Home › For beginners › Portland, OR
Kickboxing for Beginners in Portland
16 gyms in Portland, Oregon 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 16 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. Northwest Fighting Arts
4.5 ★★★★★ 303 reviews
3. Mata Leao Combat Sports
4.8 ★★★★★ 143 reviews
“Best gym i have ever trained at. I'm an experienced wrestler and the bjj classes are some of the most insightful I have ever taken. Plenty of beginner and experienced adults and…” — Max
4. Straight Blast Gym Portland - BJJ & MMA Gym
4.4 ★★★★☆ 141 reviews
“During a visit to Portland, I dropped in for a class and it couldn’t have been a better experience. The overall atmosphere was friendly and welcoming, and the instructor was super…” — Terry
5. Portland City Boxing
4.7 ★★★★★ 127 reviews
“I’ve been attending PCB off and on for years now. It’s a great place. Feels safe 🏳️🌈 friendly 🏳️⚧️ and welcoming of all skill levels and walks of life. A very clean and well…” — Jesse
6. G.I.R.L.S. Gym
4.8 ★★★★★ 85 reviews
“I've been working with G.I.R.L.S. Gym for about two years now, and I can't imagine a better experience. I started out with a lack of confidence and an unathletic background, but…” — L.
7. Swing State Boxing Club
4.9 ★★★★★ 71 reviews
8. Fierce Fitness Kickboxing
4.9 ★★★★★ 71 reviews
9. TITLE Boxing Club Portland Beaverton
4.9 ★★★★★ 64 reviews
“This is such a clean facility with awesome trainers. There are plenty of different times to choose from that will meet almost anyone's schedule. Plus they offer a complimentary…” — Tiffany
10. Team Quest MMA
4.9 ★★★★★ 56 reviews
11. On Target Training PDX
5 ★★★★★ 54 reviews
12. Ringcraft Muay Thai
5 ★★★★★ 53 reviews
“Been training at RingCraft Muay Thai for 3.5 years, and it's been an amazing journey. Starting as a beginner, I've had the privilege of growing into a coach and fighter under the…” — Remy
13. Portland Thai Boxing
4.9 ★★★★★ 47 reviews
“I have been training here for two-and-a-half years. The welcoming and supportive community have made it a friendly and safe place for me to bring my family and meet some amazing…” — Rachel
14. Femme Rising Studio
5 ★★★★★ 30 reviews
“Incredible. I’m so stoked for future classes. This is just the kind of gym I’ve been looking for. They’re warm and welcoming. They’re also looking to provide a safe space for…” — Krystal
15. North Portland Martial Arts and Movement
5 ★★★★★ 26 reviews
16. Monster Fit Striking
4.8 ★★★★★ 18 reviews
“I’ve been at this gym for almost 2 years and I love it. I recommend this gym for anyone and everyone. Great beginner classes and excellent advance classes for competition, also if…” — Xpac
Booking your first class in Portland: 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 Portland
All kickboxing gyms in Portland, OR → · All beginner kickboxing cities →