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Ultimate Defense Bristol

4.8 ★★★★★ 35 Google reviews · Kickboxing gym in Bristol, Rhode Island

Beginners welcome Kids & teens Cardio kickboxing 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
  • Cardio kickboxing classes high-energy cardio kickboxing on the bags and pads — a fun, sweaty workout built for fitness and weight loss, at your own pace
  • Kids & teen classes kids and teen kickboxing classes (ages 5–14) — 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
  • Today see hours ·
  • Website & schedule bristolultimatedefense.com — book classes and see the live schedule
  • Phone +1 401-474-1502

Hours

Monday 4–8:30 pm
Tuesday 4–8:30 pm
Wednesday 4–8:30 pm
Thursday 4–8:30 pm
Friday Closed
Saturday 10 am–12 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 Ultimate Defense Bristol, confirmed in members' own reviews and the gym's own info — not guessed from the sign out front.

🧒 Kids Kickboxing 35 mentions

“It’s been 4 years now, and my son is more confident, has more self control, is more focused, and able to defend himself if ever needed.”

All gyms that run kids kickboxing →

👤 Private Lessons

“He met with her one on one to give her an insight to what classes would be like and then invited her into a class to try it out.”

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🌱 Beginners

“The dojo is always clean and sensei has such patience with all levels of kids.”

All gyms that run beginners →

Other martial arts here

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

🥋 Karate 7 mentions

“My son has been attending karate at ultimate defense for a couple of years.”

Other gyms that also teach karate →

🛡️ Self-Defense 5 mentions

“I would definitely recommend this program to those seeking not only knowledge and skills in self defense but also looking to be within just an all around positive environment.”

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 35 Google reviews — in their own words.

🎉 fun, high-energy classes 3 mentions

“The kids were having so much fun my husband signed up for adult Jujitsu classes.”

🧒 strong kids program 7 mentions

“It’s been 4 years now, and my son is more confident, has more self control, is more focused, and able to defend himself if ever needed.”

🧼 clean, well-equipped gym 3 mentions

“The dojo is always clean and sensei has such patience with all levels of kids.”

💵 good value / fair pricing 2 mentions

“Worth it in so many ways.”

🧠 builds confidence & relieves stress 7 mentions

“Sensei Austin and his team are very committed to teaching the students self- discipline, leadership, self-defense, confidence and other important tools.”

From the reviews

It is a privilege to be apart of this organization! The main focus in the martial arts program is teaching kids how to be a Black Belt physically and mentally! There's constant praising and positive reinforcement to help boost kids' confidence!

★★★★★ — Amy, Oct 2016

Sensei Austin took my daughter in with open arms about a year and a half ago. He met with her one on one to give her an insight to what classes would be like and then invited her into a class to try it out. At the time, she was shy and a bit reserved.

★★★★★ — Stephanie, Oct 2022

My two kids absolutely love it here. They came from another school and the difference was night and day. This school renewed their motivation and dedication to the process. It’s more than learning karate, it’s also a healthy dose of life lessons.

★★★★★ — William, May 2024

Our son joined Ultimate Defense at age 5. Watching his growth over the past year has been awesome. Sensai Austin, Mr Odin and the leadership students make the class fun and informative while learning new skills for all age levels.

★★★★★ — Kevin, Apr 2023

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 35 reviews →

New to kickboxing? Start at Ultimate Defense Bristol

Ultimate Defense Bristol 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.

See their beginner class info

Your first kickboxing class at Ultimate Defense Bristol

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 Ultimate Defense Bristol

2 Peter Rd, Bristol, RI02809

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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.