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UC Berkeley Martial Arts Program
3.4 ★★★☆☆ 5 Google reviews · Kickboxing gym in Berkeley, California
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
- Private lessons one-on-one coaching available — a focused way to start or to work around a busy schedule; ask about availability and rates
- 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
- Website & schedule recwell.berkeley.edu — book classes and see the live schedule
The classes they run
Other martial arts here
“We learn how to safely use grab escapes, armlocks, throws, grappling, punches, kicks, rolls, and falls!”
“Compared with other clubs, Yongmudo is more self-defense oriented, and has a diverse instructor body.”
From the reviews
I have been a member of the Yongmudo Club for several years. The club is run as a non-profit by volunteers, so it is much affordable than commercial gyms. The instructors are incredibly knowledgeable, many of them are Cal alumni trained under the founder of the UC martial arts program.
The Self-defense Yongmudo club here is fantastic! The curious instructors create an atmosphere of friendly learning, mutual respect and listening. They each bring a different perspective from their unique backgrounds in the martial arts, and the mix of methods helps find the right technique that will suit your size,…
New to kickboxing? Start at UC Berkeley Martial Arts Program
UC Berkeley Martial Arts Program 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.
Your first kickboxing class at UC Berkeley Martial Arts Program
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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