Curious about self-defense training in Astoria? This guide breaks down what locals need to know—whether you're looking for practical skills, more confidence, or a solid workout. Learn how Muay Thai and Judo offer real-world self-defense benefits, and why more Queens residents are turning to martial arts for safety, strength, and peace of mind.

Thinking about trying Muay Thai in Astoria? This beginner-friendly guide breaks down the essential gear you’ll need and the unspoken rules of gym etiquette—so you can walk into your first class confident and prepared. Whether you're training for fitness, focus, or the fight game, this is your intro to Astoria Muay Thai done right.

Can you start Muay Thai if you're out of shape? Yes—and it’s actually the best way to get fit. Learn how we ease beginners into training and why Muay Thai builds a unique kind of fitness you won’t get from running or the gym.

Muay Thai vs Kickboxing: What’s the Difference? Learn how these striking styles compare, what rules set them apart, and which techniques are allowed in Muay Thai but banned in kickboxing. Perfect for beginners in NYC looking for the right class.

Muay Thai doesn’t traditionally have a ranking system—but at ITC New York in Astoria, we’ve introduced one with purpose. This post explains why our armband system isn’t about gimmicks or ego—it’s a tool to track progress, recognize growth, and build community. From White to Black rank, we break down what each level represents, what we look for, and how to know when you’re ready to level up. Whether you're training to compete or simply want to sharpen your skills, this guide gives insight into how we define progress in modern Queens Muay Thai.

“Why don’t you run a self-defense seminar or a short clinic focused on street-survival tips?” It’s a fair question—after all, there’s no shortage of one-off workshops promising quick tricks for fending off an attacker. We’ve seen it take place numerous times just one block away in Astoria Park. But here's the truth: real danger doesn’t answer to bullet-point lists or ten-minute demos…

We know that mastering Muay Thai isn’t just about perfecting your roundhouse kick—it’s about cultivating the mental habits that turn a good class into a great one. The body follows the mind: when you train your headspace as diligently as your cardio and technique, you’ll find you progress faster, handle setbacks with grace, and get more out of every single session. Here are seven mental strategies to adopt before, during, and after class so you can show up sharp, stay focused, and crush every workout.

You’ve just wrapped up an intense Muay Thai class—sweat pouring, heart pumping, but the work doesn’t have to stop there. Our 30-minute open mat is yours to own. Instead of rushing off the mat, use this time to cement the skills you just learned, sharpen your conditioning, and build habits that translate to faster progress. Here’s how to turn open-mat minutes into real gains.

At ITC, we know that your progress on the mats isn’t just forged during rounds of pad work or grappling sessions—it’s solidified in the rest and recovery that follows. Whether you’re learning your first Judo throw or refining your Muay Thai clinch, smart recovery rituals will keep you moving freely, reduce downtime from injury, and ensure you’re at your sharpest for every class. Here’s how to build a simple yet effective routine around mobility, stretching, and injury prevention