Boxing Studio in Austin, TX

You will not get hit in the Boxing Basics and the All Levels boxing classes. These two types of classes build the foundation of footwork, defense, and offense as well as conditioning and the mental focus it takes to be a good boxer. If you want to learn how to apply these skills with a partner, the Intermediate class will be your next step. There will be contact in that class, however, there won’t be any surprises. You’ll know exactly what punch will come at you and how to defend it.

Not necessarily! You can absolutely come in, get a great workout, and enjoy hitting the bags. That said, learning good technique can make the workouts even more engaging and fun. It also helps you move more efficiently, which means you’ll be able to box longer and reduce the risk of injury. At our gym, we do spend time teaching proper technique because we believe it makes the experience safer, more effective, and ultimately more rewarding. If you’re excited about learning the fundamentals of boxing while getting a great workout, you’ll fit right in here.

As often as you’d like! But the best schedule really depends on your goals. Ask yourself: Do I want to get stronger or improve my fitness? Do I want to learn and improve my boxing technique? Am I looking for a consistent community? Or do I just want to box occasionally for fun and to mix up my workouts? It’s also important to be realistic about what you can sustain long-term. When we start something new (like a boxing membership!), it’s tempting to jump in and come to class every day. While that enthusiasm is great, doing too much too soon—especially if you haven’t been exercising regularly—can lead to soreness, burnout, or even injury. For most beginners, we recommend starting with 2–3 classes per week. This gives your body time to recover while helping you keep the techniques fresh in your mind, build skills progressively, and see steady improvements in your fitness. Once you feel comfortable and your body has adapted, you can always add more classes if you’d like. The goal is to build a routine that feels good and is sustainable for you.

No—USA Boxing coaches can have very different levels of training, certification, and experience. The Green Level Coaching Certification is the entry-level certification through USA Boxing. To earn it, a coach must complete a background check, SafeSport certification, and pass an online test. However, there is no hands-on practical component required at this level. Higher-level certifications involve much more in-depth training. Many of our coaches have earned the Bronze Level Certification, which is a two-day, in-person course that focuses on boxing fundamentals, training principles, and—most importantly—how to effectively teach those skills to athletes. At Austin Women’s Boxing Club, we place a strong emphasis on coaching education and experience. All of our coaches hold at least the USA Boxing Green Level Coaching Certification, most have completed the Bronze Level Certification, every coach has at least two years of boxing experience, and many began their boxing journey right here at our gym. Our coaching team includes Gold Level certified coaches, former competitors, and experienced trainers who are passionate about teaching. Our owner is also a USA Boxing Gold Certified Coach and serves as an official USA Boxing Instructor, teaching the Bronze and Silver coaching clinics that certify other boxing coaches. This means the same person helping develop coaches across the country is also setting the standard for coaching at our gym. All of this ensures that when you train here, you’re learning from coaches who are not only experienced boxers, but also trained educators of the sport.

No two boxing classes are alike! However - you can expect a similar format in each boxing class. We start all of our boxing classes with mobility. We want our joints and muscles to remain strong, so this step is crucial. Then, we move on to a dynamic warm-up. We may jump rope, play a game, or use agility ladders, for example. Afterward, we shadowbox. During our technical shadowboxing portion, we focus on the skillset we are learning that day (like powerful uppercuts or mixing up our punches high and low). This may mean we are shadowboxing individual punches, combinations, or across from a partner. We may do fun drills with a partner to help us understand the concept that we’re learning using noodles. After we practice our technique focus of the day in shadowboxing, we’ll take those skills to the bags, or we may even do mittwork with a partner. Once we’re good and sweaty and tired, we’ll do a little strength and conditioning (think a quick weight circuit or ab work or tabata). By now, all of the work is done and it’s time to spend the last few minutes of class stretching and debriefing what we’ve learned in class.

No, we don’t allow filming in class for the privacy of all participants and to maintain a distraction-free environment. If you want a video of just yourself, we’re willing to help with that after class or during open gym. A coach or staff member may take videos or pictures during class for social media or the website, but we’ll always let you know, and you can always opt out.

You don’t need coordination to start boxing. That’s something you build along the way. No one walks in knowing how to move, punch, and defend all at once. That’s what we’re here to teach. Boxing naturally improves your coordination, balance, and body awareness over time. All you need to bring is a good attitude (and maybe a sense of humor for when things feel awkward at first). Feeling a little clumsy in the beginning is completely normal. It’s part of the learning process, and we’ve all been there.

Nope! You don’t need to be “in shape” before you start. Boxing is what gets you there. If you’re able to walk a couple of miles at a brisk pace, you’re more than ready to glove up for the first time. What matters most isn’t your starting fitness level, but showing up consistently. We usually recommend starting with two classes per week and building from there. Our classes are designed to meet you where you are and help you get stronger, fitter, and more confident over time. You don’t have to prepare for boxing, just start boxing!

