Home › For beginners › Dallas, TX
Kickboxing for Beginners in Dallas
17 gyms in Dallas, Texas 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. GRIT Fitness - Design District
4.9 ★★★★★ 231 reviews
“I absolutely love Grit Fitness. I’ve attended classes at every location & felt welcomed and empowered at every single one. The atmosphere is unmatched! Awesome instructors and I…” — Tybriyona
2. Dallas Fight Club & Fitness
5 ★★★★★ 223 reviews
“Great gym, I came in and they showed me amazing technique and footwork. They work with all levels, guys that want to train, spar, and compete get immaculate coaching, and…” — Harrison
3. Marsh Lane Mafia Kickboxing
4.9 ★★★★★ 159 reviews
“This kickboxing gym feels like family. The workout is great. The owner is personable and makes you feel welcome when you walk through the door. I had an awesome experience working…” — Lawrencia
4. Boon Martial Arts
5 ★★★★★ 133 reviews
“I began taking martial arts at a different studio originally. I enjoyed what I was doing but found myself not feeling challenged so I tried Boon on a whim to see if it was the…” — Suzanne
5. Octagon MMA Dallas
4.9 ★★★★★ 129 reviews
“Neil’s class is one of the best grappling classes in the world. Everyone is welcome from beginners to advanced. One of the few facilities with amazing showers and hygiene” — J
6. DFW Combat Co
5 ★★★★★ 92 reviews
“Great price for 8 classes and it's easy to schedule. Staff is chill but will motivate you to push yourself. The classes I've taken so far have been great. Beginner friendly but…” — Fearlessly
7. Ding Ding Group Boxing
4.9 ★★★★★ 74 reviews
“Working out is part of my daily routine and I'm always wanting to mix it up and try something different. I decided to try boxing for the first time, and It was such a great…” — Haley
8. Jupiter Kickboxing
4.9 ★★★★★ 66 reviews
“This is the best kickboxing gym I have ever had the pleasure of belonging to. There are classes for all levels and goals. If you want to get a good workout, become a better all…” — Brandon
9. Southside Mixed Martial Arts
5 ★★★★★ 62 reviews
“They have 4 black belt instructors. So they always have a black belt on the mat teaching both the adults and kids classes. Tons of mat space and clean facilities. Positive…” — Danh
10. Strikers Athletic Co.
4.7 ★★★★★ 51 reviews
“I’m a beginner at boxing/Muay Thai. Strikers has been a great place to learn the ropes. The classes are intense but not too fast paced. I’d recommend to anyone who has an interest…” — Hayes
11. Crusader Combat Club
5 ★★★★★ 41 reviews
12. Central Martial Arts
4.8 ★★★★★ 40 reviews
13. Premier Martial Arts Lake Highlands
4.6 ★★★★★ 32 reviews
14. Quintana MMA & Fitness
4.9 ★★★★★ 30 reviews
“An amazing gym with a supportive community that pushes you to improve. Coach Q’s knowledge is top-notch, and gives detailed instruction and genuine encouragement. Welcoming of all…” — Logan
15. Global MMA Dallas and Muay Thai
5 ★★★★★ 29 reviews
Booking your first class in Dallas: 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 Dallas
All kickboxing gyms in Dallas, TX → · All beginner kickboxing cities →