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Kickboxing for Beginners in Los Angeles
26 gyms in Los Angeles, California show real evidence — from their own sites or students' reviews — of being a welcoming place to take your very first kickboxing class. That first class is simpler than the nerves suggest: you don't need to be fit, you won't be thrown into hard sparring, and a patient coach walks beginners through stance, punches and kicks on the pads and bag at their own pace. Wear comfortable athletic clothes, bring water, and expect a warm-up, some shadowboxing and footwork, and a few combos learned slowly — many gyms lend gloves so you don't need to buy anything yet. Gyms are ranked below by local reputation (rating weighted by review count), and with 26 beginner-friendly options in town, it's worth calling ahead, saying it's your first time, and asking which class on the schedule they'd start you with.
1. Forj LA
5 ★★★★★ 538 reviews
“Honestly had a great experience at Forj. Andy treated me at the entrance and guided me through the facility. This was my first boxing class EVER (my arms feel like jelly) so I was…” — Cristina
2. NELA Combat Fitness- Muay Thai
5 ★★★★★ 189 reviews
“Took my first class on June 22nd, and I was immediately hooked. Coach Ed knows his stuff and is able to teach all levels. Made me feel welcome since day 1. Great place and highly…” — Zach
3. Renzo Gracie Los Angeles
4.8 ★★★★★ 188 reviews
“One of the best gyms I have had the privileged of training at. Welcoming. Amazing teachers and an actual jujitsu gym that teaches take downs(judo). Best place to learn. And they…” — R
5. Gonza Boxing Union
5 ★★★★★ 136 reviews
6. 9Round Kickboxing Fitness
5 ★★★★★ 88 reviews
“had a great time kickboxing w my women’s group- all the trainers were amazing and guided us through the workout really well. it was my first time kickboxing, and i really enjoyed…” — Burabari
8. UPRISE MMA
4.8 ★★★★★ 82 reviews
“The name may say MMA but dont be fooled, the Muay Thai program is hardcore. Beginner and advanced classes. Two mats full of people of all sizes and skill to partner with. A…” — Willie
9. Team Mana Muay Thai
4.9 ★★★★★ 77 reviews
“Whether your goal is to learn about the art of Muay Thai, improve your fitness or compete, this gym is the place to be! Kru Al, Cortes & Phoebe are all very knowledgeable in the…” — Navin
10. PKG Martial Arts Academy
4.6 ★★★★★ 80 reviews
“I've been coming to PKG for Muay Thai Kickboxing (unfortunately I never tried Brazilian JuJitsu due to my disc issue) since 2022, and I've had amazing experience training here.…” — 徐竞欧
11. Rise Athletics LA: Best HIIT, MMA & Kickboxing Classes in Los Angeles CA
4.7 ★★★★★ 75 reviews
“I’ve been going to Rise Athletics gym for three years now and I hope to continue going as long as I’m in LA. The quality of training and attention from the trainers is amazing.…” — Jimmy
12. Dynamix MMA
4.9 ★★★★★ 65 reviews
“Dynamix MMA is a great place to train for all levels! Since joining, I’ve felt a sense of belonging and safety—something I truly value as a woman. The coaches are not only highly…” — Cathy
13. The Thai Boxing Institute
4.9 ★★★★★ 59 reviews
“My experience so far has been fun, educational, and physically challenging (in the best way). The staff is patient and encouraging for newcomers, regardless of ability. The owner,…” — Sam
14. Marina Martial Arts
5 ★★★★★ 54 reviews
“Our seven-year-old son recently joined the beginner class at Marina Martial Arts, and from his very first trial session, he was completely hooked. He instantly fell in love with…” — Anja
15. Foxy and Fierce Women's Kickboxing Bootcamp
4.9 ★★★★★ 50 reviews
“Girll, just get in here! It’s only been two weeks, but so worth it! I came in after my sister invited me and walked out the first class feeling whooped but great! Rashad is a…” — Gabby
16. Lobos Boxing Club
5 ★★★★★ 48 reviews
17. Fortune Gym
4.8 ★★★★★ 45 reviews
“Upon moving to LA from Australia, Fortune became my new boxing gym. Justin and the team offer superb Boxing training at an elite level. I felt very welcome and at home - and not…” — B.C.C
18. Wolves Empire Martial Arts & Fitness
5 ★★★★★ 28 reviews
19. LB4LB Boxing Gym
4.5 ★★★★★ 31 reviews
“I moved a few blocks away from this gym so I decided to check out. I used to live closer to Rodeo Dr and went to all the classes at Equinox but my favorite instructor left so I…” — Saksit247
20. MMA District
5 ★★★★★ 22 reviews
“MMA District has been one of the most welcoming gyms I’ve trained at, especially for anyone who wants to truly understand MMA—not just collect random techniques.” — Patrick
21. Apex MMA Gym
5 ★★★★★ 22 reviews
“Friendly, non-toxic culture, clean facility... ApexMMA is a welcoming place for all skill levels and ages. Coach Mike is a coach's coach -- he keeps a rigorous pace, but is…” — John
22. Taejo Kickboxing - Koreatown
5 ★★★★★ 20 reviews
“Came for the work out, stayed for the fam. Taejo offers classes for all levels and the trainers take the time and effort to break down techniques for those that are truly…” — Luis
23. LA Boxing Gym
4 ★★★★☆ 22 reviews
24. Sick Side Muay Thai
5 ★★★★★ 16 reviews
“One of the best GYMs I’ve ever trained at. Welcoming and friendliest people I’ve ever met. My Muay Thai skill set has improved immensely these last couple of months. Coach Paul,…” — Javier
25. Braxton's Combat Sports and Fitness
4.9 ★★★★★ 16 reviews
“Boxing, Muay Thai, MMA, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, No Gi Grappling, Fighter Style Strength and Conditioning, Hi Intensity Interval Circuit Training (HIIT), Group Classes, Private…” — Meatrigo
26. ARSENAL BOXING SCHOOL&GYM
4.8 ★★★★★ 12 reviews
“Absolutely the Best Boxing Gym in LA! Arsenal Boxing Gym is the real deal. Whether you’re just getting started or you’ve been training for years, this is the place to level up.…” — Gian
Booking your first class in Los Angeles: practical notes
- Call ahead and say you're new. Ask which class they'd start a beginner with — many gyms have a beginner or all-levels class that's a gentler introduction than the advanced floor. A good front desk loves this question.
- Ask how sparring works. You won't be made to spar as a beginner; find out whether and how a gym introduces sparring so you know exactly what you're signing up for.
- Keep gear simple. Comfortable athletic clothes and water are enough for a first class — most gyms here lend gloves, so you can try kickboxing before buying anything. See the what-to-wear guide.
- Go at your own pace. Being winded the first time is normal and expected. Take breaks, drink water, and let your fitness build over your first few weeks — nobody expects a beginner to keep up with the regulars.
- Use a free trial. Many gyms offer a free trial class — the cheapest, lowest-pressure way to find the room that fits. See free kickboxing trial classes.
Beginner kickboxing near Los Angeles
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