We prefer that you wear athletic shoes or boxing shoes. We’ve had members train barefoot before occasionally (they forgot to bring their shoes) but it’s not a good regular solution since there is a lot of footwork like pivots, back and side steps that can be too much for the skin on the bottom of the foot.

Yes. Many of our members start exactly where you are. If traditional gym workouts aren’t your thing, you’re in the right place. We created AWBC because we wanted something more engaging than counting reps or calories. Boxing gives you a full-body workout while you’re focused on learning real skills which makes it feel purposeful, empowering, and A LOT more fun. If you’re managing injuries or just getting back into movement, we can absolutely modify things. Some footwork can be adjusted to be lower impact or more stationary, and bag work and shadowboxing are naturally self-paced. You control how fast, how hard, and how long you go. You’re always encouraged to take breaks and communicate with your coach about what feels good for your body. The best place to start is our Beginner Boxing Workshop. It’s designed specifically for people brand new to boxing, most participants are first-timers, and we provide all the equipment. If you’d prefer to try a regular class, our Boxing Basics classes move at a beginner pace and focus on foundational skills with no experience required. Wherever you begin, we’ll meet you where you are. You don’t need to be fit, fast, or pain-free to start. You just need to start.

You’re welcome to join an All Levels class anytime, even on your very first day. “All Levels” truly means all levels. Our coaches are used to teaching a mixed group and will offer options so beginners feel successful while more experienced boxers stay challenged. If something feels tricky, we’ll help you modify it so you can focus on learning and building confidence. There’s no test to pass and no minimum experience required. If you’re curious and ready to try, you’re ready.

You can try out the Intermediate class once you have earned your yellow band, meaning you understand your basic footwork, head movement, and how to throw single and two punch combos with good technique. You can always ask one of our coaches to find out if you are ready for the intermediate class. If you decide to come to the Intermediate Class, you will need a fitted, molded mouthguard, and a USA Boxing Athlete’s membership.

A ranking system in martial arts or boxing is a structured set of training progressions that are associated with a certain level of expertise in the art. The progressions can be put into 2 categories: Boxing and Fitness. By breaking down skills into logical progressions from simple to complex, from slow to fast, from low to high pressure, the athlete experiences a continued series of success that builds real & earned confidence. Moving methodically through the progressions and ranks also helps keeping the training appropriate to the experience level of the boxer and builds continuously on skills that previously have been mastered. A ranking system has many benefits for the athletes as well as the coaches. There is a clear path forward for any member of the gym and it gives a clear understanding of what skills need to be accomplished before moving on to the next. For the coaches, the ranking system helps structure the class and challenge participants at the appropriate level. At AWBC we have band tests 4 times per year, roughly every 3 months. Information is available to every member to know what skills are needed for each rank so that boxers know what to expect at each level. Every boxer starts as a white band and consecutively (no exceptions) works their way through the ranks of yellow, orange, purple, blue, green, red, and black band. Our lesson plans cover the skills required for each rank and practice is incorporated in all levels of our boxing classes. About 2 months before the next scheduled band test, we begin holding benchmarking sessions (in addition to regular classes) for members to receive more personalized coaching, ask questions, and get feedback on where their skills are to achieve their next rank. There is also an opportunity to get a skill “checked off”. Boxers are encouraged to put in extra time to practice boxing skills and fitness training during open gym or on their own time in order to truly master them. Once all required skills for the boxer’s next rank have been signed off, the boxer’s name will be posted on our Band Test Board (it’s a mirror, actually) to show that they have claimed the spot at the next band test.

Choosing the right boxing gym depends on several factors, starting with your personal goals and preferences. Consider what you hope to gain from boxing. Are you interested in learning how to compete, improving your fitness, or simply trying something new? Some people want a high-intensity workout without physical contact, while others are interested in developing boxing skills and technique. It can also help to think about the type of training environment that motivates you. For example, do you prefer a co-ed setting, or would you feel more comfortable in a women-focused or smaller community environment? Are you already athletic, or are you beginning your fitness journey? Your priorities—such as skill development, coaching attention, class structure, and membership cost—can all influence which gym is the best fit. There are several types of boxing gyms, each with its own approach. Traditional boxing gyms often focus on competitive training, including amateur or professional boxing. Many of these programs operate through community centers or nonprofit organizations and may offer lower-cost memberships. Facilities are typically simple, and training may be less structured around scheduled classes. These gyms often emphasize fundamentals, sparring, and preparation for competition. They may attract athletes who are serious about developing their boxing abilities. Independently owned boxing gyms (often called boutique gyms) are usually small businesses that offer structured classes, a variety of membership options, and more amenities. These gyms may provide multiple class formats and convenient schedules. Depending on the gym, programs may range from beginner-friendly fitness classes to skill-focused boxing training. Boxing fitness studios or franchise gyms focus primarily on boxing-inspired workouts rather than traditional boxing training. These facilities often offer modern equipment, consistent class schedules, and group fitness experiences. Classes may emphasize cardio, conditioning, and bag work in a high-energy environment. When exploring your options, think about which environment aligns best with your goals, schedule, and budget. Trying introductory or trial classes at different gyms can also help you determine where you feel most comfortable and supported. The right gym is ultimately the one that keeps you motivated and helps you reach your personal goals.

