When most people hear the word “kickboxing,” they imagine flashy punches and kicks in a ring, maybe even a high-octane workout. But at Team United MMA, kickboxing is something much deeper. It’s a way to build mental toughness, improve your physical health, and join a supportive community where everyone is working to become their strongest self—inside and out.
Welcome to the Team United family, where kickboxing isn’t just a sport or a class—it’s a powerful, life-changing journey.
In this article, we’ll explore:
- What kickboxing is and why it’s so effective
- How Team United MMA teaches a unique, real-world-focused style
- Who benefits from kickboxing (hint: it’s everyone)
- Why people are searching “kickboxing near me” and choosing Team United
- What to expect when you walk through our doors for the first time
Let’s get started.
What Is Kickboxing? More Than Just a Workout
Kickboxing is a hybrid martial art that blends elements of boxing, Muay Thai, karate, and even Taekwondo. It’s known for its powerful strikes, rapid movements, and full-body conditioning.
But at Team United MMA, kickboxing is more than just physical technique. Our version is designed for mental discipline, self-defense, and personal growth. We train you to be a “thinking fighter”—someone who can remain calm under pressure, make smart decisions, and stay emotionally disciplined during any challenge.
The Health Benefits of Kickboxing:
- Cardio Powerhouse: Burns 600–900 calories per hour, making it ideal for fat loss and endurance.
- Muscle Development: Builds strength across core, legs, shoulders, and back.
- Improved Coordination: Enhances balance, timing, and reflexes through controlled movement.
- Mental Clarity: Teaches focus, discipline, and stress control.
Emotional and Mental Benefits:
- Reduces anxiety and depression through movement and community
- Builds confidence with every technique learned
- Creates a sense of purpose and direction through goal setting
This isn’t just a workout. It’s a transformation.
The Team United MMA Difference: Kickboxing Tailored for Real Life
We don’t teach commercial or cardio-kickboxing routines. At Team United MMA, our kickboxing classes are rooted in real-world application and MMA principles, taught by instructors who live and breathe martial arts.
What Sets Us Apart:
- Dutch-style Kickboxing with MMA Application: Our program fuses techniques from Muay Thai, boxing, Taekwondo, and traditional kickboxing—but with a focus on applicability inside the cage and out in the real world.
- No-Fluff, All-Heart Training: Each class is designed to build your body and sharpen your mind. You won’t find mirrors and ego here—only encouragement and growth.
- Led by Combat-Experienced Coaches: Coach Chris Garcia, a former professional fighter, and Coach Josh Garcia, a U.S. Marine and law enforcement officer, bring unmatched real-life experience into every session.
- Emotional Discipline Focus: We emphasize emotional control and mental strength as key components of a true martial artist.
Each class is more than technique. It’s a lesson in how to stay grounded, alert, and capable—even when life throws punches.
Kickboxing and Mental Health: Training Beyond the Physical
In today’s fast-paced world, stress, anxiety, and burnout are on the rise. Kickboxing provides a powerful way to push back against those pressures by combining movement, mindfulness, and meaning.
How Kickboxing Improves Mental Wellness:
- Stress Relief Through Movement: Striking pads and working up a sweat helps the body process stress and release endorphins.
- Mood Regulation: Kickboxing can reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety by encouraging routine, accomplishment, and connection.
- Confidence Boost: Learning new skills and pushing through physical limits fosters self-esteem and resilience.
- Trauma Healing: For some, kickboxing offers a therapeutic outlet. Veterans, first responders, and trauma survivors often find healing in the structured, empowering environment we provide.
Who Is Kickboxing For? (Spoiler: It’s for Everyone)
One of the most empowering truths about kickboxing is that anyone can benefit from it. At Team United MMA, we’ve trained:
- Busy moms looking to feel strong again
- Teens navigating the stress of school and growing up
- Veterans seeking purpose and connection
- Beginners who’ve never stepped into a gym before
Meet the Team United Personas:
- The Working Parent: Juggling kids, work, and responsibilities? Our classes help you reclaim time for yourself, build strength, and relieve stress.
