Boxing Gyms in Des Moines, Iowa

BoxNBlaze Boxing Academy is a boxing gym located in Des Moines, Iowa.

EMU Azteca Boxing and Fitness Club is located at 2501 Easton Boulevard on Des Moines' east side. The gym fosters discipline and fitness through boxing, serving the community with a focus on underserved youth and Des Moines Public Schools students, especially from East High. Programs include Kids' Boxing ($105/month, ages 6-11, 4:45-5:45 PM weekdays), Starter Boxing ($115/month, ages 12+, 6:00-7:45 PM weekdays), Advanced Boxing ($115/month, all ages, 8:00-9:45 PM weekdays), and Women's Fitness ($95/month, 6:00-8:00 PM weekdays). Hours are Monday-Friday 4:45-9:00 PM and Sunday 8:00-10:00 AM, with optional sparring on Thursdays and Fridays.

Owner and coach Enrique Uvalle is a two-time Golden Gloves champion with a 30-2 amateur record and 4-3 professional record. He trains young fighters for Silver Gloves, Golden Gloves, and USA Boxing tournaments. The gym is USA Boxing-affiliated. Contact: [email protected].

Talon Muay Thai is located at 601 SW 9th St Suite D in Des Moines, Iowa. Founded by Rhonda Rae Kness, a former educator and fitness instructor with over a decade of training under Grand Master Chai, the gym is a World Thai Boxing Affiliate (WTBA) Academy, adhering to traditional Thai Boxing standards. Classes are available for youth (ages 7+) on Thursdays at 5 p.m. and adults (ages 14+) with Foundational/Learning and Training sessions held Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. Introduction to Sparring and Competition Classes are invitation-only. Private lessons, family classes, and team-building sessions can be arranged.

New students should start with Foundational Classes or a private session. Drop-ins for a free class are allowed with prior calling. Required gear includes workout clothes, gloves, hand wraps, water, and flip flops-no shoes on the mat. The gym focuses on technical striking and technique, with fighting optional. The entrance is through Fly Graphic Style in the Riverpoint Complex. Custom apparel is available online. Contact Rhonda at (515) 250-2357 or [email protected]. Follow them on Facebook and Instagram.

Pena's Boxing is a locally owned non-profit gym at 5918 SE 14th St, Des Moines, IA, founded in 2017 by Coach Pepe Pea. Starting as a driveway training space, it now serves 50 members and focuses on youth development, boxing traditions, and discipline. The coaching team includes Pepe Pea, Bruce Miller, Kiko Rivera, and Jack Hernandez. Programs include adult boxing (16+), youth boxing (8-15), cardio fitness, and individual/group sessions by appointment, with classes Monday-Friday and monthly pricing from $35-$65.

The gym has produced National Silver Gloves champions and hosts events like the Midwest Throwdown Connections and Iowa Golden Gloves. Its roots trace back to the Davenport Boxing Club, founded in 1968 by Alvino Pea, Coach Pepe's grandfather, who trained legends like Mike Tyson and Evander Holyfield. Alvino was inducted into the National Golden Gloves Hall of Fame (1999) and Quad Cities Sports Hall of Fame (2003). Contact: 515-710-7393, [email protected].

RockTop Strength Training and Boxing is located at 3800 Merle Hay Rd. Ste 1243 in Des Moines, Iowa, inside Merle Hay Mall beneath Flix Brewhouse and next to Bath and Body Works. Parking is recommended in the south lot by Gameday or the north parking garage.

The gym provides specialized boxing classes for all ages and skill levels. Scrappy Boxing (ages 5-7) teaches core basics, coordination, and punch combos. Competition Boxer (8+) includes sparring and advanced drills, while Prospect Boxers (8-13) focuses on skill development and routines. Early Morning Boxing (14+) covers footwork techniques and partner drills. Phenom Boxers (14+) and Women's Boxing (14+) also emphasize skill-building and combos. Open Gym is available Saturdays for ages 8+.

The experienced coaching team includes Founder/Head Coach Taylor, specializing in mentorship and confidence-building; Manager/Assistant Coach Quisha, with credentials in coaching and judging; and USA Boxing-certified Assistant Coach Neil, who focuses on technical training.

RockTop blends boxing, strength training, and science-based fitness, with members praising the supportive environment and effective coaching. Contact: 515-380-5114.