Kids Muay Thai

Kids Muay Thai classes in Catonsville, Maryland, at Baltimore Martial Arts Academy. Muay Thai is striking — punches, kicks, knees and elbows — taught to children the way it should be: on pads and bags first, with full protective gear, under a coach who still competes himself. Kids come out of it fitter, sharper and a lot more confident, and they learn the discipline that comes with a real martial art. Every new student starts with a free week trial.

Who teaches it

Coach Deon Jackson runs our kids Muay Thai program. He is an active MMA competitor — his most recent bout, at Shogun Fights in September 2026, ended in a submission win — and a decorated Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu competitor who holds a purple belt. That matters for your child in a simple way: the techniques are being taught by someone who uses them under pressure, and who knows exactly what safe practice looks like because his own training depends on it.

He is also patient with children. Watch the video below and you will see why kids listen to him.

Watch Coach Deon with a young student

Filmed in our gym in Catonsville. It has been one of the most-watched clips on our Facebook page.

What your child actually learns

• Stance, footwork and guard. How to stand, move and keep their hands up — the foundation of everything else.
• Punches, kicks, knees and elbows, taught one at a time, in the air first and then on pads and bags.
• Pad work with a partner. Where the sweat happens, and where kids learn timing and control.
• Defence. Blocking, checking kicks and moving off the line — so they are never just a target.
• Conditioning. Muay Thai builds strong legs, a strong core and real stamina.
• Respect and self-control. Muay Thai has strong traditions, and we keep them. What is learned in here stays in here.

Is there sparring?

Yes, and it is done properly. Children spar only when they are ready, only with full protective gear, and only under the coach’s direct supervision. Sparring is controlled practice, not a fight — the point is to learn timing and composure, not to win. Any child who would rather not spar can keep training on pads and bags for as long as they like.

Tournaments — for the kids who want them

We take our kids to tournaments. For a child who wants to test themselves, competing with their coach in their corner is one of the best confidence-builders there is. It is completely optional — most of our kids train for fitness and fun and never compete, and that is fine with us.

How we teach kids

Classes are structured and disciplined without being harsh. Nobody gets yelled at. Technique is taught slowly and corrected individually, the work is scaled to the child in front of the coach, and effort is noticed and praised. Shy kids do well here; so do kids with energy to burn, because Muay Thai gives that energy somewhere useful to go.

Is my child ready?

Kids Muay Thai is for ages 7 and up. We take complete beginners in every class, and no prior experience, flexibility or athleticism is required. Younger children start in Kids Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, which begins at three. If you are not sure Muay Thai is the right fit, call and describe your child — many families start with Kids Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (grappling, no striking) and add Muay Thai later, and some do both from the start.

What to bring to the first class

• Shorts or athletic pants and a t-shirt. Kids train barefoot on the mat.
• A water bottle.
• No gloves or wraps needed to try — we will get them set up. If they keep training, hand wraps and a pair of gloves are the first things to buy, and we will tell you exactly what to look for.
• Arrive about ten minutes early so the coach can meet your child first. Parents are welcome to stay and watch.

Questions parents ask

Will my child get hit?
Not in a regular class — the work is on pads and bags. Sparring is separate, optional, fully geared and supervised, and only for kids who are ready for it.

Is Muay Thai the same as kickboxing?
Muay Thai is the martial art kickboxing comes from, and it also uses knees, elbows and the clinch. Our kids program teaches real Muay Thai technique at a child’s pace.

What age can my child start?
Seven and up. Younger children start in Kids Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, which begins at three, and move into Muay Thai when they are old enough.

Does my child need any experience?
No. Every class has beginners in it.

Should my child do Muay Thai or Jiu-Jitsu?
Jiu-Jitsu is grappling, with no strikes; Muay Thai is striking. Both build confidence and fitness. If you are unsure, start with the free week in either one and ask the coach — they will tell you honestly which suits your child.

Who is the instructor?
Coach Deon Jackson, an active MMA competitor and purple belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, who teaches our kids Muay Thai classes.

Other programs for kids

Muay Thai is one of several programs for children here. See also Kids Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Kids Judo, Kids Kung Fu and Kids Karate, or the full kids program list. Parents who want to train too can start with adult Muay Thai or fitness kickboxing. More questions? The FAQ covers most of them.