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Kickboxing for Beginners in Philadelphia
18 gyms in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 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 18 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.
2. 8 Limbs Academy
4.9 ★★★★★ 177 reviews
“Great group of coaches. Very knowledgeable and helpful for all levels. Started in Sept. of 2023 and I have been enjoying it ever since. No pressure from coaches or others to…” — Rashad
3. Burning Spirits Muay Thai Boxing
4.9 ★★★★★ 131 reviews
“Burning Spirits is a fantastic gym. I started as a complete new comer to Muay Thai, and I’ve learned so much in the past few months training. The training has also gotten me into…” — Michael
4. Stay Fly Muay Thai
4.8 ★★★★★ 129 reviews
“This gym is a gem for anyone looking to train Muay Thai, whether you’re a complete beginner or an experienced martial artist. The head coach, Justin Greskiewicz, is incredibly…” — William
5. Broad Street Kickboxing
5 ★★★★★ 120 reviews
“Best gym in Philly! Welcoming environment, professional coaches and great classes all around. Jake has high standards for his gym and I appreciate the knowledge he has for this…” — Melissa
6. CKO Kickboxing South Philly
4.8 ★★★★★ 115 reviews
“I have been a member since opening day June 2018. I love coming here! I feel great after Gina’s class! She is a great instructor and also very patient. She has great techniques…” — Angela
7. Juniper Muay Thai Gym
5 ★★★★★ 97 reviews
“I joined gyms before and basically gave my money away, since I didn’t have the discipline to get on a routine and stick with it. I joined Juniper Muay Thai Gym officially in…” — Ana
8. North Star MMA
4.9 ★★★★★ 92 reviews
9. Fight Club Philadelphia
5 ★★★★★ 86 reviews
“I came into Fight Club with 0 kickboxing or martial arts experience after receiving a Groupon as a Christmas gift. Since my first class, I’ve been hooked. Six months later, and…” — Lauryn
10. Balance Studios HQ: Gracie Jiu-Jitsu & Muay Thai
4.9 ★★★★★ 81 reviews
“I started training jiujitsu about 3 years ago and I happen to google best places at the time and came to Balance Studios. I quickly fell in love with training even as a beginner.” — Dina
11. Rami Elite
4.6 ★★★★★ 82 reviews
“Rami shows love to martial artists and fighters of all levels. He is extremely knowledgeable and understanding of any issues. Been training for over a decade, I have a Muay Thai…” — Dean
12. URGE FITNESS Olney Philadelphia
4 ★★★★☆ 93 reviews
“A heartfelt shout-out to this incredible gym community that has truly become a part of my journey this past year. From day one, I’ve felt welcomed, supported, and empowered. The…” — Michelle
13. Balance Studios: Gracie Jiu-Jitsu & Muay Thai
4.8 ★★★★★ 71 reviews
14. Heavy Hitters Thai Boxing
4.9 ★★★★★ 60 reviews
“Heavy Hitters is an amazing gym with a great community and atmosphere! Coach Mike is very welcoming and makes sure everyone is on the same page and not left in the dark. The team…” — Chris
15. Zelus Fight Club Academy
5 ★★★★★ 56 reviews
“Great place to train very welcoming and the coaches are very patient and helpful. If you want to know Muay Thai this is the place” — Mohamed
16. Royal StriKing Muay Thai & BJJ
4.9 ★★★★★ 57 reviews
“Had my first class there today and it was everything I was hoping for, perfect mix of fun and pushing yourself and learning new skills and super friendly instructors and fellow…” — Ertiza
17. The Garden MMA
5 ★★★★★ 42 reviews
“I've been training at this gym for the past year and a half or so. The coaches are amazing and knowledgable. They are also patient and kind. The facilities are clean, organized…” — Nathan
18. Philadelphia Striking Academy
4.9 ★★★★★ 39 reviews
“This place has become one of my favorite locations in Manayunk! Quality classes from some of the most expert coaches you can find! Everyone is helpful and patient. As long as…” — Chancellor
Booking your first class in Philadelphia: 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 Philadelphia
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