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Valley Self-Defense
5 ★★★★★ 248 Google reviews · Kickboxing gym in Stillwater, Minnesota
Affiliated gym — reviews and the gym's own info suggest it belongs to a known kickboxing or boxing-fitness franchise or network (think 9Round, iLoveKickboxing, CKO, TITLE Boxing Club or Jabz). Franchise gyms run a consistent class format and are often a friendly, familiar place to start. If a specific brand matters to you, confirm it on the gym's own site.
Plan your first class
- Free trial or intro class most gyms welcome new members with a free trial or intro class — check their site or give them a call to book your first session
- 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 valleyselfdefense.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone +1 651-877-8236
Hours
| Monday | 5–8 pm |
| Tuesday | 5–8:30 pm |
| Wednesday | 5–8 pm |
| Thursday | 12–1 pm, 5–8 pm |
| Friday | 5–7 pm |
| Saturday | 8 am–2 pm |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“I started women’s self defense with my teen daughter and my youngest is taking kids self defense.”
“FYI- no experience needed and they are extremely accommodating if you are triggered and need comfort or to step away.”
“We had everything we needed to stay hydrated, fed, and safe, and we were lucky enough to be able to spar and train with the team as well!”
“I started women’s self defense with my teen daughter and my youngest is taking kids self defense.”
Other martial arts here
“Went to my first ever BJJ class this morning feeling slightly apprehensive but determined to attend anyway.”
“I started women’s self defense with my teen daughter and my youngest is taking kids self defense.”
What members say
“Peter and Danae were excellent instructors both in class and at the range.”
“Their approach to teaching is both engaging and empowering, and I left my first class feeling more confident and excited for what’s to come.”
“Not only are they incredibly professional and knowledgeable, they treat every client professionally and with a great deal of personal respect.”
“I was quite nervous about attending my first self-defense class, but the moment I walked through the door, I felt an overwhelming sense of welcome and comfort.”
“Their approach to teaching is both engaging and empowering, and I left my first class feeling more confident and excited for what’s to come.”
“The environment was incredibly open, friendly, and welcoming right from the moment I walked in.”
From the reviews
I took a car jacking class self defense through work and the instructors were wonderful! Both knowledgable and entertaining. I would HIGHLY recommend!!!
I started going to classes at Valley Self Defense in 2015. I cannot emphasize enough how amazing this place is. The instructors are very supportive and the environment is very welcoming. I used to be very shy and apprehensive but training here has really helped me build confidence in myself.
I felt safe and comfortable at Valley Self-Defense during my first self-defense training. The instructors made it light and informative, taking care to make sure everyone was participating at a level they were comfortable with.
I just completed my first self defense class ever - kickboxing - and really enjoyed it. Shelly, one of the instructors, took time to thoroughly teach, coach and demonstrate (and demo again as needed) each step in a “routine”.
New to kickboxing? Start at Valley Self-Defense
Valley 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 Valley 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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