What should I expect at my first boxing class?

You will start with a warm-up, learn basic stance and footwork, then move on to combinations on pads or bags. Coaches guide you through every step. No experience required.

What equipment do I need as a beginner?

For your first few sessions, just bring comfortable clothes and trainers. We provide gloves and wraps. As you progress, you may want to buy your own gloves and hand wraps.

How often should a beginner train?

We recommend starting with two to three sessions per week. This gives your body time to recover while building technique and fitness consistently.

No. Sparring is completely optional and only available in competitive sessions. Recreational classes focus on technique, fitness, and pad work with no contact between members.

BOXING FOR BEGINNERS

Never boxed before? Good. Everyone starts somewhere.

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WHAT TO EXPECT

WARM UP

Skipping, shadow boxing, and movement drills. Gets your heart rate up and loosens you off. The coaches set the pace - no one gets left behind.

TECHNIQUE

Stance, guard, jab, cross - the fundamentals. Coaches demonstrate, then work with you one-to-one on the pads. You'll throw real punches from day one.

BAG & PAD WORK

Put it all together on the heavy bags and focus pads. This is where boxing gets addictive. There's nothing like the feeling of landing a clean combination.

COOL DOWN

Core work, stretching, done. The whole session runs 60-90 minutes. You'll be tired, but the good kind of tired.

THINGS BEGINNERS ASK

Do I need to be fit?

No. Boxing gets you fit - you don't need to be fit to start. Coaches adapt the intensity to your level. Some of our most committed members could barely skip a rope on day one.

Will I get hit?

Not unless you want to. Recreational classes focus on technique, fitness, and pad work. Sparring is only for those who choose to progress to the elite programme.

What do I need to bring?

Comfortable sportswear, trainers, and water. We provide gloves, wraps, and all other equipment. Once you're coming regularly, you might want your own gloves - check our equipment guide.

What does it cost?

£10/session for adults, no joining fee, no contract. Your first session is completely free. See our full pricing.

I'm a woman - is there a women's class?

Yes. We run a dedicated women's recreational boxing session on Saturdays 10:30am-12:00pm. Women are also welcome at all other recreational and open sessions.

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BEST SESSIONS FOR BEGINNERS

Any of these are a great starting point

DAY	CLASS	TIME
Sat	Open Sessions	12:00-14:30
Sat	Women's Boxing	10:30-11:30
Sun	Open Sessions	08:30-14:30

Something to consider

SOME GYMS MAKE BOXING FEEL EXCLUSIVE

Cliquey regulars. Coaches who assume experience. Environments where beginners are an afterthought. It puts people off for years.

We built H&G the other way around. Beginners are the whole point.

YOUR FIRST SESSION IS FREE

No sign-up fee, no contract, no pressure. Just turn up, train, and see if boxing is for you.

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Boxing for beginners near you

Greenwich Bromley Lewisham Eltham Blackheath