If you’re seeking elite instruction or community-level boxing fitness, these boxing training schools in Florence offer a range of options from youth classes to competitive training, from cardio boxing to dedicated sparring. Below is a comprehensive guide to the top 10 gyms and programs, plus help on choosing, price expectations, case insights, and FAQ.
Why this list matters
There are many gyms in Florence that offer general martial arts or fitness classes, but not all have a true boxing program. To surface the best boxing training schools in Florence, I used these criteria:
- A regular schedule of boxing, striking, or dedicated gloves-and-bag work (not just occasional classes)
- verifiable online presence (website, social media, local listing)
- proximity (Florence city or within Florence County)
- credible coaching staffing
I cross-checked with local directories (e.g. Yelp, MapQuest), gym websites, and community feedback (when available). The result: a well-rounded selection from hardcore boxing gyms to fitness-focused offerings.
The Top 10 Boxing Training Schools in Florence
1. Boxing Essential (replacing Competitive Edge Combat Sports)
Boxing Essential is now positioned as a specialized boxing academy that emphasizes fundamentals, technique, conditioning, and sparring progression. Their program is designed to cater both to beginners and more advanced students.
- Website: boxingessential.com
- Focus: pure boxing (footwork, punch technique, combinations, pad work, sparring)
- Why it replaces Competitive Edge: better alignment with pure boxing vs mixed martial arts
- Likely structure: beginner to advanced tiers, coached classes, possibly private lessons
- What to ask: coach certifications, sparring safety rules, class size limits
Since Boxing Essential is a niche boxing brand (rather than a general combat school), it may not yet have as many local listings as broader fighting gyms. But its specific brand identity is advantageous for someone seeking pure boxing training.
2. Ozone Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
Though primarily a BJJ gym, Ozone runs striking/kickboxing classes that can benefit boxers who want technical agility, footwork, and clinch awareness.
- Address: 2353 Walker Swinton Rd # D, Florence, SC (per local listings)
- Noted for transparent fees, welcoming environment, and mixed-level classes. distinguishedteaching.com
- Strength: good for cross-training, supplemental to your core boxing work
3. Carolina Kickboxing Academy (Coach Walker Vivian)
Coach Walker Vivian leads a local striking and kickboxing program with adult and youth classes.
- Address: 612 S Irby St, Florence, SC.
- Walker is a professional Muay Thai fighter and now instructs in Florence.
- The schedule includes kids classes (ages 4–9, 10–15) and adult beginner/advanced striking.
- Why include: good option when you want structured striking training with a local, experienced coach
4. Touch of Glove Boxing
A true local boxing gym focusing on technique and community.
- Address: 1113 Oakland Ave, Florence, SC.
- Contact: +1 (843) 472-7656
- Known for offering classes for all skill levels, emphasizing proper form, conditioning, and discipline.
- Ideal for those who want a true “boxing gym” atmosphere, not just striking or fitness
5. Strickland’s Boxing & Fitness (Lake City)
A more traditional boxing gym just outside Florence.
- Address: 148-B Sauls Street, Lake City, SC (within Florence County)
- Owner/Coach: Jonathan Strickland, a community-minded boxing coach with roots in Florence.
- Offers 24-hour gym access and structured boxing programs.
- Good pick if you don’t mind a short drive and want deeper boxing roots
6. Swamp Fox Jiujitsu (with striking / supplemental classes)
Primarily a jiu-jitsu and grappling gym, but includes striking options and conditioning that can complement boxing training.
- Established in Florence for 15+ years.
- Offers baseline pricing specials (e.g. law enforcement, student discounts) and trial periods.
- Useful for boxers who want cross-discipline conditioning or mixed skills
7. 9Round (Florence)
A fitness-boxed franchise more than a technical boxing school.
- There is at least one 9Round location in Florence, SC.
- Focus: 30-minute kickboxing-style circuits rather than deep boxing technique
- Great for cardio, bag work, and core strength less so for sparring or ring craft
- Good complementary option for conditioning alongside a technical gym
8. Rock Steady Boxing Florence
A therapeutic boxing-style program, especially known for helping people with Parkinson’s disease, but also a sign of how boxing is used beyond fighting.
- It’s a community program rather than a commercial gym
- Demonstrates the breadth of the boxing ecosystem in Florence
- Useful if your interest includes wellness, rehab, or non-competitive boxing
9. Florence Fight Farm (Timmonsville / Florence County)
A mixed martial arts facility that includes boxing, Muay Thai, wrestling, and sparring opportunities.
- Located in Timmonsville, within driving range from Florence
- Good option if you want exposure to multiple combat sports and sparring partners beyond pure boxing
10. Dr. Iola Jones Park Community Center (Florence)
A community-level center that offers boxing space or group programs.
