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Academy Jiu-Jitsu and Kickboxing HQ | Checkmat Downey

4.7 ★★★★★ 92 Google reviews · Kickboxing gym in Downey, California

Kickboxing gym Free trial Beginners welcome Kids & teens Cardio kickboxing Women's classes Competition team

Plan your first class

  • Free trial or intro class most gyms welcome new members with a free trial or intro class — check their site or give them a call to book your first session
  • Membership memberships run around $150/mo — many studios also offer class packs, drop-ins, and a discounted first month, so ask about new-member rates
  • Beginner-friendly all fitness levels welcome, including total beginners — no experience needed, and you get in shape by training, not before
  • Cardio kickboxing classes high-energy cardio kickboxing on the bags and pads — a fun, sweaty workout built for fitness and weight loss, at your own pace
  • Kids & teen classes kids and teen kickboxing classes (ages 4) — built around confidence, focus, and fun
  • Women's classes dedicated women's kickboxing classes — a welcoming space to start out and train
  • Sparring sparring and partner work for members who want it — always optional, eased in gradually, with the coach controlling the contact
  • Competition team a competition team for members who want to test themselves in the ring — amateur kickboxing, muay thai, or K-1
  • Today see hours ·
  • Website & schedule academyjj.com — book classes and see the live schedule
  • Phone +1 562-614-4364

Hours

Monday 9–11:30 am, 4–10 pm
Tuesday 9–11:30 am, 4–10 pm
Wednesday 9–11:30 am, 4–10 pm
Thursday 9–11:30 am, 4–10 pm
Friday 9–11 am, 4–10 pm
Saturday 8:30 am–1:30 pm
Sunday Closed

Hours shift for holidays and class-schedule changes — worth a quick check before a special trip.

The classes they run

Kickboxing classes on the schedule at Academy Jiu-Jitsu and Kickboxing HQ | Checkmat Downey, confirmed in members' own reviews and the gym's own info — not guessed from the sign out front.

🔥 Cardio Kickboxing 4 mentions

“We've been going here for a few years for their jiu-jitsu and kickboxing classes.”

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🧒 Kids Kickboxing 24 mentions

“Facility is new, and I love the kids area where kids can play arcade games or with toys while adults can train.”

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💪 Women's Kickboxing

“I cross train there and drop in their women only classes - all positive and highly recommend!”

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🌱 Beginners 3 mentions

“I’m glad I chose Academy because the beginner kids class is GREAT to introduce jiu jitsu for kids and teach them the fundamentals.”

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🤜 Sparring 3 mentions

“The always stay vigilant with them when they spar to make sure they are applying their techniques and making sure they stay safe.”

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🏆 Competition Team 3 mentions

“Feels like a unified team and a second home more than it does a jujitsu academy, definitely recommend for hobbyists, competitors, and families alike.”

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🥊 Boxing

“Great place if you want to learn Jiu-Jitsu Kick boxing and MMA.”

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Teens Kickboxing

“I would recommend anyone from kids, teens and adults to check out Academy!”

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Other martial arts here

Kickboxing gyms are usually multi-discipline. Here's what else members mention training under the same roof at Academy Jiu-Jitsu and Kickboxing HQ | Checkmat Downey — mined from their reviews and the gym's own info.

🥊 Boxing

“Great place if you want to learn Jiu-Jitsu Kick boxing and MMA.”

Other gyms that also teach boxing →

🏟️ MMA

“Great place if you want to learn Jiu-Jitsu Kick boxing and MMA.”

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🥋 Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu 14 mentions

“I had the opportunity to train at Academy Jiu-Jitsu & Kickboxing HQ – Checkmat Downey while I was in town, and it was an outstanding experience.”

Other gyms that also teach brazilian jiu-jitsu →

Disciplines are mined from reviews and the gym's own info — they show what members have trained, not a formal class guarantee. If you specifically want muay thai, boxing, or MMA alongside your kickboxing, confirm the current schedule with the gym.

What members say

The things reviewers bring up again and again across 92 Google reviews — in their own words.

🌱 welcoming to beginners 4 mentions

“I’m glad I chose Academy because the beginner kids class is GREAT to introduce jiu jitsu for kids and teach them the fundamentals.”

