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South Sound Martial Arts

5 ★★★★★ 22 Google reviews · Kickboxing gym in Tacoma, Washington

Free trial Beginners welcome Kids & teens Cardio kickboxing

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 — built around confidence, focus, and fun
  • Today see hours ·
  • Website & schedule southsoundmartialarts.com — book classes and see the live schedule
  • Phone (253) 655-7292

Hours

Monday 5–8 PM
Tuesday 5–8 PM
Wednesday Closed
Thursday 5–8 PM
Friday 5–8 PM
Saturday Closed
Sunday Closed

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

🧒 Kids Kickboxing 4 mentions

“Best gym in the pierce county area for kids martial arts striking training hands down!”

All gyms that run kids kickboxing →

🦵 Muay Thai 2 mentions

“Longest running and most Authentic Muay Thai - Kun Khmer gym in the Tacoma area.”

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 South Sound Martial Arts — mined from their reviews and the gym's own info.

🦵 Muay Thai 2 mentions

“Longest running and most Authentic Muay Thai - Kun Khmer gym in the Tacoma area.”

Other gyms that also teach muay thai →

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 22 Google reviews — in their own words.

🤝 friendly, family gym 6 mentions

“This Gym has been our family since 2009 and are by far are best around!”

From the reviews

My son and I went to one class. It is a great place! They made us feel very welcomed. The day we went the son of the Master trained us. He is very talented and dedicate. I was a little annoyed with the no structure part. But having a son who is around the same age. I understand.

★★★★★ — F, Jul 2022

This gym is a very family oriented martial arts gym. The instructors are the best here and they will help you with your techniques, cardio, and discipline. The only Kun Khmer gym in Washington State.

★★★★★ — Odyssey, Feb 2024

Authentic, kick your a**, and welcoming gym. Every instructor is there to guide you and leaving you feel burned out in the best way. Muay thai focused, everything I wanted! Thank you SS!

★★★★★ — Char, Mar 2025

People are amazing, all instructors are very knowledgeable. Very family friendly and able to come in at all skill ranges.

★★★★★ — David, May 2022

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 22 reviews →

New to kickboxing? Start at South Sound Martial Arts

South Sound 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.

Check beginner classes on their site

Your first kickboxing class at South Sound 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.

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 South Sound Martial Arts

2610 E 26th St, Tacoma, WA98421

Get directions Instagram

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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.