CKO Kickboxing

I can’t even say enough wonderful things about this gym. I joined in December and I can already feel myself getting stronger. Instructors Joe, Charlie and John are amazing, the classes are always fun and challenging and different. The gym is clean, the price is right, CKO is really a game changer.

All the teachers are great and seem to enjoy teaching as much as we enjoy taking the classes!

This is the only gym that makes me come back after the first session. The classes and instructors are amazing!!! I have come back here regularly for 4 months now, I dont see much change in my body shape to be honest. Maybe, I am already too short and skinny.
Two things that prevent me from giving this place 4 stars though:
1) It is over-​priced. It is not a gym really, it does not have showers and anything else beside those sandbags. However, it is more expensive than Base and you definitely should go see fancy shower room with all supplies, towel, cool water that Base offers.
2) Hygiene. The owner really should do something about this — people sweat profusely and they just wipe their bag and area just do it for the sake of doing this. With 30 people sweating at the same time, the place smells horribly overall. I cant think of anything they can do about this, but I dont like the smell…

This gym is so amazing. The workout is incredible and you really see results, plus it’s really fun and the class flies by, the hour is up before you know it. The owner Joe is a really nice guy and him along with all the other instructors make you feel really welcome. The thing I love about it the most though is the fact there are people from all walks of life and fitness levels that attend class and there is typically an equal ratio of men to women. It’s just a place were everyone is there to better themselves without judgements or the intimidation factor. I am just in town for a couple months for work and I’m so disappointed I won’t be able to attend this class anymore after I leave! If you haven’t been yet I highly recommend taking the free trial class and checking it out.

I am DEFINITELY proud of my choice to come to CKO JC! I took my first class which was a free trial, and I was sweating in places I didn’t know I could sweat. I started with a brief overview of the punches and kicks with Danny, and then it was on. Joe played an AWESOME hip hop playlist which included Jay-​Z (I was sold). It was great, I enrolled for a year because I need it, and I felt so good about myself. Joe kept coming around and motivating me which made me feel even better. I can not wait to go back Thursday.
The addiction begins now

After trying things out for a few classes, my wife and I decided to sign up long term.
The instructors are excellent, the workouts get us sweating, and we leave the class with more energy.
That said, I wish i could rate CKO 4.5 stars. In our opinion, There are several issues that keep it from being a 5 stars.
:Safety: If most people are like my wife and myself, they probably have little to no experience hitting a bag prior to taking a class. They give a 2 minute introduction to the basic punches but i think they should also do a 30 – 60 minute beginners class to go over safety.
After a few classes, i had very sore wrists from a few punches that slipped. My wife is also experiencing a sore shoulder from punching the bag. I think both these injuries could have been easily avoided if they gave basic safety tips.
:Peak hours are too packed: The bags are spaced tightly. During peak hours when there’s a member to every bag, there’s simply not enough space to complete to all the moves the instructors ask for without bumping into the people next to you.
We try to attend the classes later during the week when there are fewer people and space to spread out.
Cleanliness:The workouts here are amazing and nearly everyone sweats profusely. All students are asked to wipe down their area and bags after their workout but the mats can feel a bit grimy at times. We’ve been there for nearly 3 months and I’ve yet to see anyone go through the gym with a mop. I truly pray that there is actually a cleaning staff that goes through the gym on a daily basis.

First time at CKO, wow! What a workout! Beginners should not feel intimidated! It’s ALOT of cardio and strength training and of course towards the last 20 mins punches and kicks! Great workout and I’m already signed up for a membership! Beginners get a free class so don’t waste time and get to it!

