Best Muay Thai in NYC, hands down. Every level from beginner to kids, and professional fighters

Such an awesome gym! I trained here regularly for about 1.5 years all together. Every class you are pushed to your edge in intensity. You constantly work on new skills and techniques. Every class is different. No two are really the same. Even when I would attend two on the same day, what would be worked on would vary. I got to meet some really great people during my time there. You bond over your time on the mats together and there is a connection that is felt between all (at least that is my take on it). Even though it went unstated; it was there. Even between those whom I hadn't really interacted much with. . . The common thread of Sitan gym had woven us all together. Aziz has to have some of the best energy I've encountered. He is always quick to smile and slow to frown. He would bring his daughters in often (and his wife trains in the classes as well). This really made for a beautiful feeling of family that spread outwards. I learned so much when I was there. Got to train with those who had never thrown a punch before - all the way up to true fighters. All the while watching my own abilities increase exponentially. . . When I started there I was in the former group, with little martial arts experience before. By the time I was about to move from the area I had quite a few others ask me if I was thinking of fighting myself. read more

I appreciated the professionalism from the staff for my first time there. I'm looking forward to training there!!!

Sitan gym is located up in Astoria and is a great Muay Thai spot near Long Island City. It's been open for over twenty years and the experience of the staff really shows. Head instructor Aziz Nabih is a long time resident of New York City and has a storied amount of experience behind him. He has spent a lot of time in Dutch style kickboxing and is also connected with Sitsongpeenong in Thailand. Sittichai Sitsongpeenong, the multiple Kickboxing and Muay Thai champion trains out of Sitan when he comes to America and Nabih has helped him with his boxing. Nabih's students including Eddie Cuello, Thiago Azeredo and Rami Ibrahim have all gone on to open solid schools in Long Island, Arizona, and Philadelphia. Nabih also has a large current fight team including Jessica Ng who is slated to fight in the 2018 Pan American games. He's also served as a coach on the USMF (United States Muay Thai Federation) which is pushing Muay Thai into the Olympics. The gym itself is small but has dedicated trainers and people. Under Nabih's guidance this spot is a diamond in the rough. read more

I can't say enough good things about Sitan gym. I have been taking their Muay Thai classes close to two years now and here is why I keep coming back: 1. Excellent dedicated Instructors who care about your growth and Improvement and are very technical yet friendly and approachable. 2. They teach traditional Muay Thai as well as Dutch kick boxing Glory rules techniques. 3. You get an excellent work out and get into best shape of your life. 4. Very affordable pricing 5. Friendly and supportive atmosphere. People train here check their ego at the door. Everyone is supportive and friendly while still also serious about training. read more

Could not ask for a better gym. To say its a team atmosphere is an understatement. Family environment, serious coaches with serious pedigrees, option for month to month contract at great rate, everyone who trains there is friendly and serious about Muay Thai. Cannot imagine much of a better gym than Sitan. read more

Where do I even begin? I've sent my 5 year old now 6 year old son here for 9 months and he has learned so much and is so confident and strong. I thank ALL the Guys there .... best school in Tri-state area!! Now I had some major operations on my hip and shoulder and started to feel life was done for me. So I started the adult beginner class and it 6 short weeks 1-3 days a week and I am a changed man. My belly went down, shoulders are wider, chest and arms solid. I've been in the gym in my younger years but this is a new level of fitness. I wall taller, more positive person, less stressed, stronger and more awake for day to day duties..... can't stop there, beside the fact there instructors are top notch humble people but every student I've met has been such nice people that want to help each other.! I literally felt excepted to a brotherhood from day 1.... Special Thanks to Joel Aziz and all estevez brothers ! Appreciate everything!!! Eric S. read more

This is the best muay thai kickboxing in NY! Has a very welcoming family atmosphere. Great for all ages! Classes run from 12pm-7:30pm and they also offer privets. Omar is the best for personal and small group training. Try to book with him if he's available!! read more

