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Tucson's Rising Phoenix Fitness & Defense

4.9 ★★★★★ 102 Google reviews · Kickboxing gym in Tucson, Arizona

Kickboxing gym Beginners welcome Kids & teens Women's classes Private lessons

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
  • Women's classes dedicated women's kickboxing classes — a welcoming space to start out and train
  • Private lessons one-on-one coaching available — a focused way to start or to work around a busy schedule; ask about availability and rates
  • Today see hours ·
  • Website & schedule tucsonselfdefenseandfitness.com — book classes and see the live schedule
  • Phone (520) 838-1592

Hours

Monday 9:30–11 AM, 4–9 PM
Tuesday 10–11 AM, 4–8 PM
Wednesday 9:30–11 AM, 4:30–8 PM
Thursday 9:30–11 AM, 5:30–8 PM
Friday 5:30–8 PM
Saturday 9:30 AM–3 PM
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 Tucson's Rising Phoenix Fitness & Defense, confirmed in members' own reviews and the gym's own info — not guessed from the sign out front.

🧒 Kids Kickboxing 12 mentions

“I also got to spend time with Lauren who teaches younger kids and was impressed with her as well, and hope to have my own kiddo go there soon.”

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🌱 Beginners 4 mentions

“I spent the majority of my time in the beginner's class on Saturday morning and in one-on-one sessions with Jesse.”

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👤 Private Lessons

“I spent the majority of my time in the beginner's class on Saturday morning and in one-on-one sessions with Jesse.”

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Teens Kickboxing

“Jesse even tailored some of the his teachings specifically for how high school girls fight (hair pulling) so my daughter would know what to do in those situations.”

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Other martial arts here

Kickboxing gyms are usually multi-discipline. Here's what else members mention training under the same roof at Tucson's Rising Phoenix Fitness & Defense — mined from their reviews and the gym's own info.

🏟️ MMA

“If you’re looking for Krav, Judo, Jiu Jitsu, MMA, weapons training, or just wanting to lose weight, this is the place.”

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🥋 Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

“If you’re looking for Krav, Judo, Jiu Jitsu, MMA, weapons training, or just wanting to lose weight, this is the place.”

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🛡️ Self-Defense 14 mentions

“The owner Jessie and his trainers are all very knowledgeable, have a variety of martial art/self defense backgrounds, and are very approachable.”

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 102 Google reviews — in their own words.

🌱 welcoming to beginners 21 mentions

“Continuing learning with skills that can be used first day Friendly welcoming people in the classes that help bring you up to speed and share their knowledge.”

🎉 fun, high-energy classes 2 mentions

“The adult classes fly by as Jesse mixes the class with instruction and a bit of fun.”

🧒 strong kids program 3 mentions

“Jesse and the other instructors have been great in helping my daughter build up confidence.”

💗 welcoming to women 5 mentions

“The best thing is the confidence and skills it has given my daughter which she can take with her through life to be a successful and confident women.”

🧠 builds confidence & relieves stress 7 mentions

“Going to these classes has helped me become a stronger and more empowered version of myself and I am forever grateful for that!”

🤝 friendly, family gym 16 mentions

“Continuing learning with skills that can be used first day Friendly welcoming people in the classes that help bring you up to speed and share their knowledge.”

From the reviews

I started coming to Rising Phoenix almost a year ago? Jesse is an awesome instructor and friend. I spent the majority of my time in the beginner's class on Saturday morning and in one-on-one sessions with Jesse.. In 2013 I was hit in a cross walk which is a constant challenge.

★★★★★ — Warren, Mar 2019

Update: I am disabled and told Jesse I always felt vulnerable while walking with my cane. He then went out of his way to create an entire defense program based on using mobility aids for defense! Myself and others have greatly benefited from this!

★★★★★ — Erica, Oct 2024

I have been attending the women’s self defense classes and the rainbow connections class for about 8 months. This gym is truly special. Jesse, the owner, is badass in so many ways, but is also deeply genuine and wants to help you grow however he can.

★★★★★ — Amber, Jun 2023

Great place. The owner Jessie and his trainers are all very knowledgeable, have a variety of martial art/self defense backgrounds, and are very approachable. They are building a community They offer high quality and a variety of classes on a sliding scale because they believe everyone has the right to defend their…

★★★★★ — Corrine, Mar 2023

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 102 reviews →

New to kickboxing? Start at Tucson's Rising Phoenix Fitness & Defense

Tucson's Rising Phoenix Fitness & Defense 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.

See their beginner class info

Your first kickboxing class at Tucson's Rising Phoenix Fitness & Defense

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 Tucson's Rising Phoenix Fitness & Defense

4500 E Speedway Blvd #4, Tucson, AZ85712

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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.