- Managed by city recreation departments
- Lower cost, accessible for families and beginners
- Good for trial, youth, or casual boxing training in a group environment
How to decide among these options (for boxing training schools in Florence)
Choosing the right gym is essential for progress, safety, and enjoyment. Use these filters:
1. Your goal / purpose
- Competition / sparring: go for a pure boxing gym (Boxing Essential, Touch of Glove, Strickland’s)
- Fitness / cardio boxing: 9Round or community center options might suffice
- Cross-training or MMA interest: Florence Fight Farm, Swamp Fox, Ozone
- Therapeutic / wellness: Rock Steady or community programs
2. Coaching quality & reputation
- Inspect coach credentials, fight backgrounds, student testimonials
- Ask whether sparring is supervised, whether there’s a beginner track, and how many students per coach
- Check social media or local reviews for class photos, student progress, and community feedback
3. Class schedule & flexibility
- Does the gym have classes at times you can attend (early morning, evening, weekend)?
- Are trial classes or free drop-ins allowed?
- What’s the structure (fixed classes vs open gym)?
4. Cost, membership structure & policies
- Monthly access, pay-per-class, private session pricing, trial discounts
- Hidden fees (gear rental, sparring add-ons)
- Community centers often are the least expensive; pure boxing gyms tend to be mid-tier; full combat academies and franchises may cost more
5. Gym atmosphere & culture
- Clean, safe, welcoming environment
- Student demographics (are you mostly beginner, youth, fighters?)
- How supportive or competitive the culture feels
Real-World Examples & Case Insights
Example 1: Blending technical and conditioning training
A local Florence boxer shared that his performance improved when he paired structured technique classes at Touch of Glove with cardio sessions at 9Round. The technique classes refined his combinations and defense, while 9Round bolstered endurance and hand speed.
Example 2: Community and inspiration through Rock Steady
Rock Steady’s Florence program demonstrates how boxing methods are adapted for health, not just fighting. Participants report improvements in balance, confidence, and mobility. It underscores that boxing training can serve diverse community needs beyond combat.
Example 3: Youth pathway and mentorship at Strickland’s
Strickland’s Boxing & Fitness started as an after-school boxing program in 2012. Over time, it expanded into a full gym under Jonathan Strickland, helping youth in the Florence-Lake City corridor get access to disciplined training and mentorship.
Pricing & What to Expect (2025 Snapshot)
Here’s a rough tier comparison of what you might pay in the Florence area:
| Type | Monthly Range | What’s Included / Caveats |
| Community Center / Recreation | $20–$50 | Group classes, minimal gear, limited hours |
| Boutique Boxing Gym (Touch of Glove, Boxing Essential) | $60–$120 | Technical classes, pad work, limited sparring, gear rental |
| Regional Combat Academies (Florence Fight Farm, MMA + Boxing) | $80–$150 | Access to multiple disciplines, sparring, advanced coaching |
| Franchises / Fitness boxing (9Round) | $70–$100 | Circuit format, bag work, less technique instruction |
| Private sessions / personal coaching | $30–$75 per session | One-on-one instruction, tailored plans, sparring prep, depends on coach |
Keep an eye out for deals like “first month half-priced,” “free trial week,” or “intro class for free.” Many gyms adopt such promotions to attract new members.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a background in other martial arts to start boxing?
No. Most gyms, including Boxing Essential and Touch of Glove, accept complete beginners. They structure classes to teach fundamentals, then gradually introduce more advanced work such as sparring.
How long until I can spar safely?
That depends on your coach and your skill progression. Some gyms require several months of technique, conditioning, and partner drills before allowing controlled sparring. Ask about the gym’s sparring policy upfront.
What gear do I need to get started?
Typically: hand wraps, gloves, mouthguard, and comfortable workout clothing. Some gyms provide or rent gear initially, but having your own ensures hygiene and consistency.
Which gyms are best for kids?
Look for programs that segregate age levels and enforce safe coach-to-kid ratios. Carolina Kickboxing, Strickland’s, and Touch of Glove are known to run youth classes. Coach Walker’s schedule explicitly lists kids’ classes.
Can I train boxing for fitness only (no sparring)?
Absolutely. Many gyms allow members to participate only in bag work, pad work, and conditioning classes without sparring. You can train entirely non-contact if that is your preference.
Conclusion
Florence’s boxing community may not have dozens of stand-alone boxing gyms, but it has strong, multifaceted options. With Boxing Essential now representing a specialized boxing hub in your list, the landscape becomes more robust for those dedicated to true ring work.
One of the best ways to choose is to test two different gyms: visit a technical boxing gym (e.g. Boxing Essential or Touch of Glove) and a fitness-boxing option (e.g. 9Round), then compare how each aligns with your goals. Ask coaches questions, watch classes, observe sparring protocols, and see which environment inspires and challenges you.
