Austin Kickboxing Academy

Great class structure and the instructors there do an amazing job catering to the needs of the class and each individual student across all ranges, from amateurs to competitors. Well worth your time and energy!

I went to AK and the team was solid! A great experience with everyone. They treat you as family and push your limits in a respectful manner. Thaïboxing is one of the most challenging workouts and the coaches make you get back on track physically and mentally. I’ve made great progress since I started. It helped my career, building confidence and manage my mental strengh. After a class you feel anything is possible and nothing can hold you down. The gym is run by Randy and Tessa, both in love with eachother and martial arts. I give them 2 thumbs up, one for love, the other one for fighting life the right way.

I started going to Austin Kickboxing Academy in April both for my mental health as well as my physical health. I have both depression and anxiety, and my physical health was poor after I sacrificed it to do well in school. I started attending the kickboxing fundamentals class in April and within a month I was seeing improvements in my demeanor, my confidence, and my body.
It’s been about 5 months now, and I have dropped 35lbs, 7 percentage points in body fat, as well as 6 inches around my waist. AND I’ve gained muscle so I’ve actually lost more pounds of fat than that: D My mental health has improved so much that now I only see my therapist once every few months. I was afraid to go at first because I thought I would fail and suck and never be good at it, but Randy (owner and class instructor) was so encouraging that I didn’t give up.
The classes are fantastic, you get an intense workout while developing your skill set.
All the instructors are helpful and are always willing to answer your questions and demonstrate techniques you may not be getting. I am very analytical and pick things up a little bit slower than most, but they are so patient and don’t give up on me.
Ultimately, I am so grateful for AKATX, it’s helped save my life.

Okay, this review is long overdue. Probably because I forgot my Unilocal password. Whatever.. :) Holy hell, I love AKATX! I grew up w/​no martial arts training whatsoever… the only thing I did remotely close to being active was cross country in HS and bboying (breakdancing) for about 4 – 5 years in my mid 20’s. Anyways, I’m Korean, so what do we get?
Me at 5 years old: «Mom. I want to be a video gam— „
*gets rudely interrupted*
Mom: „JESSICA. you have to live life we want you to live… We come to America to give you good life!!! So Piano/​Violin or Doctor IS MAIN CAREER FOR YOU… FOREVER!“
*locks me in piano room for 2 hours* ~_​~
I did poorly on both. so my parents finally gave up on that dream. Anyways. I started Muay Thai here in January… 30 years old… no martial arts experience whatsoever. And it’s been like a love/​hate relationship. My body screams, „No!“ but my heart screams,“ Yes!» The trainers are wonderful here and they really take your time… especially if you’re slow paced like me. and have trouble getting things the first few times. I’m a visual learner. but I tend to over analyze things A LOT … If I could go here everyday, I would. I get stressed out easily, especially at work. So it’s really nice to come here and just let it ALL out. And finish with a huge fucking grin on my face and sweat pouring down like a waterfall… (and my heart screaming… «YES!!») :D
The classes are usually split w/​beginner & intermediate. And then Tues/​Thurs is like advanced Muay Thai. They have everything you need here… heavy bags, speed bag, double end bags, weights, med balls, clean restrooms/​changing rooms, even a shower!!! They also sell gear here. AND NAMMAN. YOU WILL NEED NAMMAN!!!
Okay, I can go on and on… and blow up this entire page. but come swing by for yourself! You will not be disappointed!

I love training here. I don’t normally like working out at «normal gyms» because I get really ADD and bored. But the classes here keep me engaged and excited about getting healthy.
I like coming during the noon time classes because they are smaller and you get a more tailored workout. Even in the big classes there are multiple instructors and is broken up into your skill level.
I especially like Austin Kickboxing because it’s not your «typical» kickboxing gym where they try to sell you on how many calories you can burn and just run you through a taibo routine. The workouts are varied and can run the gamut of a circuit workout using heavy bags to partnered contact drills to sparring.

I went in to check out the kickboxing class this week. The class is big, like 12 ~ 20 people. The workout is ok, just normal kickboxing stuff, nothing really stands out or exciting. People is really nice here and environment is good. Man, this place is expensive! They want $ 150+ a month if you don’t sign at least 1 year contract with them. With contact the monthly due goes down to about $ 100. Come on guys! this is Texas, there are many better gyms in ATX that only cost half of this place. For the people who goes here, you’all really need to shop around, You guys got robbed!

