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The Next Element Academy
5 ★★★★★ 143 Google reviews · Kickboxing gym in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
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
- 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 thenextelementacademy.com — book classes and see the live schedule
Hours
| Monday | 10 am–1 pm, 4–8 pm |
| Tuesday | 10 am–1 pm, 4–8 pm |
| Wednesday | 10 am–1 pm, 4–8 pm |
| Thursday | 10 am–1 pm, 4–8 pm |
| Friday | 10–11 am, 6–7 pm |
| Saturday | 9 am–12 pm |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“One of the black belts there works at my barbershop, so I slowly met some of the fellow members, and when my son asked to sign up for jiu-jitsu, I knew exactly where to bring him.”
“Derrick’s ability to teach beginners and push advanced students at the same time is unmatched.”
“Visiting from Co I dropped in to the Saturday open mat and had a blast, super technical room!”
“The instruction is top notch and is applicable to everyone from competitors and hobbyists, to law enforcement and people who just want to know how to defend themselves.”
Other martial arts here
“One of the black belts there works at my barbershop, so I slowly met some of the fellow members, and when my son asked to sign up for jiu-jitsu, I knew exactly where to bring him.”
What members say
“Facility is top notch, Derrick is a great instructor, and everyone there was just genuine and good people.”
“From kids taking their very first class to seniors staying active and confident, everyone is welcomed with genuine respect and encouragement.”
“Finding a gym is easy, but finding a clean gym you can trust and be and feel 100% yourself is priceless.”
“Not only learning BJJ but also learning humbleness, confidence, discipline and many other social skills that make us all better human beings.”
“I'm super appreciative to be apart of this family and am thankful that DK opened up The Next Element Academy because I couldn't see myself training anywhere else.”
From the reviews
I'm just getting started in the martial arts world and I couldn't think of a better place to be. When I first stepped in the academy I was a little nervous, but as soon as I met Derrick and Megan and the other guys and girls training they all welcomed me with open arms and were the nicest people ever and were very…
Amazin group of guys, Coach DK is funny and welcoming on top of being a amazing coach. I Definitely recomend this gym, take the free first day pass, you will not regret it.
I can’t say enough good things about this place or the people that you’ll meet here. I’ve been training for a little over a year now, but it only feels like 6 months. The attention to detail you’ll receive from all the instructors and higher belts is second to none.
I was just taking about this place the other day and figured I’d leave a review. I dropped in here during a family vacation. I went to probably 4 different schools over the week I was there (I train a lot), and this was the only school I went to multiple classes at.
New to kickboxing? Start at The Next Element Academy
The Next Element 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.
Your first kickboxing class at The Next Element 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. 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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