Jose MartinezWhether watching the high-flying stunts or cheering on a technical masterpiece in the UFC, a perfectly timed knee strike isn’t just about hitting hard.
True combat efficiency is not just about raw power, but about the subtle geometry of the clinch and the specific bone density required to check a kick.
But not many instructors master the true technicalities of the sport. That’s what led our team to spend weeks investigating Muay Thai training centers that don’t just focus only on the cardio aspect, but on the technique. Here are the places we found.
How much does it cost to take Muay Thai classes in El Paso?
It costs at least $45 per week to take Muay Thai classes in El Paso.
This is just an estimate. The actual cost is dependent on the kind of class, the length and more.
1. Handsome Muay Thai
Address: 8935 Gateway S Blvd Suite A-8
Operating Hours:
- Monday & Wednesday – 6 PM to 8:30 PM
- Tuesday & Thursday – 6:30 PM to 9 PM
- Friday – 6 PM to 7:30 PM
- Saturday – 11:30 AM to 2 PM
Handsome Muay Thai is more like a traditional Muay Thai camp than a commercial gym.
We love how they use high-intensity, no-contact kickboxing El Paso as a mandatory gateway to ensure everyone is physically prepared before they ever throw a punch at a partner.
A few students mentioned that training side-by-side with active fighters gave them a massive boost in motivation and discipline.
The clinch work here is particularly technical, with Coach Jack and Coach Steve focusing on the subtle neck control that defines the sport. We think it’s the best Muay Thai gym El Paso has for those who value agility and timing over brute force.
Their invite-only advanced class also ensures that the sparring remains technical rather than a chaotic brawl.
However, the gym is located a bit further out for those living in West El Paso, making the commute tough in traffic.
Still, for the level of specialized instruction students receive, we think the drive is a small price for such authentic training.
Jack was awesome and showed he truly understood
“Signed up for an introduction lesson. Jack was awesome and showed he truly understood what he was talking about while he demonstrated some of the first foundational steps.
I stayed to take the class immediately after and the group of guys that were training were very welcoming and beyond patient and helpful. No over ego’d jerks here. An over all genuine and great experience.”
- Jack McGowan Google Reviews
He sets an example of discipline and work ethic for his students
“This gym will take your game to the next level. Coach Jack instructs with zeal and purpose. The team is incredibly welcoming. This is a gym for people of all skill levels. He sets an example of discipline and work ethic for his students, pushes them to achieve excellence, and always keeps his facility/equipment clean. I would recommend it to anyone who is serious about fighting, getting in shape, or simply wanting to learn this beautiful art.”
- Adriana Burciaga Google Reviews
2. 10th Planet Jim Jitsu
Address: 10854 Pellicano Dr, El Paso, TX 79935, United States
Contact Details: +19153172585
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday – 8 AM to 9:30 PM
- Sunday – 6 PM to 8 PM
While famous for their grappling, 10th Planet Jiu Jitsu has built a premier striking program that rivals any dedicated Muay Thai gym El Paso offers.
Their 3,200 square feet of mat space provides plenty of room for practitioners to work on their footwork without bumping into each other.
We were impressed by how they integrate Muay Thai into a complete MMA style, focusing heavily on the clinch and elbow strikes.
Several students we interviewed told us they incorporate core strength exercises similar to those practiced in a Pilates studio.
We also like that their functional conditioning is very effective for daily energy levels. People we spoke with told us they leave class with a burst of energy afterwards.
They are also an official Eddie Bravo affiliate. This means that they attract a very high level of talent, providing a great atmosphere for competitive fighters.
That said, the gym can get very loud and humid when both the jiu-jitsu and Muay Thai classes are running simultaneously.
It’s a welcoming spot for all skill levels,
10th Planet Jiu Jitsu is a great place to train. Coaches Chris, JD, and Sam are excellent and really help you improve. It’s a welcoming spot for all skill levels, and the no-gi focus is awesome.
- Glen B Google Reviews
Great facility, super professional and welcoming
Dropped in while visiting. This is a great facility, super professional and welcoming w tons of mat space, showers and a sauna. Excellent instruction and lots of friendly training partners and good skill levels, definitely would train here if I lived in El Paso
- Kevin Stoski Google Reviews
3. Zen Martial Arts
Address: 6456 Doniphan Dr Unit A and B
Contact Details: +19152047079
Operating Hours:
- Monday,Wednesday – 4 PM to 8:30 PM
- Tuesday,Thursday – 3:30 PM to 8:30 PM
- Friday – 6 PM to 7:30 PM
- Saturday – 9:30 AM to 12 PM
- Sunday – 10 AM to 11:30 AM
Zen Martial Arts offers a free week of training, which allows students to experience their unique Muay Thai curriculum without any upfront pressure.
Their fitness training is heavily centered on conditioning and endurance, ensuring people have the stamina to actually use the techniques they learn.
They focus on speed and agility rather than just power. Students told us they felt more confident in their skills after a few lessons.
