Business Details
24 Years
experience
Your Premier Martial Arts & Fitness Center in Loves Park, IL
We are a locally owned gym dedicated to providing a technical approach to fitness, self-defense, and Mixed Martial Arts training. Our programs cater to all ages and experience levels, offering a full belting system in Mixed Martial Arts and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. We combine disciplines like Boxing, Kickboxing, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and Muay Thai Kickboxing to deliver structured training that builds confidence, physical strength, and practical self-defense skills.Our team of experienced instructors focuses on creating a supportive environment where students develop leadership qualities, discipline, and a strong work ethic. With flexible membership packages and specialized programs for children and adults, we aim to make martial arts accessible while fostering a sense of community among our members.
Services
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
Boxing
Kickboxing
Muay Thai
Children's Martial Arts
Details
- Year established: 2002
Highlights and features
- We offer structured programs for all ages and experience levels.
- Our instructors emphasize technical proficiency and practical self-defense skills.
- Flexible membership packages accommodate diverse training needs.
- We combine martial arts with character development for children.
- Family-friendly environment fosters community and long-term growth.
What people say
Best group of people and trainers
Instilling discipline and confidence
Great for fitness and self-defense
Family-friendly atmosphere
Effective youth character development
Services
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
Our Brazilian Jiu Jitsu program focuses on grappling techniques, joint locks, and chokeholds for self-defense and competition. Students learn strategic ground control while developing physical endurance and mental discipline. The curriculum emphasizes practical application through partner drills and live rolling sessions.
Boxing
Structured boxing classes teach fundamental punching techniques, footwork, and defensive strategies. Participants engage in high-intensity cardio workouts using heavy bags and mitt drills while learning proper form to maximize power and minimize injury risk in a non-contact environment.
Children's Martial Arts
Age-specific programs for children aged 4-12 combine martial arts fundamentals with character-building exercises. Curriculum includes belt progression workbooks, leadership training, and physical development activities designed to improve coordination, focus, and self-confidence in a safe setting.
Muay Thai Kickboxing
This dynamic program teaches traditional Muay Thai striking techniques including elbow strikes, knee strikes, and clinch work. Classes focus on improving cardiovascular fitness, core strength, and practical self-defense skills through pad work and technical drills in a supportive group environment.
Women's Self Defense
Private group sessions designed to teach practical self-defense techniques for real-world scenarios. Instructors emphasize situational awareness, de-escalation strategies, and physical defense methods while maintaining a comfortable learning environment for all participants.
People
Rich W.
Founder
With over 20 years of martial arts experience, Rich established No Joke Mixed Martial Arts to create a community-focused training environment. He oversees curriculum development and ensures all instructors maintain the highest technical standards while fostering student growth.
Krystyna Brzazgon
Instructor/Athlete
A decorated competitor and certified instructor, Krystyna specializes in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and women's self-defense programs. She brings competitive expertise and practical teaching methods to help students achieve personal fitness and self-defense goals effectively.
Rod H.
Boxing Coach
Rod leads boxing instruction with a focus on technical precision and fitness development. His background in competitive boxing informs practical training methods that benefit both recreational participants and serious athletes seeking skill advancement.
Justin B.
Boxing Coach
Justin delivers high-energy boxing classes that combine fitness training with self-defense techniques. He emphasizes proper form and progressive skill development while maintaining an inclusive atmosphere for all experience levels.
Nick P.
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Coach
Nick specializes in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu instruction, guiding students through technical drills and live sparring sessions. His teaching approach balances competition preparation with practical self-defense applications for real-world effectiveness.
Questions
What martial arts programs do you offer?
We offer Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Boxing, Kickboxing, Muay Thai, and children's martial arts programs. Specialized classes include women's self-defense and competitive training options.
What age requirements exist for classes?
Children's classes start at age 4, while adult classes begin at 13 years old. All programs are structured to accommodate various experience levels and physical abilities.
Do I need special equipment to start?
We provide loaner gloves and mitts initially. For regular training, we recommend purchasing appropriate gear including boxing gloves, hand wraps, and BJJ gis for specific classes.
Are classes co-ed?
Yes, all classes are co-ed with an inclusive atmosphere. We maintain separate changing areas and ensure appropriate supervision for youth programs.
Can beginners join without prior experience?
Absolutely! Our instructors help newcomers learn basics with proper form. All classes include mixed experience levels to support gradual skill development and peer learning.
What membership options are available?
We offer flexible membership packages for different training frequencies. Options include single-discipline and unlimited access plans with family discounts available for multiple participants.
Videos
Reviews (6)
Matias
Sep 17, 2021
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I am giving this gym a low rating due to a bad experience with the owner. A couple weeks ago I suffered a neck injury that could have paralyzed me during a BJJ sparing session. When I communicated this incident to the owner, he pretty much told me that it was all my fault because I was sparring with someone way out of my weight class, which I understand and I take responsibility for; however, the owner didn't want to talk to the other student in regards to almost paralyzing me. Since the owner didn't want to hold the other student accountable for his actions, that communicated to me that I was
Donald Hanson
Jun 30, 2021
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I appreciate the no joke staff so much. My wife and I have watched as our son and daughter have advanced physically and mentally. Thier instructor's are the best humorous but at the sametime serious
Psaltis Chiropractic Clinic
Nov 24, 2020
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Positive:Professionalism,Quality,Value
Excellent teaching in a variety of different skills. I gained not only knowledge of mixed martial arts here, but also discipline and confidence. The owner, Rich, is a very stand up guy.
Excellent teaching in a variety of different skills. I gained not only knowledge of mixed martial arts here, but also discipline and confidence. The owner, Rich, is a very stand up guy.
Samantha Embrey
Nov 13, 2020
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Rich and Danny are amazing! My daughter is in the kids classes has been for a few years now and they make it fun and disciplined at the same time. My daughter has grown and gotten so much from both the MMA and BJJ classes. She is more confident. It gives her an outlet which I think she really needed. I've seen the adult classes tho I have not taken any myself and they look awesome! Everyone there is considerate kind and supportive. Having gone there as long as we have it's like being part of a supportive family. If MMA or BJJ interest you I highly recommend you check them out! Even if you haven
Jennifer Hartmann
Oct 26, 2020
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I'm amazed by this place. My daughter has been going for only a few weeks and already see such a change in her. Her confidence is up, her respect. It's been such a blast to see her enjoy something so much. The staff is beyond amazing. They are so patient and work closely with her to ensure she is learning correctly and safely. So thankful this in here. She's learning from the best!!!
Lorie Corcoran
Jan 26, 2020
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Love No Joke. Started there last fall with no prior MMA experience. I take the morning classes with the owner, Rich. Its 9 intense 3 minute intervals. He has been patient with me as I continue to work on technique and keeps the workouts varied enough to keep me interested. As a mom with limited time to work out, I appreciate the flexibility of dropping in the mornings that I can. Great workouts and great stress relief. Challenging enough for great athletes and fighters but beginner friendly as well.
