KOA Fitness, Newark

Inside KOA Fitness's extensive martial arts gym, students toughen up minds and bodies alike through the focus-building drills of boxing, muay thai, Brazilian jiujitsu. There, full-size, 24-foot boxing rings and octagonal cages stand permanently ready for training alongside 7-foot heavy bags, which are designed to weather the repeated impacts of sharp knees, elbows, and tongue-lashings from the coaches for always losing fights. Varied mat spaces are designed to host specific benefits to both striking and grappling arts, empowering students to stitch together a complete MMA education as they train. The trainers offer coed adult classes and kid-focused programs, which help charges develop self-discipline, scholastic achievement, and self-confidence. They even use their talents in noncombat disciplines, hosting strength and conditioning sessions that keep bodies ready for athletic activity of all sorts.