Scranton MMA

Muay Thai Striking & Kickboxing Classes in Scranton

Scranton MMA offers Muay Thai striking, also known as Thai boxing, classes for students taught by highly experienced teachers for beginners, the intermediate, and advanced- all are welcome.
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What is Muay Thai?

Muay Thai, also known as Thai Boxing, is a form of martial art and combat sport that utilizes the entire body as a form of weaponry. Powerful moves using punches and kicks teach defense and offense tactics that increase not only physical strength but also mental endurance.

This martial art is practiced in large parts of the world, including Thailand and other Southeast Asian countries. The art is similar to others in Southeast Asia such as “pradal serey” in Cambodia, “lethwei” in Myanmar, “tomoi” in Malaysia, and Lao boxing in Laos. Muay Thai has a long history in Thailand and is the country’s national sport. Traditional Muay Thai practiced today varies significantly from the ancient art “muay boran” and uses kicks and punches in a ring with gloves similar to those used in Western boxing.

Muay Thai is known as the “art of eight limbs”, as fighters use their fists, elbows, knees, and feet for striking and forearms and shins as shields to execute strikes with eight points of contact. Ultimately, the key is not how many kicks or punches one can execute, but how you can utilize Muay Thai to improve your physical and mental health.

You’ll develop unmatched strength from hours of practice. Your sacrifice in time and energy is met with passion and dedication- teaching gratitude and respect for yourself and your opponents. It is an excellent option for those looking to put mind over body and express themselves.

Benefits of Muay Thai Kickboxing

Muay Thai vs. Kickboxing

Muay Thai Striking

Muay Thai, originating from Thailand, is distinguished by its use of eight points of contact: fists, elbows, knees, and shins. This striking art, often referred to as “The Art of Eight Limbs,” allows a diverse range of techniques including clinching, a close-range form of stand-up grappling. Muay Thai fighters are known for their incredible agility, strength, and the ability to deliver powerful blows using knees and elbows. The sport is deeply rooted in Thai culture, with a rich history that contributes to its unique fighting style and ceremonial practices.

Muay Thai uses an 8-point striking system.

Kickboxing

Kickboxing, a stand-up combat sport, primarily involves punching and kicking, drawing influences from various martial arts like Karate and Muay Thai. It emphasizes speed, agility, and combination strikes, often seen in swift punches and high kicks. Unlike Muay Thai, kickboxing typically does not include elbow and knee strikes or clinching, focusing more on range and movement. This sport has various styles, with American, Japanese, and Dutch kickboxing each having distinct characteristics. 

Kickboxing uses a 4-point striking system.

Brief History of Muay Thai

The history of Muay Thai can be traced back to 13th century Thailand to the Sukhothai dynasty. The Thai army, in need of a way to defend their kingdom, adopted armed and unarmed combat techniques. The birth of Muay Thai paved the way for an official sport in the 20th century when kickboxers and fighters in Thailand adopted rules and regulations for the art form. It is now a widely recognized sport globally with a community of strong, dedicated fighters. It is now the national sport of Thailand.

Find a Muay Thai Gym Near Me

If you’re interested in learning more about Muay Thai or taking a class, Scranton MMA is located in Dunmore, PA near Scranton, and offers both individual and group training. We want to ensure you have a good experience with our gym. That’s why we offer a FREE first class to those who fill out our contact form.

