If you’re looking for boxing training in Oakland then good for you, there are some real old school, authentic boxing gyms here for you to choose from. We’ve done some research into the best boxing gyms in town to help you pick:
My preference is always for those rare, pure, old school boxing gyms, free of ego, and full of passion for the sport. But sometimes I include the odd boxercise place because I know that not everyone wants the nitty gritty of actual combat.
Why listen to me: I’ve been boxing as an amateur for 6 years and trained in countless boxing gyms around the world from Seattle to Spain. I’ve learnt that picking the right gym can literally change your life and want to help you do the same. Learn more about me here.
PLEASE leave your own opinions and experiences about Oakland boxing gyms in the comments at the bottom and I’ll continuously update this page to make it as useful as possible!
The 7 Best Boxing Gyms in Oakland🥊
1️⃣ King’s Boxing Gym
- Summary: Oakland’s most legendary and oldest authentic boxing gym
- Address: 843 35th Ave (Saint Elizabeth)
- Google rating: 5.0
- Opening hours: M,W,F: 10am-8pm, T&T: 2-8pm, Sa: 9am-1pm
- Pricing: $70 / month (+ extra for coaching)
- Best for: anyone, as long as you’re passionate
- Online: website, Facebook, Instagram
Some say that this is the best boxing gym not just in Oakland but in all of California.
King’s has been been training champion fighters since 1984 and has retained that authenticity and nostalgia of a classic, pure boxing gym.
There’s absolutely nothing flashy here, some of the equipment feels a little old and it has unmistakable smell of sweat and leather, but that’s what boxing is all about.
They don’t offer large group classes. Your membership gets you access to the gym and its equipment, and you can then pay for 1-on-1 training with any of the world classes coaches that they have on hand at the gym. Owners Mr & Mrs King are friendly and welcoming to fighters of all ages and abilities.
Because it’s well known for being a great gym and the space isn’t huge, it can feel a little busy at times, particularly during peak hours around 6/7pm. But don’t let that put you off. If you’re lucky enough to be in the area or live close by, then King’s Boxing Gym is a real treat.
2️⃣ Lightning’s Boxing Club
- Summary: Not a bad word said about this top class boxing gym
- Address: 5845 MacArthur Blvd (Frick)
- Google rating: 4.9
- Opening hours: M-T: 5:30-6:30am & 11am-9pm, Sa: 9am-11am
- Pricing: $125 / month (+ extra for coaching)
- Best for: beginners, pros, kids, and everyone in between
- Online: website, Facebook, Instagram
Owned and operated by former pro boxer Kris “Lightning” Lopez (who began his career at King’s – described above), Lightning’s is a top class genuine boxing gym in the heart of Oakland.
Motivated by the desire to ensure that kids make better decisions than he did when he was young, Lightning places a big emphasis on both physical and personal development.
The coaching here is said to be world class, with many champions including Olympic Gold Medalist Andre Ward having trained here over the years.
But don’t be intimated by that pedigree, Lightning’s has a very strong community and family vibe to it that is welcoming of all boxers, whether you’re just starting out and wanting to get in shape or whether you have big ambitions to compete.
They have lots of different pricing options. The basic membership of $125 / month just gives you access to the gym and it’s facilities. They have various other packages of $200, $300, $500 for what they call “traditional instruction” by their coaches or for participation in classes. More info here. It is quite pricey compared with other options.
Undoubtedly one of the best boxing gyms Oakland has to offer.
3️⃣ Guardian Project
- Summary: Mission-driven non-profit gym that coaches local kids for free
- Address: 3007 Sacramento St (South Berkeley)
- Google rating: 4.9
- Opening hours: n.a.
- Pricing: ~$200 / month
- Best for: kids and friendly types
- Online: website, Facebook, Instagram
The standout feature to Guardian is their mission: it is a non-profit gym that uses the money it makes from adult memberships to train local disadvantaged kids.
Through this program, these kids are able to get access to the physical and psychological benefits of combat sports training while being surrounded by positive role models.
What an awesome initiative that really changes lives.
There are no egos here, everyone is welcoming, the vibe is great, and the coaching is top class. Go check out the reviews on Google, everyone is full of praise for this place.
A note that the main focus here is on Jiu-Jitsu but they do also have a significant boxing component too. Sure, it’s not a pure boxing gym but the mission, the atmosphere, and the coaching makes this place well worth a visit. Highly recommended!
4️⃣ Gopa Boxing Club
- Summary: Oakland’s newest pure boxing gym is the real deal
- Address: 3651 Foothill Blvd (Saint Elizabeth)
- Google rating: 4.8
- Opening hours: M-F: 10am-12pm & 2-8pm, Sa: 10am-4pm
- Pricing: n.a.
- Best for: beginners, pros, kids, and everyone in between
- Online: website, Facebook, Instagram
Opened in late 2022 by Alfredo, who previously spent years coaching at King’s, Gopa’s is one of the newest boxing gyms in Oakland and has quickly found plenty of fans.
There’s nothing flashy here but you’re guaranteed to find unrelenting passion for boxing, top notch training, and an environment that is welcoming to all. Plus, the spacious warehouse-like facility looks like a pretty awesome place to train.
Alfredo clearly cares deeply about the community and a big focus on the gym is creating a safe space for kids who can learn values of discipline, self control, goal setting and hard work.
If you want real boxing instruction while supporting a place that is set to do wonders for the local community then I’d highly recommend Gopa’s – I’d love to train here!
Classes here cater to all needs. Whether you want to train to compete, get involved in some sparring, learn technique, or just looking to get in shape, Gopa’s will sort you out.
