Home › For beginners › Staten Island, NY
Kickboxing for Beginners in Staten Island
11 gyms in Staten Island, 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 11 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 Staten Island
5 ★★★★★ 263 reviews
“Glory Martial Arts Center in Staten Island is honestly one of the best places you can train Jiu Jitsu. The room is filled with high achievers and people who push you to get…” — Roman
2. Tiger Schulmann's Martial Arts (Tottenville, Staten Island NY)
4.9 ★★★★★ 147 reviews
3. Staten Island Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu/MMA
4.9 ★★★★★ 125 reviews
“I love this place. I’m coming from another BJJ place on the island but this school is different. I have nothing bad to say bout anyone else but this school is for fighters.…” — Henry
4. Tiger Schulmann's Martial Arts (New Dorp, NY)
4.9 ★★★★★ 125 reviews
“Had both my kids in here and they both learned a lot in a short amount of time! John and the teachers are great! My step daughter who is very shy and timid was learning karate and…” — Joseph
5. Glory Martial Arts Center South Shore
5 ★★★★★ 118 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
6. Legion Muay Thai
4.9 ★★★★★ 73 reviews
“A true landmark on the island. Not much more one can ask for from the gym. Clean, late hours, suitable for every level. From beginners, to competitive fighters, everyone can find…” — Roman
8. CKO Kickboxing Tottenville
4.9 ★★★★★ 36 reviews
“I joined this past June for a summer promotion. It was the most welcoming, motivating, upbeat and encouraing environment. I love the variety of classes offered and the times are…” — Dawn
9. Bars Boxing
5 ★★★★★ 30 reviews
“I went to my first class at Bars Boxing in Staten Island, NY about two month ago and I was instantly hooked! The instructor is energetic, incredibly knowledgeable, and positive.…” — Stanley
10. CKO Kickboxing Great Kills
5 ★★★★★ 28 reviews
11. Empower Martial Arts and Self-Defense
5 ★★★★★ 11 reviews
“I can’t recommend this all-women’s Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu gym enough! From the moment you walk in, the space feels welcoming, empowering, and thoughtfully designed. It’s clear a lot…” — Stephanie
Booking your first class in Staten Island: 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 Staten Island
All kickboxing gyms in Staten Island, NY → · All beginner kickboxing cities →