

Our gym is founded on the belief that martial arts, including Muay Thai, Jiu Jitsu, and MMA, should be both technical and sustainable for the long term. We teach Muay Thai, Gi Jiu Jitsu, and No-Gi Jiu Jitsu as part of an integrated system—preserving the intricacies and discipline of traditional martial arts while incorporating modern tech
Our gym is founded on the belief that martial arts, including Muay Thai, Jiu Jitsu, and MMA, should be both technical and sustainable for the long term. We teach Muay Thai, Gi Jiu Jitsu, and No-Gi Jiu Jitsu as part of an integrated system—preserving the intricacies and discipline of traditional martial arts while incorporating modern techniques and training methods that keep athletes effective in today’s competitive and real-world environments. Striking techniques are rooted in classical Muay Thai and enhanced by Kyokushin and MMA influences, featuring side kicks, crescent kicks, and controlled spinning techniques. Our grappling program merges traditional Jiu Jitsu fundamentals with modern No-Gi systems and advanced wrestling principles, helping athletes become proficient in standing, scrambling, and controlling positions on the ground. Across all our martial arts programs, training is balanced to remain realistic yet controlled, enabling students to sharpen their timing, composure, and decision-making while minimizing unnecessary damage. Classes are intentionally structured—building skills progressively through focused warm-ups, technical instruction, situational training, and controlled live work. Open mats are a cornerstone of our gym, offering multiple weekly sessions for refining skills in striking, grappling, or MMA, training functional strength, or simply enjoying the community. Equally important, we foster a strong sense of community—sharing meals made from farm-sourced ingredients, traditional family dishes, and local food—creating a space that feels less like a gym and more like a supportive, driven family. Whether your goal is competition, self-defense, fitness, or lifelong practice, our gym is dedicated to cultivating well-rounded martial artists and supporting a true martial arts lifestyle based on consistency, respect, and growth.

Kurt Cauffman is the owner and head instructor of his gym, a lifelong dream he has pursued with passion. He began training in Kyokushin karate at just four years old at his aunt and uncle’s school, but he briefly stepped away to explore traditional sports—only to find that wrestling was where he truly excelled. Kurt wrestled throughout hi
Kurt Cauffman is the owner and head instructor of his gym, a lifelong dream he has pursued with passion. He began training in Kyokushin karate at just four years old at his aunt and uncle’s school, but he briefly stepped away to explore traditional sports—only to find that wrestling was where he truly excelled. Kurt wrestled throughout high school, earned a college scholarship, and ultimately decided to pursue a career in professional MMA, kicking off his journey in the sport at just 19 years old. As an early participant in the evolution of modern MMA, Kurt has maintained a close connection to the sport as it developed. His diverse background includes competitive Jiu Jitsu and extensive MMA training with pioneers of combat sports, including time spent with MMA legend Miguel Torres and at Roufus Sport in Milwaukee, where he trained among world champions and influential coaches who have shaped modern martial arts. These invaluable experiences instilled in him a profound respect for both the traditional fundamentals and the intelligent innovation of disciplines like Muay Thai. Beyond martial arts, Kurt possesses a deep appreciation for culture, travel, and food—often joking that he dreams of being Anthony Bourdain. His expertise spans nutrition, training, recovery, supplementation, world history, philosophy, and art, bringing a unique perspective to his coaching. At the heart of his mission is a genuine desire to make the world a better place. The gym embodies this belief, serving as a space not only for developing skilled martial artists but also for cultivating strong, curious, and supportive individuals through training, shared meals, and a lifelong commitment to martial arts.

