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The Academy

5 ★★★★★ 39 Google reviews · Kickboxing gym in Portland, Maine

Plan your first class

  • 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 theacademymaine.com — book classes and see the live schedule
  • Phone (207) 615-0060

Hours

Monday 4:30–7:30 PM
Tuesday 12–2 PM, 4:30–7:30 PM
Wednesday 6:30–7:30 AM, 4:30–7:30 PM
Thursday 12–2 PM, 4:30–7:30 PM
Friday 6:30–7:30 AM, 4:30–7:30 PM
Saturday 12–2 PM
Sunday 10–11 AM

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 The Academy, confirmed in members' own reviews and the gym's own info — not guessed from the sign out front.

🤜 Sparring

“I stopped in to the Academy to see if I could drop in to a class or get in on open mat.”

All gyms that run sparring →

Other martial arts here

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

🏟️ MMA

“The academy is where I started Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and MMA training.”

Other gyms that also teach mma →

🥋 Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu 11 mentions

“Jay was teaching the advanced no-gi class but came over during a break to introduce himself and invite me to stay for the gi class, even lending me a jacket.”

Other gyms that also teach brazilian jiu-jitsu →

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 39 Google reviews — in their own words.

🧑‍🏫 expert, motivating coaching 5 mentions

“Jay, the owner and coach is a really welcoming and knowledgeable guy.”

🌱 welcoming to beginners 7 mentions

“Jay, the owner and coach is a really welcoming and knowledgeable guy.”

🤝 friendly, family gym 11 mentions

“The vibe was friendly and focused; the moves were a bit more vicious than what I've typically learned, but that's why we cross-train.”

From the reviews

The atmosphere is incredible. Everyone is very friendly and ready to work hard! My wife and I have only done one "On-Ramp" class and I felt well instructed. Using my body and mind to do new motions felt great. Edit: We're still both going 3-5 times a week a year and a half later. Life Changing!

★★★★★ — Charles, Mar 2024

I was in Portland for a week visiting family and friends. I stopped in to the Academy to see if I could drop in to a class or get in on open mat. Coach Jay generously allowed me to train for free the whole week. I went to 4 classes. GI and no GI. Great people, big beautiful and clean gym and top tier Jiu Jitsu.

★★★★★ — Jamie, Jul 2023

Completely blown away by the quality of training, instructors and students in this place, highly recommend after training at many different schools across the nation!

★★★★★ — Oni, Apr 2018

I dropped in unannounced while in town for a course (I wasn't sure if I'd get in early enough), and was greeted by a very affectionate rescue puppy. Jay was teaching the advanced no-gi class but came over during a break to introduce himself and invite me to stay for the gi class, even lending me a jacket.

★★★★★ — Kyra, Jul 2024

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 39 reviews →

Your first kickboxing class at The 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 The Academy

18 Ashmont St, Portland, ME04103

Get directions Instagram · Facebook

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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.