Just Awesome. I’ve only been going to CKO for about a month now and not only am I seeing results in terms of definition and tone, but I also feel more energized and healthy.
I’ve attended just over a dozen classes in the last month and I’ve tried to get to each trainer they have at this location. Every class is a great workout from start to finish – fun but intense. All of the trainers have their own style, but regardless of who’s at the front of class you’re working your whole body in a series of cardio, calisthenics, strength-​training, and, obviously, kickboxing sets. And so many laps. The laps are rest periods, and I’ve never looked forward to running so bad!
The «go at your own pace» statement is totally valid. I tried some other kickboxing locations in the area and they weren’t very inviting to beginners and newbies. It was more like you were dropped in and expected to perform. At CKO, the trainers do the exercises with you to start (which, surprisingly, isn’t always the case at other gyms) and move around the space helping everyone out in terms of form and the like. If you’re crashing, grab some water and towel off and jump back in. More often than not, you’ll get a little motivation from the trainer or your neighbor to restart! No belittling or patronizing at CKO – just a lot of fun and a great workout!
Great rates, great trainers, great energy in the room. Everything’s clean and everyone is super positive.
The best part? If you don’t believe the reviews, you can take your first class for free! You’ll get hooked. Guaranteed.

A great workout in a good location, the membership is a little pricey but given the area its understandable.

When I was going to CKO I was very impressed with the caliber or workout they provided. It was amazing, don’t get me wrong.
But since, I’ve moved cross country to an area where there are no CKOs. I knew this was going to happen when I initially signed up so I requested my membership be cancelled at the end of 3 months and was told this was no problem. I emailed and sent online forms reminding them of this initial agreement and termination of my contract at the end of three months as well. Now its been two months and I’ve been charged 200 dollars for an un-​used membership. So that leaves a sour taste in my mouth.

I have been going to CKO now for a couple of years and started out in Hoboken. I was happy when Joe opened the location in Jersey City. Joe is a great owner, trainer, etc. He is always positive and hyped and this connects with you when you go there. You are always willing to push yourself a little more. Since opening he added more trainers and they all are great. Everyone of them have their own style so it never gets boring. It’s also always great to see that the trainers go to each others classes. The front office staff is also always very nice and helpful.
I try to go several times a week depending on my work travel schedule. CKO does what regular gyms couldn’t do in the past and that is me coming back or better me wanting to come back.
I can only recommend this kind of workout.
Oh, did I mention that punching a bag is also a very good stress reliever…

I love coming here, especially after a stressful day at work. All the trainers are awesome and motivating! This is a great way to get fit and have fun at the same time. I haven’t been recently due to my crazy busy work and study schedule but I can’t wait to go back!

Took my first class last night after not working out for about a year and I absolutely loved it! The facility is really big and very clean and the staff were welcoming, friendly and informative. All very great people.
I’m pretty unfit and after gaining 25 lbs I joined a gym in October, I’ve been there twice and it is now February. WHAT A WASTE! I saw a groupon for CKO and jumped on it and I’m so glad I did. All of my preconceived notions were squashed and l got a good work out and most of all I had a lot of fun. Although I did not keep up 100% of the time no one gave me crap about it but instead motivated and urged (not pushed) to dig deeper, even Joe Joe himself worked out with me high fived along the way. Vin is an excellent instructor and the music he played is so great at one point I felt like I was dancing with the bag lol.
I left feeling great and energized unlike when I leave the gym. Can’t wait for my next class. I’m definitely getting rid of my gym membership and recommending this to all my girls!

I’ve been going to CKO since they first opened in February 2013. I love this place, I really do. I used to go to the CKO in Hackensack a few years ago when I lived in Bergen County and I’ve tried the gyms in both Hoboken locations and Paramus. All are great but and this one is my favorite one purely because of the heart that Joe DiMare brings to this place. He brings this energy that makes you feel comfortable and almost right at home when you enter the gym.
For those of you who are new to CKO, the punching bags can look intimidating but I promise they really aren’t. I’ve brought in 7 people to try it out for their first time and most of them became members (two didn’t because of proximity). Joe or any of the instructors are happy to teach you proper form before class starts. And even if you don’t get the hang of it right away, just punch the bag to the beat of your own drum – it’s still a great work out. And eventually you’ll get it.
The instructors have changed a bit. I always try to go to Joe or Zee’s classes. Zee plays the best music and switches up her moves every class (I’ve even «scheduled a doctor’s appointment in the morning» just so I could attend her class. I’m crazy, I know).
There’s no better workout than cko. It’s awesome seeing all of the transformations of other members who started around the same time I did. I see a lot of the same faces when I go to class. Everyone is clearly just as addicted as I am!

