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Excelsior Mixed Martial Arts
5 ★★★★★ 25 Google reviews · Kickboxing gym in Hickory, North Carolina
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
- 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 excelsiormmahickory.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone +1 828-238-7913
Hours
| Monday | 5:30–8:40 pm |
| Tuesday | Closed |
| Wednesday | 5:30–8:40 pm |
| Thursday | Closed |
| Friday | Closed |
| Saturday | Closed |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“Awesome place, my daughter trains there, very knowledgeable instructor Lesley Steiner.”
“They have both beginners and advanced classes available.”
“She is patient, extremely knowledgeable, and one hell of a sparring/rolling partner.”
“As stated, they are great for people just trying to learn new things or people who are wanting to compete.”
“If you’re looking for a great workout, learn more about boxing, kickboxing and or jujitsu LOOK NO FURTHER.”
Other martial arts here
“If you’re looking for a great workout, learn more about boxing, kickboxing and or jujitsu LOOK NO FURTHER.”
“I can't say enough about these MMA classes and the owner Lesley is amazing.”
“I've been to over a dozen bjj gyms and this is my favorite, by far.”
“She has worked with my middle daughter who is introverted and needed to learn some self defense and Lesley did an amazing job!”
What members say
“Coach Lesley is an amazing instructor with a lot of knowledge in various forms of martial arts.”
“The environment is welcoming, Lesley is an Incredible human.”
From the reviews
Excelsior is the fastest growing martial arts gym in the area. The instruction and care given by the instructor is amazing. You owe it to yourself to stop by and give it a shot today.
Professor Leslie is a role model in all aspects of life and an excellent coach! I’ve been training on and off with her the past 4 years. She provides golden nuggets not only in martial arts but also in life.
If you’re looking for a great workout, learn more about boxing, kickboxing and or jujitsu LOOK NO FURTHER. Out of all the coach’s and instructors I’ve had in the years I’ve done martial arts Lesley is by far the best. She is patient, extremely knowledgeable, and one hell of a sparring/rolling partner.
I have had an amazing experience at Excelsior MMA! As stated, they are great for people just trying to learn new things or people who are wanting to compete. Coach Lesley is an amazing instructor with a lot of knowledge in various forms of martial arts. Her way of instructing makes it easy to follow along and progress.
New to kickboxing? Start at Excelsior Mixed Martial Arts
Excelsior Mixed Martial Arts 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 Excelsior Mixed Martial Arts
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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