Bars Boxing — Local services in New York

Took a trial class here, and it's not a horrible facility - I've just seen better. For example, Lions Fight, Evolution Muay Thai, and Zen Goju Temple are 3 locations that I have been to that have surpassed this one in terms of value and training.

The best of the aforementioned 3 is Evolution Muay Thai, but it is located in Manhattan. It's $185/month for unlimited MMA, Wrestling, Muay Thai, Yoga, Bag Work, Working Out, and Drilling.

Following this one, is Lions Fight. $185/month for 3x/week Muay Thai, TKD, or MMA (your call). It's located in Brooklyn, but the Head Coach doesn't really care about his students as much as Brandon from Evolution does. The training is decent, and the program is "OK", but it's overpriced, you have to buy their shirts, gloves, shorts, etc., and it's simply not as welcoming as Evolution is.

Matched with the training I saw at BARS is Zen Goju Temple, also in Brooklyn. Zen Goju Temple is about $100/month, or $15 per class. Although this is a Goju Karate School, ONE trainer I absolutely recommend goes by the name "Kenny". I have trained with him on many occasions, and he is very knowledgeable in Jiu-Jitsu, and Muay-Thai, two of the three building blocks of MMA (the 3rd being wrestling). BARS does NOT offer Wrestling, or Jiu-Jitsu, and costs more.

I gave the place 3 stars because Akmaljan (although throaty, likes to curse, yells alot, etc) definitely cares about seeing results in his students. His assistant coach who teaches boxing is very pleasant and definitely knows what he's doing as well. It's overpriced, but if you live down the block, and you have cash to burn and don't necessarily care about the best bang for your buck, go here. Otherwise, try one of the three recommended schools.

Again, if you want the best bang for your buck, a welcoming environment, and emphasis on technique, go to Evolution. Hands down, the best muay thai school in NYC.

FOR THE RECORD, I am not being paid to write this review, and I am not "advertising" for anyone. I just thought it was about time to talk about these places that I've been to.

Also, please note that there are absolutely 0 reviews on yelp, and that two the reviews were written by the owner, and that one of the reviews was by a student that was most likely asked to write the review for...

Great gym, good size. Lots of sparring partners. I am about 143lb and i can work with 10 guys that are of similar weight class. Most of the guys are very good and talented boxers. Golden gloves champs, kickboxing, olympic junior champs etc. Excellent for sparing!

In regards to coaching: it is excellent. Akmalis a 2 time kick boxing world champion and a multi national Uzbek champ (6+? time adult and who knows how many junior champ) Great guy, really passionate about his sport. Akmal knows excellent soviet based technique of striking! Now the ussr is taking over with Klitchko's reign, GGG,...

I heard of a New York kickboxing school called Bars Boxing and Kickboxing and went there with my two sons to check it out. When I saw what a professional facility it was and learned of the Master Akmaljan Zakirov I had to sign up along with my two boys. They have gained so much self confidence from their experience. I have met some great people and lost about 10 pounds. Taking up kickboxing is one of the best things I could have ever done for my...