5️⃣ Pacific Ring Sports
- Summary: A great mixed combat sports gym with plenty of boxing
- Address: 493 40th Street (Mosswood)
- Google rating: 4.4
- Opening hours: M-F: 6:30-8:30am & 11:30am-1:30pm & 4-9pm, Sa: 10:45am – 2:15pm
- Pricing: $189 / month (unlimited classes)
- Best for: those looking for mixed combat training
- Online: website, Facebook, Instagram
Ok so Pacific Ring isn’t quite a pure boxing gym, it also coaches Muay Thai and Jiu-Jitsu, but we’re willing to let that slide because the boxing coaching is still of the highest quality and there are 2 or 3 boxing classes everyday for you to choose from.
The head trainers here are all former pros and so if you want to get really serious about your fighting then these guys can help you get there.
On the flip side, if you’re intention is to get in the best shape of your life then that’s great too, 95% of members here don’t get involved in sparring or competition.
The facility itself is spacious, clean, and full plenty of decent equipment, oh and the music here is great too. Also, at $189 / month for unlimited classes, it is much better value than some of the other boxing gyms in town.
6️⃣ Boxing For Health
- Summary: Simple but very effective boxing and fitness studio
- Address: 452 Santa Clara Ave (Lakeshore)
- Google rating: 4.9
- Opening hours: M-F: 10am-8pm, Sa: 10am – 1pm
- Pricing: $250 / month (unlimited classes)
- Best for: everyone, especially fitness fanatics
- Online: website, Facebook, Instagram
Boxing for Health is an understated but mighty boxing gym that’s hugely popular with it’s members that are lucky enough to have discovered it.
One review says: “Do not be fooled by the slightly worn look of the gym – this place is a diamond in the rough. Everyone working here is warm and welcoming and the trainer/owner Miguel is a ball of light”
There is nothing but praise for Boxing For Health, with most of the compliments directed towards the quality of the workout, the friendliness of the instructors (Wayne, Omar, Henry and Miguel etc), and the strong sense of community and camaraderie.
There are several classes throughout the day, varying from cardio and strength training, through to boxing technique and dedicated youth classes. For $250 per month you have access to the gym and unlimited classes, but they also have cheaper options if you don’t intend on coming so regularly (eg $175 / month for 2 classes a week).
Parking can sometimes be a bit tough nearby so try and arrive without a car if possible.
7️⃣ Title Boxing Club
- Summary: Great workout boxercise franchise but not proper boxing
- Address: 360 22nd St Suite 360A (Uptown)
- Google rating: 4.9
- Opening hours: M-F: 6:15am-8pm, S-S: 8am-1pm
- Pricing: $169 / month (unlimited classes)
- Best for: beginners and fitness fanatics
- Online: website, Facebook, Instagram
Someone described Title as “Great trainers, fantastic workout, the best music, cheaper than therapy“!! Sums it up pretty well I’d say.
If you want a great workout while having fun in a luxy facility then Title Boxing Club is for you but if you want actual combat boxing then it’s not for you.
Their website says it’s a non-contact workout and that it doesn’t allow fighting or sparring in the gym. They say it’s boxing fitness, not fitness boxing. So there is a focus on technique and you can do some mitt work sometimes too. If you want to fight properly, go to one of the old school boxing gyms in Oakland listed above.
Members rave about the quality of the workout and how great the instructors are. They have multiple classes through the day, 7 days a week, so many options for you to chose from to fit your schedule.
Title Boxing Club is a big chain with hundreds of clubs across the USA so rest assured that the equipment is top quality and it’s well run.
Related links:
- Best Boxing Gyms in San Francisco
- Should I Start Boxing?
- Boxing Classes for Beginners – What to Expect.
How to pick an Oakland boxing gym❓
- Coaches – an experienced, motivating coach makes all the difference. Not just when it comes to improving your technique but also in encouraging you to keep coming back time and time again. Becoming a good boxer takes a long time and so it’s important you find a coach that you click with if this is something you want to do for many years. Reviews will often focus on coaches so try looking for those for some insights.
- Convenience of location and class timings – for me this is so important. My boxing gym is on the same block as my home so I have no excuse not to go almost everyday, even if I’m not feeling up to it. Finding a gym that’s close to home or work will make your life much easier and help to make going to boxing training a habit. The same applies to class timings, if you have to massively disrupt your day to get to a class because it doesn’t fit your schedule then you’re going to be less likely to go.
- Gym focus – I don’t have a problem with boxercise classes, but make sure you know what you’re signing up for if you join one of these. Boxercise is very different than actually learning how to fight and getting sparring experience. If you truly want to learn how to box then you need to box. That involves punching other people and getting punched yourself.
- Trial class – most boxing gyms will allow you to have a free trial class so you can get a feel for the place before you sign up. This is a great way of evaluating whether you like the coach, the energy, and the focus of the gym. Always worth asking for a free trial class if you’re not sure whether it’s offered.
How much do boxing gyms in Oakland cost? 💰
- Monthly memberships: ~$150-250 per month. Some places offer unlimited classes to their members, others don’t, and the prices will vary accordingly. Be sure to check for this.
- One-on-one personal training: This can vary a lot but expect to pay around $100 per hour as a minimum.
- Drop-in boxing classes for non-members: ~$15-$30 per class
- Initiation fee: not all places make you pay one of these (and I’m not a fan of it) but those that do usually charge a one-off fee of $50-$100
12th Round 🔔
Everyone has different tastes when it comes to boxing gyms so it’s just as well that there is a varied selection to chose from in Oakland, including some real world class gyms like King’s and Lightning’s. Honestly, you’re spoiled for choice!
Happy fighting!🥊🥊
“He saved my life, he saved my career. I can’t thank him enough for the chance to fight him.” — Ken Norton, referring to the opportunity to fight Muhammad Ali in the 1970s.