🧒 strong kids program 2 mentions

“My child's confidence has increased exponentially (to a fault) because of how secure he feels in learning the material here.”

🧼 clean, well-equipped gym 6 mentions

“The facility was spotless, spacious, and well organized, with plenty of room to train.”

💗 welcoming to women 2 mentions

“The entire team welcomed me with open arms and made me feel like part of the academy from the moment I walked through the door.”

🧠 builds confidence & relieves stress 3 mentions

“My child's confidence has increased exponentially (to a fault) because of how secure he feels in learning the material here.”

🤝 friendly, family gym 9 mentions

“The staff is really friendly and the professor's and coaches seem willing to work with any level of experience.”

From the reviews

My kids have been in Jiu-Jitsu off and on for 6 years now. The progress I have seen in the 3 months we have been here is amazing. The classes are challenging yet safe. My child's confidence has increased exponentially (to a fault) because of how secure he feels in learning the material here. The staff is fantastic.

★★★★★ — Olimpia, May 2022

My son has been coming here for almost 2 years. I was nervous about where to start my son being that he was very timid and really not into any aggressive sports or Marital arts. I’m glad I chose Academy because the beginner kids class is GREAT to introduce jiu jitsu for kids and teach them the fundamentals.

★★★★★ — Gilbert, Dec 2023

I can't say enough good things about Academy Jiu-Jitsu/Kickboxing! It's a truly family-friendly place where both kids and adults can learn and grow together. The professors are not only skilled but also incredibly patient and encouraging.

★★★★★ — Ana, Dec 2023

I’ve been doing kickboxing here for a year now, and man, it’s been such a good move. The people here are honestly what make it awesome .Everyone is super welcoming and brings good energy every time. I’ve gotten more confident, made new friends, and now I’m getting ready to jump into jiu jitsu too.

★★★★★ — Irving, Jan 2026

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 92 reviews →

New to kickboxing? Start at Academy Jiu-Jitsu and Kickboxing HQ | Checkmat Downey

Academy Jiu-Jitsu and Kickboxing HQ | Checkmat Downey comes up as a beginner-friendly gym — noted on their own site. If you've never thrown a punch or a kick, that's exactly who a good beginners class is for. A few things worth knowing before your first week. First, you don't need to be fit or coordinated to start — you get in shape by training, not before it, and coaches scale every drill to you. Second, you won't be thrown into hard sparring — reputable gyms build the basics (stance, footwork, and punches and kicks on pads and bags) first, and any contact eases in gradually under a coach's control. Third, all fitness levels really are welcome — ask about a dedicated beginners or fundamentals class time so your first session is alongside others who are also starting out. Most gyms are happy to let you watch or try a class first, so reach out before you commit.

See their beginner class info

Your first kickboxing class at Academy Jiu-Jitsu and Kickboxing HQ | Checkmat Downey

Nervous about walking into a kickboxing gym for the first time? Almost everyone is, and good coaches expect beginners to come through the door. Here's what to know. What to expect: a typical first class is a warm-up, then drilling the basics — stance, footwork, and punches and kicks on pads or a heavy bag — not hard sparring. Go at your own pace and rest whenever you need to; no one will bat an eye. What to wear: comfortable athletic clothes you can move and sweat in, and supportive trainers. What to bring: water, and hand wraps and gloves if you have them — many gyms lend loaner gloves for a first class, so it's worth asking when you call. As you keep training you'll add your own gloves and wraps (and shin guards once you start sparring). Sparring is optional and eases in gradually, once your basics are solid. Arrive 10–15 minutes early to sign a waiver and meet the coach. It gets easier fast — most people feel far more at home by their third class.

Kickboxing is a contact sport. Warm up, pace yourself, listen to your coaches, and if you have any injuries or health concerns, mention them before class and check with a doctor if you're unsure.

Where to find Academy Jiu-Jitsu and Kickboxing HQ | Checkmat Downey

9220 Lakewood Blvd, Downey, CA90240

Get directions

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Listing verified July 2026 from public business records and member reviews. Something out of date? Report a correction. Own this gym? Claim your listing — it's free.