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Cool Hands MMA

5 ★★★★★ 26 Google reviews · Kickboxing gym in North Charleston, South Carolina

Beginners welcome Kids & teens Private lessons Competition team

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 — 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
  • Competition team a competition team for members who want to test themselves in the ring — amateur kickboxing, muay thai, or K-1
  • Website & schedule coolhandsmma.com — book classes and see the live schedule
  • Phone (854) 205-5826

The classes they run

Kickboxing classes on the schedule at Cool Hands MMA, confirmed in members' own reviews and the gym's own info — not guessed from the sign out front.

🧒 Kids Kickboxing 3 mentions

“Over the past year, my son has not only developed strength and technique but has also gained a level of confidence I hadn’t seen before.”

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🌱 Beginners 2 mentions

“A friendly environment for both beginners and more advanced fighters.”

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🤜 Sparring

“Lots of class options and sparring times.”

All gyms that run sparring →

🦵 Muay Thai

“As a visitor in Charleston who’s been to a few different Muay Thai gyms across the country, I can say that Luke’s was one of the best.”

All gyms that run muay thai →

🥊 Boxing

“So I wanted to increase my lung capacity/cardio and get back into boxing and learning MMA at a real level and from a true pro.”

All gyms that run boxing →

Other martial arts here

Kickboxing gyms are usually multi-discipline. Here's what else members mention training under the same roof at Cool Hands MMA — mined from their reviews and the gym's own info.

🦵 Muay Thai

“As a visitor in Charleston who’s been to a few different Muay Thai gyms across the country, I can say that Luke’s was one of the best.”

Other gyms that also teach muay thai →

🥊 Boxing

“So I wanted to increase my lung capacity/cardio and get back into boxing and learning MMA at a real level and from a true pro.”

Other gyms that also teach boxing →

🏟️ MMA 19 mentions

“So I wanted to increase my lung capacity/cardio and get back into boxing and learning MMA at a real level and from a true pro.”

Other gyms that also teach mma →

🛡️ Self-Defense 3 mentions

“Training with him has been a pleasure, and I can’t recommend him highly enough for anyone looking to improve their fitness and self-defense skills.”

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 26 Google reviews — in their own words.

🧑‍🏫 expert, motivating coaching 6 mentions

“He’s not just an excellent coach; he’s a genuinely great person who truly cares about your progress.”

🌱 welcoming to beginners 5 mentions

“Luke is kind, gentle, and welcoming with all his students … he builds an immediate positive rapport with everyone, gaining their trust and building their confidence.”

🧠 builds confidence & relieves stress 3 mentions

“Luke is kind, gentle, and welcoming with all his students … he builds an immediate positive rapport with everyone, gaining their trust and building their confidence.”

🤝 friendly, family gym 8 mentions

“Luke is kind, gentle, and welcoming with all his students … he builds an immediate positive rapport with everyone, gaining their trust and building their confidence.”

From the reviews

I've been at Cool Hands MMA since August 2023, and it has been a life changing experience. Luke sanders is an engaging and encouraging instructor. The gym that he is building has already made an impact on the community. The guys and girls that train here are friendly and helpful.

★★★★★ — Harry, Jan 2024

Luke Sanders, MMA gym owner and trainer is very knowledgeable in this industry. He will take the time to teach you the proper techniques! The truth is "You will improve with the best tool which is an ultimate pad holder." He is putting his body through a lot so you can have the best safe training.

★★★★★ — Lena, Apr 2023

Luke and his team at Cool Hands MMA are awesome! I came into this not knowing a single thing. I was welcomed with open arms and fists😅 But seriously I could not ask for a better experience. I look forward to class each week. Thanks, Cool Hands MMA for an excellent experience!

★★★★★ — J., Jun 2023

Luke is an amazing coach. Highly recommend this gym for anyone beginner-advanced. Lots of class options and sparring times. Very clean space.

★★★★★ — Benjamin, Aug 2024

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 26 reviews →

New to kickboxing? Start at Cool Hands MMA

Cool Hands MMA 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 Cool Hands MMA

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 Cool Hands MMA

1607 E Montague Ave, North Charleston, SC29405

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.