I explored few muay thai gyms in NY. None of them is like Sitan. Here is why: 1. You dont overpay. 2. Very friendly stuff. 3. Awesome cardio and classes split by level 4. Instructors REALLY TEACH you basic technique and will always give you useful advice. After few classes I took a break for 5 months and when I came i noticed how other guys improved their skills. So Work hard Or Go Home!)And Welcome to Sitan read more

I've known about Sitan for quite some time and have finally made the leap over. Having done various martial arts off and on for years, I knew that Sitan would be a move over into the more traditional form of Muay Thai. And with trainers that not have only competed numerous times but open to other forms of striking, they have the ability to help those who already have a background adjust and tweak their current techniques. They're open to the skills you may already have. But if you don't have any background, they're also able to help you develop your basic tools, hone them down, and eventually develop the potential that each student has. On top of that, I will have to admit that just the warm up alone that can last anywhere from ten to twenty minutes is an intense work out. It'll have you sweating in absolutely no time. You'll be surrounded by those that truly do not only want to learn the techniques from Muay Thai but also there for the hard workout. From beginners to those who have fought amateur and or professionally, the students all express an interest to learn but also help and teach beginners. The gym is on the smaller side, but don't let that deter you. The workouts are incredible and the gym itself has all of the tools and equipment to really give you the charm of an authentic Muay Thai workout. From kick bags, mitts, Muay Thai pads, and more. There are even weights, foam rollers, steps, kettle bells, etc. all there to be used for training. So if you've ever been interested in martial arts, at least go ahead and sign up for a free class. read more

There's a reason why the NYC fight community consistently regards Sitan as the toughest and best gym in all of the five boroughs. There's a reason why Sitan fighters always show up and mop up the competition at any Muay Thai event held in New York City. There's a reason why the wall behind the front desk at Sitan Gym is covered in photos, plaques, and championship belts (including that won by current Glory Lightweight Champion Sittichai Sitsongpeenong, who receives his training from the gym owner). It's because the owner and head trainer Aziz Nabih offers club members the most technical, attentive, compassionate, patient, and no frills Muay Thai training in New York City. Aziz makes trips to Thailand several times a year, so you can be assured that you will receive training on the latest and greatest tactics and combinations, as well as classic techniques from the Golden Age of Muay Thai. Yet you don't have to worry about calling any of the trainers "Kru" or "Ajarn," as there is no ego at this club. Everyone here operates on a first name basis, and I've made lifelong friends among my clubmates and the trainers. What you will find are coaches who put you through a grueling, intense, yet super rewarding warm up, strength and conditioning, drilling and/or sparring regimen that will really push your VO2 max. What you will gain is explosive strength, flexibility, visible abs (if you follow a clean diet), and the instincts and wherewithal to defend yourself should the need arise. The club's pricing ($140 a month, no contract or weird "sign up fees" - what the hell is the point of the latter, anyway?) is pretty much rock bottom in New York City, and law enforcement personnel get an even better deal (I pay $120 a month). If you pay three to six months at a time, the discounts are even better. Be forewarned, as training at Sitan Gym is absolutely (and literally) not for the faint of heart, and its cardio requirements far surpass what you will find at any other Muay Thai club in NYC. Tell anyone in the know that you train at Sitan, and you will be met with a respectful, "Oh damn." read more

Great place to learn and live muay thia, staff is very friendly, great place for MA and cardio.

Great gym first time doing Muay Thai(previously boxed for about 2 years at 2 different schools)Sitan has very intese work outs, they offer beginner, intermidiate and advanced classes to make sure you are working aganist the correct peer group. Gym has a lot of Local fighters whom are constantly competeing in the amatuar and pro bouts. The owner/trainer Aziz is a Technique Nazi(which is great) and the cardio work outs you will get from this place is second to NONE that's coming from a U.S Marine! Best thing is it's cheaper than most other gyms(Muay Thai, Boxing or MMA Gyms) and has no requried contracts and has one of the most knowledable trainers i have ever met! Also Aziz has been a corner man for alot of good fighters from NY and even trained a camp or two in thailand. CHECK THIS GUY OUT!! read more