- The Overwhelmed Teen: Build confidence, find community, and learn discipline in a structured environment that meets them where they are.
- The Veteran: For those who’ve served, our kickboxing and firearms programs offer purpose, skill development, and a place to belong.
Kickboxing for Self-Defense: More Than Just Fitness
While some gyms focus on fitness alone, we prepare you for the real world. Team United MMA’s kickboxing program teaches strikes, blocks, movement, and awareness that can be used in practical self-defense scenarios.
Why Real-World Kickboxing Matters:
- Situational Awareness: Learn to stay calm and aware, not panicked and reactive.
- Striking with Purpose: Every technique has a real-life application—this isn’t sport-for-sport’s sake.
- Defensive Techniques: Learn how to defend against grabs, holds, and confrontations without escalating unnecessarily.
- Confidence in Conflict: Knowing you can defend yourself often means you won’t have to.
We don’t teach violence. We teach control, awareness, and confidence rooted in competence.
Kickboxing Near Me: Why More Lake Stevens Locals Choose Team United MMA
Search trends don’t lie—“kickboxing near me” is one of the fastest-growing fitness-related queries in Lake Stevens. But when locals find Team United MMA, they realize they’ve discovered something more meaningful than a class.
Here’s why our members choose us:
- Community First: From your first class, you’ll feel like part of the family. We know your name. We ask about your goals. We stand beside you when the work gets hard.
- Flexible Schedule: Evening classes Monday through Friday make it easy to train around work, school, and family life.
- Free Trial Week: No pressure. No contracts. Just an opportunity to experience the difference.
- Location Convenience: Centrally located in Lake Stevens and accessible from Snohomish, Marysville, and Everett.
When you walk through our doors, you’re not entering a gym—you’re stepping into a training ground for your future self.
Getting Started: What to Expect in Your First Kickboxing Class
We know that starting something new can feel intimidating. But at Team United MMA, you’re not walking into a room of experts—you’re entering a supportive, judgment-free environment where everyone is learning together.
What to Expect:
- Warm-Up: Dynamic mat drills and stretching to prep your body and mind.
- Technique Instruction: Learn punches, kicks, combinations, and clinch work.
- Partner & Pad Drills: Work with a partner to apply what you learn in real-time.
- Optional Technical Sparring: Only available for advanced students who want to test their skills in a safe, controlled setting.
- Cool-Down: Wind down with breath work, stretching, and coach feedback.
Our coaches are here to guide, not pressure. If you need modifications or want to take it slow, we’ll meet you where you are.
Real Skills. Real People. Real Results.
Kickboxing at Team United MMA isn’t about being the fastest or strongest person in the room. It’s about being stronger than you were yesterday. It’s about showing up when it’s hard. It’s about finding your fight.
We’ve helped:
- Teens build confidence and resilience
- Adults reclaim their fitness and mental health
- Veterans reconnect with purpose and focus
- Everyday people discover the strength they never knew they had
And now, we’re here for you.
Start Your Kickboxing Journey Today
Ready to see what you’re made of?
Join us at Team United MMA for a free week of unlimited classes. Explore kickboxing, jiu-jitsu, and MMA in a safe, welcoming environment. Click here to claim your free week and take the first step toward your transformation.
We’re not just training fighters—we’re building a family. And we’d be honored to welcome you into it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need experience to join kickboxing at Team United MMA?
Not at all. Our program is beginner-friendly and tailored to your skill level. We focus on growth, not perfection.
What equipment do I need?
Just wear athletic clothing. If you have gloves, bring them—if not, we’ve got you covered during your trial week.
Is kickboxing safe for older adults or those returning to fitness?
Yes. Our instructors are experienced at modifying movements to meet each student’s needs. We emphasize safety, control, and steady progress.
