CKO Kickboxing

I LOVE this gym! I am always so tired after work and these guys manage to get me to get enough energy to work my butt off! Great staff and members very pleasant supportive group!

I have done CKO kickboxing in the past, however this is my first time at Bay Ridge location.
What I like:
— The free trial class is an awesome way to experience CKO. Its perfect for first timers kickboxers and pro-​workout enthusiasts.
— After you sign up online, its super easy to book a class, or cancel your bookings
— A 10 mins orientation in included in the free trial, basically the instructors shows basic jabs, kicks, phrases, demos, etc. Super helpful for beginners.
— Full body intense work out! You definitely have to push yourself. I had a hella good workout, and the next two days, my body was sore all over. So prepare to sweat like a pig.
— Two bathrooms are the facility for changing
— My instructor was Adam. He has a really high energy, which pushed everyone!
— I like how they didn’t push me to buy membership, its a very laid back atmosphere.
What I didn’t like:
— Glove! Unless you have your own boxing gloves, you’ll be using stinky gloves that other people have sweated in. It was kinda disgusting. Regardless, I suck it up, and made the best out of it and still have a great work out. Just make sure to deep cleanse your hands afterwards.
— The class was about half circuit training (burpees, sits ups, push ups, etc), and half boxing. I actually wanted more kickboxing, because I can do circuit training anywhere.
I would go back for a class again definitely. I think its a great work out for all levels of athleticism. Pace yourself, however still exert enough energy to have a good sweat. Don’t think I would get a membership though, mainly because the location is a little out of the way for me.

BE WARNED.
In December of 2014, I tried a one hour class at the gym. At the end of the class, I went to the front desk to discuss options for becoming a member. I discussed the options with a young, very nice gentlemen behind the front desk. We decided on the 3 month option for what he told me was $ 270.00 at $ 90.00 a month. Never once did he mention having to cancel and it was made extremely clear to me that this was a 3 month contract and nothing more. I signed a contract that apparently said otherwise.
When I saw my first charge was $ 139.33, I inquired about the $ 49.33 difference between what I was told and what I had been charged. A woman who worked there said she had no idea where I got $ 270.00 for 3 months from. When I told her I had received that information from the aforementioned guy, she said «Oh he’s a friend and doesn’t even work here». Frustrated, I bit the bullet and decided to continue on with the three month agreement.
On 12÷22÷14, 1÷22÷15 and 2÷22÷15, I was properly charged the $ 139.33 I had been misled into signing up for. I was under the complete impression that my three months and time at CKO Kickboxing in Bay Ridge was done. HOWEVER, nine months later, I received an email stating «there was a problem with a payment».
I found they had been charging me every month since my 3 month agreement was up. I never received a call, an email, a warning, nothing. I called the Bay Ridge Location for days and spoke to different employees, leaving messages and my cell phone for the owner. I was promised by the employees that the owner was not ignoring me and would «definitely get back to me tonight or tomorrow morning». After A WEEK of silence, I called and proposed that I go and meet with him in person, because clearly he was busy.
The conversation was a polite and professional one where he said he was familiar with me (which allowed me to infer he was ignoring my phone calls) and would have to speak with the franchise or higher ups at CKO. During this discussion, I highlighted that I was completely mislead by someone who was randomly behind his front desk and decided to sign me up and that the right thing to do, on a human level, as a human being, would be to refund me the $ 1,114.64 I paid for the 8 months I was not attending the CKO gym, because I was under the impression I was not a member.
The owner told me I could expect to hear from him in «a day or two». TWO WEEKS go by, no word. So, I go back over and the owner tells me that «he hasn’t heard back from the franchise, yet». We discuss in a little more detail and he reveals to me that he actually has FINAL SAY. But, he wants to check with the «higher ups» because they serve as «advisers».
I reiterate to him that if he has the final say, then all he has to do is refund me the money. It’s the right thing to do. I was misled, I lost a lot of money, it’s very important to me, I’ve been extremely polite, it’s the RIGHT THING. I also tell him that I’ve been very patient, he has never returned any of my phone calls and is very clearly ignoring me. He tells me «that’s not the case», «feels me» and is «going to see what he can do». I ask how long, he says to «give him a week». THREE WEEKS LATER, I haven’t heard from him.
I trek out there, again. THIS TIME, he is much less friendly. He very quickly said «yeah, I checked, there’s nothing we can do, sorry». He mentioned that there was another owner, someone who I never knew about, that was also denying my request for a refund. Between this co-​owner and the franchise or higher ups (whoever they are, if anyone) «there’s nothing that we can do». He continually repeated that «this wasn’t a decision he could not make on his own». Which was very surprising, as he had told me the direct opposite when he stated that he had final say and was using CKO as «advisers». I then asked for the contact information of these people who were preventing him from making this decision on his own. He denied this request stating, «I’m the lenient one, they don’t think we need to do anything».
I will continue to fight for the money, however it’s much larger than that. This is about being a good person, doing the right thing and principal in general. Too many companies… cell phones, health insurance, airlines etc. RELY on the fact that dealing with them is a nuisance. When these people say «there’s nothing we can do» it’s almost always untrue. There is always something they can do, it’s just not what the company wants.
If this story can help at least ONE PERSON in an uphill, but righteous fight against CKO or whoever they are battling, it will be well worth it.
If you managed to make it through this lengthy true story, I appreciate it. If you have had a similar experience, please share.