During our week trial, a few of the students we spoke to shared how the heavy bag work and pad sessions help them lose weight faster than any routine they ever tried with personal trainers at a standard gym.
We love that the instructors are great at explaining the why behind every kick and knee strike, making it very easy for beginners to learn.
Our only gripe? Their focus on foundational conditioning might feel a bit repetitive. A few advanced fighters looking for complex tactical drills told us they thought the classes were too easy.
Highly recommend coming to this school
“I’ve been coming here since I started my Jiu Jitsu journey towards the end of 2022. In the few years I’ve been here I can say coming to this school was one of the best life decisions I’ve ever made. Jiu Jitsu has helped me lose a ton of weight, gain self confidence and has given me a lifelong hobby I really enjoy. This school is amazing and has so many solid programs to choose from. In fact our whole family has trained here and I’m glad to have put my two kids aged 5 and 7 in the buddah and kids program over these past few years. I’m proud to see their personal growth come along with confidence and self discipline due to this school. Thanks to all the staff and coaches here for helping us along the way. Mando the owner is a great leader and awesome person. Highly recommend coming to this school.”
- Rudy Arocha Google Reviews
Best place to train as a family
“Best place to train as a family. Wonderful atmosphere, very welcoming staff, and the members are united and family oriented. Would definitely recommend this dojo to everyone!”
- Carla Belmontes Google Reviews
4. Bushido MMA and BJJ academy
Address: 11501 Rojas Dr Space F
Contact Details: +19152749876
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday – 4:30 PM to 9:30 PM
- Saturday – 10 AM to 1 PM
Bushido MMA and BJJ Academy excels at breaking down Muay Thai into digestible steps for families and busy professionals. When we looked into their process, we found they treat martial arts as a holistic discipline that builds both the body and the mind.
Parents we spoke to appreciate how the instructors help their children develop focus through Muay Thai drills. Plus, they provide a killer workout for the adults in the next room.
We like that they are very transparent about the physical preparation required to be an efficient full-contact fighter, which helps newcomers set realistic goals.
Students interested in the shins-on-shins combat of Muay Thai and the technical side of kickboxing in El Paso told us they have a class that fits all speeds.
They also have a strong focus on wrestling and jiu-jitsu, making it a one-stop shop for total self-defense.
However, the parking lot can get extremely crowded during the transition between kids’ and adults’ classes.
We are proud to be members and can’t recommend them enough!
“Bushido is a wonderful facility! The coaches are well-trained, knowledgeable, patient, and encouraging. The price is reasonable and the facility is always clean. My son loves attending practice and watching his skills improve inspired me to also join the adult jujitsu classes. I am a beginner with no skills or previous training and the coaches have been nothing but supportive. We are proud to be members and can’t recommend them enough!”
- Genesis Sanchez Google Reviews
I am grateful we found the right place for my son to learn MMA
“As a family we searched several places for my teen. The size of classes at all levels stood out as the first sign we were in the right place-they seem to be doing something right. Then, the way the instructors taught was the 2nd sign because the teaching style is clearly created to develop habitual skills. Finally, the kindness of the owner and those who work here was the 3rd reason…I am grateful we found the right place for my son to learn MMA.”
- Rocio A. Google Reviews
5. SVG MMA ACADEMY
Address: 2131 Texas Ave
Contact Details: +19154081707
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday – 9 AM to 12 PM ,5 PM to 9 PM
- Saturday – 10 AM to 12:30 PM
SVG MMA Academy operates with the intensity of a professional training camp but keeps the doors wide open for the local community.
We found that their structure is perfect for those who want to move past basic fitness training in El Paso and into real skill development.
Students shared how the split between beginner and advanced classes helped them build a solid foundation without feeling intimidated by the pro fighters.
We like that the instructors are meticulous and push students to finish that last round of pads. Their martial arts El Paso program is deeply integrated with MMA, which makes them a top choice for athletes looking to enter the cage.
In the class we took, we lowkey felt our lungs were burning, but we left the class with better self-defense skills.
Skills aside, students rave about the energy in the class being electric, especially during the advanced sessions where the amateur and pro team face off against each other.
The only minor drawback is that the strict attendance requirements for fighters can make the schedule feel a bit rigid for casual hobbyists.
I highly recommend it for kids of all levels
“After trying another MMA gym that felt reckless and lacked technique, we found SVG MMA Academy and had a completely different experience. The coaches are extremely experienced, very attentive to the kids, and focus heavily on proper technique and safety. My son started as a beginner and they’ve been amazing at helping him build skills and confidence—I highly recommend it for kids of all levels.”
- Adriana Kuti Google Reviews
Classes are fun and very beneficial
“SVG is a great gym with a solid group of folks. Classes are fun and very beneficial. Took some one on one classes with Coach Ricky to work on technique and he was great. Classes for the full spectrum of disciplines and experience levels. Very clean and welcoming environment and definitely worth a visit regardless of experience level.”
- Kyle McCullough Google Reviews
