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American Institute of Kenpo
5 ★★★★★ 16 Google reviews · Kickboxing gym in Tucson, Arizona
Plan your first class
- 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 4–14) — 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 americaninstituteofkenpo.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone +1 520-744-9004
Hours
| Monday | 4:30–8:30 pm |
| Tuesday | 4:30–8:30 pm |
| Wednesday | 6:30–7:30 pm |
| Thursday | 4:30–8:30 pm |
| Friday | 4:30–8:30 pm |
| Saturday | 11:30 am–2 pm |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“We originally chose Karate for my daughter who has ADHD; which I think has helped.”
“They also have fun games like belt-sparring and dodge ball in all Little Dragons classes which keeps my children wanting to come back every week.”
Other martial arts here
“We originally chose Karate for my daughter who has ADHD; which I think has helped.”
“I would highly recommend AIK to anyone interested in learning martial arts—whether for personal health, discipline, or self-defense.”
What members say
“This school is like family!”
From the reviews
My children and I have been attending AIK twice a week for 6 years. They train All-Ages, incredibly well, for a very reasonable price. The instructors are INCREDIBLE to say the least, and above all, patient, kind and genuine with the children (and adults!).
Mr Pilch and all of the instructors here are excellent. I'm retired and I see students of all ages here. The program is well structured, however everyone is taught at their own level with lots of individual attention. And it's lots of fun!
After retiring from a 35-year career in the aerospace industry, I began working through my bucket list—which included taking martial arts lessons. Without much experience in choosing a school, I tried two other Kenpo schools before finding AIK.
We originally chose Karate for my daughter who has ADHD; which I think has helped. My husband has done a form of Martial Arts growing up and was itching to get back into it. He then convinced me to join as well. I absolutely love this location...of course the instructors are the reason!
New to kickboxing? Start at American Institute of Kenpo
American Institute of Kenpo 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.
Your first kickboxing class at American Institute of Kenpo
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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