Both are striking arts, but Kickboxing is often faster-paced and more focused on high-energy combos using punches, knees, and kicks. It emphasizes footwork, timing, and fluid movement, making it a dynamic workout that builds speed, power, and cardio. Muay Thai adds elbows and clinching, but Kickboxing tends to be more accessible, especially for those looking to improve fitness, striking skills, and overall athleticism.

Kickboxing offers a full-body workout, real-world self-defense skills, and a structured path for progression. Kickboxing teaches you to strike with punches, kicks, and knees while developing balance, footwork, and defensive techniques.

Beyond fitness and skill, training in Kickboxing builds confidence, discipline, and mental toughness, whether you’re training for fun, self-defense, or competition.

After signing up for your free trial, our team will schedule your first Kickboxing class, where you’ll learn the fundamentals of striking in a fun, structured setting.

• Arrive 15 minutes early – We’ll provide loaner gloves and wraps, give you a quick orientation, and introduce you to the coach.
• Start with a warm-up – Expect dynamic movements, stretching, and footwork drills to prepare your body.
• Learn basic techniques – You’ll practice punches, kicks, and proper stance on the heavy bag, with coaches guiding you.
• No sparring or partner drills yet – Your first Kickboxing classes focus on individual training on the Heavy Bag. Once you’re comfortable, you can progress to other classes, such as Pad Work, Dutch Drills, and Advanced Striking.

Yes! Dynamite Kickboxing is designed to be safe for all skill levels, from complete beginners to experienced martial artists. Our structured classes focus on technique, control, and progression, ensuring a safe and supportive environment.

• No Sparring in Beginner Classes – Beginners train on heavy bags and focus on controlled technique, not contact.
• Expert Coaching – Our instructors guide every class, providing corrections and ensuring safe training practices.
• Proper Gear & Safety Protocols – We emphasize hand wrapping, correct form, and controlled movements to prevent injury.

As you advance, you’ll have the option to participate in Pad Work, Dutch Drills, and, eventually, Advanced Striking. Our instructors ensure that all students progress at a pace that’s right for them.

Not at all! Competing is encouraged, but never required at Dynamite, your training is at your own pace. Some students train purely for self defense, fitness, or personal growth, while others enjoy testing their skills in competition. Whatever your goals, we’re here to support you.

For those interested in competing, we encourage students to check out the Ascend World Series "Next Gen League" our in-house Kickboxing scrimmage. This event provides a great opportunity (especially for beginners) to experience competition in a fun, supportive environment alongside teammates before stepping into larger tournaments.

Train for yourself. Train for competition. Train for life. No matter your path, Dynamite is here for you.

Dynamite Kickboxing stands out because of our structured progression, world class instruction, and strong community. Whether you’re training for fitness, self defense, or competition, you’ll experience a proven system that develops real skill at every level.

• Structured Curriculum – Beginners start in our Level 1 Bag Blast class, then progress to Level 2 Pad Work, Level 3 Dutch Drills, and ultimately Level 4 Advanced Striking.
• World Class Instruction – Coach Raul has over 20 years of Martial Arts experience, is a 3rd Degree Black Belt under the World Kickboxing Association, WKA Team USA Head Coach for Colombia 2023, Scotland 2024, Peru 2024, WKA Team USA Assistant Coach in Bali 2023, Coach to World, Pan American, and United States champions, and much more.
• A Supportive Training Environment – Our community welcomes all levels, from first time students to seasoned martial artists. You’ll train in a safe, high energy atmosphere where everyone helps each other improve.
• The Dynamite Kickboxing Fight Team – For those looking to compete, we have a dedicated path to amateur and professional Kickboxing, with in house events and fight opportunities through the Ascend World Series and more.

No matter your goals, Dynamite provides the structure, coaching, and community to help you succeed.

At Dynamite, you’re not just joining a gym, you’re becoming part of a team. Our community is built on respect, support, and a shared commitment to growth. Whether you’re here for fitness, self defense, or competition, you’ll find an environment where everyone helps each other improve.

• Welcoming Atmosphere – No egos, no intimidation, just people of all skill levels training together.
• Lifelong Friendships – Training partners push you to be better on and off the mats.
• A Strong Support System – From day one, you’ll have coaches and teammates invested in your progress.
• Opportunities Beyond Training – Women’s only events, in house tournaments, seminars, and a growing network of martial artists across the country.

The people at Dynamite make the difference. Our students come for the training, but they stay for the unmatched camaraderie and culture.

We are located in the Forest Glen neighborhood in the Northwest Side of Chicago. We are also close to the Portage Park, Jefferson Park, Mayfair, Albany Park, Irving Park, West Ridge, and Edison Park neighborhoods. We are also close to Norridge, Park Ridge, Skokie, Niles, and Morton Grove.

Yes! Dynamite offers DynaKids Kickboxing to help children build confidence, discipline, and coordination while learning real striking techniques in a safe and structured environment.

Our program follows F.R.E.D. (Focus, Respect, Energy, and Discipline) to teach kids essential life skills on and off the mats. They’ll improve balance, footwork, and striking fundamentals while developing respect for the art and their training partners.

• Ages 4-6: Tiny DynaKids – A fun, engaging introduction to movement, balance, and basic striking.
• Ages 7-13: DynaKids – Focused skill development, control, and technique with an emphasis on responsibility and smart decision making.

For your first class, wear comfortable athletic clothing that allows for movement, such as:

• T Shirt or tank top – Something breathable and fitted works best.
• Athletic shorts or leggings – Avoid anything too baggy that could get in the way.
• Barefoot or socks – We train on mats, so no shoes are needed.

We’ll provide loaner gloves and hand wraps for your first class, but if you have your own, feel free to bring them!