As of March 1, 2023 New Princeton Gym
Howie K.
May 19, 2014
Unassuming, replete with character and proudly gritty, this stout lair of sweat and stamina is bound to be the birthplace of the next great fighter in ABQ. The locale is entirely alien: just another storefront in the midst of another boring strip mall, walking in the door delivers something akin to a modern-day Rocky training complex, the kind of arena where Adrian isn't just sitting in the corner cheering her honey on, she's laced up in the ring, sparring and whipping the bastards to pieces. Combat sports have entered a new era, folks. The ladies are seriously into this competition, and we're not boxing, we're throwing elbows and push-kicks and choke holds. ABQ Kickboxing provides all the ammunition necessary to be a Bad Ass.A truly local resource, the facility and staff are the small dog in the franchise fight; they simply don't have the monetary resources to supply the shine and sheen of the box gyms. Here, the walls are plastered with sponsors who support 'em, much of the equipment is well worn or in need of repair, there aren't any fancy machines, just a few dumbbells and kettlebells and medicine balls, it's a hodgepodge and the instructors do what they can to utilize 'em into the workouts. Workouts run 45 minutes, a big plus in my book, just about perfect for the overworked professional. The floor matting is thick semi-absorbent foam, akin to the stuff a baby could crawl on, great for your feet, which is important because you'll be kicking the bags barefoot. The bags are full-size, they drag the foam, something I generally prefer to UFC Gym (but the benefits are debatable). Workouts run the gamut, but the average routine involves a mix of bag work, stations, ab routines and virtually no stretching. Best you arrive early and get yo'self limber before the lesson. And dig it: participants are asked to clean up after their own mess after the punishment is dealt, just a squirt bottle and a towel. I've said it before and I'll say it again: I'm a sweaty bastard, I give a new definition to someone who can make it rain. Here, I also clean up my dollahs.Aside from the classes, there's a boxing ring (ground level) and a grappling arena, there's plenty of instruction for those who want to take the plunge. They offer two free classes for the newbies so you have no excuse, go check it out. One bathroom, something of a downer, and a lot of the square footage is occupied by a front desk area that probably should be half the size to accommodate more equipment. Overall, I return to the opening paragraph theme: this is the place where ABQ's next big thing will train, compete and ultimately find fame. The gym absolutely bleeds Eye of the Tiger. Go check it out, and don't get discouraged if your first workout doesn't do the trick. Try another. I did and I'm hurtin'.
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Flozilla B.
Oct 14, 2013
The first time I walked into Abq-Kickboxing -MMA I was struck by the feeling of the place...it felt REAL...the first workout I had was so intense I nearly didn't go back. The second one I took a friend for support...I survived and have been going for nearly two years! Started with a couple days a week (on the intro plan) and now go 4-5 days a week for the bag workouts...in nearly two years I have never had a workout that was the same! They are intense, fun and totally addicting! The coaches/instructors are all highly skilled at what they do and very approachable, willing to answer questions and watch that you are executing the moves with proper technique. My goals have never been to lose weight here, but I have gained alot of muscle tone, stamina and strength. I usually stick to the bag workouts, but have also tried some of the "focus fit" and "savate" classes. They offer a lot of Muay Thai and MMA classes too. I love that the gym is very family friendly and LOCAL...yup, not a chain folks....check them out if you are looking for authentic kickboxing or MMA in Albuquerque! Abq-Kickboxing-MMA offers two free classes to check out the gym and staff...highly recommended.Plus they are in the same business block as Villa Myriam http://www.yelp.com/biz/villa-myriam-albuquerque if you need some pre-workout caffeine.
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Nicole N.
Jun 20, 2014
Great place, great people. Need a little more work on teaching form in the kickboxing classes to prevent people injuring themselves. Most of the people that go to the classes are repeat customers.I haven't been in a while since I tore my ACL and I'm afraid to do the kicks again. My SO loves the classes, but was disappointed lately because the instructors we're getting switched up a lot lately. I think that the normal people have just been busy with life lately, which is understandable.Otherwise the place is great you can get a good workout for a good cost. And meet some fun people along the way. First 2 or 3 classes are free for a trial.
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Phil S.
Mar 30, 2017
I have been very pleased with ABQ Kickboxing and Luttrell's MMA since I started going a couple of months ago. I was born and raised in ABQ, but I currently live and train out of state. Even though I can't be a full time member they have been reasonable in working out a plan to allow me to attend their classes when I am in town. The expertise of Coach Yee is phenomenal and being able to learn from someone with his history, experience, and technique is priceless. There are also numerous classes offered for all levels from absolute beginner to pro. Whether you only want to get a cardio session in and hit some bags or if you want to test the waters of sparring with actual fighters this place has it all
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Benjamin J.
Jan 13, 2017
Excellent resource for peeps with goals. Good place to experiment or get yer feets wet in: wrestling, boxing, Muy Thai, Fillipino Martial Arts, Wing Chun, Boxing, Jiu Jitsu etc. Excellent resource if you decide to focus and get serious. I once saw a T-Rex terrorize a kids class.. Wanna stick fight? Best place I know for that and I've looked errywhere. Really good looking staff! Coach Adrian is a beefcake who definitely flosses and Sifu Yee looks like an angel when the sunlight hits his head and makes a halo. Little Ray has dreamy hair and likes rainbows more than any grown man should. Coach Rishard's fro-power is a formidable weapon in its own right. Stop by, have fun, train.
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Nikka J.
May 25, 2015
All coaches are super motivating with such a great and encouraging ambience! Bummed it's been closed throughout the Memorial Day weekend!
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Charlie W.
Jan 29, 2020
The gym is always clean and I love the classes, it's a great way to stay in shape or if you want to try something new. Coaches break the technique down step by step. I recommend this gym to anyone trying to get back in shape or wanting to get into MMA
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