The most basic equipment needed is a pair of wraps and a pair of boxing gloves. You will also be provided with a white band that you wear on your arm every time you come to class. We have a martial arts style ranking system here where everyone starts as a white band and has the opportunity to level up over time. You can find out more about our ranking system throughout this site. As for your wraps and gloves, individual preferences may come into play, but in general we recommend 180” “Mexican-Style” wraps and 10 or 12oz leather boxing gloves. 180” are suggested as they provide enough length for you to customize your hand wrapping and give areas you want more support in some extra love. “Mexican-Style” wraps simply have a little polyester in them to provide better stretch so they can form fit to your hands better as opposed to cotton-only wraps. For children or women with smaller hands, you might find 150” or even 120” wraps more manageable. As far as gloves are concerned, really any size (aka weight in oz) glove works for typical bag work. Though adults should typically steer clear of 8oz gloves or smaller or MMA style gloves. The most important things to look for in a pair of gloves is a secure fit around the fist and the wrist and durable foam where the fist will make contact with the bag or mitts. We also recommend quality leather. There are a variety of places where you can find good wraps and gloves. We sell these items at AWBC, or you can check out K.O. Studio, Venum, Rival, Sting, and Title for example. Sparring gloves or boxing shoes are not required right away, but you may consider investing in them later down the road depending on your goals and budget.

Just wear comfortable workout clothes and athletic shoes. Try to hydrate throughout the day and bring your water bottle to the workshop.

No—everything you need for your first class will be provided. For Beginner Boxing Workshops and Single Group Classes, we supply clean hand wraps and boxing gloves at no additional cost, so you can focus on learning and enjoying the experience. For members attending ongoing classes, we recommend purchasing your own boxing gloves and hand wraps for comfort, hygiene, and proper fit. If you do not yet have your own equipment, rentals are available at the gym with hand wraps rentals being $3 and boxing glove rentals are $2. If you’re unsure what equipment to purchase, our coaches are always happy to provide recommendations.

Yes. In fact, 99% of our participants have never boxed before, and many don’t work out regularly. You can work at your own pace and go as hard or as light as you like.

Yes. If you can’t attend the Beginner Boxing Workshop, you can sign up for a single Boxing Basics class instead. Your instructor will know it’s your first class, and Boxing Basics is perfect for beginners.

Austin Women's Boxing Club might be a great fit for you if you’re looking for a workout that is both physically challenging and mentally engaging. Boxing requires focus—during class, your mind won’t have much room to wander. You might enjoy training here if you want a challenging workout that keeps both your body and mind engaged, have some stress or aggression to release and are willing to learn the technique to do it safely and powerfully, appreciate honest feedback and authentic coaches who show up as themselves, and want to learn real boxing, not a watered-down version often marketed as “fitness boxing.” Our gym also emphasizes teamwork and camaraderie. Classes often include partner drills and games that help members learn together and support one another. AWBC may not be the best fit if, you’re not interested in learning boxing technique, you mainly want to hit a bag and move around without instruction, or you prefer a completely solitary workout with little interaction. If that’s the experience you’re looking for, a franchise-style boxing gym—like Rumble Boxing or Legends Boxing—might be a better match. Those gyms typically focus on independent bag workouts with less emphasis on technique. At the end of the day, our goal is to create a space where people who want to learn real boxing, challenge themselves, and train together feel right at home.

A USA Boxing Certified Coach is a coach who has registered with USA Boxing (the governing body of amateur and Olympic boxing in the United States), passed a background screening, and taken a SafeSport certification. USA Boxing Certified coaches are therefore approved to work with children, and can work a corner in an amateur fight. USA Boxing coaches required to pass an online test that introduces different skills/techniques, rules and regulations, strength and conditioning principles. You can guarantee that our coaches have been vetted to work with kids, and understand basic coaching principles endorsed by USA Boxing.

Sometimes repetition is great because you can establish good muscle memory (so long as you’re doing things right!). Other times, repetition can cause workouts to get stale. However, if there’s some freedom in your class to try things a little differently, you should do it! Consider adding more speed, power, throw punches high and low, switch your stance, add head movement or footwork….really the options are endless. If all of this is still not working for you, it might be time to find a gym that is able to mix it up and incorporate more variety in their classes.

No dress code. Just wear comfortable clothing that absorbs sweat and wear athletic shoes. Please make sure your shoes do not track in dirt. We also recommend removing jewelry, especially bracelets and rings, to keep your hands and wrists safe when you punch. Most boxers keep it pretty casual, natural, and practical.