This establishment is horrible. I asked to cancel my membership due to a high risk pregnancy back in August when I had two months left on my 6 month membership. Today I received a bill from a collecting agency for over $ 500 attempting to collect a debt. I am currently on disability for my pregnancy and will be having a c-​section because it is high risk. I have plenty of documents stating that this pregnancy has been high risk, especially for kick boxing and I am still receiving this extremely stressful and inconsiderate bill at 9 months pregnant, when I have time stamped emails asking to cancel my membership. I guess CKO Bayridge did not care about the well being of my unborn child and would have rather I had a miscarriage kickboxing all to use my membership. The cancellation of membership was medically necessary and I will not rest until they rectify this situation.

Joined a two-​week groupon deal and so far, I’m enjoying the workout they offer here. It’s a bit more laid back than ILoveKickBoxing and sometimes you just need that instead of having someone breathing down your neck all the time. Unlike ILoveKickBoxing, they mix the ab and leg workouts in between kickboxing rounds, which I do prefer. It feels easier but I actually find it more effective. I also feel like I’m getting equal amount of time between punching the bag and ab workouts. The music is great at times especially when they play Eminem music to get you in the mood. The instructors are nice and they are all pretty laid-​back as well. No cult-​like chants or brainwashing slogans that other fitness boutiques seem to offer these days. I suppose the odd thing about CKO is they give you thumbless gloves. Like literally, your thumb is exposed while rest of your fingers are covered. I ended up using my old kickboxing gloves.

It’s a really great place to get in shape. I’m like the epitome of sedentary but somehow I can manage because they don’t make you feel like you’re not doing enough at the same time they push you to do more. I love it, probably gonna sign up after my groupon’s expired.
Tip: Groupon for a month trial but they have a free trial for your first day so you can use that first. I actually already brought my groupon when I got there and the guy was kind enough to suggest to me not to use it yet. They’re all so friendly too. So get up and go.

After being a member for about 2 years, my friend and I were verbally harassed by the Owner on Facebook and I was bullied in person by the receptionist, who is a guy, after I was asked about my opinion about the schedule change. Apparently, you are NOT allowed to voice your opinion in person or on Social Media. I then proceeded to speak to the other owner, when I asked to be let out of my contract without a fee because of the situation, he agreed to let me out over the phone. Months later I come to find out he lied, didn’t keep his word, and sent me to a collection agency. I have kept screenshots and recorded the conversation and plan on going to the franchise. It is clear that this establishment only respects the members who are reminiscent of groupies, do not make any suggestions and keep your mouth shut. This way everyone is happy. Also, this place is filthy, equipment is scarce and they disconnected the water fountain so you have to pay $ 2 for water (go to the pizzeria next door for $ 1 waters). They really do not have much overhead, buy some cleaning supplies and get to work. It’s sad beacuse I was a loyal member and I used to be a BIG believer in CKO and maybe still am, just not this place.