Scranton MMA
4.8
Based on 66 reviews
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Brooke LambertiBrooke Lamberti
18:21 01 Feb 24
Might be a little biased writing this review, but Steve is genuinely the best instructor a student can have. The care and attention he gives to not only teaching proper technique, but also the wellbeing of the students, building connections, and helping them grow. Scranton MMA really is a community of people who truly are passionate about not just fitness and martial arts, but growing as people. I can’t say enough that if you’re interested in trying a class, test it out and see for yourself. --- to be honest, I took my first BJJ class this week, never having taken a martial arts class before, and couldn't have felt more welcome or comfortable trying something new. Thank you.
lauren goldenlauren golden
17:58 01 Feb 24
Scranton MMA is a top-notch facility. I worked with Scranton's instructor, Steve Polito, 4-5 days a week for years. In that time, I learned more about myself and the sport than I could have ever imagined.All of our sessions were physically and mentally challenging leaving me excited to come and work hard the next day. Steve is extremely knowledgeable and genuinely cares about his students. Training with Steve is an investment in yourself that will provide noticeable returns not only in martial arts, but also at work, with your friends and in how you handle yourself as a person. I would highly recommend working with Steve and the Scranton MMA Team!
Marie SimsMarie Sims
23:51 25 Jan 24
Signed up on a whim to try a muay thai class recently, and I absolutely can't wait to start BJJ soon! Steve and the other people at Scranton MMA are great.
Franco ArdolineFranco Ardoline
16:53 25 Jan 24
My absolute favorite instructors for jiu jitsu, Muay Thai and MMA!!! I’ve trained 7 years at Scranton mma and over a decade in all. Many teachers in many different states even. The time and dedication that is given to make sure each student is grasping what is being taught has no comparison. The honor and camaraderie developed here create growth throughout your life.
Zach RoditskiZach Roditski
19:00 24 Jan 24
Scranton MMA does an amazing job teaching students of all levels. With an approachable staff and curriculum focused around proven methods, it is the most suitable gym for anyone looking to get started or continue their martial arts journey. The Muay Thai class has been a great introduction to MMA, being self-paced and having time for individualized instruction made starting out easy and enjoyable. Can’t wait to start the Jiu Jitsu class and continue with this gym!
Yulissa EscarramanYulissa Escarraman
21:29 23 Jan 24
as someone who was, and still is, extremely new to the world of MMA, the instructors at Scranton MMA have done a great job at explaining the importance of technique, movements, and safety while training. super welcoming and talented group of people, which made it very easy to settle in and get excited about training every week. highly recommend to anyone considering taking classes... Scranton MMA's approach to teaching is unmatched!
Danielle LDanielle L
19:10 23 Jan 24
As someone who has never done martial arts before (but was always eager to), Scranton MMA has been an absolute joy to attend. They really do a fantastic job of teaching students of all levels and advancing you no matter what stage you’re at. I have been doing lots of the Muay Thai classes and look forward to the jujitsu, too! Very professional, organized yet very friendly and personable. I’d recommend anybody to Scranton MMA. Steve obviously knows what he’s doing and he’s incredibly inspiring to learn from.
Lenny HolevaLenny Holeva
19:11 19 Jan 24
Scranton MMA has taught me a great deal when it comes to Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Muay Thai, and MMA within the last 7 years. The owners and the current instructors put in the extra effort in explaining what is being taught, why you are doing it, and take the extra time after class to help if you need it. Coming from a more introverted type of person I had anxiety when I first signed up, but the people and community were so welcoming they made me always feel included which created a great atmosphere, for me. I suggest Scranton MMA to anyone interested in learning self-defense, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Muay Thai, or MMA.
Mitchell KowalchickMitchell Kowalchick
17:58 19 Jan 24
Since joining Scranton MMA, I've learned much more than just BJJ, Muay Thai, and Judo. It truly is an exercise for the mind, ego, and respect. The classes are orchestrated in a way that accommodates all skill levels, making everyone feel comfortable. Moreover, the staff cares about you as an individual, structuring your training in a personalized manner. The more time you invest, the more evolved and targeted your training becomes. I can't express enough how fantastic this place is! Thank you.
dangred browndangred brown
17:19 12 Dec 23
A great place to learn and train Muay Thai, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, and MMA. The classes are well structured and the price is extremely cheap for all that you get. It's easy to access, right off the Casey, in Dunmore and less than a few minutes from Scranton. Highly recommend.
Isidro AcostaIsidro Acosta
15:55 18 Apr 23
Devan FrantzDevan Frantz
19:03 12 Mar 23
I’m giving this place five stars to cover up the ignorant bad reviews I haven’t actually gone here yet but I plan too.
Joseph MaskalJoseph Maskal
23:21 21 Sep 22
I recommend anyone and everyone to join this gym, very clean, very nice people between the teachers and students, very informative. It feels like giant family. Even tho I can no longer attend due to me moving I will forever recommend this place.
Lorelei PetryLorelei Petry
00:18 22 Jan 22
Amazing place! The staff are all very nice and it's clean. My son goes here for Jiu Jitsu and Kickboxing. The instructors are great and taylor the classes to each person's strengths and weaknesses. Convenient location right off the highway too!
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