★ 5

Great classes

Source: Google

★ 5

Great classes

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★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

This is the kickboxing gym that I personal train at. Love this place! Has great instructors that are lively and great at helping you work at your pace! The price is great and the overall facility is nice! Would recommend to all trying to get in shape!

Source: Google

★ 5

Nothing like a good class here after a long day at work
Chris is awesome this place is definitely worth a shot if you enjoy a good workout

Source: Google

★ 5

Great team, Chris is a great trainer! Highly recommend!

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★ 5

Great team, good gear, and nice vibes! Amazing place to hone your skills!

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★ 5

Chris and Rafael are both great coaches who are very supportive. Attending members are very respectful and nice.

Source: Google

★ 4

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★ 5

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. They go out of their way to make you feel comfortable and are always there to guide you, regardless of your experience level. This place has great energy, and I always leave feeling stronger. Highly recommend for anyone looking for a motivating, positive environment to train!

Source: Google

★ 5

Excellent environment, friendly, welcoming, and knowledgeable staff. Highly recommend.

Source: Google

★ 5

If you’re reading this comment to find a reason to sign up for this gym, do yourself a favor and go for it! It's a great gym with excellent instructors and a welcoming environment. If work and life are stressing you out, attend the classes, and you'll leave the gym feeling amazing.

Source: Google

★ 5

If you’re looking for a good community of boxers Go here. Best local boxing gym in Bethesda.

Source: Google

★ 5

I've been coming to the gym for about three months now and it's been nothing but awesome. I started with no technical boxing background and Chris and Rafael have both been fantastic in helping me learn technique, get the basics down, and gradually build in more refined skills. They create a super inclusive and welcoming environment that makes boxing seem accessible to anyone.

The coaches are great, the workouts are energetic, and everyone that I've met in class has been extremely nice and helpful. I'll absolutely be sticking with the gym for a long time and recommend anybody who's interested to try it out!

Source: Google

★ 5

Tried this with ClassPass. Excellent experience and very patient instructors. Will definitely try again

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

If you’re considering coming here, do it. The first class is free, so if you don’t like it then don’t come again, but I can’t think of a reason why you wouldn’t. I’m a teen and have been coming since the start of high school, and this is honestly the highlight of my day. Here are some reasons why YOU should come.
It’s not just teen classes, they have classes for pretty much everything. Fitness/conditioning, boxing, kickboxing, adult, teen, intermediate, whatever. I’d recommend buying a monthly membership, which lets you come to unlimited classes for a monthly fee (barring 1 type of class I think but it’s not a big deal). Come once a week or every day of the week, whatever floats your boat. They have punching bags, sparring gear, mitts, and they sell gloves, wraps, and merch. Prices are reasonable. They also have a decent weight lifting area, but it’s not the focus. There are bathrooms too!
Also, the instructors are really nice and extremely experienced. Chris and Rafael are the 2 that I interact with the most, and they’re both amazing people. I talk to them about life, not just gym stuff, and they’re really engaged in the classes. They also have years and years of experience, and can help teach you just boxing, if that’s what you’re into, or they can help with kickboxing, Muay Thai, taekwondo, and grappling techniques.
A huge selling point for me is the environment. Pretty much everyone there is amicable and enthusiastic, and I met some of my best friends there. People are always willing to help you out if you’re curious what technique they’re doing, or you can ask Chris and Rafael.
They have occasional open houses, brunches, raffles, and some other fun stuff, but there’s no pressure to attend any of them if you don’t want to.
In terms of benefits, I’ve become a ton more fit, I have much better stamina and energy, my muscles and abs have improved, I’m less stressed, and I have more confidence/ self-esteem. Full disclosure I go about 5-6 hours a week consistently and it took several months for muscles / abs to really show, but you shouldn’t be going there to become more aesthetic. You should be going to learn more about self-defense and to improve your confidence, and I’ve absolutely done both.
Cannot recommend highly enough. If I could give more than 5 stars I would.
Note: I’ve attached some images I took a year or so ago, you can ignore me posing but the one with the red mat shows the red room (speed bags, heavy bags, weight equipment) and the one with me punching in the terrible pose pretending to look focused is the main room where they have the bags and mitts and stuff.
EDIT: forgot this the first time but the divisions between classes are not very strict. Obviously you shouldn’t attend the intermediate classes right away, but after you put in a decent amount of work you can come to whatever class you like. Similarly, once teens are sufficiently skilled they can come to adult classes. They just have to keep up :).

