How hard are the classes? Should I get in shape first?

The classes are challenging (if they weren’t, you wouldn’t be learning anything) but they are manageable. We encourage you to listen to your body and inform us ahead of time if there are any injuries that we should modify for or take into consideration. The beauty of training boxing is that you decide how much effort and intensity you want to put into it. We’re going to push you, but we don’t want to break you.

Is AWBC a good fit for me?

I think Austin Women’s Boxing Club is a good fit for you if you are looking for a workout that is physically challenging and demands your full and undivided attention. Your mind won’t be able to wander. If you have some aggression to let out and are willing to learn the technique to do it powerfully and safely, we might be for you. If you appreciate honest feedback and a group of authentic coaches who are being themselves, you might like AWBC. If you want to learn real boxing, not the watered-down version that they usually try to sell to women or “fitness” boxers, we might be a good fit. AWBC might not be a good fit for you if you aren’t really interested in learning boxing technique. If you just want to move around and hit the bags, we are probably not for you. If you are someone who likes a solitary workout where you don’t have to interact with anyone, we might not be for you either. We encourage teamwork and camaraderie through games and partner work. You may be better off going to a franchise boxing gym like Rumble or Legends Boxing where you will box independently on a bag and not have to focus too much on technique.

How often should I come to class?

What is a USA Boxing certified coach and why does it matter?

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.

I tried other gyms, but they are really repetitive.

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.

What’s your dress code?

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.

About Austin Women's Boxing Club 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.

You don’t have to care about learning boxing techniques if you don’t want to! Learning good technique, though, is engaging for the brain and keeps workouts interesting. Also - learning how to box efficiently and correctly means that you will be able to continue boxing for longer with less of a chance of injury. If we continue to do a specific movement wrong for a long time, we may get hurt. If you don’t want to worry about technique, and just want to hit shit and turn your brain off (can’t blame you there), our gym might not be for you.

As much as you want! However, something important to keep in mind is your goals. Are you trying to become stronger? Learn boxing technique? Meet new people consistently? Just box sometimes for fun and as a way to mix up your exercise routine? Answer these questions honestly for yourself. And be realistic - we may think we have the capacity and time and willpower and motivation and drive to come to classes 6 days a week every week forever and ever. But! Let’s be real. That’s probably not sustainable. Plus, sometimes when we have a shiny new thing (like a new boxing membership), we want to use it as much as possible as quickly as possible. While that will surely ramp up your skillset quickly, if you haven’t been exercising regularly, this may lead to burnout, soreness, or injury. Then, after taking a week or so off for recovery, you’re back to square one and suddenly have forgotten how to jab. Coming to the gym 2-3 times a week TO START will be the best approach. Boxing techniques will stay fresh in your mind and build on each other more quickly, and you may see more noticeable and sustainable changes in your fitness level. You can always add on more classes once you’re feeling good and your body is ready for it!<nr>

No - they are not! There is no substitute for experience. The Green Level Coaching Certification through USA Boxing requires that anyone passes a background check, SafeSport certification, and online test that allows multiple retakes. There is no practical portion. Other certifications require a practical portion, but it’s more important that you understand how to teach the principles than actually are able to perform them yourself. All of our coaches have the Green Level Coaching Certification through USA Boxing and most have received their Bronze Level Certification. This level is a 2-day practical course where coaches learn more extensive skills (and how to teach them) through USA Boxing’s training principles. All of our coaches have boxed for at least 2 years, and almost all of them started their boxing journey at Austin Women’s Boxing Club. In our coaching staff, you’ll find Gold Level Certified Coaches, former competitors, black band boxers, and more!

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 extra weight, 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.

Finding a boxing gym depends on many factors starting with deciding what’s important to you. Why do you want to box? Do you want to learn how to compete, do you just want to get in shape but not have to make any contact? Regardless of your goals, how much does learning skill and proper form matter to you in a workout. Are you there to just get your sweat on or do you need a little more mental stimulation? Do you like training in a co-ed environment or do you feel more comfortable in an all-women / mostly men environment? Are you an athlete or are you just starting out to work out? How important is the cost of the membership to you? Old school boxing gyms typically charge very little, there are even free programs for youth at your local community centers. A lot of them operate as non-profits and the coaches operate them out of passion in addition to their regular 9-5 job. Their facilities are usually very plain, lack air-conditioning, booking systems, not many class options (if any at all). They have their own charm but are not for the faint of heart. They are almost always run by male coaches and lack basic amenities like toilet paper and water. These gyms usually work mostly with children and youth and focus on competition, amateur or professional. Memberships are 90% men, and the coaches focus on those who compete. If you get the attention of the coaches, you’ll learn some legit boxing. As a woman, you might get hit on a lot. Then there are boutique boxing gyms that are individually-owned, small-businesses like Easley’s Boxing, Archetype, Blacksheep etc. These gyms tend to charge more but have several levels of membership to fit your budget and time constraints. They tend to offer nicer facilities and equipment, convenient class times, The majority of their membership is male, and there is no guarantee that skill building or technique is a focus. There are also “Boxercise” type franchise gyms as well. These gyms have multiple locations throughout the country. Think “Rumble” and “Title Boxing Gym.” The facilities are clean and robust, there are plenty of convenient class times, and you’ll also find a lot of women in these facilities. However, oftentimes, the instructor is on a microphone on a platform or station, does not teach technique, and classes may feel repetitive. It is unlikely you will receive individual feedback or attention from the instructor, who may not even be USA Boxing Certified but instead have a certification from a boxing-fitness business. Consider the above types and the things that are the most important to you. Don’t be afraid to try trial classes at different gyms until you find the place that is the best for you!

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 here. 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. You can see more about sparring gloves here and shoes here.

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

No, we have everything you’ll need, including clean hand wraps and boxing gloves.

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.

Boxing Studio in Austin, TX

Our mission is to help you succeed.

About the gym

OUR MISSION:

Our Coaching Philosophy:

A Team Of Coaches That Get Results, Consistently

Alex Plichta

Christina Porter

Elsa Wilson

Jen Wireman

Julia Gschwind

Karen Giles

Karla Wilfon

Laura Gordon

Po pang

Stacy Nakell

Conveniently Located in Central Austin off of South Lamar and is easily accessible from all local, major highways.

2919 Menchaca Rd #210, Austin, TX 78704, USA

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