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Thai Kickboxing Organization (TKO) - Hickory
5 ★★★★★ 22 Google reviews · Muay thai gym in Hickory, North Carolina
Authentic Thai — reviews and the gym's own info point to coaching rooted in Thailand's muay thai tradition. If lineage matters to you, ask where the coaches trained and about their kru.
Plan your first class
- 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
- Women's classes dedicated women's muay thai classes — a welcoming space to train and start out in
- 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
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule tkomuaythai.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone (828) 569-1173
Hours
| Monday | 10 AM–8 PM |
| Tuesday | 10 AM–8 PM |
| Wednesday | 10 AM–8 PM |
| Thursday | 10 AM–8 PM |
| Friday | 10 AM–2 PM |
| Saturday | 10 AM–12:30 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“For anyone looking to pursue kickboxing, from beginner to serious athlete, this is the place to do it.”
“Been with this studio since they opened and I absolutely recommend the women’s, adult, and children’s classes to anyone looking for an affordable, comprehensive kickboxing class!”
“This is an extremely nice, clean, and inviting gym and there are classes for kids, teens, and adults.”
“The instructors take great care to work one on one with the members and make sure everyone is able to learn within their own capabilities and strengths.”
“Great workouts and the owners are super nice and supportive!”
Other martial arts here
“Been with this studio since they opened and I absolutely recommend the women’s, adult, and children’s classes to anyone looking for an affordable, comprehensive kickboxing class!”
What members say
“For anyone looking to pursue kickboxing, from beginner to serious athlete, this is the place to do it.”
“Great workouts and the owners are super nice and supportive!”
“Everyone I've trained with treats each other with a high level of respect and we're all learning new techniques each and every week.”
“Been with this studio since they opened and I absolutely recommend the women’s, adult, and children’s classes to anyone looking for an affordable, comprehensive kickboxing class!”
“The instructors are amazing with the kids, and help build so much confidence and respect for each other.”
From the reviews
I am a member of the women’s fitness class. Wonderful community of empowered women of all ages supporting each other to do better! Great workouts and the owners are super nice and supportive! Would recommend 10/10!
This is an extremely nice, clean, and inviting gym and there are classes for kids, teens, and adults. The owners are extremely patient, knowledgeable, and will push you to become better. Everyone I've trained with treats each other with a high level of respect and we're all learning new techniques each and every week.
Amanda and Adam bring many years of Muay Thai and kickboxing experience to Hickory and are excellent instructors. While their new school is just getting started and classes haven’t begun yet, I can speak confidently about their coaching ability.
Kickboxing has always been on my bucket list, so I was thrilled when TKO Hickory opened in such a convenient location near my workplace. I couldn’t be happier with my experience so far. The training schedule is very flexible and gives me plenty of time to prepare for each session.
New to muay thai? Start at Thai Kickboxing Organization (TKO) - Hickory
Thai Kickboxing Organization (TKO) - Hickory 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 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 Thai Kickboxing Organization (TKO) - Hickory
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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