I came here for a private pad workout with Daniel Jolly and was blown away with the facility. The facility is spacious and very clean! They have separate dressing rooms for men and women and a clean bathroom! They have everything a kickboxing gym should have: heavy bags, speed bag platforms, double end bags, etc.
Daniel put my endurance to the test and was very patient with me. He wasn’t over coaching me while still correcting my mistakes. I’ll definitely be coming back here for another workout!

I miss this gym a lot. Sadly, I don’t live in Austin anymore, else I would train here all day.
Coach Randy is awesome. He will teach you super technical, super effective Muay Thai techniques. This is real Muay Thai, not cardio kickboxing. Pro and amateur fighters train here, but the classes are designed in a way that is very welcoming to beginners. You will do the same techniques the pros do on day one, and you will have a lot of fun doing them.
The gym is huge. Lots of top class equipment like speed bags, focus bags, heavy bags, even a ring!
The kind of workout you get blows away any kind of class at the giant gyms. It’s not even close. Many times I would ring my shirt out with sweat after class.
You won’t get nickle and dimed at this gym. They are very direct and straightforward with their fee structure. It’s a low stress environment, and everyone is nice and welcoming. Shout out to Tessa too! She is a great teacher as well.

Best Academy/​Gym in Austin. Period.
I’ve trained Muay Thai (Thai Boxing /​Kickboxing) before at a great place in Chicago so I had an idea of what good gyms look like. I’ve also done some research here in Austin before I picked my new gym. This place is on the top of the ranking. Here’s why:
1.) The place is huge. Big mat area including mirrors to check form. Multiple speed bags, thai bags, and heavy bags. Also a 16 foot ring — great for sparring. In addition to that, there are kettlebells, some squat racks, a treadmill and various other equipment just waiting for you to use. Lastly, the place has enough windows /​doors to keep the place well ventilated even during those hot Texan days.
2.) The prices are affordable! I’ve been to other academies where it was expected of you to drop a ton of money for two classes a week max. This place is not like that. You select your package and you can come as little or as much as you like.
3.) The trainers. The trainers are obviously most important to the success of the gym and its students. Randy, Tessa, and Coach Nhan are all incredibly friendly (I place a big emphasis on this), personable, and knowledgeable. These people are there to help you and encourage you.
4.) The students. Having only been there myself for about 2 months now, I can say that I’ve made some friends and only met very nice and humble people there. Not a single person appears to think they’re better than anyone else. Everyone is very friendly. The atmosphere is great and I consider this to be my second family. Great group and we are growing each day.
5.) The variety. AKATX also offers boxing and kids MMA for those that are interested. I’m doing neither, but having seen the classes they appear to be a lot of fun for the younger ones.
If you’re looking for any of the above, you don’t really need to look much further…

JOIN THIS GYM! I’ve been training here for a few months and my only regret is not having signed up sooner. I primarily started as a way to get fit but my Muay Thai journey has become about so much more — I’m hungry to sharpen my skills!
Fortunately for me, AKATX has excellent instructors who really know their craft and know how to explain things clearly to everyone — including out of shape dudes with no previous martial arts history like myself! Randy, Tessa and Nhan are all great instructors with their own special flare for getting your Muay thai game better.
The gym is always clean and the equipment functional. Randy and Tessa also sell gear if you need any at reasonable prices.
I could go on and on but seriously, just come in for your first class (which is free) and see for yourself!

Wow, I am super remiss in not writing a review before now (sorry, Randy!).
This is my home gym and easily one of my favorite places in austin. I fell in love with it here, and ironically also fell in love here– my boyfriend and I met training here and he helps teach quite often.
A year and a half ago I got a hankering to do something new with my fitness. I had always been interested in martial arts and was originally heading towards Krav Maga. Instead, a leasing agent in my complex at the time recommended Muay Thai as a form of martial arts and fitness I might enjoy. She had been training with Randy and the team here before they had a brick and mortar spot and recommended them.
I’m so glad she did. I was nervous in my first class– I’m a petite girl, and I didn’t know if I would be welcomed. Instead, I got the warmest welcome, intense, high quality training, and one on one support. This isn’t an anomaly– it’s how AKATX does it.
I’m happy and proud to say I’m part of the AKATX family. We are friends with everyone here and it’s a home away from home. My Muay Thai game is tight (and who knew I would ever get to say that?!) and I have come to love the form.
Get your asses in here. They’ll come out fighting– and sculpted!

