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Southside Martial Arts
5 ★★★★★ 33 Google reviews · Kickboxing gym in Fort Dodge, Iowa
Plan your first class
- Membership memberships run around $30/mo — many studios also offer class packs, drop-ins, and a discounted first month, so ask about new-member rates
- 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
- 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 southsidemartialarts.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone (515) 571-1352
Hours
| Monday | Closed |
| Tuesday | 7–8 PM |
| Wednesday | 6–7 PM |
| Thursday | 6–8 PM |
| Friday | Closed |
| Saturday | 3–4 PM |
| Sunday | 3–5 PM |
The classes they run
“I started by taking my son to their future grapplers class, and right away was welcomed with smiles and warmth.”
Other martial arts here
“I started by taking my son to their future grapplers class, and right away was welcomed with smiles and warmth.”
“Hands down best place around if you want to train on a competive level or just self defense or fitness.”
What members say
“I’ve had the pleasure of meeting Nik and his team at a seminar; a great coach that cares not only about his students; but about his community.”
“The facility isn't flashy, but it has what is necessary, and it was the most welcoming environment.”
“The facility isn't flashy, but it has what is necessary, and it was the most welcoming environment.”
From the reviews
The instructors are amazing the lessons are great and challenging and the people I've met and trained with are awesome. Totally worth checking out
I’ve had the pleasure of meeting Nik and his team at a seminar; a great coach that cares not only about his students; but about his community. I can highly recommend Southside as a place to as a place to learn but also connect with a team that cares about their students. You will find a place to belong.
I started by taking my son to their future grapplers class, and right away was welcomed with smiles and warmth. The coaches are kind and genuine people, so good with the littles! Fast forward some months and now Im going to 2 to 3 classes a week myself!
Been going to Southside martial arts for awhile now. I was pretty nervous to go at first but they were all instantly very welcoming. Nik is a great coach and everyone there is willing to help with anything you may need!
New to kickboxing? Start at Southside Martial Arts
Southside 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 Southside 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.
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