Oscar is an amazing Boxing and Muay Thai boxing coach…read more
I have dabbled in martial arts since I was a child and trained at several boxing, MMA, BJJ, and Thai Boxing gyms all over the city. Chicago is definitely blessed with excellent martial arts and combat sports instruction, and Oscar Bravo definitely belongs in that category.
His current location is convenient off the CTA Red Line, buses, Loop, I-94, and Lake Shore Dr. His gym is upstairs from Phenomenal Fitness, which we get access to if its not too busy as a perk. Oscar's gym has the amenities that other gyms might lack, but not in an ostentatious way. Clean locker rooms, more than one shower, towels, soap, shampoo, decent bathrooms.
He provides wraps, shin guards, mitts, focus pads, thai pads, whatever we need to train, plus a nice selection of Thai bags and boxing bags. There is also a treadmill.
Another plus is that there are NO contracts. Just a straight fee that includes a T-Shirt, no cancellation policies, just easy Quick Pay and easy rate change if you want to train more. Its very transparent. Also we can make up classes on another week if we miss out, so we aren't wasting $. Very appreciative of that.
Now on to the man himself.
I've only known Oscar for a short time, but he has a great reputation as a fighter, martial artist and coach that goes way back in the community. He has a great eye for improving technique, pushing you to excel and do your best without crushing you or making you feel inadequate. There is definitely empowerment within his teaching, and he also shares his experiences with other martial arts and not limiting to what is being taught within the base art. I think this well-rounded approach is extremely beneficial as people come from all different types of backgrounds. He tries to get to know you when you first come in and evaluate where we are.
There has definitely been a great progression with our Muay Thai class since i joined a few months ago, everyone is improving in fitness and technical application. Its encouraging to see the team environment develop organically without Oscar emphasizing it. Right now the class is small so we all get great individual feedback. Oscar is also great at reminding us about recovery, stretching properly, and taking care of our bodies without sounding too preachy.
Strongly recommend you check out a class, for fitness, training for your first fight, or self-defense. Whether you are new or a veteran, you can learn something.