Our Muay Thai program at the gym blends traditional technique with modern striking concepts to create a complete, well-rounded stand-up system. Rooted in classical Muay Thai, we integrate elements of Kyokushin and MMA striking to expand the technical toolkit—specifically adding side kicks, crescent kicks, and controlled spinning technique
Our Muay Thai program at the gym blends traditional technique with modern striking concepts to create a complete, well-rounded stand-up system. Rooted in classical Muay Thai, we integrate elements of Kyokushin and MMA striking to expand the technical toolkit—specifically adding side kicks, crescent kicks, and controlled spinning techniques that traditional Muay Thai often leaves out. Training emphasizes fundamentals, rhythm, clinch work, and intelligent conditioning within a positive and welcoming environment. All training is approached with a deliberate balance of realism and control, allowing students to develop high-level striking skills safely and consistently without unnecessary wear or injury.⸻What to Expect in Class Each class is structured and purposeful, designed to maximize skill development without wasted time. • Agility-Based Warm-Up (≈4 minutes): A short, focused warm-up emphasizing coordination, balance, and movement—no mindless running in circles. • Shadowboxing & Footwork: Technique-driven shadowboxing to build flow, rhythm, and clean movement. • Pad Work & Drills: Partner and pad drills focusing on combinations, defense, timing, and conditioning. • Technical Play Sparring: Controlled sparring at an intensity high enough to feel real and develop timing, composure, and decision-making, but controlled enough to avoid unnecessary damage or risk of being knocked out—creating ideal conditions for sharpening skills for competition or real-world self-defense.⸻What to Bring • Athletic clothing (shorts and a t-shirt preferred) • Please avoid pockets, zippers, or anything sharp • Optional mouthpiece (recommended long-term) • Optional hand wraps (recommended long-term) • Optional groin protection (recommended long-term) We have plenty of 16 oz boxing gloves and shin guards available to borrow for your trial class in our martial arts facility.

Our No-Gi Jiu Jitsu program at the gym blends traditional fundamentals with modern innovation to create a complete and adaptable grappling system for martial arts enthusiasts. While we preserve the details, structure, and control that define classical Jiu Jitsu, we also embrace modern No-Gi advancements and high-level wrestling to keep th
Our No-Gi Jiu Jitsu program at the gym blends traditional fundamentals with modern innovation to create a complete and adaptable grappling system for martial arts enthusiasts. While we preserve the details, structure, and control that define classical Jiu Jitsu, we also embrace modern No-Gi advancements and high-level wrestling to keep the system current and effective. Training includes sophisticated submission games layered on top of strong positional control, grit, and takedown skills drawn from elite wrestling, making it ideal for MMA fighters as well. The result is a technical yet practical approach that develops athletes who are comfortable on their feet, in scrambles, and on the ground without sacrificing the core principles that make Jiu Jitsu work. ⸻What to Expect in Class Classes are structured to build real grappling skill from the ground up, with a strong emphasis on context and carryover. • Hand Fighting (Standing): Classes begin with focused hand fighting to develop balance, grips, posture, and the prerequisite skills needed for effective takedowns. • Standing vs. Ground Hand Fighting: One athlete standing and one on the ground to develop guard passing, open guard retention, and transitional awareness. • Technical Instruction: Detailed technique aligned with the day’s theme, emphasizing precision, control, and efficiency. • Live Situational Rolling: Short, live rounds starting from specific positions related directly to the techniques taught. • Live Rolling: Open rolling rounds conducted in a controlled manner—either by agreement or through fatigue management—to keep training realistic while minimizing injury risk. ⸻What to Bring • Athletic clothing (shorts and t-shirt or rashguard preferred) • Optional mouthpiece • Groin protection (recommended)

Our Gi Jiu Jitsu program at the gym preserves the depth, detail, and discipline of traditional Jiu Jitsu while applying it in a modern, functional way. Training in the kimono emphasizes precise technique, posture, grips, and pressure—developing a high level of control, patience, and problem-solving. While rooted in classical principles, t
Our Gi Jiu Jitsu program at the gym preserves the depth, detail, and discipline of traditional Jiu Jitsu while applying it in a modern, functional way. Training in the kimono emphasizes precise technique, posture, grips, and pressure—developing a high level of control, patience, and problem-solving. While rooted in classical principles, the program also incorporates modern gi developments, ensuring students understand both the fundamentals of martial arts and the evolving competitive landscape. The result is a technically rich practice that builds strong positional control, efficient submissions, and a deep understanding of leverage and timing.⸻What to Expect in Class Classes are structured to build real skill through progressive, context-driven training. • Grip Fighting & Standing Engagements: Classes begin with grip fighting and posture work in the gi to develop balance, control, and the prerequisite skills needed for effective takedowns and entries. • Standing vs. Ground Engagements: One athlete standing and one on the ground to develop guard retention, passing, and transitional awareness specific to gi grips. • Technical Instruction: Detailed instruction focused on traditional techniques, positional control, and modern applications within the gi. • Live Situational Rolling: Short, live rounds starting from specific positions tied directly to the techniques taught. • Live Rolling: Open rolling rounds conducted in a controlled manner—either by agreement or through fatigue management—to keep training realistic while minimizing injury risk.⸻What to Bring • A clean gi (kimono) • A belt • Optional mouthpiece • Groin protection (recommended)

