by Jess Ng, instructor at Kings Combat Forest Hills, and co-owner and instructor at Kings Combat Elmhurst
If you’re a local parent searching for the best summer camp in Forest Hills, consider Kings Combat right on Austin Street. The martial arts and Muay Thai gym reflects the magic of Forest Hills. It’s a place where families walk to school together, meet friends at the playground, and run into familiar faces at local cafés and small businesses.
As a mom raising a toddler here in Queens and a Muay Thai coach working with families across Forest Hills, Kew Gardens, Rego Park, and surrounding neighborhoods, I see firsthand how important it is for kids to have safe, structured environments where they can stay active, build confidence, and make new friends.
That’s exactly why I created Summer Champs, a Muay Thai and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu summer camp in Forest Hills designed to help kids stay active while learning real martial arts skills and building confidence, character, and friendships.
This summer, the program will launch at Kings Combat Forest Hills located at 72-08 Austin Street, bringing one of the only youth camps in New York City dedicated specifically to Muay Thai and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu training to families in the neighborhood.
Growing Up in Queens and Finding Martial Arts
Many of the instructors at Kings Combat grew up right here in New York City – in neighborhoods like Elmhurst, Corona, Jackson Heights, and Chinatown. Like many kids in the city, we found confidence and direction through sports and mentorship.
For me, that path led to Muay Thai.
I went on to become a competitive Muay Thai fighter, representing the United States internationally and dedicating 18 years to the discipline, culture, and community of the sport. Those experiences taught me resilience, self-confidence, and leadership – lessons that have stayed with me long after I retired from competition.
Today, I’m no longer stepping into the ring to fight, but I’m incredibly passionate about passing those lessons on to young people.
Now as a mother, coach, and small business owner, my mission has shifted toward mentorship.
Mentoring the Next Generation of Queens Kids
Each week I teach Muay Thai classes at Kings Combat Forest Hills and work with many families in the area. I am a personal trainer to working moms and youth throughout Forest Hills and surrounding Queens neighborhoods who want to build strength and confidence through Muay Thai. I also teach early childhood development through play-based martial arts at Clearview Kids Daycare on Austin St. to toddlers ages 2-4.
One of the most rewarding parts of coaching is watching kids grow into their own power.
Sometimes a child walks into the gym shy or unsure of themselves. Within weeks, they begin to stand taller, speak more confidently, and take pride in what they can accomplish.
Martial arts does that. It teaches kids not only how to move and use their bodies, but how to believe in themselves.
That’s the heart behind our summer camp.
A Summer Camp Designed for Working Families
The Summer Champs program was created to support local families who need engaging, structured activities for their children while learning the foundational disciplines of Muay Thai and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.
Each day of camp combines:
- Muay Thai training
• Brazilian Jiu Jitsu fundamentals - History & culture lessons of the sports
• Self-defense skills
• Team-building games and activities
• Mentorship from experienced instructors
Unlike large camps where kids rotate through big groups, we intentionally keep our camp small – just 15 campers per session – so every child receives real guidance and mentorship.
Our coaches actively train and teach year-round, and they take the time to get to know each student. The goal isn’t just to keep kids busy during the summer, it’s to help them grow in confidence, discipline, and leadership.
Safety and supervision are our top priorities. All activities are structured and supervised by experienced instructors who work with youth year-round. Kids are grouped appropriately by age and experience level, and our small camp size allows us to give each child the attention they need to learn safely and confidently.
Why Representation Matters
One of the things I care deeply about is making sure kids see leaders and mentors who reflect the communities they come from. Our coaching team includes both men and women from diverse backgrounds who grew up in Queens themselves. When kids see strong, capable mentors who share similar experiences and cultures, it helps them understand what’s possible for their own future.
Martial arts is about more than punches and kicks – it’s about character, empowerment, and community.
Summer Camp Details
Kings Combat Forest Hills Summer Camp
📍 Forest Hills, Queens
📅 June 29 – August 21, 2026
🕘 Monday – Friday | 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
👦 Ages 5-14
🍎 Snacks included daily (nut-free); Lunch provided on Fridays
No experience necessary. The camp is open to all levels.
Families can register for individual weeks or multi-week sessions throughout the summer.
A Camp Built by a Community Mom
At the end of the day, this camp was built with the same mindset many parents here share: we want our children to grow up strong, confident, and surrounded by positive influences.
As both a mom and a coach, creating that kind of environment for kids is deeply important to me.
If you’re a Forest Hills parent looking for a summer program that combines physical activity, mentorship, and community, we would love to welcome your child this summer.
Because we keep the camp intentionally small, spots are limited and several weeks are already beginning to fill.
Families can learn more and register here.