Absolutely - we welcome it! We have some hard earned belts & trophies you can hold too, just ask and we can help you out. Tag us @austinwomensboxingclub

Yes. You are welcome here. We understand that past experiences can shape how people feel in their bodies, in group settings, or during physical activity. Our goal is to create a training environment that feels safe, respectful, and empowering. You’re never required to share details about your experiences. If there’s anything that would help you feel more comfortable, whether that’s certain movements, partner interactions, physical proximity, or coaching cues, you’re welcome to talk with us privately and let us know how we can best support you. You always have control over your pace, your participation, and your boundaries. Boxing can be a powerful way to reconnect with your body, build confidence, and feel strong, and we’ll always meet you where you are.

We occasionally run free or reduced class special, but outside of our specials, we need to charge a fair price for our high quality program. You can purchase a single group class for $35 or a Beginner Boxing Workshop for $30. Loaner wraps and gloves are included in both of those pricing options.

Weight loss, muscle gain, and body composition changes are complex and influenced by many factors, including nutrition, sleep, stress levels, and consistency with exercise. Because of this, our primary focus at Austin Women's Boxing Club is not on calories, weight, or “burning fat,” but on learning boxing skills, building strength, and improving overall fitness. Boxing is widely considered one of the most complete workouts available. Training challenges your cardiovascular system, muscular strength, agility, coordination, and mental focus all at once. While we cannot guarantee specific weight loss outcomes, many members naturally experience increased strength, improved conditioning, and changes in body composition over time. For many people, becoming leaner or more toned happens as a natural side effect of consistent boxing training, without it needing to be the main focus. The only time weight is specifically discussed is for competitive athletes preparing for a particular weight class. Our goal is to help you develop real boxing skills, confidence, and lasting fitness—and the physical changes that come with consistent training often follow naturally.

In some ways, we are definitively different: there are no men training or coaching in our gym. It’s clean and organized and completely non-intimidating. There is no mansplaining, and you won’t get hit on. In other ways, we are like other gyms in terms of offering a set schedule of classes, each class is instructor-led, there are open gym hours during which you can do your own training, you are going to learn real boxing, you will be sweating, and you will be challenged - in a good way.

A lot of the social connections happen organically before, during, and after class. Most of our members remember their first day at the gym and how one of our more senior members made them feel welcome - so they want to do that for others as well. But we also foster social exchanges through team building exercises, competitions, social events outside of class (some of our members started a book club, a crafts club and other communities). There is an old-fashioned community board for members to post about get-togethers and events. Our members also like to meet up for open gym to practice together for band test. Coming to classes consistently at a similar time each week may mean you see boxers more often, making it easier to make connections.

Absolutely not. There is no glove to head contact in our All Levels class. But there is a chance you will receive a pool noodle to the head or body as we are using those to practice our defenses in the safest yet efficient way possible. Pool noodles are very soft and will not hurt you, and they provide a good visual to help boxers understand the “why” behind certain defensive techniques.

You are ready to join the Advanced classes once you’ve attended the Intermediate class and have become confident with defending and attacking with choreographed (you know what’s going to come at you) punches in good form. That means you are no longer flinching when punches are coming at you, you can evade them most of the time through head movement, footwork, and blocks, you are comfortable working in mid and long range, and you are delivering punches in the right range. You must be at least an orange band to join this class or have received instructor permission. You are also required to have a mouthguard and a USA Boxing Athlete’s membership to attend this class.

Remember that you can always move at a pace that works best for you. While our classes are designed to challenge you, it’s important to stay within limits that feel sustainable for your body. If you need to take additional breaks while you build endurance, that’s completely okay. You can also adjust the intensity by slowing your pace or reducing the speed and power of your punches so you can comfortably finish each round. It may also help to check in with your breathing—many people unintentionally hold their breath during intense exercise. Focusing on steady breathing can make the workout feel more manageable. If you’re unsure how to modify the workout or would like personalized guidance, feel free to speak with one of our coaches. They’re always happy to provide feedback and help you find an approach that works best for you.

No. Our memberships are flexible and are not tied to long-term contracts. Memberships can be canceled at any time with a 14-days-notice prior to your next scheduled payment, and there are no cancellation penalties or additional fees. All listed membership prices already include applicable taxes. To ensure classes run smoothly and spots remain available for other members, we ask that you reserve your classes in advance. If you’re unable to attend a class you’ve booked, please cancel at least 3 hours before the scheduled start time. Late cancellations or missed classes will incur a $10 fee. Members also have the option to pause their membership in one-month increments for up to two months per calendar year. Placing your membership on hold allows you to retain your current membership rate even if pricing changes for new members. In the event of a membership price adjustment, increases will be limited to no more than 4% and will occur at most once per year.

