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Kickboxing for Beginners in Brooklyn
17 gyms in Brooklyn, 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 17 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. Glory Martial Arts Center
5 ★★★★★ 441 reviews
“I've trained in gyms Across the globe and this is one of the few places i can confidently say it has it all. From world class instruction and intense training, to esthetically…” — Mohammednour
2. DiamondHeart Striking and Grappling/PCC
5 ★★★★★ 279 reviews
3. Jukebox NYC
4.8 ★★★★★ 172 reviews
“Love it! I followed Carrie here when she opened her own gym. The classes are fun and high energy. I especially love that I am not just getting a cardio workout, I am learning how…” — Erika
4. Brooklyn Martial Arts
4.6 ★★★★★ 164 reviews
“Professor Pete and BMA changed my life. It’s rare to find a training environment with such a diverse and welcoming cast of instructors and students. At BMA, you get to train with…” — Michael
5. LIONS FIGHT BRIGHTON, KICKBOXING, MMA, PERSONAL TRAINING & MORE
4.9 ★★★★★ 152 reviews
“From the moment you walk in, you can feel the positive energy and dedication of the instructors. The coaches are not only incredibly skilled but also patient, motivating, and…” — Sally
6. Lions Fight Kickboxing, MMA & Personal Training
4.9 ★★★★★ 142 reviews
“I joined loins fight last month and it has been one of the best boxing gym I've been too from the great coaches like Eric and other that show the great ability to teach techniques…” — Tzvi
7. Sweatbox Brooklyn
4.7 ★★★★★ 132 reviews
“This boxing gym is awesome! The group classes really make you work up a sweat while learning how to throw a proper punch. First class is free and then you can choose a plan that…” — Caroline
8. Brooklyn Mixed Martial Arts
4.7 ★★★★★ 117 reviews
“Incredible training ! For beginners to advanced and be ready to push your limits ! Everyone helps everyone and it makes it the best team in NYC MMA. I’m signing up the for entire…” — Blake
9. CKO Kickboxing Park Slope
4.4 ★★★★☆ 91 reviews
“Love this workout! All the instructors are motivating and kind while also really pushing you. I think the other gym goers are friendly and hardworking. Such a PEAK place to get a…” — Judson
10. Ardon Sweet Science Gym
4.9 ★★★★★ 77 reviews
“This is an incredible gym for anyone. The staff and the students are warm and inviting. There are structured classes for boxing, must thai, Brazilian jujitsu and conditioning. The…” — Nicole
11. Brooklyn Strong Gym - Muay Thai - Judo - Self Defense - Mixed Martial Arts
5 ★★★★★ 61 reviews
“Brooklyn Strong is hands down the best gym for learning self-defense! Whether you’re a beginner or experienced, the trainers are knowledgeable, patient, and truly dedicated to…” — Daniil
12. Chop & Chops MMA
5 ★★★★★ 59 reviews
“Chop & Chops offers a high caliber of instruction in an incredibly well-maintained training environment, with the added bonus of a dedicated community of fighters of all levels in…” — Rachel
13. Unlimited Martial Arts NYC
4.9 ★★★★★ 53 reviews
14. CKO Kickboxing Clinton Hill
4.6 ★★★★★ 41 reviews
“LOVE CKO!!! I am very new to kickboxing, but CKO made me fall in love! So far I have had classes with Addy, Patrick and Wade, and they are all wonderful teachers, inviting and…” — Jordyn
15. CKO Kickboxing Sheepshead Bay
4.1 ★★★★☆ 43 reviews
“Very cool gym. They have different kinds of membership options. The staff is welcoming and nice. The whole atmosphere is chill, no one will bother you there, everyone stays to…” — Adriana
16. Panda Thai Boxing (Muay Thai, Kickboxing, MMA, Self-Defense)
5 ★★★★★ 33 reviews
“Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned fighter, Richard provides you the utmost professional training and care. After only a few visits, I can firmly say that my confidence in my…” — Daoud
17. STRIKING 101 MIXED MARTIAL ARTS - BROOKLYN
5 ★★★★★ 26 reviews
“Whether you’re stepping into a gym for the first time or you’re a seasoned fighter, this place delivers. Deshi has created something special — the energy here is electric, the…” — Jerry
Booking your first class in Brooklyn: 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.
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