Striking & Muay Thai Classes in Rockford at Core Combat Sports Train with Purpose. Build Real Skill. Learn Striking & Muay Thai at Core Combat Sports.
Our Striking and Muay Thai program in Rockford is designed for anyone ready to sharpen their technique, improve their fitness, and build real confidence. Whether you’re just starting out or have some experience, our coaches create a focused, high-energy environment where you’ll learn powerful stand-up skills, proper form, and how to apply them safely and effectively. This is more than just a workout—it’s a disciplined approach to becoming stronger, sharper, and more capable, one class at a time.
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What You’ll Gain From Training
Striking and Muay Thai will push your cardio, build full-body strength, and level up your movement. It’s tough—but that’s the point.
Every session demands focus, discipline, and control. Over time, those habits stick and start showing up in everything else you do.
You won’t find egos here. Just teammates who show up, work hard, and help each other get better every day.
Build Strength, Skill, and Confidence at Core
Combat Sports
Our Striking and Muay Thai program challenges your body with a mix of conditioning, technique, and mobility work. It’s a fast-paced, high-energy class that builds real-world endurance, coordination, and power. You’ll train with purpose, improve your timing and footwork, and gain the confidence that comes from pushing yourself in a focused, supportive environment.
Why Do People Keep Coming Back to These Classes?
Striking and Muay Thai build real strength, improve cardio, and sharpen coordination. It’s one of the most effective ways to get in shape and stay that way.
You’ll learn how to move, react, and protect yourself with skills that actually work—taught in a safe, controlled setting.
There’s nothing like hitting pads after a long day. It clears your head, boosts your mood, and keeps you coming back for more.
How Core Combat Sports Striking &
Muay Thai Compares
Not all training is created equal. Whether you’ve tried big-box gyms, casual fitness classes, or other martial arts programs, here’s how Core Combat Sports stands apart—and why so many people in the Rockford area choose us.
Most classes focus on burning calories without teaching real skills.
Large classes or self-guided workouts often leave you figuring things out on your own.
Without a team or a goal, it’s easy to fall off track or lose interest.
Typical gym routines don’t teach practical skills for real-life situations.
You might show up and sweat, but there’s no way to measure growth or set goals.
Every session builds striking technique, timing, and body control while getting you in shape.
Coaches guide you through every round with real-time feedback and clear direction.
You’re surrounded by coaches and teammates who support your progress and keep you consistent.
Learn how to defend yourself, stay composed under pressure, and apply what you train in real time.
Our program follows a system that helps you track improvement and hit milestones that matter.
Build Power and Conditioning with Striking & Muay Thai
Striking and Muay Thai at Core Combat Sports delivers more than just a sweat—it builds strength, improves cardio, and sharpens your body and mind. Each class combines technical striking with athletic conditioning, giving you a full-body workout that actually teaches you something useful.
You’ll develop power through pad work, improve your timing and balance with drills, and burn calories while learning real striking skills. Our coaches focus on form and control, helping you move better and stay safe as you level up.
Whether you’re new to this or coming in with experience, our team meets you where you’re at and helps you keep pushing forward. You’ll train with purpose, stay motivated, and walk out stronger—physically and mentally.
Train Smarter and Lean Out with Striking & Muay Thai
If you’re looking for a workout that delivers results, Striking and Muay Thai at Core Combat Sports is built for it. Our classes combine fast-paced striking drills with strength-focused movements that challenge your entire body and keep your heart rate high from start to finish.
You won’t just burn calories. You’ll build lean muscle, improve endurance, and boost your metabolism with every session. The variety keeps it interesting, and the technical focus keeps you engaged.
Whether your goal is to lose weight, tone up, or feel stronger and more capable, this program gives you the structure, coaching, and motivation to make it happen.
Relieve Stress and Take Control with Striking & Muay Thai
Striking and Muay Thai at Core Combat Sports isn’t just good for your body. It’s a powerful outlet for stress, frustration, and everyday pressure. When you step into class, you get a space where you can reset your focus, move with purpose, and release tension through focused, high-energy training.