As long as you sign up for class ahead of time, you are guaranteed a spot. We cap classes at 20 people. We rarely have a waitlist, but should the class you are trying to register for be full, you can put yourself on the waitlist. If someone drops off the class roster, you’ll be notified that a spot has become available, and it will ask you if you want to be moved into the class.

This rarely happens, but if it does, make sure you register for your classes of choice a couple of days ahead of time. Always put yourself on the waitlist because most of the time at least one person will drop off and free up a space. If our classes are consistently full with waitlists, we will make adjustments to our classes to accommodate the additional demand such as adding more classes or making the class bigger but with a second instructor so everyone gets the attention they need and deserve.

Our coaching philosophy is centered on progressive skill development. Boxing is a technical sport, and we believe the best way to build strong fundamentals is by developing skills step by step. We follow a “Crawl, Walk, Run, Sprint” approach to training. This means we begin by introducing movements at a slower pace, allowing members to understand proper technique and body mechanics. As skills become more comfortable and consistent, we gradually increase the speed, intensity, and complexity of the drills. We also build progression into how skills are practiced. Members often begin by learning movements individually, focusing on coordination and control. Once those fundamentals are established, we introduce partner-based training, which adds timing, reaction, and controlled pressure. Partner work may include activities such as mitt work in all-level classes or defensive drills in intermediate classes. This structured progression helps members develop confidence, improve technique, and safely build their boxing skills over time—whether they are brand new to the sport or continuing to advance their training.

No. We want to use every minute of the workshop to teach you the sweet science and give you a strong foundation so you can confidently join our All Levels or Boxing Basics classes. In those classes, we incorporate ab work, strength training, and conditioning.

There are many videos on YouTube that demonstrate proper hand wrapping—there are several correct methods. We also have our own video, Wrapping Your Hands for Boxing with AWBC. This method keeps the inside of the hand free of wrap so you can properly close your fist. It’s especially helpful for those with smaller hands.

Yes. As long as you are over 8 years old, you are welcome to attend the workshop. A parent or guardian will need to come into the gym with you to sign the liability waiver.

You don’t need coordination to start boxing. That’s something you build along the way. No one walks in knowing how to move, punch, and defend all at once. That’s what we’re here to teach. Boxing naturally improves your coordination, balance, and body awareness over time. All you need to bring is a good attitude (and maybe a sense of humor for when things feel awkward at first). Feeling a little clumsy in the beginning is completely normal. It’s part of the learning process, and we’ve all been there.

Nope! You don’t need to be “in shape” before you start. Boxing is what gets you there. If you’re able to walk a couple of miles at a brisk pace, you’re more than ready to glove up for the first time. What matters most isn’t your starting fitness level, but showing up consistently. We usually recommend starting with two classes per week and building from there. Our classes are designed to meet you where you are and help you get stronger, fitter, and more confident over time. You don’t have to prepare for boxing, just start boxing!

We prefer that you wear athletic shoes or boxing shoes. We’ve had members train barefoot before occasionally (they forgot to bring their shoes) but it’s not a good regular solution since there is a lot of footwork like pivots, back and side steps that can be too much for the skin on the bottom of the foot.

Yes. Many of our members start exactly where you are. If traditional gym workouts aren’t your thing, you’re in the right place. We created AWBC because we wanted something more engaging than counting reps or calories. Boxing gives you a full-body workout while you’re focused on learning real skills which makes it feel purposeful, empowering, and A LOT more fun. If you’re managing injuries or just getting back into movement, we can absolutely modify things. Some footwork can be adjusted to be lower impact or more stationary, and bag work and shadowboxing are naturally self-paced. You control how fast, how hard, and how long you go. You’re always encouraged to take breaks and communicate with your coach about what feels good for your body. The best place to start is our Beginner Boxing Workshop. It’s designed specifically for people brand new to boxing, most participants are first-timers, and we provide all the equipment. If you’d prefer to try a regular class, our Boxing Basics classes move at a beginner pace and focus on foundational skills with no experience required. Wherever you begin, we’ll meet you where you are. You don’t need to be fit, fast, or pain-free to start. You just need to start.

You’re welcome to join an All Levels class anytime, even on your very first day. “All Levels” truly means all levels. Our coaches are used to teaching a mixed group and will offer options so beginners feel successful while more experienced boxers stay challenged. If something feels tricky, we’ll help you modify it so you can focus on learning and building confidence. There’s no test to pass and no minimum experience required. If you’re curious and ready to try, you’re ready.

You can try out the Intermediate class once you have earned your yellow band, meaning you understand your basic footwork, head movement, and how to throw single and two punch combos with good technique. You can always ask one of our coaches to find out if you are ready for the intermediate class. If you decide to come to the Intermediate Class, you will need a fitted, molded mouthguard, and a USA Boxing Athlete’s membership.