Source: Google

★ 5

the trainers are motivational and will help you get that form 😊Excellent kickboxing 👋👍

Source: Google

★ 5

The personal are so nice, they have so many different classes, for everyone. And the teachers have a lot of pacient to help the new students

Source: Google

★ 5

Very knowledgeable and talented staff!

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★ 5

It was my first time kickboxing and I enjoyed the class a lot!

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★ 5

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★ 5

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★ 5

👍

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★ 5

Great trainers great environment and love the intensity

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★ 5

I recently joined. Instructors are very patient and very professional! I definitely encourage everyone to check it out

Source: Google

★ 5

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★ 5

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★ 5

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★ 5

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★ 5

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★ 5

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★ 5

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★ 5

Excellent place!! Both of my kids take classes and they enjoy them so much!!
Ken is the best instructor for kids with Asperger !!

Source: Google

★ 2

It. Was good

Source: Google

★ 5

Hope Ken and Julie still are the trainers. We had wonderful (and exhausting) time there. Hope you survived the pandemic. Alina, Martin & Anne

Source: Google

★ 5

Man am I glad I’ve come to this place. Chris and Rafael are friendly and helpful. This is a great place for those who want to get active and learn how to box/kickbox. Been coming here for about a month and a half now and am glad I found out about this gym.

Source: Google

★ 5

I love BBKA! I’ve been a long time member and still enjoy it. The team always welcomes you with smiles and happiness. At one point I was exercising while pregnant and Julie was excellent. She always made sure I would not hurt myself. Now I have my baby and they are SUPER ACCOMMODATING! I can workout and bring my little one with me, and everybody is nice to her. Now it’s like a family for her too because she sees them on a regular basis. This Club is great!

Source: Google

★ 5

I love BBKA! Ken is really nice and always has a smile on the face and makes jokes. You feel like a part of their boxing family from the moment you step in the room. Julie is the absolute best! She is really encouraging and always in a good mood. I only started kickboxing a short while ago but I feel as if I‘ve already made a good progress. They always take their time to talk to everyone individually and show interest in you as a person! Every lesson is different and so much fun!! Would recommend 11/10!

Source: Google

★ 5

Being someone who moved here knowing no one, BBKA has provided me with a community. I look forward to coming to class almost everyday and I have learned a lot. The instructors are highly qualified and genuinely care about you learning the skills. Classes start on time and get you sweating, I guarantee you’ll be sore after your first couple classes but in the best way. Instructors, owner and fellow boxers and kickboxers keep tabs on each other and make sure they are doing well outside of the gym as well. The only thing that would ever make me leave this gym is when I have to move again.

Source: Google

★ 5

Truly one of the best gyms I have ever been to. I belonged previously to another boxing gym in the area where I felt the criticism was inconsistent based on the instructor and decided to switch. At BBKA they provide you with many class variations, while providing fun, personable, reliable instructors. All instructors focus on your fitness, technique, while making you enjoy the sweat! Unfortunately, need to move out of the area and I'm sad to leave, but whatever gym I join next has big gloves to fill!

Source: Google

★ 5

I have been coming here for about nine months, and every time I come in, I have a great time. Everyone is incredibly supportive and more than willing to provide assistance. There are many options regarding class rigor, which is perfect for those who are beginners or pros. When I was beginning, the instructor was so helpful, and I was paired with someone who helped me go through the motions. I haven’t had a single negative experience here, and I highly recommend coming here!

