American Boxing is more than a combat sports gym and definitely more than just a Boxing workout. Men, women and children have tried their very first Boxing and Muay Thai classes with us, since 2003. We have helped shape the San Diego Muay Thai, MMA and Fitness scene, and we are proud to have done so.
Located in beautiful Pacific Beach, American Boxing currently offers technical, fun, fitness intensive classes as well as Personal Training in Muay Thai Kickboxing and Western Boxing. American Boxing was founded and is operated by Coach/ Kru Dave Nielsen, a lifelong health and activity seeker, fitness professional, self defense instructor, combat sports expert and avid Surfer.
Located in beautiful Pacific Beach, American Boxing currently offers technical, fun, fitness intensive classes as well as Personal Training in Muay Thai Kickboxing and Western Boxing. American Boxing was founded and is operated by Coach/ Kru Dave Nielsen, a lifelong health and activity seeker, fitness professional, self defense instructor, combat sports expert and avid Surfer.
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Kru Dave after being presented his WBC Professional Muay Thai National Title Belt in Las Vegas, pictured here, post fight with his Muay Thai Champion, Francisco. Kru Dave Nielsen is a highly observant and very technical Fitness Trainer, 7X Undefeated Muay Thai Champion and California State Submission Wrestling Champion with a personality to keep you engaged and entertained as he shows you the path to winning at life!
Before you compare our prices to any other "Boxing" or "Muay Thai gym" in San Diego, please realize that any legitimate "martial arts" school, with a Black Belt or World Champion, is at least $250/month and typically limits participants to 2 or 3 days per week. If you can find a World Champion teaching classes at a gym, we can promise you 20-50 students in that class.
A Muay Thai School in Pacific Beach San Diego Established in 2003 American Boxing Pacific Beach. American Boxing is committed to teaching PROPER MUAY THAI TECHNIQUE and key fundamentals of the Thai Buddhist Philosophy as it relates to Respect, Honor and Tradition, to each and every student. Limiting class sizes to 10 or fewer students allows us to offer the highest quality of instruction possible.
Whether it's boxing, surfing, eating or music, training at American Boxing is so much more than just hitting things and infinitely more than just fitness. During his first 3 years of college he was a night club and fine-dining bartender in San Diego. As a multi instrument musician for nearly 40 years, Dave even had a stint as a Break Beat DJ "qp", playing in some of the biggest venues from Scottsdale to San Diego.
Voted San Diego's #1 Boxing Fitness Gym in 2010 and 2011 by 10 NEWS A-List, American Boxing is San Diego's BEST Boxing Gym for sports enthusiasts, athletes and fitness seekers. YOU WILL NOT GET PUNCHED IN THE FACE at American Boxing (unless you attend sparring sessions). THIS IS NOT A "CARDIO BOXING" CLASS (although your cardio will be better than any time in your life).
Reviews (10)
Judy Hampton
Aug 16, 2021
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LOVE this place. It's delicious, authentic, and cheap. I tried to go to the old location during the transition period and was seriously distraught when I thought they'd closed their doors forever. Luckily they just moved a few blocks away-- whew.
But more about the food... We always get the American Boxing here -- I prefer the chicken (which has white meat slices), while my boyfriend goes with the pork. Both come with lots of meat, and they're only $6 for large bowls. I also love the pad see ew, and my boyfriend was a huge fan of the silver noodles and ka prao chicken-- he swears these dishes
But more about the food... We always get the American Boxing here -- I prefer the chicken (which has white meat slices), while my boyfriend goes with the pork. Both come with lots of meat, and they're only $6 for large bowls. I also love the pad see ew, and my boyfriend was a huge fan of the silver noodles and ka prao chicken-- he swears these dishes
Alejandro Santana-Vallarta
Jun 23, 2021
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Private classes with Dave are awesome—his energy and enthusiasm for teaching is self-evident and he does a lot to pay attention to your needs as a student. He’s personable, professional, and makes training fun while also getting good work done. The thing that impresses me about Dave is his ability to adjust to his students energy and offer the right balance of encouragement and challenge. I HIGHLY recommend anyone looking for a Muay Thai instructor to meet with Dave—his respect for the sport and the philosophy he brings to teaching makes him a true martial arts teacher!!!
