Thinking about trying kickboxing in Auckland but not sure where to start? This guide covers everything you need to know before your first class — what to expect, what you'll learn, and why Albany's North Shore is actually a great place to find quality kickboxing coaching.
What Is Kickboxing, Exactly?
Kickboxing is a stand-up striking martial art that combines the punching techniques of boxing with kicks drawn from karate and other striking arts. You use your hands, fists, and feet — no grappling, no takedowns, just striking.
It sits in the middle of the striking spectrum. Boxing is pure hands. Kickboxing adds kicks to that — punches and kicks, clean technique, and a style that translates directly into MMA if you ever want to go further.
Is Kickboxing Good for Beginners?
Yes — and it's probably one of the better martial arts to start with if you've never trained before. Here's why:
- The learning curve is manageable. You start with the basics — stance, jab, cross, a few kicks — and build from there. There's no overwhelming amount to absorb on day one.
- You don't need to be fit to start. Kickboxing gets you fit. You don't arrive fit. Every beginner feels gassed in their first few classes — that's normal and it passes fast.
- Sparring is optional. At a good gym, nobody pushes beginners into contact before they're ready. Pad work and bag work are where most of the learning happens anyway.
- It works for any goal. Whether you want to lose weight, learn self-defence, compete, or just do something you actually enjoy — kickboxing delivers.
What Happens in a Kickboxing Class at Unity MMA?
At Unity MMA in Albany, a typical kickboxing class runs about an hour and follows a structure that works for beginners and experienced strikers alike:
- Warm-up — skipping, footwork drills, shadow boxing to get the body moving
- Technique — the coach breaks down a specific combination or concept (e.g. jab-cross-roundhouse, or defensive head movement)
- Pad work — you drill the technique with a partner on pads
- Bag rounds — putting the combinations together on the heavy bags
- Conditioning — the part that makes kickboxing such a good workout
- Cool down — stretch and debrief
You won't be thrown in the deep end. Coaches at Unity MMA include an active UFC fighter in head coach Ollie Schmid — but the teaching approach is patient and methodical, especially with beginners.
What Do I Need to Bring?
For your first class: activewear, a water bottle, and nothing else. We have loaner gloves available. You don't need to buy any gear before you've decided whether you enjoy it.
Once you're training regularly, you'll want your own boxing gloves (16oz for pad work) and hand wraps. We can point you in the right direction when you're ready.
Kickboxing on Auckland's North Shore — What to Look For in a Gym
Not all kickboxing gyms are equal. When you're evaluating options on the North Shore, look for:
- Qualified coaches — not just fit people who like to train, but coaches with genuine martial arts backgrounds and competition experience
- A beginner-friendly environment — ego and aggression are red flags in any gym
- Consistent class times — 7 days a week is the gold standard for a gym you can actually build a habit around
- Small enough to get coached — big commercial gyms often have 30+ people in a class with one instructor. You won't learn much.
Unity MMA runs classes 7 days a week at 19B William Pickering Drive in Rosedale, Albany — 5 minutes from Albany Village and the Northern Motorway.
Try a Kickboxing Class for Free
Your first class at Unity MMA is completely free — no credit card, no commitment, no gear required. If you've been thinking about trying kickboxing in Auckland, the easiest thing to do is just book a class and see for yourself.