Our open mats are an essential part of the gym culture, offering four sessions each week where members can come in to refine their craft in a relaxed but focused environment. Open mat time is intentionally flexible—use it to sharpen your Jiu Jitsu, striking, or full MMA skills, drill techniques, flow spar, or explore areas of your martial
Our open mats are an essential part of the gym culture, offering four sessions each week where members can come in to refine their craft in a relaxed but focused environment. Open mat time is intentionally flexible—use it to sharpen your Jiu Jitsu, striking, or full MMA skills, drill techniques, flow spar, or explore areas of your martial arts game that need extra attention. Whether you’re preparing for competition or simply training for personal growth, open mats provide the freedom to train with intention at your own pace. Beyond technical training, members are welcome to use our wide range of functional strength equipment, including kettlebells, gymnastic rings, medicine balls, and other tools that support athletic development and long-term resilience. Open mats are also a place to decompress—come in to observe, ask questions, or simply be around driven, positive people who are committed to improving themselves. Community extends beyond the mats. We regularly cook and share food sourced directly from the farm, along with traditional dishes brought in by families, local restaurants, and neighborhood bakeries. These shared meals help cultivate a healthy, welcoming atmosphere that goes deeper than training—one that feels more like a family than just a gym. Open mats are where skills are sharpened, relationships are built, and the culture of the gym truly comes alive, fostering a love for martial arts and Muay Thai.

Our gym is built around a single idea: martial arts thrive when trained as a unified system and embraced as a lifestyle. Disciplines like Muay Thai, Gi Jiu Jitsu, No-Gi Jiu Jitsu, and MMA are not treated as separate silos; instead, they are seen as interconnected arts that reinforce one another. Striking techniques from Muay Thai develop
Our gym is built around a single idea: martial arts thrive when trained as a unified system and embraced as a lifestyle. Disciplines like Muay Thai, Gi Jiu Jitsu, No-Gi Jiu Jitsu, and MMA are not treated as separate silos; instead, they are seen as interconnected arts that reinforce one another. Striking techniques from Muay Thai develop balance, timing, conditioning, and composure under pressure, while grappling skills from Jiu Jitsu build control, leverage, patience, and problem-solving abilities in chaotic situations. Together, they cover every range—standing, clinch, takedowns, scrambles, and ground—without any gaps. Training across all these martial arts disciplines produces practitioners who are adaptable, calm, and technically precise. Muay Thai sharpens movement, awareness, and rhythm; Gi Jiu Jitsu refines control and grips, while No-Gi Jiu Jitsu adds speed and transitions. Integrating wrestling principles within Jiu Jitsu fosters confidence both on the feet and in scrambles. Each area enhances the others, allowing students to move fluidly between ranges and respond intelligently to real situations—whether in competition, self-defense, or daily life. This holistic approach extends beyond classes. Open mats provide the space to explore, refine, and integrate skills in striking, grappling, MMA, and functional strength training using kettlebells, rings, and other tools. Equally important, we cultivate community—sharing meals made from farm-sourced food, family recipes, and local kitchens—because growth doesn’t stop when training ends. Surrounded by individuals committed to improving themselves physically, mentally, and culturally reinforces the Uniphied lifestyle as much as the training itself. This lifestyle is about longevity, balance, and mastery. Training is challenging yet sustainable, realistic but controlled, and competitive yet cooperative. Whether your goal is to experience it all—train hard, learn deeply, build skills across every range, and be part of something meaningful—or simply to evolve into the strongest version of yourself, this system supports a lifelong journey in martial arts grounded in discipline, curiosity, and community.
Absolutely no experience is required to start classes. In fact, we highly encourage complete beginners to join.
Simple athletic clothing is fine for your trial of both classes. Eventually you will need to purchase your own Muay Thai gloves, shin guards, and a Gi.. However, we have sets of gloves and shin guards and extra Gis to borrow for both trial periods.
We always offer a free two-week trial to decide which classes are for you, after the trial ends, monthly membership is $150 monthly for unlimited access to all classes.
Simply go to the section titled "Sign up for your 2-week trial" pick a date to start for each style you want to try. Please create an account for future use, feel free to input billing then or when trial ends. After receiving confirmation via text and email, arrive 10-15 minutes before class to warmup and meet everyone. If you have any issues or questions, please check the site to see if they can be answered or ask in the section titled "Still Have Questions?"
1600 North Milwaukee Avenue #606, Lake Villa, Illinois 60046, United States
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