Want to join a community that challenges?
Kickside Marial Arts is the Premier Martial Arts Facility in the area!
Why Kickside Martial Arts?
We build a community of independent, strong minded, unstoppable students.
Our students learn and are challenged in a positive environment. They receive classes structured to their goals, skill levels and ability. We do believe in allowing students to learn how to overcome challenges so Black Belt isn't easy, but it is worth it.
How do we build such strong students?
We allow them to receive as much training as possible!
Unlimited Classes
No student is restricted to a certain class count. All programs allow for unlimited classes and the entire curriculum is included in each class.
This allows us to teach what is most important to the students as well as challenge them based on their abilities.
Multiple Locations
We currently have three locations with sights to continue to expand. Students are able to train at any of our Kickside locations.
All locations teach the same curriculum and are guided by the same principles. So the training is consistent.
Black Belt Mentality
All memberships have the Goal of Black Belt in mind. Each program is provides premium instruction with high energy classes focusing on fundamentals and mindset.
We never want to limit our students so we don't limit the curriculum. Our Black Belts learn it all that is included in the program.
Kickside Martial Arts Programs
Start our 9 Week Intro Program!
What is in our 9 Week Intro Program..
- Unlmited Access to All Locations
- Unlimited Classes
- First Uniform is Included
- No Testing Fees or Belt Fees Ever!
- No Commitment Required
Traditional
Available for ages 6+
Includes hard-style self-defense patterns, deep stances, full-power kicks, full-power punches, and the mental challenge that will increase your ability to learn at a faster pace.
The most realistic fighting style. Kickside incorporates up-to-date martial art innovations to keep our style on the cutting edge.
Mixed Martial Arts
Available for Ages 8+
Our Mixed Martial Arts program encompasses numerous fighting styles that gradually build a fighter’s striking, stand-up and grappling arsenal. Instructors provide all students the best instruction and skill development with exceptional detail, multiple drills and applications.
Each class is designed to improve a specific martial art skill. You will become faster, stronger and much more confident in this program.
Little Kickers
Available for Ages 3 - 5.5
In these "first activity" classes, your child will learn to focus his or her mind and body while having fun. Our non-violent approach to teaching our youngest members ensures that your child will understand the right time and place to practice techniques. With an extra emphasis on courtesy towards fellow students and instructors, pee wee classes teach an invaluable life skill and anti-bullying tendencies.
Don't take our word
Check out what our members say
My son started when he was 5yrs old and he is now a black belt. When he started at Kickside Hillsborough, he was always a happy and out going kid even when he was younger. He always played by the rules and was a particularly a strictly for rules. He was like a policeman as a 3 yr old. But when start 1st grade he experienced some bullying and getting hit by other kids younger and older. He didn’t understand why younger and older kids behaved that way. My wife and wanted him to learn how to carry and protect himself. I’ve seen many changes in his personality and how he presents himself. I’m very proud dad to see my son grow up at Kickside Hillsborough. Ms. Reed and her staff teach much more than martial arts and mma. They have taught my son life lessons in how to be a martial artist and a good citizen.
Bernard A.
Kickside Martial Arts is hands down the best martial arts training in the area. The instructors show a genuine interest in their students and helping them achieve their goals. I have been training for the past 33 yrs (since age of 10) at other Tae Kwon Do schools in the area, as well as BJJ, Kenpo Karate, Jeet Kun Do, and Filipino Kali throughout the years. No other school has come close to the instruction, organization, and dedication to students as I have experienced at Kickside. They will challenge each student to do their best. When it came time for my children to start their martial arts journey, we looked at a few area schools until coming across Kickside. The choice was a no brainer and we have been training at Kickside Martial Arts for over two years now. It is literally our home away from home. Not only are the facilities clean and organized, but this is not the typical cookie cutter martial arts school where you pay your monthly fee and receive your next rank for merely showing up. In addition to self-defense, here you will learn self-confidence, self-discipline, and EARN your way through the ranks with hard work and dedication. Kickside is perfect for both kids and adults, and whether participating in their Tae Kwon Do or MMA curriculum, you are guaranteed top of the line instruction, techniques, and an experience that is tailored for everything from the mat, to the cage, to the streets.
Walter L.
My son, husband and I have been taking classes at Kickside for 2 and a 1/2 years. The class schedule offers great flexibility for our busy schedule. We can attend classes in the Hillsborough or Montgomery locations. It's convenient that both locations have classes at different times, as well. I cannot say enough about the staff and teen assistants. They are a perfect balance of personal and professional. They motivate and inspire students to do their very best at each class. They command hard work, but also understand the variety of abilities students bring to their classes. It is never a struggle getting my son to his classes. He has added juniors MMA to his training and is participating on the Demo team. The staff have encouraged him to pursue his interest in martial arts weapons as well. It means so much, as a parent, to see the staff take extra time beyond the end of class to help my son. They truly care about teaching and are passionate about martial arts. My husband and I have enjoyed the benefits of training for free. Martial arts has become a healthy activity we share and enjoy as a family. My husband and I also enjoy having date night while we send our children to Parents Night Out (which is offered every Friday evening in the Montgomery location). I highly recommend Kickside Martial Arts for your family. You will NOT be disappointed!
