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El Niño Training Center

4.9 ★★★★★ 71 Google reviews · Kickboxing gym in South San Francisco, California

Kickboxing gym Beginners welcome Kids & teens 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
  • 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 elninomma.com — book classes and see the live schedule
  • Phone (650) 636-4510

Hours

Monday 4–9 PM
Tuesday 4–9 PM
Wednesday 4–9 PM
Thursday 4–9 PM
Friday 4:30–8 PM
Saturday 10 AM–2 PM
Sunday Closed

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 El Niño Training Center, confirmed in members' own reviews and the gym's own info — not guessed from the sign out front.

🧒 Kids Kickboxing 10 mentions

“My son has been going to El Niño gym since he was 4 years old, and is now 8.”

All gyms that run kids kickboxing →

🌱 Beginners 7 mentions

“They have an incredible ability to break down complex techniques so they’re accessible to beginners while still challenging the professional athletes.”

All gyms that run beginners →

🏆 Competition Team 2 mentions

“Whether you’re looking to compete or just want to get in the best shape of your life, this is the environment to do it in.”

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🦵 Muay Thai 2 mentions

“Great coaches that push everyone to their limits, best Wrestling and Muaythai in the area If you want to become a fighter or just be active this place is for you.”

All gyms that run muay thai →

🥊 Boxing 4 mentions

“Classes are offered both in the morning and evenings with everything from boxing to wrestling to competition BJJ training etc.”

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 El Niño Training Center — mined from their reviews and the gym's own info.

🦵 Muay Thai 2 mentions

“Great coaches that push everyone to their limits, best Wrestling and Muaythai in the area If you want to become a fighter or just be active this place is for you.”

Other gyms that also teach muay thai →

🥊 Boxing 4 mentions

“Classes are offered both in the morning and evenings with everything from boxing to wrestling to competition BJJ training etc.”

Other gyms that also teach boxing →

🏟️ MMA 6 mentions

“Training MMA here isn't just about learning how to fight; it’s about the benefits that carry over into every aspect of your life.”

Other gyms that also teach mma →

🥋 Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu 10 mentions

“Classes are offered both in the morning and evenings with everything from boxing to wrestling to competition BJJ training etc.”

Other gyms that also teach brazilian jiu-jitsu →

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 71 Google reviews — in their own words.

🧑‍🏫 expert, motivating coaching 4 mentions

“Great coaches that push everyone to their limits, best Wrestling and Muaythai in the area If you want to become a fighter or just be active this place is for you.”

🌱 welcoming to beginners 9 mentions

“They have an incredible ability to break down complex techniques so they’re accessible to beginners while still challenging the professional athletes.”

💦 killer cardio workout 2 mentions

“The conditioning is second to none, but it’s the discipline, confidence, and mental toughness you build on these mats that really set the experience apart.”

🏆 active competition / fight team 2 mentions

“Classes are offered both in the morning and evenings with everything from boxing to wrestling to competition BJJ training etc.”

🧼 clean, well-equipped gym 7 mentions

“The gym is very clean and they take the utmost pride in cleaning the mats before and after each class.”

🧠 builds confidence & relieves stress 4 mentions

“The conditioning is second to none, but it’s the discipline, confidence, and mental toughness you build on these mats that really set the experience apart.”

From the reviews

My son has been going to El Niño gym since he was 4 years old, and is now 8. We love this gym! It has felt like home for us. Jiu jitsu has been a tremendous support for my son in helping with his social skills as well as his inner confidence.

★★★★★ — Jacquelyne, Dec 2021

Definitely the best mma gym in the bay. Classes are offered both in the morning and evenings with everything from boxing to wrestling to competition BJJ training etc. Even has a weight training center and showers.

★★★★★ — Jared, Jul 2025

El Niño is a great place to train. The coaches are always happy to help drill through and explain any concepts. This is the best place to train if you’re looking to develop your skills and knowledge with boxing, wrestling, and jiu jitsu. You seriously won’t find a better place with more dedicated coaches!!

★★★★★ — Steve, Oct 2022

If you are looking for a place to truly transform yourself—physically and mentally—El Nino Training Center is the gold standard in San Francisco. Training MMA here isn't just about learning how to fight; it’s about the benefits that carry over into every aspect of your life.

★★★★★ — Kyle, Apr 2026

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 71 reviews →

New to kickboxing? Start at El Niño Training Center

El Niño Training Center 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.

See their beginner class info

Your first kickboxing class at El Niño Training Center

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 El Niño Training Center

1 S Linden Ave #7, South San Francisco, CA94080

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.