The physical side of it is only part of the picture. Hitting pads, dialing in your technique, and moving with intensity helps calm your mind and clear out mental noise. It’s a healthy, productive way to work through stress while building real skill and confidence.
You don’t need to be a fighter to feel the benefits. Whether you’ve had a rough day or just want to feel more in control, Striking and Muay Thai gives you the space to breathe, move, and walk out stronger than when you walked in.
Learn Real Self-Defense Through Striking and Muay Thai
Striking and Muay Thai at Core Combat Sports goes beyond fitness. It teaches real-world self-defense you can rely on when it matters most. Known as the “Art of Eight Limbs,” this system trains you to use your hands, elbows, knees, and legs to build the tools you need to protect yourself effectively.
Our coaches focus on technique, timing, and awareness. You’ll improve your reactions, build confidence, and learn how to manage pressure in a controlled, safe environment. With consistent training, you’ll be ready to respond to challenging situations with clarity and purpose.
Whether you’re heading off to college, walking through a parking lot, or just want to feel more in control of your surroundings, this program gives you skills that carry over into everyday life.
Real Feedback from the
Core Combat Sports Community
Our students and families say it best. These reviews come straight from the people who train with us every week. From first-time beginners to longtime members, you'll hear how Core Combat Sports has made a real impact—on and off the mats.
Very professional and fun for all ages! My oldest child started a year ago and has become obsessed! Can't say enough good things about all of the programs offered at Core!
I have been with core for about 10-11 months and i love it. There were times i was losing hope in myself mentally and physically but core pushed me and motivated me to be the best me i can possibly be. I highly recommend this place to anyone who wishes to learn martial arts!!
Core Combat Sports is the best place to train at in the 815. I have been training at Core for about 3 years, and my love for the martial arts has only grown. Since my first class, I have excelled in Jiu Jitsu, my wrestling skills for high school improved, and it also taught me many things. I became focused on things on and off the mat, including my schooling/homework. I have also completed an Instructor's Course, and I became the head coach for the Core Kids classes. This role was a great responsibility, after all, I was going to be a huge impact on some of these little guys/gals. In the end, teaching became a thing I loved to do, so it didn't even feel like a hard responsibility. I have also competed in Jiu Jitsu and MMA, and I was successful in both. Core Combat Sports will definitely, without a doubt, prepare you to do whatever it is that you want to do: Competing, getting in better shape, losing weight, and most importantly learn how to defend yourself. As soon as you walk in the door, you are greeted by coaches and other students. Everyone is really nice which creates a very safe and friendly environment. The walls are all murals which adds another element to the academy's atmosphere. There are plenty of training options, and at least one is bound to fit you! Whether it is Jiu Jitsu, MTK (kickboxing), wrestling, fitness, you name it! Core has it! There are just too many great things to say about Core, just check it out and see what it's about! Finally, since August 2015, I moved off to college in Iowa City, and I really miss Core and all of my Core friends! Thanksgiving and Christmas break can't come soon enough!
Been going to kickboxing for a month now and couldn’t love it anymore than I do now great people and atmosphere incredible coach just all around awesome place!!!
Great facility! My husband and myself were driving through and looking for a place to train. Found the perfect spot. Not only was everyone very welcoming, but the intermediate GI class was awesome. Great sequence of techniques and instruction taught by a top notch Black Belt, who is diverse in self defense and sport BJJ. If ever in the area we will stop back by.
I’ve been training at Core for one year now and I’m currently 28 years old. I was looking for something different to do that would keep me in decent physical shape for my career. Prior to signing up with Core, I was nervous about starting because I had absolutely no experience with Jiu-Jitsu or any other martial art for that matter. The beginner’s class is great and no one at Core gives you any problems for not knowing how to do certain drills and/or for being slow at performing the drills. I have found that training Jiu Jitsu at Core is a great work out and is fun as well. In my opinion, it beats the ordinary gym membership by just going in and running on a treadmill and/or lifting some weights. At Core, you get a great work out and you learn how to defend yourself at the same time. Like I stated before, I started with no experience (and I still have a ton to learn) but it’s been an excellent adventure thus far!
