All states›Boxing Gyms›California›Santa Cruz

Boxing Gyms in Santa Cruz, CA

7 of the 24 martial arts schools we list in Santa Cruz have boxing or striking classes.

Boxing, kickboxing and Muay Thai are taught in very different rooms — some are fight gyms with a ring and a competition team, others run fitness-style classes where nobody spars. These gyms list boxing or striking classes, so you can pick by what you actually want to do: learn to fight, get in shape, or both.

  1. Garth Taylor Jiu-Jitsu and Martial Arts

    403 Swift St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060-5862

    Kids classesFree trial classBJJ / grapplingMuay thai / kickboxing
    Call Website Directions

  2. Niji Dojo

    920 41st Ave, Santa Cruz, CA 95062-4457

    Free trial classBJJ / grapplingMuay thai / kickboxingKarate / taekwondo
    Call Website Directions

  3. Claudio Franca

    1658 Soquel Dr, Santa Cruz, CA 95065-1706

    Free trial classBJJ / grapplingMuay thai / kickboxing
    Call Website Directions

  4. Jireh Boxing Kickboxing Cardio and Competition LLC

    1101 Pacific Ave Unit G, Santa Cruz, CA 95060

    Kids classesFree trial classMuay thai / kickboxing
    Call Website Directions

  5. San Soo Santa Cruz

    509 Swift St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060-5823

    BJJ / grapplingMuay thai / kickboxingKarate / taekwondo
    Call Website Directions

  6. Minorsan Self-Defense & Fitness

    1320 Mission St, Ste 1, Santa Cruz, CA 95060

    Kids classesMuay thai / kickboxing
    Call Website Directions

  7. Westside Fit-Boxing

    2801 Mission St #2853, Santa Cruz, CA 95060

    Muay thai / kickboxing
    Call Website Directions
Sparring is almost always optional. A good striking gym lets beginners train pad work and bag rounds for weeks before anyone steps in the ring, and many never spar at all. If contact matters to you either way, ask how sparring is scheduled and whether headgear and a partner of your size are required.

Also in Santa Cruz

More in Santa Cruz and California

Boxing Gyms near Santa Cruz

Good to know

Do I need experience to join a boxing gym?

No. Most gyms run beginner classes that start with stance, footwork and pad work. You will need hand wraps and gloves after the first trial session; many gyms lend gloves at first.

What is the difference between boxing and kickboxing classes?

Boxing uses punches only; kickboxing and Muay Thai add kicks, and Muay Thai adds knees, elbows and clinch work. Fitness kickboxing classes often skip partner drills entirely.

Are boxing classes good for kids?

Many gyms run youth programs focused on conditioning and technique with no head contact. Ask about age groups and whether youth sparring is supervised and optional.