Love this place, Rob and Adam are great trainers.
I dropped like 6 LBs in a month by going to that place.

This is a great workout, I can’t say enough good things about the classes here.
That being said the location is super Small! It’s kind of an older facility and the bags randomly fall down though they try to make you think it’s from kicking butt, it’s just a teeny bit shoddy.
The instructors are fun and great. I used to love Vin, when I would come here while visiting my parents. He is no longer an instructor here, he is missed! Now I’ve taken Ben and Megan, I’m fairly certain they are related.
Parking can be a hassle here with the meters because, many are just an hour and class in an hour long. I always make a point to take a class when I can here, they do a lot more bag work here than other CKO gyms. Great place to learn the proper techniques for a jab cross!

First kickboxing class we’ve ever taken. Could live with better music selection, but was honestly too focused on digging deep and not giving in. If every class is like this one, sign us up.

CKO is the best workout bar none in Bay Ridge. I have tried regular gyms, bootcamp classes and cross-​fit. None of them compare to a CKO workout!
Clean with great music, environment, and a friendly staff. If you have not done so, take advantage of a free class and I promise you will agree.

I would love to give this place a 5 star, but…
good teachers and ok teachers too but the place is so filthy. It stinks and it seems like they never clean. I understand. It’s a gym. Who cares right? But if I’m paying $ 100 a month, I at least expect it to be somewhat clean. I’ve taken classes in the city and after each class someone would pass by and wipe the floors with a steamer.

Member here for a while now and it is a great work out really, you leave there feeling better than when you came in and it’s worth the hour out of your day. The class givers are always high energy and classes are always damn near packed

i’ve been going here since getting a livingsocial type deal for 10 classes. It is a pretty good work out. Mix of actual kick boxing and mat work so be prepared for sit ups and pushups and planks. There are a ton of bags and I have seen 50 people in a class with extra bags left over. It is the beginning of the year so of course it is more crowded then it was in the fall but it has not been a problem. The class changes up depending on the instructor so it is different every time and stays stimulating. You work at your own pace, so it is fine for beginners and advanced.
Punching and kicking the bag is very satisfying!

Great workout every time.

I was a member for a year and I absolutely LOVED it. For the time I was a member I want to give them 5 stars. It is such a great workout, and highly addictive. I was in great shape and it is so convenient for anyone living in bay ridge.
Issues — «We never turn anyone away» policy. I love working out with enthusiastic people, but I don’t like working out with someone standing over my head waiting for me to finish so they can claim my bag for the next class. I also didn’t like the fact that I would have to show up 20 – 30 minutes early just to make sure I got a bag. I know they have added more bags since, but this means they will just accomodate more people. I don’t want to share a bag, which is what they suggest if too many people show up. They need to buy out the building next door and expand and run classes every half hour. I want to rejoin badly because I haven’t found a workout as good since I quit, but the overcrowded classes are a big turn off.

updating my 1^st review since a few things changed…
1. they added more bags to accommodate more people during 1 class
2. added more class times to the schedule
3. some new trainers (great additions to the gym)
a few of my friends tried the free trial class and they all loved it & signed up!
warning: once you try it you will be addicted :)

Before signing up for CKO Bay Ridge, I tried a few other cardio kickboxing classes at other gyms and was not that impressed. The moment my first trial class was over at CKO Bay Ridge, I knew this was the perfect class for me. The class was intense but not to intimidating. If you are looking for a work out were you will achieve results, this is the place to be. The instructors great. The classes are energetic. The energy during classes motivates you to go stronger. There is some good music in the background, that helps pump up the class. You are simply not bored. Me personally, I started @ 235 pounds and as of today I weigh 198 pounds. My waist size went from 38 to 34. My body has more energy. I feel great.

This place is where i release all my stress and get an amazing workout! Trainers like Matt, Ben, and Joe make you sweat like theres no tomorrow! You get a kick ass workout while hitting those bags to a high energy music, Each class is so different, so you are sure to never get bored. If it weren’t for this place, I don’t know what I would do to stay fit! Get boxing gloves and run to this place!

