Is Muay Thai different from kickboxing?
Muay Thai is the Thai national sport that kickboxing grew out of. It adds elbows, knees and clinch work to punches and kicks. If you want to learn kickboxing, everything you need is in our training — beginners start with basic punches and kicks, so you don't need to worry about the difference.
I have never done any martial arts. Can I join?
Of course. We start from the stance and basic movements, and never force sparring on beginners. Training is adjusted to your experience, age, fitness and goal.
Are trial lessons free? Do I need to book?
Trials and visits are free, and you can try the gym twice. Please book the first visit in advance so a coach is ready for you; the second visit needs no booking — just come during opening hours.
Can I apply online?
Yes — the English web form is available 24 hours a day. You can also call the Tama gym on 042-371-1171 (Mon–Fri 15:00–19:00) or the HQ desk on 042-651-5184 (Mon–Sat 12:00–19:00). If you prefer to speak in English, write to us via the form and an English-speaking staff member will call you back.
Is the content of the trial lesson decided?
Yes: reception and a short chat about your goals, warm-up, basic movements, pad work with a coach, and cool-down.
How fast will I see fitness results?
It depends on your body, but many members see body-fat numbers fall and muscle increase after about one month. During a shape-up period, please avoid overeating and drinking more than twice a week.
How many people do I train with?
You can train alone, but striking training is richer with a partner — so your coach personally holds pads for you.
Who are the coaches?
The Shobukai chairman has produced many champions; coaching is by fighters he raised, Thai coaches from Thailand and active professionals — pros who develop pros. Fighters' weight-cut and conditioning know-how is applied to fitness and personal training too.
What should I bring? Can I rent gloves?
Comfortable sportswear, a towel and a drink. To protect your hands, please use hand wraps or cotton work gloves — if you forget, work gloves are sold at the gym for ¥100.
How much are the fees?
The enrollment fee is ¥10,000, but as an opening special it is FREE for the first 20 members. Monthly fees are ¥5,000–¥10,000 depending on the course, all tax included — see the fees on the
Membership page.
Can I aim for amateur fights or a pro career?
Yes. The fighter-development course covers clinch, sparring, fight-style pad work, conditioning, weight management and fight preparation. Fighters approved by the coaches can debut as professionals.
When is the gym closed?
The Tama gym opens Monday–Friday 15:00–21:00 (last entry 20:15) and is closed on weekends and national holidays. Note that hours differ from Shobukai HQ in Hachioji.
How is this different from 30-minute fitness-kickboxing gyms?
Instead of machines and bags only, a Thai coach personally holds pads for you every session and teaches real Muay Thai technique person-to-person. There is no time limit, fees start at ¥5,000 a month (opening special: enrollment free for the first 20 members) — and there is a path beyond fitness, to kids' classes and fighter development.
Can I train at other Shobukai gyms?
Yes — training visits to Shobukai HQ (Hachioji) and group gyms cost ¥2,000 per visit. Train in Tama normally and breathe the same air as the champions at HQ sometimes.
Is there parking? Showers?
Free parking for 5 cars; motorcycles and bicycles also park free. There is no shower room, but the changing room, washroom and toilet are newly renovated and kept clean.
Do the staff speak English or Thai?
Phone support is in Japanese, but our Thai coaches speak Thai at the gym, and simple English communication is fine during training. If you would like to talk on the phone in English, please send your request via the
inquiry form — an English-speaking staff member will call you back.
