Home › North Carolina › Gastonia › McGinnis Academy of Martial Arts
McGinnis Academy of Martial Arts
4.9 ★★★★★ 31 Google reviews · Kickboxing gym in Gastonia, North Carolina
Affiliated gym — reviews and the gym's own info suggest it belongs to a known kickboxing or boxing-fitness franchise or network (think 9Round, iLoveKickboxing, CKO, TITLE Boxing Club or Jabz). Franchise gyms run a consistent class format and are often a friendly, familiar place to start. If a specific brand matters to you, confirm it on the gym's own site.
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
- Kids & teen classes kids and teen kickboxing classes (ages 5–6) — built around confidence, focus, and fun
- Women's classes dedicated women's kickboxing classes — a welcoming space to start out and train
- Sparring sparring and partner work for members who want it — always optional, eased in gradually, with the coach controlling the contact
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule mcginnisacademyofmartialarts.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone (980) 251-8280
Hours
| Monday | 5:30–8:30 PM |
| Tuesday | 5:30–7:30 PM |
| Wednesday | 10 AM–12 PM, 5:30–8:30 PM |
| Thursday | 5:30–8:30 PM |
| Friday | 10 AM–12 PM |
| Saturday | 9–11:30 AM |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“The leaders here are all very skilled and work exceptionally well with all types of kids and adults.”
“2023 (adult BJJ) as a beginner and it has exceeded all of my expectations.”
Other martial arts here
“I preface with that because I was extremely apprehensive about starting the extreme contact sport of BJJ with mainly men, in complication with being anti-social.”
“If you're in the area and are looking for a place to learn Jiu Jitsu or self defense, this academy would be a good place to call home.”
What members say
“Thank you for welcoming me into your martial arts family even though I was just visiting.”
“I absolutely love this place they have worked great with my grandson and my daughter. Mr. Shawn McGinnis and Mr Mike Muscat love them both also Mr Mike boys.”
“Thank you for welcoming me into your martial arts family even though I was just visiting.”
From the reviews
My son has been attending classes there for several years and absolutely loves it. Great instruction. Highly recommended.
I joined this gym 11.2023 (adult BJJ) as a beginner and it has exceeded all of my expectations. BJJ is physically and mentally challanging - but a lot of fun. Professor McGinnis and his coaches have created a positive culture of learning and growth that permeates throughout the gym.
Visited for a “trial” class and was blown away by the professionalism, structure, and discipline that this gym displays and instills. Instructors are welcoming and knowledgeable.
Best instruction around. Instructors are top notch and beyond willing to help. If you are considering a martial art then this is the place to go.
New to kickboxing? Start at McGinnis Academy of Martial Arts
McGinnis Academy of Martial 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.
Your first kickboxing class at McGinnis Academy of 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.
More kickboxing gyms near Gastonia
BodyShot Combat & Fitness
5 ★★★★★ 34 reviews
Boxing, MMA and kickboxing classes, plus Jiu-Jitsu, fitness programs and a friendly staff.
9Round Gastonia
4.9 ★★★★★ 72 reviews
🥊 Free trial / intro class — check their site
Chain boxing gym offering 30-minute full-body workouts with no set class times.
Ultimate Gym
4.6 ★★★★★ 41 reviews
Gym offering boxing, kickboxing, muay thai, and other martial arts classes, as well as self-defense training.