Question 1

Do I need experience to start?

Accepted Answer

No. Most people who walk through our doors have never trained a day in their lives. Every discipline has fundamentals classes built for complete beginners, and coaches scale every drill to your level. The hardest part of martial arts is showing up the first time — after that, we've got you.

Question 2

Do I have to spar or compete?

Accepted Answer

Never. Sparring at Mezger Martial Arts is optional and invitation-based, and competition is something a small minority of students choose. You can train here for years, get in the best shape of your life, and never take a hit. That's been Guy's rule for 30 years.

Question 3

Is this a good workout if I just want to get in shape?

Accepted Answer

It's one of the best. Every class builds conditioning, strength, and mobility into the technique work — you'll burn more calories in a Muay Thai class than most people do in a week of casual gym visits. The difference is you're learning a skill while you do it, which is why people actually stick with it.

Question 4

What should I wear and bring?

Accepted Answer

Athletic clothes you can move in — a t-shirt and shorts or leggings — plus a water bottle. Train barefoot on the mats. Gloves and pads are provided for trial classes. If you join, your coach will recommend exactly what gear to buy so you don't waste money.

Question 5

What age can kids start?

Accepted Answer

Lion Cubs starts at age 5 with a game-based class built for 5–6 year olds. Kids Combat Sports starts at 7 with real technique in an age-appropriate structure. Book a free kids trial through Hidden Gym and the coaches will place your child in the right group.

Question 6

Is BJJ or Muay Thai better for self-defense?

Accepted Answer

They answer different problems. Muay Thai handles the standing fight — distance, strikes, and clinch. BJJ handles grabs and the ground, where most real altercations end up. The honest answer is that a base in both is the complete picture, which is exactly why our schedule makes it easy to train both.

Question 7

How do I sign up, and why does it go through Hidden Gym?

Accepted Answer

Mezger Martial Arts is the martial arts program at Hidden Gym, so your membership is a Hidden Gym membership. That's a feature, not a detour: one membership covers unlimited martial arts classes plus the full gym floor, strength equipment, and open mat. Book your free trial on the Hidden Gym site and everything starts there.

Question 8

Does my membership include the gym?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Because Mezger Martial Arts operates inside Hidden Gym, your membership includes full access to Hidden Gym's facility — strength training, conditioning equipment, and open mat time — alongside unlimited martial arts classes. One membership, the whole building.

Question 9

Which location should I pick?

Accepted Answer

Whichever fits your life. Richardson (235 N Central Expy) is our original home with the fullest schedule, including wrestling and Lion Cubs. North Dallas covers the core adult programs and kids classes. Check the schedule page, filter by location, and pick the one you'll actually drive to consistently.

Question 10

Can I train at both locations?

Accepted Answer

Yes — Hidden Gym membership gives you access to classes at both Richardson and North Dallas. Plenty of members mix locations based on their week: Richardson for wrestling night, North Dallas when it's closer to work. The schedule page shows everything in one view.

Question 11

Do you offer private lessons?

Accepted Answer

Yes, with Guy or his senior coaches, in every discipline, at both locations. Privates are the fastest way to build fundamentals or fix a specific problem. Submit the short inquiry form on our private lessons page and Hidden Gym staff will follow up with scheduling and current rates.

Question 12

Is it safe for beginners over 40?

Accepted Answer

Yes — and you won't be the only one. A meaningful share of our members started after 40. Classes scale intensity to the individual, contact is always optional, and coaches actively manage partner matching. BJJ in particular is famous as the art you can start at 40 and practice at 70.

Asked Every Week.Answered Straight.