A ranking system in martial arts or boxing is a structured set of training progressions that are associated with a certain level of expertise in the art. The progressions can be put into 2 categories: Boxing and Fitness. By breaking down skills into logical progressions from simple to complex, from slow to fast, from low to high pressure, the athlete experiences a continued series of success that builds real & earned confidence. Moving methodically through the progressions and ranks also helps keeping the training appropriate to the experience level of the boxer and builds continuously on skills that previously have been mastered. A ranking system has many benefits for the athletes as well as the coaches. There is a clear path forward for any member of the gym and it gives a clear understanding of what skills need to be accomplished before moving on to the next. For the coaches, the ranking system helps structure the class and challenge participants at the appropriate level. At AWBC we have band tests 4 times per year, roughly every 3 months. Information is available to every member to know what skills are needed for each rank so that boxers know what to expect at each level. Every boxer starts as a white band and consecutively (no exceptions) works their way through the ranks of yellow, orange, purple, blue, green, red, and black band. Our lesson plans cover the skills required for each rank and practice is incorporated in all levels of our boxing classes. About 2 months before the next scheduled band test, we begin holding benchmarking sessions (in addition to regular classes) for members to receive more personalized coaching, ask questions, and get feedback on where their skills are to achieve their next rank. There is also an opportunity to get a skill “checked off”. Boxers are encouraged to put in extra time to practice boxing skills and fitness training during open gym or on their own time in order to truly master them. Once all required skills for the boxer’s next rank have been signed off, the boxer’s name will be posted on our Band Test Board (it’s a mirror, actually) to show that they have claimed the spot at the next band test.

Choosing the right boxing gym depends on several factors, starting with your personal goals and preferences. Consider what you hope to gain from boxing. Are you interested in learning how to compete, improving your fitness, or simply trying something new? Some people want a high-intensity workout without physical contact, while others are interested in developing boxing skills and technique. It can also help to think about the type of training environment that motivates you. For example, do you prefer a co-ed setting, or would you feel more comfortable in a women-focused or smaller community environment? Are you already athletic, or are you beginning your fitness journey? Your priorities—such as skill development, coaching attention, class structure, and membership cost—can all influence which gym is the best fit. There are several types of boxing gyms, each with its own approach. Traditional boxing gyms often focus on competitive training, including amateur or professional boxing. Many of these programs operate through community centers or nonprofit organizations and may offer lower-cost memberships. Facilities are typically simple, and training may be less structured around scheduled classes. These gyms often emphasize fundamentals, sparring, and preparation for competition. They may attract athletes who are serious about developing their boxing abilities. Independently owned boxing gyms (often called boutique gyms) are usually small businesses that offer structured classes, a variety of membership options, and more amenities. These gyms may provide multiple class formats and convenient schedules. Depending on the gym, programs may range from beginner-friendly fitness classes to skill-focused boxing training. Boxing fitness studios or franchise gyms focus primarily on boxing-inspired workouts rather than traditional boxing training. These facilities often offer modern equipment, consistent class schedules, and group fitness experiences. Classes may emphasize cardio, conditioning, and bag work in a high-energy environment. When exploring your options, think about which environment aligns best with your goals, schedule, and budget. Trying introductory or trial classes at different gyms can also help you determine where you feel most comfortable and supported. The right gym is ultimately the one that keeps you motivated and helps you reach your personal goals.

The most basic equipment needed is a pair of wraps and a pair of boxing gloves. You will also be provided with a white band that you wear on your arm every time you come to class. We have a martial arts style ranking system here where everyone starts as a white band and has the opportunity to level up over time. You can find out more about our ranking system throughout this site. As for your wraps and gloves, individual preferences may come into play, but in general we recommend 180” “Mexican-Style” wraps and 10 or 12oz leather boxing gloves. 180” are suggested as they provide enough length for you to customize your hand wrapping and give areas you want more support in some extra love. “Mexican-Style” wraps simply have a little polyester in them to provide better stretch so they can form fit to your hands better as opposed to cotton-only wraps. For children or women with smaller hands, you might find 150” or even 120” wraps more manageable. As far as gloves are concerned, really any size (aka weight in oz) glove works for typical bag work. Though adults should typically steer clear of 8oz gloves or smaller or MMA style gloves. The most important things to look for in a pair of gloves is a secure fit around the fist and the wrist and durable foam where the fist will make contact with the bag or mitts. We also recommend quality leather. There are a variety of places where you can find good wraps and gloves. We sell these items at AWBC, or you can check out K.O. Studio, Venum, Rival, Sting, and Title for example. Sparring gloves or boxing shoes are not required right away, but you may consider investing in them later down the road depending on your goals and budget.

Just wear comfortable workout clothes and athletic shoes. Try to hydrate throughout the day and bring your water bottle to the workshop.

