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Gilbert Defense Arts

5 ★★★★★ 157 Google reviews · Kickboxing gym in Gilbert, Arizona

Kickboxing gym Beginners welcome Kids & teens Private lessons

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
  • Today see hours ·
  • Website & schedule gilbertmartialarts.com — book classes and see the live schedule
  • Phone (480) 855-7586

Hours

Monday 3–8:30 PM
Tuesday 8:30 AM–8:30 PM
Wednesday 12–8:30 PM
Thursday 8:30 AM–8:30 PM
Friday 12–6 PM
Saturday 8 AM–1 PM
Sunday 11 AM–2 PM

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 Gilbert Defense Arts, confirmed in members' own reviews and the gym's own info — not guessed from the sign out front.

🧒 Kids Kickboxing 16 mentions

“As a parent who gets busy transporting too many kids to too many activities, I love that the studio allows our son to learn at his (or our) own pace without extra pressure.”

All gyms that run kids kickboxing →

🌱 Beginners 2 mentions

“Whether you're a beginner or experienced, there's something for everyone, and the atmosphere is welcoming, with a community that's both supportive and encouraging.”

All gyms that run beginners →

Teens Kickboxing

“Our teen son has been taking karate lessons at Gilbert Defense Arts for a couple of years now and we have nothing but good things to say!”

All gyms that run teens kickboxing →

Other martial arts here

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

🥋 Karate 4 mentions

“Our teen son has been taking karate lessons at Gilbert Defense Arts for a couple of years now and we have nothing but good things to say!”

Other gyms that also teach karate →

🛡️ Self-Defense 8 mentions

“The classes are challenging but supportive, and the instructors take time to help you learn proper form and techniques, especially in kickboxing and self-defense.”

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 157 Google reviews — in their own words.

🌱 welcoming to beginners 6 mentions

“Whether you're a beginner or experienced, there's something for everyone, and the atmosphere is welcoming, with a community that's both supportive and encouraging.”

🧼 clean, well-equipped gym 3 mentions

“It's really clean, affordable, and really seems like everyone is having fun and proud of the work they put in.”

💵 good value / fair pricing 2 mentions

“It's really clean, affordable, and really seems like everyone is having fun and proud of the work they put in.”

💗 welcoming to women 4 mentions

“We have been with Gilbert Defense Arts for years now and have loved every moment of it.”

🧠 builds confidence & relieves stress 9 mentions

“I highly recommend Gilbert Defense Arts for any ages and skill levels - our son has grown leaps and bounds in his confidence, eye/hand coordination and discipline.”

🤝 friendly, family gym 19 mentions

“Whether you're a beginner or experienced, there's something for everyone, and the atmosphere is welcoming, with a community that's both supportive and encouraging.”

From the reviews

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Gilbert Defense Arts is absolutely amazing! From the moment you walk in, you can tell this place is something special. The instructors are incredibly knowledgeable, passionate, and truly care about every student who walks through the door. It’s not just a martial arts studio—it’s a community.

★★★★★ — Cara, Aug 2025

Gilbert Defense Arts has been one of the best decisions I’ve made, from the moment you walk in, the vibe is welcoming and inclusive, whether you’re a complete beginner or already have some experience.

★★★★★ — Sean, Dec 2025

Our teen son has been taking karate lessons at Gilbert Defense Arts for a couple of years now and we have nothing but good things to say! He loves the instructors, the supportive environment, and the fitness he has developed in his time with GDA.

★★★★★ — Jen, May 2024

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I had an incredible experience at Gilbert Defense Arts, and I can't recommend this studio enough! The standout feature of this place is Sensei Casey and his unwavering dedication to his students.

★★★★★ — Brandon, Feb 2025

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 157 reviews →

New to kickboxing? Start at Gilbert Defense Arts

Gilbert Defense Arts 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 Gilbert Defense 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.

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 Gilbert Defense Arts

1094 S Gilbert Rd #107, Gilbert, AZ85296

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.