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Side Quest MMA Academy

4.5 ★★★★★ 26 Google reviews · Kickboxing gym in Homestead, Pennsylvania

Beginners welcome Kids & teens

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
  • Today see hours ·
  • Website & schedule sidequestmma.com — book classes and see the live schedule
  • Phone (412) 759-7976

Hours

Monday 12–8:30 PM
Tuesday 2–8:30 PM
Wednesday 12–8:30 PM
Thursday 2–8:30 PM
Friday 12–8:30 PM
Saturday 12–3 PM
Sunday 12–6 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 Side Quest MMA Academy, confirmed in members' own reviews and the gym's own info — not guessed from the sign out front.

🧒 Kids Kickboxing 7 mentions

“Great kids programs and they're talking about adding more.”

All gyms that run kids kickboxing →

🌱 Beginners 4 mentions

“As someone who had no experience prior, Waterfront MMA BJJ coaches did an excellent job teaching me the basics in a positive and patient learning environment.”

All gyms that run beginners →

🦵 Muay Thai

“I absolutely loved that I could experience more than just BJJ, including a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience and train in Muay Thai with a professional fighter!”

All gyms that run muay thai →

Other martial arts here

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

🦵 Muay Thai

“I absolutely loved that I could experience more than just BJJ, including a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience and train in Muay Thai with a professional fighter!”

Other gyms that also teach muay thai →

🏟️ MMA 8 mentions

“When I first called Waterfront MMA, Frankie invited me to come in and take a tour of the facility, participate, and meet others in a class before I made the decision to sign up.”

Other gyms that also teach mma →

🥋 Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu 7 mentions

“As someone who had no experience prior, Waterfront MMA BJJ coaches did an excellent job teaching me the basics in a positive and patient learning environment.”

Other gyms that also teach brazilian jiu-jitsu →

🛡️ Self-Defense

“My daughter was all princesses and rainbows, and she's been doing great there, making friends and getting a great foundation in self defense that she'll carry into adulthood.”

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 26 Google reviews — in their own words.

🌱 welcoming to beginners 7 mentions

“As someone who had no experience prior, Waterfront MMA BJJ coaches did an excellent job teaching me the basics in a positive and patient learning environment.”

🧒 strong kids program 2 mentions

“Great kids programs and they're talking about adding more.”

🤝 friendly, family gym 7 mentions

“When I was looking for another gym to start BJJ again, I wanted to make sure that I found a welcoming environment that also pushed and motivated me.”

From the reviews

Joining the gym and training Brazilian Jiu Jitsu with the owner Frankie and coach Sang was one of the best decisions I've ever made. I've been training there almost as long as it's been open and it has evolved and come a long way since its inception.

★★★★★ — Nick, Feb 2022

If you want to train with people who will help you grow, regardless of your experience level, this is the place for you. When I first showed up, I was surprised to find a hugely diverse group who all supported one another and who instantly welcomed me into the family.

★★★★★ — Nick, Mar 2022

As someone who had no experience prior, Waterfront MMA BJJ coaches did an excellent job teaching me the basics in a positive and patient learning environment. And not just the coaches either, but the other patrons were respectful to know I was a beginner and would help me with drills & movements when I needed it.

★★★★★ — Becky, Mar 2022

When I was looking for another gym to start BJJ again, I wanted to make sure that I found a welcoming environment that also pushed and motivated me. When I first called Waterfront MMA, Frankie invited me to come in and take a tour of the facility, participate, and meet others in a class before I made the decision to…

★★★★★ — Lexus, Jul 2025

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 26 reviews →

New to kickboxing? Start at Side Quest MMA Academy

Side Quest MMA Academy 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 Side Quest MMA Academy

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 Side Quest MMA Academy

113 West Bridge St, Homestead, PA15120

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.