Home › For beginners › Astoria, NY

Kickboxing for Beginners in Astoria

2 gyms in Astoria, New York 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 two 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.

A note on nerves and safety: you won't be made to spar on day one — beginner classes focus on technique, pad and bag work, and conditioning at your own pace, and any sparring is introduced slowly, kept light and usually optional, so you can sit it out. Ask each gym whether and how it does sparring, and if you have any injury or health condition, check with a doctor first. General information, not medical advice.

1. HardKnox Astoria

5 ★★★★★ 111 reviews

37-20 Astoria Blvd S, Astoria, NY

Beginners welcome Free trial Cardio kickboxing Kids & teens Private lessons

“This is such a great gym. Not only are the instructors very knowledgeable and can teach you how to defend yourself in various ways in different situations, but they want the best…” — Jeremic

2. Sitan Gym Muay Thai

4.9 ★★★★★ 67 reviews

25-34 Steinway St, Astoria, NY

Beginners welcome Cardio kickboxing Kids & teens

“Everyone here is so friendly, understanding, and welcoming. Walid is honestly the best coach ever. He’s very patient, kind, and explains everything so clearly. He works hard to…” — Mr.

Booking your first class in Astoria: 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 Astoria

Beginner kickboxing in Long Island City, NY (2 · 2 mi)
Beginner kickboxing in Rego Park, NY (2 · 4 mi)
Beginner kickboxing in New York, NY (22 · 4 mi)
Beginner kickboxing in Forest Hills, NY (2 · 5 mi)
Beginner kickboxing in West New York, NJ (3 · 6 mi)
Beginner kickboxing in Fairview, NJ (2 · 6 mi)
Beginner kickboxing in Fort Lee, NJ (2 · 6 mi)

All kickboxing gyms in Astoria, NY → · All beginner kickboxing cities →