No—everything you need for your first class will be provided. For Beginner Boxing Workshops and Single Group Classes, we supply clean hand wraps and boxing gloves at no additional cost, so you can focus on learning and enjoying the experience. For members attending ongoing classes, we recommend purchasing your own boxing gloves and hand wraps for comfort, hygiene, and proper fit. If you do not yet have your own equipment, rentals are available at the gym with hand wraps rentals being $3 and boxing glove rentals are $2. If you’re unsure what equipment to purchase, our coaches are always happy to provide recommendations.

Yes. In fact, 99% of our participants have never boxed before, and many don’t work out regularly. You can work at your own pace and go as hard or as light as you like.

Yes. If you can’t attend the Beginner Boxing Workshop, you can sign up for a single Boxing Basics class instead. Your instructor will know it’s your first class, and Boxing Basics is perfect for beginners.

Austin Women's Boxing Club might be a great fit for you if you’re looking for a workout that is both physically challenging and mentally engaging. Boxing requires focus—during class, your mind won’t have much room to wander. You might enjoy training here if you want a challenging workout that keeps both your body and mind engaged, have some stress or aggression to release and are willing to learn the technique to do it safely and powerfully, appreciate honest feedback and authentic coaches who show up as themselves, and want to learn real boxing, not a watered-down version often marketed as “fitness boxing.” Our gym also emphasizes teamwork and camaraderie. Classes often include partner drills and games that help members learn together and support one another. AWBC may not be the best fit if, you’re not interested in learning boxing technique, you mainly want to hit a bag and move around without instruction, or you prefer a completely solitary workout with little interaction. If that’s the experience you’re looking for, a franchise-style boxing gym—like Rumble Boxing or Legends Boxing—might be a better match. Those gyms typically focus on independent bag workouts with less emphasis on technique. At the end of the day, our goal is to create a space where people who want to learn real boxing, challenge themselves, and train together feel right at home.

A USA Boxing Certified Coach is a coach who has registered with USA Boxing (the governing body of amateur and Olympic boxing in the United States), passed a background screening, and taken a SafeSport certification. USA Boxing Certified coaches are therefore approved to work with children, and can work a corner in an amateur fight. USA Boxing coaches required to pass an online test that introduces different skills/techniques, rules and regulations, strength and conditioning principles. You can guarantee that our coaches have been vetted to work with kids, and understand basic coaching principles endorsed by USA Boxing.

Sometimes repetition is great because you can establish good muscle memory (so long as you’re doing things right!). Other times, repetition can cause workouts to get stale. However, if there’s some freedom in your class to try things a little differently, you should do it! Consider adding more speed, power, throw punches high and low, switch your stance, add head movement or footwork….really the options are endless. If all of this is still not working for you, it might be time to find a gym that is able to mix it up and incorporate more variety in their classes.

No dress code. Just wear comfortable clothing that absorbs sweat and wear athletic shoes. Please make sure your shoes do not track in dirt. We also recommend removing jewelry, especially bracelets and rings, to keep your hands and wrists safe when you punch. Most boxers keep it pretty casual, natural, and practical.

Absolutely - we welcome it! We have some hard earned belts & trophies you can hold too, just ask and we can help you out. Tag us @austinwomensboxingclub

Yes. You are welcome here. We understand that past experiences can shape how people feel in their bodies, in group settings, or during physical activity. Our goal is to create a training environment that feels safe, respectful, and empowering. You’re never required to share details about your experiences. If there’s anything that would help you feel more comfortable, whether that’s certain movements, partner interactions, physical proximity, or coaching cues, you’re welcome to talk with us privately and let us know how we can best support you. You always have control over your pace, your participation, and your boundaries. Boxing can be a powerful way to reconnect with your body, build confidence, and feel strong, and we’ll always meet you where you are.

We occasionally run free or reduced class special, but outside of our specials, we need to charge a fair price for our high quality program. You can purchase a single group class for $35 or a Beginner Boxing Workshop for $30. Loaner wraps and gloves are included in both of those pricing options.

Weight loss, muscle gain, and body composition changes are complex and influenced by many factors, including nutrition, sleep, stress levels, and consistency with exercise. Because of this, our primary focus at Austin Women's Boxing Club is not on calories, weight, or “burning fat,” but on learning boxing skills, building strength, and improving overall fitness. Boxing is widely considered one of the most complete workouts available. Training challenges your cardiovascular system, muscular strength, agility, coordination, and mental focus all at once. While we cannot guarantee specific weight loss outcomes, many members naturally experience increased strength, improved conditioning, and changes in body composition over time. For many people, becoming leaner or more toned happens as a natural side effect of consistent boxing training, without it needing to be the main focus. The only time weight is specifically discussed is for competitive athletes preparing for a particular weight class. Our goal is to help you develop real boxing skills, confidence, and lasting fitness—and the physical changes that come with consistent training often follow naturally.

