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Underground Self-Defense
4.8 ★★★★★ 44 Google reviews · Kickboxing gym in Madison, Wisconsin
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 (ages 4–14) — 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
- 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 undergroundselfdefense.coop — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone +1 608-251-7755
Hours
| Monday | 4:30–7:30 pm |
| Tuesday | Closed |
| Wednesday | 4:30–8:30 pm |
| Thursday | 4–8:30 pm |
| Friday | Closed |
| Saturday | 9:30 am–1:30 pm |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“I can only speak to the experience of bringing my kids, but it's been exactly what I hoped for: a low-stress environment that's friendly to kids with different neurologies.”
“Whether you are a beginner, returning to training, or looking for something deeper than a typical fitness class, this is a place where you can grow safer and stronger with others.”
“I would highly recommend this to any woman age 14+ and Villari's also offers a teen version for girls 14 and younger.”
Other martial arts here
“The girls did a group discussion with the instructor at the beginning, and then went on to learn some self defense moves that they were able to practice at the end of class.”
What members say
“Whether you are a beginner, returning to training, or looking for something deeper than a typical fitness class, this is a place where you can grow safer and stronger with others.”
“This place, the community it offers, and the martial arts classes have gotten me through my graduate school, the pandemic era, and some of life’s tougher moments.”
“I can only speak to the experience of bringing my kids, but it's been exactly what I hoped for: a low-stress environment that's friendly to kids with different neurologies.”
“I can only speak to the experience of bringing my kids, but it's been exactly what I hoped for: a low-stress environment that's friendly to kids with different neurologies.”
From the reviews
I took the SAFE course here at Villari's and absolutely loved it! It's perfect for women of all experiences and skill level. If you know something about self defense: there's always something new to learn or a skill to hone. If you're new to self defense: you won't feel left behind in the class and you learn lots!
I took the women's SAFE course, and there is truly no one better to learn such an important lesson from. The staff were some of the most supportive, compassionate, and helpful people I've ever met, and their continuous support that they gave to each and every girl who entered has had such an incredible impact on me.
At Underground Self-Defense, what started as just martial arts training it became a place of personal development, self-discovery, and community. Through the years, I built long-lasting friendships, and found a space where training was both challenging and genuinely fun.
My daughter and I recently attended the two day SAFE class and I am so glad that we did and it far exceeded my expectations. Each class started with approximately an hour of discussion with the rest of the time spent learning and practicing the techniques taught.
New to kickboxing? Start at Underground Self-Defense
Underground Self-Defense 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 Underground Self-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.
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