First off, my visit took place last year so it’s been a while. Once I created a Unilocal account I felt compelled to review this place as it made a very positive impression on me. Many many years ago I trained Muay Thai at various places in the San Francisco bay area. After passing by AKA while driving down Cesar Chavez I was curious enough to see what it’ all about. Having also trained MMA and Brazilian Jiu-​Jitsu at different locales I am acutely aware of the culture and attitude that’s cultivated at these training centers. I’ve seen it all — hotshot instructors, hyper-​aggresive students, filthy gym/​mat conditions, questionable billing practices, etc. So, I stopped by for a drop in class to see what this place is about. I was greeted by Mr. Vera who showed me around and gave me a brief rundown of the rules and etiquette. Not only does he have a pro kickboxing resume, he’s also a BJJ brown belt. One of the easiest ways to judge a gym is by the reception new students get from the existing fighters. They had no idea that I had trained before. I was treated like one of the family from jump street. No attitudes, no «tough guys» — nothing. Mr. Vera was no different. I came away EXTREMELY impressed with the flow of the class and the level of instruction here. It’s a shame that I can’t join since I am focusing more on my ground game and can’t afford both memberships. If you are interested in starting Muay Thai and you’ve never trained before DO NOT be intimidated or apprehensive about visiting here. You will be treated with respect, will be pushed to train hard (though they will not throw you in the ring to spar unless you want to and have attained an according level of proficiency) and will be in the best shape of your life. Maybe I need to go back…

Knowledgable trainers, plenty of quality sparring partners, awesome atmosphere, great price. Best place to train in Austin!

I could not possibly recommend a place higher for getting fit and strong than AKATX! I joined 8 weeks ago after trying out a free class and train in Muay Thai Kickboxing. I remember my first class was just brutal to get through but at the same time thrilling and I drove home with this just amazing and euphoric inner glow. That glow has just continued along with getting so much stronger, losing crazy inches, gaining muscle, and losing 10 lbs in under 8 weeks! The main trainer and co-​owner Randy is energetic about teaching, you can tell he loves what he does and pushes you hard because he knows you can do it. All of the assistants there are extremely patient and always there to help when you need it. The whole crew along with the students are extremely supportive and it’s just a great atmosphere to work out and get healthy. They are committed to developing your technique and empowering you every single class and I couldn’t love a workout and a place to work out at more! In addition they keep the entire facility extremely clean and organized which is big for me. I am so thankful Tessa co-​owner of the academy pushed me to take my first class, she is a great example for women who want to be strong and a badass! It is definitely the best decision I have made in a very long time I look forward to every class, getting more fit every week, and just feeling more healthy at 33 than I did at 23. If you haven’t stopped in for your free first class you should definitely do it! The only regret I would have is if I never tried a class.

I have been training with Randy V for almost two years (I started training with him when I was 41 years old) and now I am preparing to compete in boxing in the Masters Division. When I started training I was (*I thought*) in «pretty good shape.» Well now, I am in, easily, the best shape of my entire life. Randy is a real straight shooter of a trainer that will help you prepare for and achieve your goals.
The gym offers one free lesson in each type of class (ie boxing, BJJ, etc) which is great if someone is curious but not 100% sure.
Hands down the best place in Austin to learn boxing, muay thai, kickboxing, BJJ and/​or get your feet wet putting it all together for MMA.

This place is amazing! There are high quality kickboxing and boxing instructors who will modify their teaching to your level, your needs, or around your injuries. You definitely get a good workout, but in addition to that, good self-​defense techniques. Randy and Tessa run a very professional and clean establishment. They also provide private lessons for beginners and amateur and pro MMA fighters.

AKATX is awesome. The classes have something to offer for all levels and you get personal instruction even in the group setting. The instructors and your fellow training-​mates are super helpful and training stays fun while maintaining a focus on serious technique and fitness. The owners and trainers are warm, welcoming people and they take pride in their practice and their students. A great work-​out and a great community of people.