I took a trial class. This is a real-deal muay thai gym: good technique, tough training, dedicated fighters. No BS. Just training, and lots of it. I trained at Fairtex and Fight and Fitness in San Francisco with real Thai fighters, and I was impressed that Aziz' gym was pretty much the same: warm-up/cardio, strength/conditioning, padwork (hands and legs). Optional sparring. It was maybe a bit harder and the class is 90 min long instead of 1 hour. Liked: Aziz was friendly and professional, not at all smarmy, no hard sell. Vigilant with technical instruction. The students seemed friendly too. Lots of fighters with fights at MSG coming up. The feeling of the gym was very respectful. Mostly guys, with a good contingent of women. Meh: They don't have a shower. The Saturday class was pretty crowded. (But maybe the evening classes are less crowded, I don't know.) I paid $25 for the class, and saw a sign that it's $140/month if you go month to month. Prepaid plans were cheaper. Compared to normal workout gyms that's a lot, but Muay thai gyms are always more. And of course it's NY, so it's more than California. What you're really paying for is the quality of instructor and to be part of a hard-training community. read more

Traditional Muay Thai gym where both fighters, people who want to get a good workout, and everybody in between can coexist in a happy sweaty environment. The coaches are tough but you will get what you paid for...and some more. Many go in out of curiosity or wanting to lose weight, and they walk out with a new skill. No hard sell, tight knit environment always looking for new family members. read more

You want to learn something new and get fit? This is one of the best gyms in NYC! Can't go wrong here! Aziz is the best trainer ever and taught me so much. So much respect and honor for this place! Give it a try because if you don't you are missing out!!! read more

This is the best Muay Thai training school around. I was shocked at the level of instruction. It has been several years since I've trained at other schools because I underwent two ACL knee surgeries. The first few weeks of training at Sitan were tough as I am out of shape; but I feel stronger, faster, and more energetic already. Instruction is motivating, detail-oriented, creative, and safe for people of all ages and sizes. I felt no ego with the members here. People here are extremely adept in combat but also very humble. All kinds of people train here -- working people, business people, competitors, students, etc. The gym is not gross as in other ones I've been to. The trainers are friendly, helpful, and work very hard. I will be very sad if I have to move out of the area because the chances of finding a gym that operates at this level in any other area is usually very slim. read more

This place is amazing. A tiny hole in the wall training area that is no frills and all training. Aziz has brought a certain vision and humble vibe to the gym that is taken on by all of his fighters and assistant trainers. Everyone stays level headed and is willing to help you develop your techniques and be the best you can be. The style taught here is very technical and traditional and was noticed by my friends. Other gyms feel business oriented and are always pushing products on you while Sitan just sells you essentials, and you can tell Aziz is there to breed fighters. Just make sure to eat a lot because you will lose weight. read more

Need to work on costumer service. They don't offer a free try out class like most places do. They told me that I needed to pay $30 for the try out class. Not a good first impression. It make me feel they only care about money. read more

An amazing place to train. Everyone is very humble and helpful, no tough guy personalities to deal with only tough trainers and great workouts. read more

Great place to workout at. Aziz and the staff all made us feel welcome from day 1. Great environment ,great people and great coaching. Thank you read more

Sitan Gym is a great place, great trainers & work staff. You will get a great work out & pick up the skills quickly. My son has been coming to the gym for a yr. now & picked up the technique pretty fast, Im very impressed.. read more

Sitan gym is the best my daughter Leila has been training for 3 years the staff is great we feel like a family here . The trainers are great my daughter has learned so much. Now they added a woman's class which I started and it's the best you get a full body workout. read more

