If you’ve been searching for “kickboxing near me” or “kickboxing classes in Denver,” you might be wondering what actually happens once you walk through the doors.
At High Altitude Martial Arts (HAMA) in Denver, our kickboxing classes are structured to help students build real striking skills, improve conditioning, and become more confident on the mats — whether it’s your very first class or you’ve been training for years.
Here’s what you can expect during a typical kickboxing class at HAMA.
1. Warm-Up & Movement
Every class starts by getting the body ready to train.
The warm-up is designed to increase your heart rate, loosen up your muscles, and prepare you for the movements you’ll use throughout class. Depending on the day, this may include footwork, movement drills, shadowboxing, or other exercises related to that day’s lesson.
Rather than simply getting sweaty, the goal is to prepare your body for better kickboxing.
2. Technique & Skill Development
Next, we move into the technical portion of class.
Our coaches break down striking techniques step by step so students understand not only what to do, but how and why it works.
Training may include:
- Boxing combinations
- Kicks
- Knees
- Defensive movement
- Footwork
- Distance management
- Counters
- Head movement
- Clinch concepts
- Combination building
Our kickboxing program incorporates techniques and concepts from Kickboxing, Muay Thai, Boxing, and Dutch-style K1 striking, giving students a well-rounded striking education.
Beginners can learn the fundamentals at their own pace, while experienced students continue developing timing, precision, speed, power, and strategy.
3. Partner Drills & Pad Work
Once a technique has been introduced, it’s time to put it into practice.
Students may work with partners, focus mitts, Thai pads, or other training equipment to develop their technique in a more realistic setting.
This is where combinations begin to feel natural.
You’ll work on things like timing, accuracy, distance, reactions, and putting multiple techniques together — all under the guidance of experienced coaches.
You don’t need to show up already knowing how to hold pads or throw a perfect kick. We teach you.
4. Situational Training
As students progress, drills may become increasingly dynamic.
Instead of simply repeating a combination, students begin learning how to recognize opportunities, react to an opponent, defend, counter, and make decisions in real time.
This helps bridge the gap between learning individual techniques and actually understanding striking.
And no — joining a kickboxing class doesn’t mean you’re going to walk in on your first day and immediately start fighting someone.
Training is progressive, controlled, and appropriate for your experience level.
5. Sparring
Depending on the class and experience level, training may include controlled sparring.
Sparring gives students the opportunity to apply what they’ve learned against a moving, reacting partner while developing timing, composure, defense, and strategy.
The goal isn’t to “win” practice.
The goal is to learn.
Our coaches emphasize technical, controlled training that allows students to improve while being good training partners.

More Than a Kickboxing Workout
There are plenty of workouts that can make you tired.
Our goal is different.
At High Altitude Martial Arts, you’re learning an actual martial art while getting an incredible workout in the process.
Kickboxing can help improve:
Cardiovascular conditioning • Strength • Coordination • Balance • Speed • Confidence • Discipline • Stress relief
And because you’re constantly learning new techniques and combinations, no two classes feel exactly the same.
Can Beginners Take Kickboxing at HAMA?
Absolutely.
One of the most common searches people make before finding us is “beginner kickboxing classes near me.”
You do not need previous martial arts experience. You don’t need to already be in great shape. And you definitely don’t need to know how to fight.
You just need to be willing to learn.
Our coaches will help you understand the fundamentals and build your skills as you train.
Kickboxing Classes in Denver, Colorado
High Altitude Martial Arts has been part of the Colorado martial arts community for more than 20 years.
Located at 8988 E Hampden Ave, Denver, CO 80231, HAMA offers striking instruction for beginners, recreational students, and experienced martial artists looking to take their skills to the next level.
In addition to adult kickboxing and striking, HAMA offers Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, MMA, Youth Jiu-Jitsu, Youth Kickboxing, and Cardio Kickboxing.
Looking for Kickboxing Near You?
If you’ve been Googling “kickboxing near me,” “Denver kickboxing,” “Muay Thai near me,” or “kickboxing classes near me,” your next step is simple:
Come try a class.
You don’t have to be in shape first.
You don’t have to know what you’re doing.
And you don’t have to be a fighter.
You just have to start.


