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Defensive Edge Martial Arts Academy
4.8 ★★★★★ 101 Google reviews · Kickboxing gym in Wakefield, Massachusetts
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 — built around confidence, focus, and fun
- Women's classes dedicated women's kickboxing classes — a welcoming space to start out and train
- Private lessons one-on-one coaching available — a focused way to start or to work around a busy schedule; ask about availability and rates
- 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 defensive-edge.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone (781) 245-0250
Hours
| Monday | 4–9 PM |
| Tuesday | 6–7 AM, 12–1 PM, 4–8:15 PM |
| Wednesday | 9–10 AM, 4–9 PM |
| Thursday | 12–1 PM, 4–8:15 PM |
| Friday | 6–7 AM, 9–10 AM, 4–9 PM |
| Saturday | 8:45 AM–1 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“The coaches are incredibly professional,highly skilled,and they truly care about your progress weather your a competitor or someone just starting out, even kids all ages!”
“Walking into a martial arts gym can be intimidating for someone who has never trained before, but the people here will make you forget all about that almost immediately.”
“The coaches are incredibly professional,highly skilled,and they truly care about your progress weather your a competitor or someone just starting out, even kids all ages!”
“They offer a variety of classes, so there’s something for everyone, whether you’re interested in Brazilian jiu jitsu, Muay Thai (kickboxing), self-defense, or fitness training.”
“Whether is boxing, mma, Muay Thai, self defense, fitness or bjj they offer a variety of classes that cater to both youth and adult!”
“Connor Barry is one of the best jiu jitsu coaches in the area, highly recommend hitting his classes or taking a private lesson with him.”
Other martial arts here
“They offer a variety of classes, so there’s something for everyone, whether you’re interested in Brazilian jiu jitsu, Muay Thai (kickboxing), self-defense, or fitness training.”
“Whether is boxing, mma, Muay Thai, self defense, fitness or bjj they offer a variety of classes that cater to both youth and adult!”
“When I searched I found MMA with defensive edge instead and I knew from the start this was the only place that I wanted us to go to.”
“The jiu-jitsu program is ran by Coach Connor Barry, a terrific coach who has the experience and skillset to make anyone better on the mats.”
“I’m a single mother and my 6 year old daughter asked for “karate” lessons in sept last year 2019.”
“They offer a variety of classes, so there’s something for everyone, whether you’re interested in Brazilian jiu jitsu, Muay Thai (kickboxing), self-defense, or fitness training.”
What members say
“The instructors are knowledgeable and approachable, always creating a welcoming atmosphere that makes everyone feel comfortable, no matter their level.”
“Their kids program is fantastic, they win competitions constantly, and the classes are always packed with kids and the smiling faces of parents.”
“Their kids program is fantastic, they win competitions constantly, and the classes are always packed with kids and the smiling faces of parents.”
“DE is very well kept, well equipped, and offers a variety of training options.”
“They are worth every single penny you spend on training as an adult or for your children/family.”
“signed up for the 8 week Women's Self Defense course offered by Defensive Edge Martial Arts and fell in love immediately!”
From the reviews
Defensive Edge is an amazing martial arts school. Josh and his team of coaches are some of the most genuine and knowledgeable people I have had the pleasure to train with. The school is always clean and the classes are always fun and challenging.
I walked into Defensive edge around 7 years ago and haven't looked back. DE is very well kept, well equipped, and offers a variety of training options. The coaches are incredibly professional,highly skilled,and they truly care about your progress weather your a competitor or someone just starting out, even kids all…
I can't say enough great things about Defensive Edge! My kids started training here first and had an amazing experience. The instructors were incredible with them—patient, encouraging, and made every class fun. Watching how much they were growing in confidence and skills inspired me to give it a try myself.
I started training at Defensive Edge 7 years ago, as a father of two in my 40s, after taking my daughter to a birthday party hosted there. I saw how the instructors made the challenge of learning martial arts fun and accessible while taking skill development and fitness seriously.
New to kickboxing? Start at Defensive Edge Martial Arts Academy
Defensive Edge Martial Arts Academy 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 Defensive Edge Martial Arts Academy
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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