Derek Belser
May 04, 2021
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I've been training with Dave at American Boxing Muay Thai for about two months now, and I have seen major improvements in my technique from the time I began. I still have much to learn! My goals are to strengthen my body, my Muay Thai skills, and gain the confidence to walk into any gym with an arsenal of combos & methods to spar. I believe with the Dave's direction, knowledge, and his ability to push me, I'll be there. I recommend his program to anyone, from all walks of life!
Liz Lukaszewski
May 04, 2021
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We tried our son (7) in classes with Coach Dave before COVID, he wasn't quite ready to jump in so we waited. Fast forward to March 2020, he was a little older and ready to dive in. We have had only a handful of 1:1 sessions together, but I can tell it's the right time and place. Our little guy has a tendency to by shy and pull away. We want him to gain a little confidence (and coordination!). Coach Dave has been great. They established a positive relationship from day one and I can see the confidence beginning to grow. He really takes the time to to connect with kids and meet them at their level
Ciara Ramirez
May 03, 2021
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I've had such an amazing experience at American Boxing on the Bay. I was a little hesitant to join at first due to Covid19 but felt safer with classes being held outside. Although Dave was following Covid protocols by sanitizing equipment, everyone wore a mask and checked temperatures. I felt very comfortable as a beginner in the class with other experienced members. Everyone was very welcoming and Dave was on top of my every move making sure I was doing all techniques, and drills properly. It's been such a great workout for me both physically and mentally. Dave has challenged me in this class
A. D.
Apr 30, 2021
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Coach Dave is by far a master of his craft. I’m new to this style of training however, Dave makes the class adaptable to all skill levels. The classes are energetic, fun, and challenging. He tactfully holds you accountable when you start giving up on yourself by enthusiastically encouraging to push beyond your perceived limits. Coach Dave is no frills, no gimmicks, the real deal, type of human. He’s who you’re looking for if you want to train with the best of them. The students in the classes I’ve been to have always been welcoming and treat you like family from the start.
Vanessa Interrante
Apr 28, 2021
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These classes are awesome! They're socially distanced, outside, and have small class sizes which makes me feel completely comfortable and safe. Everyone wears a mask and if there is equipment used (rope, kettle bells, etc) it is sanitized. Everyone gets their own little station with a mat and all stations are 6 ft apart. Coach Dave takes temperatures before class, has everyone sanitize their hands before we start, and also has breaks during the class for hand sanitizing. There is also a rule that if you touch your mask you need to sanitize your hands. He brings a large bottle of sanitizer to every
James Geanakos
Dec 31, 2020
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I have been training here for over three years and coach Dave has turned Muay Thai from just something I was curious about into a major passion. Every class is full of great folks and the techniques learned are top tier. And as far as fitness goes I dropped from a chunky 220 to under 180 in the first five months! Whether you want to get into competitions or just have an excellent socially distanced sweat in a gorgeous outdoor setting, American Boxing is as good as it gets
Rio Villa
Dec 03, 2020
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I went into this with only minor Muay Thai knowledge. I had taken other classes before but didn't really feel drawn to them for various reasons. After starting this class I am now really interested in getting a good grasp of Muay Thai and I can definitely tell early on that Dave is a skilled and passionate teacher. The vibe of the class and other students is really positive but also pushes me, so I appreciate that a lot and it only makes me want to train harder! Really inspired by the technique I've learned so far and I look forward to class every time!
Wes Horbatuck
Sep 26, 2020
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I have been boxing at American Boxing Muay Thai & Fitness for 4 years now and it's without a doubt the best workout experience and gym "relationship" I have ever had. I joined with zero boxing experience and wanted to try something new to stay in shape - what I got was not only consistent and incredible workouts, but also a new perspective on how to challenge my mind and body. Learning good boxing and muay thai form isn't easy, but as I started to develop the muscle memory around the technique, I became stronger and more confident. Being in better shape at 31 than you were at 21 is a pretty good
