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Bethesda Boxing & Kickboxing Academy
4.9 ★★★★★ 70 Google reviews · Muay thai gym in Bethesda, Maryland
No-nonsense gym offering boxing classes for kids & adults, plus martial arts & personal training.
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 levels welcome, including total beginners — you don't need to be fit or have any experience to start
- Kids & youth classes kids and youth muay thai classes — built around discipline, focus, and confidence
- Private lessons private, one-on-one coaching available — a focused way to start or to work around a busy schedule; ask about availability and rates
- Fitness & conditioning muay thai fitness and cardio classes — a serious workout you can do without ever having to spar
- Sparring & clinch sparring and clinch sessions for members ready for controlled contact — always optional and coach-supervised
- Website & schedule bethesdaboxing.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone (301) 656-3098
The classes they run
“Bethesda Boxing is hands-down the best boxing studio for beginners, intermediate and advanced individuals who want to feel mentally and physically powerful.”
“Hands down best workout for Kids and Adults-- a true Family Boxing Gym!”
“The membership fee is $99 per month, but you get unlimited classes so it works if you plan to go 4-6 times a week or take advantage of the personal training.”
“Ken started an Autism Boxing Program that is not only a great workout but my son feels empowered and engaged!”
“I would also like to see classes where we learn how to actually spar with each other and focus on practicing the fighting style and technique.”
Other martial arts here
“There are also a huge variety of classes (TRX/Kettlebell, Boxing, Kickboxing, Jujitsu, Boot Camp, etc.”
“Bethesda Boxing is hands-down the best boxing studio for beginners, intermediate and advanced individuals who want to feel mentally and physically powerful.”
What members say
“The coaches are great, the workouts are energetic, and everyone that I've met in class has been extremely nice and helpful.”
“Bethesda Boxing is hands-down the best boxing studio for beginners, intermediate and advanced individuals who want to feel mentally and physically powerful.”
“The best part about this gym is the instructors; they are incredibly friendly, supportive, fun to joke around with, and they challenge you.”
“They actually *teach* you the different moves and techniques in kickboxing and boxing that help you get the most out of your workout.”
“Classes start on time and get you sweating, I guarantee you’ll be sore after your first couple classes but in the best way.”
“I would also like to see classes where we learn how to actually spar with each other and focus on practicing the fighting style and technique.”
From the reviews
I started in February of 2016 as part of an effort to lose weight and get healthy. I've always been heavier, never been athletic, and had noodles for muscles. I saw this little gym while walking to work and decided to check it out.
Bethesda Boxing is hands-down the best boxing studio for beginners, intermediate and advanced individuals who want to feel mentally and physically powerful. I attend classes three times a week, and always immediately look forward to the next.
I absolutly love Bethesda boxing and kickboxing academy. I have a very early class in the morning 4 times a week with one of the BEST trainers in the dmv...BASE. Early morning classes suck...
I absolutely love Bethesda Boxing and Kickboxing Academy! The atmosphere here is so welcoming, and it truly feels like a warm, supportive space from the moment you walk in. Rafael and Chris are outstanding coaches—they’re not only incredibly skilled but also extremely attentive to everyone’s needs.
New to muay thai? Start at Bethesda Boxing & Kickboxing Academy
Bethesda Boxing & Kickboxing Academy 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 program is for. A few things worth knowing before your first week. First, you don't need to be fit to start — you get in shape by training, not before it, and coaches scale the conditioning to you. Second, you won't be thrown into sparring — reputable gyms build fundamentals (stance, footwork, and the basic strikes of the "art of eight limbs") for weeks before any contact, and sparring stays optional. Third, all 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 muay thai class at Bethesda Boxing & Kickboxing Academy
Nervous about walking into a muay thai 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 on pads and bags — not fighting. Rest whenever you need to; no one will bat an eye. What to wear: shorts or athletic wear and a t-shirt; you'll train barefoot on the mats. What to bring: water and hand wraps if you have them — many gyms lend gloves for a first class, so it's worth asking when you call. As you keep training you'll add your own gloves, wraps, a mouthguard, and shin guards. Sparring is optional and comes later, once your fundamentals 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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