In some ways, we are definitively different: there are no men training or coaching in our gym. It’s clean and organized and completely non-intimidating. There is no mansplaining, and you won’t get hit on. In other ways, we are like other gyms in terms of offering a set schedule of classes, each class is instructor-led, there are open gym hours during which you can do your own training, you are going to learn real boxing, you will be sweating, and you will be challenged - in a good way.

A lot of the social connections happen organically before, during, and after class. Most of our members remember their first day at the gym and how one of our more senior members made them feel welcome - so they want to do that for others as well. But we also foster social exchanges through team building exercises, competitions, social events outside of class (some of our members started a book club, a crafts club and other communities). There is an old-fashioned community board for members to post about get-togethers and events. Our members also like to meet up for open gym to practice together for band test. Coming to classes consistently at a similar time each week may mean you see boxers more often, making it easier to make connections.

Absolutely not. There is no glove to head contact in our All Levels class. But there is a chance you will receive a pool noodle to the head or body as we are using those to practice our defenses in the safest yet efficient way possible. Pool noodles are very soft and will not hurt you, and they provide a good visual to help boxers understand the “why” behind certain defensive techniques.

You are ready to join the Advanced classes once you’ve attended the Intermediate class and have become confident with defending and attacking with choreographed (you know what’s going to come at you) punches in good form. That means you are no longer flinching when punches are coming at you, you can evade them most of the time through head movement, footwork, and blocks, you are comfortable working in mid and long range, and you are delivering punches in the right range. You must be at least an orange band to join this class or have received instructor permission. You are also required to have a mouthguard and a USA Boxing Athlete’s membership to attend this class.

Remember that you can always move at a pace that works best for you. While our classes are designed to challenge you, it’s important to stay within limits that feel sustainable for your body. If you need to take additional breaks while you build endurance, that’s completely okay. You can also adjust the intensity by slowing your pace or reducing the speed and power of your punches so you can comfortably finish each round. It may also help to check in with your breathing—many people unintentionally hold their breath during intense exercise. Focusing on steady breathing can make the workout feel more manageable. If you’re unsure how to modify the workout or would like personalized guidance, feel free to speak with one of our coaches. They’re always happy to provide feedback and help you find an approach that works best for you.

No. Our memberships are flexible and are not tied to long-term contracts. Memberships can be canceled at any time with a 14-days-notice prior to your next scheduled payment, and there are no cancellation penalties or additional fees. All listed membership prices already include applicable taxes. To ensure classes run smoothly and spots remain available for other members, we ask that you reserve your classes in advance. If you’re unable to attend a class you’ve booked, please cancel at least 3 hours before the scheduled start time. Late cancellations or missed classes will incur a $10 fee. Members also have the option to pause their membership in one-month increments for up to two months per calendar year. Placing your membership on hold allows you to retain your current membership rate even if pricing changes for new members. In the event of a membership price adjustment, increases will be limited to no more than 4% and will occur at most once per year.

As long as you sign up for class ahead of time, you are guaranteed a spot. We cap classes at 20 people. We rarely have a waitlist, but should the class you are trying to register for be full, you can put yourself on the waitlist. If someone drops off the class roster, you’ll be notified that a spot has become available, and it will ask you if you want to be moved into the class.

This rarely happens, but if it does, make sure you register for your classes of choice a couple of days ahead of time. Always put yourself on the waitlist because most of the time at least one person will drop off and free up a space. If our classes are consistently full with waitlists, we will make adjustments to our classes to accommodate the additional demand such as adding more classes or making the class bigger but with a second instructor so everyone gets the attention they need and deserve.

Our coaching philosophy is centered on progressive skill development. Boxing is a technical sport, and we believe the best way to build strong fundamentals is by developing skills step by step. We follow a “Crawl, Walk, Run, Sprint” approach to training. This means we begin by introducing movements at a slower pace, allowing members to understand proper technique and body mechanics. As skills become more comfortable and consistent, we gradually increase the speed, intensity, and complexity of the drills. We also build progression into how skills are practiced. Members often begin by learning movements individually, focusing on coordination and control. Once those fundamentals are established, we introduce partner-based training, which adds timing, reaction, and controlled pressure. Partner work may include activities such as mitt work in all-level classes or defensive drills in intermediate classes. This structured progression helps members develop confidence, improve technique, and safely build their boxing skills over time—whether they are brand new to the sport or continuing to advance their training.

No. We want to use every minute of the workshop to teach you the sweet science and give you a strong foundation so you can confidently join our All Levels or Boxing Basics classes. In those classes, we incorporate ab work, strength training, and conditioning.

There are many videos on YouTube that demonstrate proper hand wrapping—there are several correct methods. We also have our own video, Wrapping Your Hands for Boxing with AWBC. This method keeps the inside of the hand free of wrap so you can properly close your fist. It’s especially helpful for those with smaller hands.

Yes. As long as you are over 8 years old, you are welcome to attend the workshop. A parent or guardian will need to come into the gym with you to sign the liability waiver.