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Blue Wave Martial Arts and Fitness

5 ★★★★★ 43 Google reviews · Kickboxing gym in Edwardsville, Illinois

Beginners welcome Kids & teens

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
  • Kids & teen classes kids and teen kickboxing classes (ages 3–14) — built around confidence, focus, and fun
  • Today see hours ·
  • Website & schedule bluewavestrong.com — book classes and see the live schedule
  • Phone (618) 692-5223

Hours

Monday 3–8:30 PM
Tuesday 9:45–11:15 AM, 3–8:30 PM
Wednesday Closed
Thursday 9:45–11:15 AM, 3–8:30 PM
Friday 3–7:30 PM
Saturday 8 AM–12:30 PM
Sunday 8:45–10:15 AM

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 Blue Wave Martial Arts and Fitness, confirmed in members' own reviews and the gym's own info — not guessed from the sign out front.

🧒 Kids Kickboxing 9 mentions

“I started my daughter at Blue Wave when she was just three and a half and have been going for more than a couple years now starting with the Karate Kubs program.”

All gyms that run kids kickboxing →

🌱 Beginners 2 mentions

“Tami has many new classes and options for all fitness levels and she works with each client uniquely.”

All gyms that run beginners →

🥊 Boxing

“I love the different classes that are offered throughout the week from boot camp, yoga, core classes, & kick boxing.”

All gyms that run boxing →

Kickboxing Bootcamp 4 mentions

“I've been attending boot camp with Tammy for almost a year now & have improved my fitness level in so many ways, thanks to her.”

All gyms that run kickboxing bootcamp →

Other martial arts here

Kickboxing gyms are usually multi-discipline. Here's what else members mention training under the same roof at Blue Wave Martial Arts and Fitness — mined from their reviews and the gym's own info.

🥊 Boxing

“I love the different classes that are offered throughout the week from boot camp, yoga, core classes, & kick boxing.”

Other gyms that also teach boxing →

🥋 Karate 3 mentions

“I started my daughter at Blue Wave when she was just three and a half and have been going for more than a couple years now starting with the Karate Kubs program.”

Other gyms that also teach karate →

🛡️ Self-Defense

“TKD has been a incredible challenge that is teaching me WAY beyond self defense.”

Other gyms that also teach self-defense →

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 43 Google reviews — in their own words.

🧑‍🏫 expert, motivating coaching 3 mentions

“The instructor is incredibly skilled and knowledgeable and her staff are the same.”

🌱 welcoming to beginners 4 mentions

“I didn't know any other students when first started but everyone was so welcoming to my wife and I, the community is great!”

🧒 strong kids program 2 mentions

“It's a perfect balance which is exactly what my son needs....discipline and love!”

🧼 clean, well-equipped gym 5 mentions

“The center is very clean, with a wide range of equipment Tammy uses to make class exciting & fun!”

🧠 builds confidence & relieves stress 4 mentions

“Since training there I’ve gained strength, flexibility, self confidence, and discipline.”

🤝 friendly, family gym 8 mentions

“I didn't know any other students when first started but everyone was so welcoming to my wife and I, the community is great!”

From the reviews

We absolutely love Blue Wave! Our son has grown so much since starting here. Not just in his karate skills, but in confidence, focus, and respect. The instructors do an incredible job teaching life skills that extend far beyond the mat.

★★★★★ — Carmela, Sep 2025

Highly recommend Blue Wave Martial Arts in Edwardsville! My daughter and I both train here and it's been an excellent decision. Tammy Bauer is an indescribably wonderful instructor!!! She's patient, positive, STRONG(in every definition of the word),creative... The list could go on and on!

★★★★★ — Angie, May 2016

I highly recommend Blue Wave Edwardsville to anyone remotely interested in taking martial arts. The instructor is incredibly skilled and knowledgeable and her staff are the same. regardless of skill level, you will receive nothing but the best teaching. it's clear that they truly want to see you get better.

★★★★★ — Stephen, Jul 2023

Can't say enough good things about this fitness center & owner! I've been attending boot camp with Tammy for almost a year now & have improved my fitness level in so many ways, thanks to her. Tammy is constantly mixing things up & making class fun! I hate missing a class now.

★★★★★ — Elizabeth, Jun 2016

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 43 reviews →

New to kickboxing? Start at Blue Wave Martial Arts and Fitness

Blue Wave Martial Arts and Fitness 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.

Check beginner classes on their site

Your first kickboxing class at Blue Wave Martial Arts and Fitness

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 Blue Wave Martial Arts and Fitness

1409 Troy Rd, Edwardsville, IL62025

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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.