What Actually Happens in Our Teen & Junior Kickboxing Classes
- ELK Next Level
- Jan 10
- 4 min read
If you’re a parent thinking about kickboxing for your teen or junior, you may have questions:
Is it safe?
Will my child be properly supervised?
Will they be comfortable in a mixed-gender class?
What benefits will they get beyond fitness?
We understand — and you’re not alone. These are common concerns, and this will remove the guesswork.
Here’s exactly what happens in our teen and junior kickboxing classes, from arrival to the end of the session — and why it’s so beneficial for your child.
First things first: structured, supervised, and age-appropriate
Our classes are mixed-gender, carefully structured, and fully supervised by experienced instructors.
This isn’t about fighting or aggression. It’s about:
Building confidence
Teaching focus and discipline
Developing coordination and strength
Encouraging respect, teamwork, and self-control
Classes are adapted for age groups where needed — younger juniors may work on simpler drills and shorter combinations, while older juniors and teens are introduced to slightly more advanced techniques. Parents can feel reassured that your child will be safe, challenged appropriately, and supported throughout.
Class structure
Teens
Warm-up → Drills (in lines & with partners) → Conditioning → Cool-down
Juniors
Mat Chat → Warm-up → Line work → Partner drills → Instructor lines → Cool-down
Arrival: settling in and feeling welcome
When your teen or junior arrives, an instructor greets them and helps them feel comfortable — especially if it’s their first class.
Students of all personalities and fitness levels attend: some outgoing, some shy, some sporty, some completely new to kickboxing. That’s normal, and it’s what our structured environment is built for.
There’s no expectation that your child already knows what they’re doing — instructors guide every step of the way.
Lining up and bowing in
At the start of class, everyone lines up and bows in.
This simple, guided ritual:
Marks the start of training
Signals respect for the space, the instructors, training partners, and themselves
Helps students shift focus from the outside world into class
It teaches juniors and teens alike the value of routine, respect, and mindfulness — all skills that carry over outside the gym.
Mat Chat & Instructor lines (Juniors only)
Juniors start each class with a Mat Chat, a short session where instructors introduce the week’s life skills topic such as courage, kindness compassion etc
During Mat Chat, students:
Review the previous week’s topic
Discuss how it applies both in kickboxing and in everyday life
Explore practical ways to put the lesson into practice
Instructor lines give each student a chance to receive individual coaching. Instructors guide them through kicks, punches, footwork, and drills on pads and gloves, ensuring safety and proper technique.
This combination allows juniors to practice physical skills while reinforcing personal growth, giving them confidence on the mat and in life
The warm-up: preparing bodies safely
Every class begins with a structured warm-up designed to:
Gradually raise heart rate
Mobilise joints and muscles
Prepare the body for kicking and punching safely
Warm-ups are age-appropriate and adaptable. Instructors offer clear options, so your child can participate at their own level — safely and confidently.
Learning kickboxing skills: technique comes first
Students are taught proper kickboxing techniques step by step, including:
Punches
Kicks
Footwork
Defensive movements
Instructors demonstrate, explain, and guide students as they practise. Skills are done individually, and combined into sequences so your child has plenty of chances to improve.
There is no pressure to be perfect — confidence grows gradually, one skill at a time.
Partner work and drills
Some drills involve working with a partner using pads and gloves.
These exercises are always:
Supervised
Controlled
Focused on technique and safety
Partner work teaches juniors and teens valuable skills like communication, teamwork, and respect — which translates to confidence in other areas of life.
Conditioning: building strength, focus, and resilience
Conditioning exercises develop:
Strength
Coordination
Fitness
Mental resilience
Challenges are scaled to each student’s ability. For some, that means pushing a little harder; for others, trying something new for the first time.
What matters most is effort and progress, not comparison. Gradual improvement builds confidence and teaches teens the value of persistence.
Training around injuries
We understand that injuries can happen, and it can be frustrating for a child eager to participate.
If something doesn’t feel right, students are encouraged to let an instructor know. Exercises are adapted so your child can continue training safely, stay active, and build fitness without aggravating an injury.
Learning to listen to their body and train smart is a skill they’ll carry beyond kickboxing.
The Cool-down
Classes often finish with a high-energy final drill or game, followed by a short cool-down.
Cool-downs help bring heart rates down, prevent stiffness, and encourage recovery. Even a few minutes of stretching after class helps students look after their bodies — a habit that builds longevity in any sport.
What parents and students don’t need to worry about
No previous kickboxing experience is needed
Students do not need to be fit before starting
Classes are not aggressive or chaotic
There is no sparring
Everything is structured, supervised, and designed to help teens and juniors build confidence safely.
Why kickboxing is beneficial for children
Parents often tell us they choose kickboxing because it helps their child:
Build confidence and self-belief
Improve focus, discipline, and self-control
Learn teamwork and respect
Stay active in a fun, structured environment
Kickboxing develops skills that go beyond fitness — it nurtures personal growth.
Ready to try it?
The best way to see if it’s the right fit is to experience it.
Our teen and junior kickboxing classes are welcoming, structured, and designed to support young people at every stage — whether they’re confident, shy, sporty, or completely new to kickboxing.
Starting is often the hardest part. After that, confidence, focus, and skill grow one class at a time.




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