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Watch City MMA
5 ★★★★★ 35 Google reviews · Kickboxing gym in Waltham, Massachusetts
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 watchcitymma.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone (781) 205-0629
The classes they run
“The coaches are not only highly skilled and knowledgeable, but they genuinely care about your progress — whether you're a beginner or a seasoned fighter.”
“Whether you're looking to compete, get in shape, or simply learn self-defense, Watch City MMA is the place to be.”
“I’ve been doing Muay Thai with coach John and made some good friends during it all.”
Other martial arts here
“I’ve been doing Muay Thai with coach John and made some good friends during it all.”
“I am very happy with Watch City MMA and highly recommend it to anyone looking for a great training environment.”
“All the coaches-whether it be BJJ, MMA, or Muay Thai- are amazing.”
“Whether you're looking to compete, get in shape, or simply learn self-defense, Watch City MMA is the place to be.”
What members say
“Coach John Nelson is an amazing coach and person in general.”
“The coaches are not only highly skilled and knowledgeable, but they genuinely care about your progress — whether you're a beginner or a seasoned fighter.”
“They focus on technique, conditioning, and discipline.”
“Real work, real results 💪 Good coaches, hard training, and a strong team.”
“Clean gym, top-tier equipment, and seriously good training sessions.”
“From the moment I walked in, the trainer John got me right on board, making me feel comfortable and ready to jump in.”
From the reviews
Watch City MMA is hands-down one of the best places to train in the Greater Boston area. The coaches are not only highly skilled and knowledgeable, but they genuinely care about your progress — whether you're a beginner or a seasoned fighter.
I’ve been looking into getting started with MMA as a beginner, and this studio really stood out to me. It’s a very welcoming and supportive environment, especially for people who are new to martial arts. The instructors are knowledgeable and patient, which makes a huge difference when you’re just starting out.
The staff at the gym is experienced, knowledgeable and help improve technique no matter your skill level. Well designed training sessions. The facility is clean, well-equipped and has a great energy. Quite a motivating environment.
I am very happy with Watch City MMA and highly recommend it to anyone looking for a great training environment. The atmosphere is very welcoming and motivating. From the first day, I felt comfortable and supported.
New to kickboxing? Start at Watch City MMA
Watch City MMA 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 Watch City MMA
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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