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Kickboxing for Beginners in St. Louis
12 gyms in St. Louis, Missouri 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 12 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. Watson Martial Arts
5 ★★★★★ 160 reviews
“Came through town for a visit and was looking for a place to get some BJJ roles in and was recommended Watson from another gym. I connected with Kyle the owner and was immediately…” — Emlyn
2. Absolute Martial Arts
5 ★★★★★ 160 reviews
3. Saint Louis Boxing Club
4.9 ★★★★★ 139 reviews
“I absolutely LOVE Saint Louis Boxing Club! It is the BEST workout with the kindest people! It is such a welcoming atmosphere! I feel so much stronger since I have been attending,…” — Simone
4. The Boxing Gym
4.8 ★★★★★ 125 reviews
“I've been going to this gym since 2022. This gym is very welcoming to newcomers, but also provides new techniques for experienced (kick)boxers. It's such a great atmosphere, and I…” — Von
5. Finney's St. Louis MMA, Kickboxing, Boxing and Jiu-Jitsu
3.8 ★★★★☆ 129 reviews
“Great people! Great instruction and the schedule fits well into family life. Been a member for less than a year, but I'm enjoying the experience and have felt welcomed from day…” — Stephen
6. Glove Up Fitness
5 ★★★★★ 64 reviews
“I am brand new to boxing, and before a couple weeks ago, I knew absolutely nothing about it. Jay and the team have been very welcoming, and really start it off on a great foot for…” — Joe
9. Eppley Boxing And Kickboxing
4.8 ★★★★★ 40 reviews
10. Wise Warriors MMA
4.9 ★★★★★ 36 reviews
“I absolutely love Wise Warriors! This is the best workout I have ever done and it's fun as well. The trainer, Ray, is patient and gives good direction. He cares about form and…” — Sydney
12. Madhouse Kickboxing + Tinker Training
5 ★★★★★ 14 reviews
“Digging the new location. Matt and Craig do a great job of running the kickboxing side of things, providing quality Muay Thai instruction and a welcoming atmosphere. They have…” — N
Booking your first class in St. Louis: 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 St. Louis
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