I LOVE this place. I’ve always worked out but went through phases where I was at the gym 5 times a week to not at the gym at all for a month. In the past year, I’ve put on 20 pounds and have just been bored with my gym. I couldn’t concentrate long enough to run on the treadmill anymore and the traditional gym classes (spinning, boot camp, etc) really weren’t doing it for me. I joined CKO reluctantly, not because I didn’t think it would give me results but because it is significantly more expensive than my current gym ($ 27/​month). My insurance company was doing a program where I get $ 20 a month if I go to CKO 12 times a month, so I thought, why not? I can give up a few Starbucks lattes here and there for my health.
I’ve been a member for almost a month and I have NO regrets. As most people have said in their reviews, it is addicting! After a long day at work, I look forward to my 1 hour of relieving stress and hitting a bag. In a 1 hour class you get cardio, strength training, stress relief and a feeling of empowerment. I am NEVER bored because I never know what type of classes it is going to be. Instead of 2 hour workouts at the gym which drag, this class is a total of 1 hour, you are in and out and feel great afterwards.
All of the instructors are different and you truly get a different workout with each of them. Even the same instructor doesn’t give the same class. For example, I’ve taken John’s class in the evening on a weekday and at 5:45am the next morning and the two classes were completely different. They all try very hard and are motivating throughout the entire class. If you are what they call a «beast.» you can also add in some extra squats, pushups, chin ups, etc. I can’t wait til I’m at that point. The members are also all at different fitness levels which is great.
Joe is great. He is the owner and also teaches classes. This place is no BS, they are honest, respectful and friendly. When you come in for the free class, they are NOT going to try to harass you to join, which I appreciated. They explain the benefits and what you need to know.
I am SO happy I joined and can’t wait to continue to reap the benefits.

CKO is the best. The instructors are the best, the classes are the best, the way you feel is THE BEST. For someone like me, who needs the motivation of a personal-​trainer type and the accountability of a class setting, this is the best way to workout.
It’s HARD. I’ve been coming since September and it doesn’t get any easier. They are constantly changing up the workout, so you never know what to expect. But it also means you don’t get bored, and that’s really important for me. And it’s not just bag work — there is so much cardio and strength training mixed in to every class, it is absolutely a total body workout.
I know «Up to 1,200 calories in 1 class» is a lot to burn, but once you take a class you’ll believe it.
They are constantly running specials, so when I signed up I got a free month, no joining fee (which is usually $ 100) and a free t-​shirt & personal training session. I pay $ 85/​month after taxes which is not cheap, but after paying low fees at other gyms and being constantly unmotivated and frustrated, I will tell you this membership is worth every penny.

