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Empower Martial Arts and Self-Defense
5 ★★★★★ 11 Google reviews · Kickboxing gym in Staten Island, New York
Plan your first class
- Free trial or intro class most gyms welcome new members with a free trial or intro class — check their site or give them a call to book your first session
- 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
- 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
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule empowermasd.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone +1 646-331-2549
Hours
| Monday | 9 am–7:30 pm |
| Tuesday | 9 am–8:30 pm |
| Wednesday | 9 am–7 pm |
| Thursday | 9 am–7:30 pm |
| Friday | 9 am–7 pm |
| Saturday | 10–11:30 am |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“I was drawn in by the concept of an all women’s school and stayed for the community, great workouts, and competent instruction.”
“Beyond learning valuable jiu-jitsu and self-defense skills, my daughters have gained confidence, discipline, and resilience.”
“She has a gift for breaking down techniques in a way that’s easy to understand, whether you’re a total beginner or more advanced.”
“It was an open mat but she taught me a lot in a short time.”
“Whether you’re looking to learn self-defense, get in shape, build confidence, or compete, I highly recommend trying out this place.”
“She works in groups and also takes time to give one-on-one personalized pointers throughout.”
Other martial arts here
“Beyond learning valuable jiu-jitsu and self-defense skills, my daughters have gained confidence, discipline, and resilience.”
“Beyond learning valuable jiu-jitsu and self-defense skills, my daughters have gained confidence, discipline, and resilience.”
What members say
“Every class is welcoming, and it's clear that Coach Jen genuinely cares about each student's growth.”
“I was drawn in by the concept of an all women’s school and stayed for the community, great workouts, and competent instruction.”
“I was drawn in by the concept of an all women’s school and stayed for the community, great workouts, and competent instruction.”
“Whether you’re looking to learn self-defense, get in shape, build confidence, or compete, I highly recommend trying out this place.”
“Wonderful and clean environment for women to come together to train, learn self defense, and share camaraderie.”
“I was drawn in by the concept of an all women’s school and stayed for the community, great workouts, and competent instruction.”
From the reviews
I can’t recommend this all-women’s Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu gym enough! From the moment you walk in, the space feels welcoming, empowering, and thoughtfully designed. It’s clear a lot of care went into creating an environment where women can train confidently and comfortably.
Empower is a wonderful women’s only martial arts and self defense gym where you can get a great workout while learning self defense and the art of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in the gi and no Gi. What I enjoy even more is connecting with women of all levels and ages.
Started taking self defense classes here. I'm so glad the owner brought this dedicated class to Staten Island. I've been looking for years. The location is beautiful. The owner is a sweetheart and very knowledgeable. I'm looking forward to continuing classes here.
My daughter and I both train at Empower Martial Arts & Self Defense, and we couldn’t be happier with our experience. We take Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, striking, and kickboxing classes, and the instruction is excellent across the board. The gym is always clean, welcoming, and professionally run.
New to kickboxing? Start at Empower Martial Arts and Self-Defense
Empower Martial Arts and Self-Defense 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.
Your first kickboxing class at Empower Martial Arts and Self-Defense
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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