Trying something new as an adult can feel intimidating, especially when that something involves gloves, pads, and a room full of people who already know what they’re doing. Here’s the good news: every kickboxer in Lake Saint Louis, MO started with a first class, and most of them were nervous too. If you’ve been curious about kickboxing, this guide walks you through what your first class actually looks like — no experience required, no fitness test at the door, just a clear picture so you can show up with confidence.
What Is Kickboxing, Exactly?
Kickboxing is a striking martial art that combines punches and kicks into a fast, full-body workout. At Wolves’ Den Training Center, our kickboxing classes blend techniques from Muay Thai and traditional kickboxing, with an emphasis on solid fundamentals: stance, footwork, the jab, the cross, the hook, the roundhouse kick, and the teep (front push kick). You’ll learn to hit pads and heavy bags, work with a partner on drills, and build timing and coordination — all while getting one of the best workouts you’ll find anywhere.
It’s not a fight club. There is no pressure to spar, and nobody is trying to prove anything on your first day. The focus is on learning real technique in a controlled, coached environment.
What to Expect in Your First Class
Your first class is free, and it’s an hour long, just like a regular class. Here’s how it typically goes:
Warm-up and conditioning: We’ll get you moving with a light warm-up — jumping jacks, shadowboxing, footwork drills, and some basic conditioning. It wakes up your muscles and gets you used to moving the way kickboxers move.
Technique work: The coach will break down one or two techniques step by step — say, the jab and cross — and you’ll practice them in the air and then on pads with a partner. Everything is shown slowly first, then built up in speed.
Pad work and bag rounds: You’ll pair up to hold pads for a partner and throw combinations. Pad rounds are where the workout really kicks in, and where you start to feel what it’s like to land a clean shot.
Cool-down and stretch: The class wraps up with stretching and a brief review of what you practiced.
Throughout, a coach or an experienced student will be nearby to help you. You won’t be left guessing, and nobody expects you to know anything yet.
What to Wear and Bring
Keep it simple. Comfortable workout clothes and a water bottle are all you need for a first class. Athletic shoes are fine for your first visit — some people train barefoot on the mats, and you’ll figure out your preference over time. We provide gloves and hand wraps for your first class, so you don’t need to buy any gear before you know whether you love it (and if you do, the coaches can point you toward the right gear).
Do You Need to Be Fit First?
This is the question almost everyone asks, and the answer is no. You don’t get fit to start kickboxing — you start kickboxing to get fit. Every class is scalable: the coach will show you how to adjust the pace, take a breather when you need one, and build your conditioning gradually. Your first class isn’t a test; it’s a starting point. A lot of our regulars started with no martial arts background and no gym habit, and they built their fitness class by class. The workout is demanding, but it meets you where you are — and the fact that you’re learning a skill while you sweat makes it a lot easier to stick with than a treadmill.
When Can You Train?
Kickboxing classes run in the morning and evening, seven days a week, with one-hour sessions. Our full schedule is posted on our schedule page, and you can see the full list of programs — Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, kickboxing, wrestling, kids martial arts, and more — on our classes page. First class is free, so you can try a morning session one week and an evening session the next until you find the slot that fits your routine.
How Much Does It Cost?
After your free first class, pricing is straightforward. Our regular rate is $129 a month, with no contracts — you can cancel any time. If you want to train at both of our locations (Lake Saint Louis and Troy), the rate is $159 a month, also with no contracts. Private lessons are available at $70 an hour with head coach Andrew Ebers if you want focused one-on-one instruction. Families train together here too: our family plan is $239 a month for two people, plus $30 a month per additional kid.
Visit the Gym
Wolves’ Den Training Center is located at 6893 Lake Saint Louis Blvd, Lake Saint Louis, MO 63367, with a second location at 20 The Plaza in Troy, MO. Come try a class, watch one first if you’d rather, or just stop by and meet the coaches — we’re happy to show you around. You can learn more about the gym and the people who run it on our about page, and check out our gallery and videos to see training in action. Your first class is free — all you need to bring is yourself and a willingness to try. Call us at (314) 601-4537 or come by the gym. We’ll see you on the mats.