Core Combat Sports has been a God send for the Parkinson's community. Coach Tommy has run the program since early October. I feel that in my case, it has slowed the progression of the disease and has improved my determination to keep on fighting. Thank you Coach Tommy and all of the volunteers for making a huge difference in our lives.
My son has had some long standing issues. Since joining Core he has drastically improved 2 of his toughest problems. I appreciate how the Core Team does their best to get to the Core of problems beyond just what happens on the mat! Thanks Tommy & Chris! Samuel still needs much help in multiple areas but I trust you will continue to provide positive insights into whatever issues arise.
I have studied Martial Arts for a very long time. The thing that was missing in my life was ground game. I did some research and found Core Combat Sports. I have known coach Tom since I was little. I knew the passion he has for BJJ. I called him up and without hesitation he said "come try it out". I am in my 40's now so the body wasn't in great shape (totally my fault). My first workout with the adult class was very tough. I'm not going to lie about it. Everybody encouraged me to push it in a positive way in which it made me work super hard. I am in 3 months and have lost 27lbs. I am getting ready to do my first BJJ competition (which isn't required but why not?).
Tom has some highly skilled coaches on staff. Coach Ryan and coach Chris are excellent all around. I am to the point where I cant wait for class. Come give Core a chance and hopefully see you on the Mat. You won't be disappointed.
I highly recommend Core to anyone looking for an amazing and positive experience for their child. We love all of the coaches and Tommy has been amazing!
Currently I am training in Brazilian ju-jitsu and Muay Thai and couldn't be happier. Core combat sports is by far an amazing place for many different people with different goals to come to. Weather it's to lose weight, to get into shape, or learn self defense. I'm happy to be fighting underneath the core name and to have the great coaches that train me and my fellow fighters/peers. As well as being a great place to train, it is also a very friendly environment for any age. I strongly recommend core to anyone else who's considering taking classes in the martial arts
I have been training BJJ at Core Combat Sports for about a year and half now. This being my first bjj/martial arts experience, I was a bit apprehensive about trying it out but Tommy and the rest of the students were very welcoming.
I think the single greatest thing about the gym is that through jiu-jitsu and muay thai, we are helping each other work towards our individual goals. Whether its self defense, sport, or conditioning. Someone will always help you drill, work on breaking down a technique, or roll until your heart gives out. That's what keeps it fresh for me and keeps me coming back.
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Secure your spot and get started today with our EXCLUSIVE offer!
Striking & Muay Thai FAQs
Wear athletic clothing you’re comfortable moving in—like shorts, leggings, a t-shirt, and supportive footwear. Avoid jewelry or anything that could cause injury or distraction during training.
Not at all. Our classes are beginner-friendly and designed to meet you where you’re at. Whether you’re just getting started or have trained before, we’ll help you build skill and confidence at your own pace.
You’ll feel it and see it. Progress comes through improved technique, sharper movement, better conditioning, and more control. We don’t use belts in Striking & Muay Thai, but your development is easy to track through consistent training.
We recommend 2 to 3 classes per week for steady progress. The more consistent you are, the faster you’ll build skill, conditioning, and confidence.
Yes. Striking and Muay Thai teaches practical techniques you can apply in real situations. From maintaining distance to reacting under pressure, you’ll learn how to protect yourself while building strong fundamentals.
What You’ll Gain Outside the Gym
Striking and footwork drills fine-tune balance, timing, and coordination for smoother movement in everyday life.
Core strength and proper technique carry over into how you sit, stand, and move throughout the day.
Pad work and partner drills sharpen your reflexes, helping you think and respond more quickly under pressure.
Consistent training builds patience, focus, and mental toughness that benefits work, school, and daily challenges.
ACCESS OUR EXCLUSIVE
Secure your spot and get started today with our EXCLUSIVE offer!