I run into people online all the time that are training themselves because they couldn’t find a gym, even though they live right next to one.
Don’t just look in the phone book and then give up! Gyms can be difficult to locate, but every major city has them.
Resources to Locate Boxing and Kickboxing Gyms
The best method to find a gym is to go online to a boxing, kickboxing or MMA forum and ask for recommendations in your area. Some major forums worth mentioning are Sherdog, AX Kickboxing, Underground Forum and Eastside Boxing. Note Sherdog and the Underground Forum, being MMA forums, have sub-forums for MMA, kickboxing and boxing. You might need to post on more than one of their boards.
Here are additional resources:
- Try looking for on-line gym directories. Here are some good ones: BoxingGyms.com, BoxingHelp.com, Fightfind.com and AXKickboxing.com.
- Search Google Local using your local address. For example, “Boxing gym, Los Angeles, CA.”
- Call up any nearby gyms you do find and ask if they can tell you who else is around. They may not tell you, but it doesn’t hurt to ask.
- Go ahead and check the phone book, though you probably won’t find much.
Remember MMA, Boxing and Kickboxing Overlap
Many MMA schools have boxing and kickboxing programs. Many kickboxing gyms have boxing programs. If you want boxing, don’t only look for “boxing gym” listings.
Other Organizations
YMCA’s have traditionally had amateur boxing programs.
I’m not sure if you’ll be able to get serious training there, but check out your local colleges, sometimes they have classes or clubs.
Self Training
Can one train themself at home? No!!! You need a trainer. You need to be around trained boxers.
If you’re going to take this ill advised path, at least take a long drive to the nearest gym once and a while. Workout with a trainer, get some tips, get your form corrected and then work on these new things at home.