Source: Google

★ 5

Hands down best workout for Kids and Adults-- a true Family Boxing Gym! Ken started an Autism Boxing Program that is not only a great workout but my son feels empowered and engaged! He looks forward to going every time!

Source: Google

★ 5

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★ 1

Ken nice guy but my experience was bad
Gym was closed a lot of the time during the time the gym was ment to be open.
Call in advance to see if they're open
Which led me to "end" my membership and join a different. I used quotation marks because a year later I find out I was still being charge. My fault lesson learned to stay on top of bank statements. But Ken was is a men impossible to reach never got a refund

Source: Google

★ 4

Source: Google

★ 5

Excellent gym for kickboxing and boxing classes. All the trainers are motivational and will help you get that form and extra rep in. Highly recommend them for a boxing class or functional strength training class. We have been coming here for a while and love it! Great for getting those fitness new years resolutions complete.

Source: Google

★ 5

This gym has been such an amazing environment of great people and great workouts!

Source: Google

★ 5

The community is really great. All the teachers are really great and friendly but still push you. You can also choose the intensity of your workout depending on what class you take.

Source: Google

★ 5

I love this place ... it’s amazin Ken is super nice and always supportive his staff are from the top shelves and you couldn’t ask for better ... he does an excellent job with kids and also with us Au Pairs ... he doesn’t mind if you bring your kids with he gives them gloves and makes it fun for them while you work out. Ken always makes jokes and makes you feel comfortable, when injured he says to you that he will turn on the sauna for you to help with your injury and he also helps you strap and tape when needed... Ken is great as a person, because he knows his clients so well that when you are down or not feeling well he sees that and asks if you are oky and if you need someone to talk to Ken is always there to lend you his shoulder... I don’t see Ken as just the owner of BBKA I see him as a friend and someone I can trust, because he is great and his staff are all super nice and they all enjoy their work with him... I recommend BBKA to anyone and everyone!!!

Source: Google

★ 5

Great trainers and friendly people. Love it!

Source: Google

★ 5

I've been attending classes at Bethesda Boxing since February 2018. I absolutely love this gym! I've taken classes with Ken, Julie and Rafael. I ALWAYS leave their classes feeling stronger and motivated. The instructors really care about their students and that is made very clear in the amount of individual attention they give to each and every individual boxer. Every friend I've brought with me has either returned for a second class or are planning on their next visit. Highly recommend Bethesda Boxing to any all people interested in Boxing and Kickboxing. You'll get an excellent work out and honestly feel like you could be featured as a Amazonian in the next Wonder Woman (or, maybe those are just my dreams, haha).

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

I took the Saturday morning class with Base. I have been a member at other boxing gyms so I knew what I was getting myself into lol. But nonetheless, the class was great and it was very challenging! I felt every bit of it the next day! I am considering making this place my gym home.

Source: Google

★ 4

Source: Google

★ 5

Bethesda Boxing & Kickboxing Academy is a great place to train for adults and kids. Base is highly professional and positive trainer - would recommend him to anyone.

Source: Google

★ 5

I love Bethesda Boxing & Kickboxing Academy! I've been attending classes for two years, and I still consider them really tough workouts. The trainers, like Ken and Base don't let you get away with taking it easy--but they're also very motivating and like to play around while pushing you to your limits. If you're looking for an awesome workout near downtown Bethesda, I highly recommend coming in for a free trial class.

Source: Google

★ 5

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...who wants to get up at 5:45am to do any kind of workout but Base is always cheerful and full of jokes and make u feel like your just hanging out with a friend. My training sessions are intense but Base make you feel like you can do anything with a very gentle push. If the exercise is not working for you, he modifies, motivate and encourage. He is very accommodating...if I'm unable to make a session or need to come later in the day, he always find space for me to make up my session. I look forward to my workouts each morning...Thanks Base for being an awesome trainer!!!

