct from experience in other martial arts like TKD, Karate, or Kung Fu as those don’t qualify as experience since the style of techniques is much different.
For those who know how to hold Thai pads and have some Muay Thai experience, our All Levels classes are suitable. However, we generally do not allow drop-ins for contact classes (e.g., sparring, clinching, or competition classes) due to liability concerns.
If you’re interested in bringing friends who can’t make the intro class, they may join another class if you are willing to train with them as their partner and help us show them the basics and our training methods.
Lastly, we recommend private training sessions as another great option.
I am interested in Competing!
Great! We can definitely help you with that. Please read our ‘TBI Competition Team’ Guide for more info!
I am interested in Sponsoring The Team!
Great! We can definitely use and greatly appreciate your help!!! Please read our ‘TBI Competition Team Sponsor’ Guide for more info!
I am interested in Sparring!
Read this please!
How do your memberships work?
All memberships are on a monthly basis unless you paid 6 months in advance.
Just a reminder that all accounts on an autopay monthly recurring billing.
If at any reason you have to cancel or place your account on hold: We kindly request that you please e-mail us.
Please don’t DM our Instagram, or ask one of the instructors or Coach Vic in person. Sometimes when we are in the gym, it can be a little hectic and we will forget.
E-mail is the best and easiest way for us to communicate for all records purposes.
Definition of memberships:
Generally the way the gym operates for use is through “X” amount of days per week for use.
“X” is not defined by the amount of classes per week but rather “Days”.
For example: If you have a Part-Time membership of ‘2X’ per week that means you can use the gym 2 times a week.
Some people will take back to back classes, or train in the morning and then come back in the evening.
Classes DO NOT roll over, meaning if you do not use your allotted amount of time per week then you lose those days.
For example: Because you missed a week due to travel or illness then you can’t come back the following week and make up for those classes.
How do I cancel my membership?
We totally get it! If for any reason you have to cancel or place your account on hold: We kindly request that you please e-mail us.
Please don’t DM our Instagram, or ask one of the instructors or Coach Vic in person. Sometimes when we are in the gym, it can be a little hectic and we will forget.
E-mail is the best and easiest way for us to communicate for all records purposes.
Thank you!
Do you have Women’s classes?
If you identify as a women, then the Friday 5PM classes are available to you at no cost to your membership, meaning:
Even if you have a ‘Part-Time’ membership you are allowed to take that class (and only that class) for free as a courtesy.
Taking that class will not count as a day from your ‘X’ allotted.
If you have any questions about that, please e-mail us!
Do you have parking?
Yes! We have plenty of parking. We are located in a shopping center with three dedicated spots to the rear of the gym and shared parking spots along the wall at the rear of the shopping center.
There is also plenty of neighborhood street parking. The Image below shows where street parking is available
Green: Free street parking
Orange: Metered parking.
Dotted Green: Free after 5PM
Please refrain from parking in our neighbors spot during the hours of 8AM-6:30PM! Thank you! and please don’t block him in if you are double parking across our three spots!
Here are all of the street signs around the neighborhood. Please note most of there meters are for ‘one hour’ parking only!
Do you have children’s classes?
Yes, We have kid’s classes
Kids: (Ages 4-12 ish) Yes! Monday through Thursday.
For more information on our kids classes, click here: https://thaiboxinginstitute.net/west-los-angeles-childrens-martial-arts/
What about teens?
Yes! Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5PM-6PM
How much time does training take?
Your typical class takes about One hour and is split into different segments such as; warm up, stretch, bag work/shield work, pad work, technique drilling sparring and cool down.
Is sparring offered/required?
Yes sparring is offered, and NO, sparring is never required. Sparring is always OPTIONAL.
As a courtesy to our members, we do not allow drop-in’s for sparring nor do we let members spar until at least their first month of membership.
This includes our Clinch Classes as well. Thank you for your understanding!
Is there danger of injury?
As with any contact sport, injuries may happen. At The Thai Boxing Institute in Mar Vista, we take extra care in making sure everyone is paired up correctly and the staff takes extra precaution to make sure everyone is training in a safe, welcoming and supportive environment.
Do I need to bring my own equipment?
TBI does provide loaner equipment (gloves, shinguards), but most students prefer to use their own gloves and protective gear.
What do I need for class?
Usually just handwraps, gloves, and maybe shinguards if you are in our ‘Intro/Beginner’ classes. If you are sparring then please see our ‘Sparring’ FAQ for more info.
Is a school uniform required?
Not necessarily, although our initiation fee includes a school uniform, it is not necessary to wear it to every training session. We do ask that members, as part of our ‘Code of Conduct’ wear clean training clothes. Muay Thai shorts are not necessary although they would be greatly appreciated 🙂