Kathy H.
This is the best school for martial arts instruction in our area. We surveyed all of them when we switched from a martial arts school that taught more of a dance class than real tae kwon do - where higher rank students couldn't do 10 push ups. If you want your child to gain self-confidence, they will by meeting physical challenges with their own real actions. If you want your child to learn how to defend themselves against bullies (which really do exist), they will with proper instruction for John Kanabay and his excellent staff. If you want your child to look in the mirror with pride in their accomplishments, they will after doing it all on their own. Kickside Martial Arts is the best school to enroll them in
Bill D.
Frequently Asked Questions
We recommend at least two times per week. This is so that Students can practice, learn and build throughout the testing cycle. Each class is custom to the Students in the class, so no class is exactly the same. However, our junior students will create friends in class and we want to continue to build on their development. We do understand that summer trips, injuries happen so some breaks in training is expected - but Students should plan on attending at least twice per week in order to match up to the testing cycle for promotions. Students are able to train as often as they like at any Kickside location.
We have a variety of memberships for all programs, based on the Students goals and aspirations. There is no one single cost for the membership. In order for us to create a membership that works for you, please stop by any location. The 8 Week Intro Program is a great opportunity to see our instructors, staff, quality of instruction, and facilities - to ensure Kickside is a good fit for you and your family.
Our memberships are unique for each member based on their goals, however, all memberships include a minimum of the following:
- First Uniform
- Student ID Number
- Unlimited Classes
- No Testing Fees or Belt Fees
- Access to all Kickside Locations
We do! We offer sibling discounts of 10% as well as have a Parent Membership option for Traditional, MMA or both
Before students step on the mat for the first class they will be met by an Instructor to walk them through where to get ready and how to step on the mat. The first class will be catered towards the new student just to walk through the procedures of the class. They will however be jumping into the exact class that they will be a part of once they start, so it gives the students and parents the opportunity to see the class, instructors and quality of the program. The class will focus on more basic movements but the format of the class will be the same throughout their entire training.
For the younger students, please expect some time in order to get your student used to the environment. We will be patient and supportive throughout the entire process!
We pride ourselves with providing unlimited access to our Martial Arts programs. Short answer is no - we do not add additional fees within the program. Each program is separate so adding them is possible, however we do not require additional fees outside of our membership to learn additional material. For example, our traditional program includes sparring, board breaking and weapons as long as Students have met the minimum belt requirement. We do not seperate our curriculum within the program. All of our Black Belts must demonstrate knowledge in all aspects of training in order to receive their Black Belt.
The only additional costs are equipment required two times throughout their Martial Arts career. When students become Green Belts and spar as well as when they acheive Black Belt and require weapons. We do also board break with Advanced ranks three times per year however, we do not require you to purchase those materials through us.
All of our credited programs (Traditional, MMA and Sword) have Primary and Secondary Promotions. The testing cycles are approximately every 4 months with a Secondary testing following about 4-6 weeks after Primary testing. Each belt has a minimum class count requirememt in order to test as well as curriculum required for the testing. Throughout the testing cycle Instructors will be checking in the with Student and / or Parent in order to keep them on track for the appropiate testing cycle. We do offer seminars and events to help Students succeed at our testing events. All scheduled testings are included in the membership. A private testing can be arranged however, we strongly recommend and encourage attending the regular testings.
Our Little Kicker program is the only program where main testings are not required. Students are promoted based on attendance and behavior. Since the primary goal for our Little Kicker program is to introduce the Students to basic techniques while also developing their attention and motor skills while also keeping them actively engaged.
The traditional program is perfect for juniors as it sets short and long term goals as well as provides clear guidelines of how to progress. This program is also great for teens and adults just looking to slowly enter into the martial arts world. The techniques are based on belt and skill level and the progression works not just the physical but the mind-body connection.
The Mixed Martial Arts program intergrates dozens of arts and focuses on the progression of a fight / encounter. Students will learn striking, grappling, wrestling, mauy-thai and jiu-jitsu techniques. The classes are catered to the students however, all students learn the same skills during the class. The MMA program is for those that are not looking for a strict style martial art but one that is comprehensive of a multitude. Due to the volumn of techniques this class is a great opportunity for a higher paced workout as well.
There are belts in both programs and classes are offered for both juniors and adults.
Yes! Achieving Black Belt is a huge accomplishment, students will grow tremendously athletically and mentally throughout that journey. However, that is just the beginning, students who continue on past Black Belt and receive instructor honors are a cut above the rest. Our program challenges even the most skilled - once their achieve Black Belt we then hone those skills and develop their confidence, quick thinking, communication and team work. Our Kickside Assistant Instructors are learning skills far above their peers and it shows in other areas of their life.