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Plus One Defense Systems
4.9 ★★★★★ 189 Google reviews · Kickboxing gym in West Hartford, Connecticut
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 (ages 5–13) — built around confidence, focus, and fun
- Women's classes dedicated women's kickboxing classes — a welcoming space to start out and train
- 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 teamplusone.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone (860) 922-5343
Hours
| Monday | 6:30 AM–9:30 PM |
| Tuesday | 11 AM–9:30 PM |
| Wednesday | 6:30 AM–9:30 PM |
| Thursday | 11 AM–9:30 PM |
| Friday | 6:30 AM–9 PM |
| Saturday | 9:15 AM–4 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“Alberto gave my son a trial private lesson and within minutes understood my sons needs giving him confidence and truly having fun with him!”
“The women-only class is also great opportunity, not only for the technique taught and smaller class size, but also for those who may be unsure about training with men.”
“I recently attended the pistol permit and modern weapons class with Darin (through The Tactical Boutique), and it was my first time ever shooting.”
“Whether you’re a beginner, a competitor, or a seasoned martial artist.”
“I've trained beginner-level Muay Thai here with three different instructors due to my shifting work schedule.”
“Alberto gave my son a trial private lesson and within minutes understood my sons needs giving him confidence and truly having fun with him!”
Other martial arts here
“I've trained beginner-level Muay Thai here with three different instructors due to my shifting work schedule.”
“If you're interested in Brazilian Jujitsu, BJJ as well as the many other martial arts they offer, I would highly recommend attending Plus One!”
“I would absolutely recommend this place to anyone looking to obtain their pistol permit or for any firearms or self-defense training.”
What members say
“The professor leading the class gave great instruction and even gave some additional details later on.”
“I recently attended the pistol permit and modern weapons class with Darin (through The Tactical Boutique), and it was my first time ever shooting.”
“Plus One is great because it offers everybody the opportunity to learn self defense in a clean, safe, and authentic environment.”
“Darin the owner made us feel at home and offered many affordable options which include as many classes a week you’d like to take.”
“As a woman who travels a lot for work, it is always refreshing to find a female friendly gym that is so welcoming and knowledgeable.”
“Darin and the rest of the Plus One team are so encouraging and inviting, you really feel like a part of a big martial arts family.”
From the reviews
I am having a fantastic time learning BJJ at Plus One. I didn't have any martial arts background, but everyone is so welcoming and helpful. Every question I've had has been quickly and thoroughly answered, by the instructors and by the experienced practitioners, who are eager to see me succeed.
I can't recommend Plus One Defense Systems enough. It's a safe training environment that encourages members to push themselves without having to worry about getting hurt. If you're a beginner looking to train Muay Thai look no further!
This gym is fantastic. I came from out of town and got a week's worth of classes. I immediately felt welcomed and part of the community. The training is safe and the instructors are knowledgeable. They also keep the facility clean. I highly recommend them!
Many martial arts styles. Talented instructors. Large, well kept facility. Always open (even in bad winter weather). My son and I have switched from a month-to-month contract to a long term contract based on the good experience we have had so far
New to kickboxing? Start at Plus One Defense Systems
Plus One Defense Systems 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 Plus One Defense Systems
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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