I only created a yelp account to review this place. I can't imagine why anyone would ever give this place anything less than 5 stars. Aziz (the head trainer) is very well known and respected in the Muay Thai community. Apart from Aziz, you have Joel and Omar, both of whom have had tons of in ring fighting experience. I was a bit intimidated when I first came in to sign up. However the atmosphere in the gym is so friendly and humble that you can't help but feel like part of a team of people working together to improve themselves. I've only been taking beginner classes but on any given day you could be paired with a female partner, a male partner or a teenager from either group. There is no meathead culture in the gym, only a desire for everyone to progress and improve. I could go on and on about the physical benefits, such as improved cardio and unmatched calorie burning. But for me, the mental benefits are just as important. I find myself with so much more faith in my body. These guys have made me do things I would think impossible and would have never done on my own time or through my own efforts. I have always lacked motivation to go to the gym but the atmosphere here is so amazing and I have so much fun learning and drilling the techniques that I look forward to every class and get there early. You will lose fat, tone up. I have to stop here because I could write essays about the benefits I've gotten from this gym. I would publicly like to thank Aziz, Joel and Omar. You guys give such great instruction and force me to believe in myself. My first class, I thought I would die of soreness the next day and it took me 3 days to come back. This week I took classes on consecutive days for the first time. If you come here ready to sincerely work hard, this place will change your life and fitness. -From a student who has been training at Sitan for roughly 6 weeks. read more

Sitan gym is hands down the best muay thai gym in new york! Master aziz and his trainers are awesome! always smiling and humbly ready to help at any time. All the trainers are always patient and encouraging.The caring environment and friendly atmosphere create a sense of family amongst everyone. The prices cannot be beat! I lost a total of 20 pounds in the first month alone. If your tired of feeling self concious and want to learn one of the most intriguing art forms in the world, i truly recommend you stop by and try sitan gym out. read more

Pros: Unbelievable workout, great trainers, genuinely good people running the gym -- the contract (if you choose to have one) isn't predatory at all and there is no hard sell. I have a feeling that Aziz doesn't care about the money, rather about making a positive impact in his community and doing what he loves (training people). That is what makes user B Jackson S's review so surprising to me -- my experience with Sitan is the exact opposite in regard to every claim he/she makes. The amount of good sportsmanship and positive encouragement here is almost excessive. I went here for 2 months last summer, and came back in today. The trainers and Aziz recognized me immediately, knew my name and asked questions relevant to my studies. The "you are nothing but a number" claim is not just utter nonsense-- it is a flat-out lie; no reasonable person that trained here more than a couple of days can say that about this gym. Cons: Terrible parking situations, Facilities are nothing to write home about (they recently renovated from a terribly cramped layout to a slightly more spacious but still shabby gym). If you are looking for leather waiting areas with flat screen , you are out of luck. No showers. Other: I trained Muay Thai at only 4 gyms, and I don't think I am experienced enough to judge Sitan's comparative strengths and weaknesses when it comes to quality of instructions. My hunch is that it is top-notch gym because Stian is very well known (despite its shitty location in an outer borough) and they train a bunch of national and international muay thai fighters. Bottom Line: The distinguishing feature of this gym is their muay-thai community - it is tight knit and can be intimidating at first because everyone seems to know each other. But rest assured, they are super friendly and welcoming and willing to give you a hand. You are expected to make a good faith effort and share a passion for working on your game. read more

This is the place you want to be if you're serious about learning discipline and fighting. The head trainer Aziz is really a nice guy but he will push you to your limit in a respectful but demanding manner which is exactly what I'm paying for. The cardio and technique you will get from training here is world-class and there are no egos here. I have frequently trained with guys who normally compete for actual fights and they are very humble and don't mind helping when needed. I feel amazing everytime I leave this place and look forward to training here every week. This place is for real and if you really wan't to learn how to kick-box, this place is for you. Just don't expect to come here if you're eating like a pig and not taking care of your body because you will pay for it. read more

Completely inexperienced beginner here with no prior experience in any type of martial arts. Sitan Gym is great for a work out learning basic skills. Plus, the people there are incredibly friendly and cool. No need to be scared or intimidated because you'll pick up the skills really quickly. read more

Sitan is the best gym in the NYC area. If you are a beginner just wanting to learn self-defence or an experienced fighter, Sitan is definitely the place to enhance your skill. The instructors are professionals that are well immersed in the art of Muay Thai and will bring out the best in you. Also the workouts will get you in the best shape of your life! read more