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Academy of Self Defense
4.7 ★★★★★ 126 Google reviews · Kickboxing gym in Santa Clara, California
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
- Beginner-friendly all fitness levels welcome, including total beginners — no experience needed, and you get in shape by training, not before
- Kids & teen classes kids and teen kickboxing classes — built around confidence, focus, and fun
- Private lessons one-on-one coaching available — a focused way to start or to work around a busy schedule; ask about availability and rates
- Sparring sparring and partner work for members who want it — always optional, eased in gradually, with the coach controlling the contact
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule academyselfdefense.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone +1 408-844-8485
Hours
| Monday | 6:30 am–1 pm, 4–8:30 pm |
| Tuesday | 6:30 am–1 pm, 4–8:30 pm |
| Wednesday | 6:30 am–1 pm, 4–8:30 pm |
| Thursday | 6:30 am–1 pm, 4–8:30 pm |
| Friday | 6:30–7:30 am, 10 am–1 pm, 5–7 pm |
| Saturday | 8:45 am–12 pm |
| Sunday | 10–11:30 am |
The classes they run
“No matter what class you come for, from fitness to contact sport, beginner or advanced, it’ll be a good time.”
“You gain a community of friends, family, and an endless supply of sparring partners (or dummies to practice combos!”
“I got stronger, got introduced to Muay Thai, I increased my cardio, lost some weight in the process and I'm now improving my skill every time I step onto the mat.”
“If you ever get the chance to do a personal training session, take it—you’ll gain more than just a workout.”
“I like to see families ( parents and their children) participating in all the different activities and events.”
Other martial arts here
“I got stronger, got introduced to Muay Thai, I increased my cardio, lost some weight in the process and I'm now improving my skill every time I step onto the mat.”
“You can get great physical and mental training while learning various self-defense techniques from great coaches.”
What members say
“You can get great physical and mental training while learning various self-defense techniques from great coaches.”
“The community is incredibly welcoming and supportive, and the instructors are all super knowledgeable and motivating.”
“The coaches are awesome, the regulars are good people, the environment is supportive and the facility is nice and clean”
“The one-on-one guidance is invaluable for refining your technique, building confidence, and achieving your goals.”
“If you’re looking to be challenged, grow stronger, and become part of a truly supportive community, this is the place for you.”
From the reviews
I have been going to this for two years and I have never been this strong in my life. I have tried many gyms but would quit after few weeks. The classes are hard, but that’s what makes the body and mind stronger. I started taking only few classes a week, now I go pretty much every day.
Academy of Self Defense has quite literally changed my life. I came in wanted to get stronger and being able to defend myself. I was met with unwavering support, being cheered on by both coaches and other members every step of the way.
The coaches are knowledgeable, supportive, and really care about your progress. Classes are well structured, challenging, and fun, and the community is friendly and encouraging. It’s a great place to build strength, improve conditioning, learn self-defense, and stay consistent.
“I highly recommend this gym! Learning self-defense here has been both fun and interesting. The coaches are supportive, patient, and truly care about helping you improve. They take the time to make sure you understand the techniques and feel comfortable. It’s been a really positive experience, and I’m glad I joined!
New to kickboxing? Start at Academy of Self Defense
Academy of Self Defense comes up as a beginner-friendly gym, going by their listing and members’ reviews. 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.
Your first kickboxing class at Academy of Self Defense
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.
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