The name first: this record says Muay Sabai Camp, but every reviewer calls it Chok Sabai. Same address, 5 W 30th Street, 4th floor, Manhattan. If you go searching, use the name the members use.
Second, and more importantly: nothing has been written here since August 2020. That date is a red flag of a specific kind. A New York gym whose record stops in mid-2020 either survived the pandemic quietly or didn't survive it at all. There's no closure flag on the listing, no phone number, and no website. I can't tell you which happened, and I'd want that confirmed before you turn up on the fourth floor.
The 4.6 from 19 reviews describes what it was.
The Review For Anyone Who's Scared
A member in August 2020: "Besides being a great place to train with knowledgeable and experienced teachers, this gym is also so inclusive. As a small female beginner I was nervous to start here at first, but everyone (teachers and members) is so friendly, welcoming, patient, and open to questions. I also love how the training sessions are intense, but there's still an emphasis on technique and attention to detail at all times."
"As a small female beginner I was nervous to start here at first."
That's the newest review on the record, and it's the best one. She names the fear, then answers it. And she doesn't oversell: she says the sessions are intense. Both things at once.
Beginners and Fighters on the Same Mat
A member in January 2015: "I highly recommend this gym whether you are beginner, intermediate or advanced and active fighter. I started as a real beginner without any knowledge in martial arts whatsoever. I trained there for more than a year and I went from out of shape to Muay Thai addict training every single day and sparring with active fighters. Fighters train with beginners, women with men and the training staff is passionate and focuses on your individual improvement."
A member in August 2018: "I have been training at Chok Sabai on and off since 2013. There are a few things that make it very special. The vibe is very positive and family-like: beginners train alongside competitive fighters, and the latter are super nice and teach the newbies in a very supportive and kind way. Kru Nat and other coaches strike a very nice balance of being tough yet supportive, and paying attention to each student throughout the class."
Three separate people, across five years, describe the same specific thing: competitive fighters training beside beginners without making it unpleasant. That's a hard culture to build and an easy one to claim, so independent agreement across that span is the strongest signal on this page.
He'd also been coming "on and off since 2013," which means he's watched it hold up over years, not weeks.
The Coach
A member in December 2016: "Kru Natalie is a great coach that pays attention to detail. She will correct you when your stance or form is off and make sure that you understand why. Her and the other members of the gym are so welcoming and friendly. There are no egos in the gym. The facility is clean and it's nice that there are big showers with towels provided for you."
"Make sure that you understand why" is the difference between a coach and a shouter.
The Practical Bit
Two reviewers mention showers with towels provided. A member in February 2015 adds: "There are classes every day at almost any time of the day. Also, they provide showers and towels which I believe is a big plus."
In Manhattan, towels included is a genuine saving. But that was 2015, and I'd treat it as historic.
What's Missing, and Who It's Not For
No prices. No hours. No phone. No website. No word on what happened after August 2020.
Not for you if you want to train alone. Every review describes coached classes.
Not for you if you can't verify it's open. Given the silence since August 2020 and no contact details on the listing, that's a real risk before travelling.
5 W 30th St, 4th floor, New York, NY 10001.
FAQ
Is it called Muay Sabai or Chok Sabai?
Every reviewer says Chok Sabai. The listing name doesn't match what members use.
Is it still open?
Unknown. There's no closure flag, but no review since August 2020 and no phone or website to check. Verify before going.
Is it good for beginners?
Three reviewers say beginners train alongside competitive fighters and are looked after. One describes herself as a small, nervous female beginner who was made welcome.
Are towels provided?
Two members writing in 2015 and 2016 say showers and towels were provided. That's old, so confirm.