I just joined CKO for several reasons.
1. Kickboxing/​Boxing has become one of my favorite workouts, and this place specializes in kickboxing.
2. They play a variety of music which keeps you pumped up.
3. Friendly staff
4. CLEAN! Thankfully, it doesn’t smell and people usually wipe down their area once class is over.
5.They offer a technique class once a week which is what I was looking for as I learn to kick box.
In all, an affordable and fun place to work out with challenging classes!

I started my CKO addiction at CKO Carroll Gardens and when I found out that CKO Bay Ridge was opening I thought life couldn’t get any better. As it seems to be the trend, I was also hesitant to try out CKO because I too was a member of another gym and went routinely. I had concerns that the workout would be designed to fit men’s needs. I didn’t want to look too «girly» when punching the bag, but most of all I couldn’t see how I could fit another gym workout into my schedule. I only tried it because my best friend spoke so highly of it AND I’m glad I did. I quickly learned that the hour spent at CKO was a far better, more efficient workout than the 2 –3 hours a day I was spending at the other gym doing my routine workout! I was «HOOKED»! :)
CKO is now the only gym I am a member of and I go practically every single day. The instructors are friendly, challenging, encouraging and motivating. You can go at your own pace and you won’t have someone screaming at you making you feel like you aren’t capable of finishing the class. They know exactly how much encouragement to give you without completely discouraging you! Classes are constantly changing with new moves so that you’re not doing the same exercises day in and day out like a machine. If you want machines, stick with those other gyms… The advanced boxing class teaches you technique and form which is very helpful for use in the cardio kickboxing classes.
The best part about CKO is: ANYONE can do it…

I am. or rather I was a regular gym frequenter. My best friend BEGGED me to purchase the livingsocial deal for CKO when it was released so I could go with her. I of course resisted since I already had a place to work out, but I eventually I gave in and let me tell you – its was so worth it.
Whoa one 1 hour CKO blew any of my 2, 2.5 hour gym sessions out of the water! Since I started CKO about 2 weeks ago, I have gone to the gym about once because frankly… I dont feel the need to go after attending CKO… the classes there are pretty intense and they are all inclusive – cardio and strength training! Plus I am usually so sore after a class, I cant imagine going to the gym. Seriously, muscles were aching in areas that I didnt even think could ache! YET I usually make it to a CKO class the next day or within the following 2 days at the latest –Go Figure!
They offer a free trial class and I definitely suggest you take it. I just hope it doesn’t scare you off ! – once you get the hang of it, CKO is definitely worth the sweat that you will surely work up! The classes are always new and innovative and the instructors are great!
If trying CKo for the 1^st time, if at at all possible, go to one of the 930 AM classes because they are a lot less crowded –you get more of a chance to introduce yourself to the instructor and they can show you the ropes a little.

Had memberships at NYSC, Harbor, and Dolphin — NEVER HAVE I EVER had a workout quite like CKO. I have worked out for 3 hours in a gym and not sweat like I do after 1 hour with Matt or Ben.
Every single class is different. Both Ben & Matt are versatile trainers and make a huge effort to work out every part of your body. Granted you may walk a little funny the next day and be in pain when lifting your arms… but isn’t that what we all strive for in a workout? So cliché, but so utterly true — no pain no gain.
There are people in the class who have lost 50 – 90 pounds in like 4 months. I personally am there to tone my body and get healthier. Men should NOT be discouraged to take a class that has a majority of women because their results are the same, if not better since their primary goal has been strength and that is something that is definitely achieved.
Personal Training: WHOA. Just when you think the workout in a class is enough. you have to try personal training. It is another level of working out that targets specific areas. Matt has helped me with my diet and my commitment to health. Ben and Matt are both never too busy for the random text or phone call mid-​day/​mid-​night asking if a specific cheese is okay to eat with my meal (lol)
Overall, I HIGHLY recommend this gym for any girl or guy that is looking to get fit and have fun in the meantime. Music is always pumpin’, whoever is at the desk always welcomes you with a warm smile, and the guys keep you motivated throughout the entire workout.