Source: Google

★ 5

This is the place to be in Bethesda, Maryland if you're looking to get in the best shape of your life.

Source: Google

★ 5

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. Ken, the owner, is fantastic and makes a point to know your name and you genuinely feel like part of the Bethesda Boxing family. Base is my favorite trainer, who always pushes you to your max, varies the workouts, is beyond helpful, and wants you to be your best self. You will thank yourself for signing up, I promise you!

Source: Google

★ 5

Ken Gear, knows how to GET YOU IN SHAPE! It's a fast paced FUN place to workout and great group of people attend on a daily basis. Found the right spot for sure!

Source: Google

★ 5

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★ 5

Been there for 2 months. Been awesome. People are chill, I've learned a lot and lost a lot of sweat. What more can you ask for?

Source: Google

★ 5

Challenging classes, talented, committed instructors and an overall positive atmosphere! Great variety of workouts from TRX, kettle bell, a variety of fitness boxing and martial arts... and Clean, well-maintained equipment! My new wellness home!

Source: Google

★ 5

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. I took the beginner's kickboxing class on Saturdays and it was a lot of work, but a lot of fun. The best part about this gym is the instructors; they are incredibly friendly, supportive, fun to joke around with, and they challenge you. There will be times when you strongly dislike them because they make you do 5 sets of steps, but that's why they're here: to make you do things you don't like in order to help you reach your health goals. They also listen to you and get to know you.

The classes are a great mix of cardio, strength training, and endurance. They actually *teach* you the different moves and techniques in kickboxing and boxing that help you get the most out of your workout. My favorite classes are kickboxing because it improved my balance and muscle control and I feel like a badass when I execute a perfect roundhouse kick ;).

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, the owner, will work with you to set up a membership plan that works best for you, which is a bonus.

The location is pretty decent. The gym is directly across the street from the Montgomery County St. Elmo-Cordell Avenue Garage ($1/hr) and its within walking distance of Bethesda Row and is in the middle of Downtown Bethesda. Lots of people who live nearby walk to the gym, including myself.

My only hiccup is that I would like to see more kickboxing classes offered after 4pm during the week or on weekend mornings. 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. That would be amazing!

As of August 2016, I have built muscle, stamina, and have lost 14lbs and have actually *kept it off* thanks to diet and the lovely instructors of BBKA. I plan to lose another 20lbs and keep up my workout plan with BBKA. I strongly recommend this place if you live in the downtown Bethesda area and are looking for something different from the usual gym fare.

Source: Google

★ 5

I've taken a few classes at Bethesda boxing and kickboxing gym and the workouts are great! Greg, Shane and Tedd are really nice trainers. They motivate you and push you to your limits while you are working out. I haven't tried any of the muay thai or technical classes yet and have been doing the cardio classes. So far I am loving the fitness experience.

Source: Google

★ 5

This was FUN!!! Great time!!! Boxing and kickboxing classes gym in Bethesda. I took the first class last week with my wife and looking forward going back next week.

Source: Google

★ 5

I really enjoy going to the gym everyday, just because the atmosphere is so fun and everyone is so friendly.
And I've never worked so hard in 1 hour than I have with these trainers. The classes are tough but definitely worth it. There are also a huge variety of classes (TRX/Kettlebell, Boxing, Kickboxing, Jujitsu, Boot Camp, etc.) all of which are a blast.

Source: Google

★ 5

I enjoyed the boxing class. Shane was a very good instructor. He was both skilled at the technical details of boxing and very supportive of all participants.

He also has a great personality.

Source: Google

★ 5

I have been going to this kickboxing and boxing gym now for about a year. They have a lot of great instructors, master Sam, Tedd, Shane, Greg. I love the parking garage right across the street. Parking is essential in the DC area. Thumbs up for Bethesda Boxing and Kickboxing Academy. I personally prefer the kickboxing for more core work on those abs.

Source: Google