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West End Martial Arts

5 ★★★★★ 24 Google reviews · Kickboxing gym in Gainesville, Florida

Beginners welcome Kids & teens Cardio kickboxing

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 — built around confidence, focus, and fun
  • Today see hours ·
  • Website & schedule westendmartialarts.com — book classes and see the live schedule
  • Phone +1 850-454-6298

Hours

Monday 5–8:30 pm
Tuesday 6–8:30 pm
Wednesday 5–8:30 pm
Thursday 6–8:30 pm
Friday Closed
Saturday 11:30 am–2 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 West End Martial Arts, confirmed in members' own reviews and the gym's own info — not guessed from the sign out front.

🔥 Cardio Kickboxing 2 mentions

“I love it because it’s a sport for which you’re constantly learning, it’s super fun, and it’s a great workout.”

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🧒 Kids Kickboxing 6 mentions

“My daughter and young niece have developed an interest in kickboxing while attending kids' classes, while my college-aged niece participated with adults.”

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🌱 Beginners 5 mentions

“I started as a beginner with no martial arts experience and visited a few gyms in the area before coming here.”

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🥊 Boxing

“I recently moved to the area and, after starting boxing more seriously in January, was hoping to avoid a gap in my practice.”

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Other martial arts here

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

🥊 Boxing

“I recently moved to the area and, after starting boxing more seriously in January, was hoping to avoid a gap in my practice.”

Other gyms that also teach boxing →

🏟️ MMA 5 mentions

“The lead coach, Kaj, has a massive amount of knowledge in Jiu-Jitsu, Judo, Kickboxing, and MMA.”

Other gyms that also teach mma →

🥋 Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu 15 mentions

“I’ve been training BJJ and Kickboxing at West End for 6 months now and it’s easily the best spot in Gainesville.”

Other gyms that also teach brazilian jiu-jitsu →

🛡️ Self-Defense

“Learn real techniques for self defense and modern day competition (mma,kickboxing or bjj)”

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 24 Google reviews — in their own words.

🧑‍🏫 expert, motivating coaching 4 mentions

“Amazing instructor and atmosphere, I would recommend to anyone who wants to start or already have some experience”

🌱 welcoming to beginners 5 mentions

“I started as a beginner with no martial arts experience and visited a few gyms in the area before coming here.”

🤝 friendly, family gym 6 mentions

“I feel like Kaj really cares about my development as an athlete and the other students are always so welcoming and supportive.”

From the reviews

Although I’m one of the only girls that train here, I don’t get treated like one. All of the guys are cool, supportive, and don’t treat you any different - they just treat you like part of the team. Not only does the team make this a great place to learn, but Kaj Falls is the best instructor I’ve ever met.

★★★★★ — Aubrey, Jan 2020

Fantastic instructor, environment, and vibe to learn martial arts. Kaj Falls has a dedication to and technical knowledge of kickboxing, BJJ, wrestling, Judo, etc. that he imparts in a deliberate and safe way. Tristan McGraw also teaches an 8am cardio kickboxing class on Wednesdays that is amazing.

★★★★★ — Rachel, Jan 2023

I started as a beginner with no martial arts experience and visited a few gyms in the area before coming here. I’ve been training BJJ and Kickboxing at West End for 6 months now and it’s easily the best spot in Gainesville. It’s not a commercial cardio gym where you just hit a bag.

★★★★★ — Raymond, Jan 2026

Love this gym. Amazing, detailed instruction for everyone from the beginner to the advanced student. I feel like Kaj really cares about my development as an athlete and the other students are always so welcoming and supportive.

★★★★★ — Alex, Jan 2020

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 24 reviews →

New to kickboxing? Start at West End Martial Arts

West End Martial Arts comes up as a beginner-friendly gym, going by their listing and members’ reviews. 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.

Check beginner classes on their site

Your first kickboxing class at West End Martial Arts

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 West End Martial Arts

3606 SW 34th St, Gainesville, FL32608

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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.