It’s about time I write a review of this amazing place. I worked out at CKO from last October to May this year, and in that time I got in… ready for a CKO cliché… the best shape of my life! By a few months in, I had muscles I didn’t even know I could have, and felt stronger than any other gym experience had ever made me feel. There’s a solid variety to the workouts, and while you’ll probably have your favorites by the time you leave, taking classes with all the instructors mixes everything up so that you’re always working every part of your body.
I started the classes with an 8 class pass from Living Social, and as a recent college grad, I wasn’t sure if I was ready to make the 100/​mo. investment. However, even after only 8 classes, I was able to realize that at every workout here, I was more invested than anything else I had done. The instructors know how to get the best out of you and it’s a place you want to give your all. The community and vibe of the place is very welcoming, and occasionally some instructors will throw in partner workouts and you’ll get to know other members better (nothing like sweating it out to get to know someone)!
The workouts for me really saved me during a stressful time at work last year. I started by setting a goal of 3 times/​wk to make the membership worth it, but eventually ended up coming 4 or 5 times a week. I craved them. They’re that good. Imagine your most stressful day at work, and then imagine beating it all out on a 125 lb heavy bag while you jam out with others who are doing the exact same thing. There wasn’t one workout last year I didn’t finish with a smile, even if I came in scowling. I mean, seriously. Try to keep your angry face on while Joe is in the background yelling «Caw! Caw! Those are the seagulls checking you out. It’s beach season, baby!!»
The first-​class-​free policy is great too, and I ended up bringing friends to a lot of classes, who thought kickboxing might be intimidating and ended up loving the workouts. Out of the four I brought, all wanted to come back, three ended up buying a living social coupon to keep trying it out, and from there two ended up enrolling.
Beyond incredible, ass-​kicking workouts, the staff are always eager to go the extra distance to make you feel happy and comfortable there. Whenever I left my gloves in the cubbies, Erika at reception kept them under the desk for me. One instructor, Rob, drove me home when it started snowing mid-​class. Joe organized a CKO team for the Jersey City Challenge, along with runs after weekend classes to get in shape for them. When I moved to another part of NJ in June, Joe went above and beyond to help me switch to the other gym. When I moved out of NJ a month later, he made it clear that I was welcome to come back anytime I was back in the area (an offer I was lucky enough to take one Saturday this fall). I hope it’s coming across what an incredible community it is here.
If you’re wondering if it’s worth the investment, I’ll echo other Unilocalers when I say that this is a place you’re going to want to try out. And while you’re there, know that somewhere else in the US, there is a very envious girl wishing she could be with you at class, hitting the bag next to you.

I have been going to CKO Jersey City since the beginning of this year, twice or thrice a week. When I started attending the classes, I was really unfit, barely able to run on the treadmill for 5 – 6 minutes. The initial classes were really hard for me, but gradually I improved. After nearly a year of attending CKO classes, I can say that this gym has really changed my life. When I travel, I miss CKO and wait to get back to the classes. I am much fitter, I can do extensive cardio for an hour without much trouble, I have more energy overall. I think I am more productive and CKO has helped relieve a lot of stress at work.
I have enjoyed attending most of the CKO instructors’ classes, but I’d say that I get the most out of Joe and Roger’s classes.
If you live in the downtown Jersey City area and are looking for a gym to join, CKO is certainly the best.

CKO always reminds me of C & C Music Factory’s ‘Everybody Dance Now’ because I always feel like I am going to ‘sweat till I bleed whenever’ I workout there. You will work every single part of your body. My first week I was hurtin (so good) in places I didn’t;‘t know could hurt.
Best.
Workout.
Ever.
All of the instructors are great and all have their own style that are all equally butt kicking. Joe is the owner who gives you the most straight up kickboxer experience. Zee plays awesome jams and incorporates lots of other work-​out moves and equipment, and John is just an overall a great workout and has you running around that gym. A lot.
It’s gonna cost you, but I have paid the same for other full gyms. The difference is that I am at CKO at least four times a week — because I actually want to go. So in just a month I can already see results and just overall I feel awesome. It’s worth every penny.
I wish I had found it sooner!

CKO was what I was personally looking for in a work out venue that I had yet to find in Jersey City. I must admit that I am critical when it comes to boxing classes. When I was in my top fitness shape it was due to a boxing class I did in Manhattan. I went religiously for 2 – 3 years, made great friends and literally was in the most amazing shape.
7 years later, I’m a bit pudgier, a little bit older, but looking for that same workout intensity and sense of community.
CKO’s there. High energy, some really great instructors, a community of nice people looking to get in shape and a class I look forward to going to.
Joe the owner is a great guy and is super hands on, taking the class with you when he’s not teaching himself. I absolutely love, love, love Zee and Adam’s classes. Zee does a more total body fitness with kickboxing and Adam plays straight hip hop Saturday mornings and works ya out.
Prices aren’t cheap especially since this is not a gym, but if you’re like me and need class motivation and has a gym in her building where she can run off some energy, CKO is where it’s at.
I’m so happy to have CKO in my life and when i’m back in tip-​top shape again, I’ll update. :)