Bethesda Boxing & Kickboxing Academy

"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 :)."

"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"

"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!"

"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!"

"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)."