How to make friends in Vancouver?

One of the most effective ways to make friends in Vancouver is by joining martial arts classes like kickboxing, Muay Thai, and MMA. These group-based physical activities offer consistent, real-life interactions that foster connection, trust, and community—especially in a city where isolation and high cost of living make traditional socializing harder. Unlike one-off events or digital platforms, martial arts classes create a shared journey of growth and discipline that leads to genuine, lasting friendships.

Make Friends in Vancouver Through Boxing, Kickboxing, and Muay Thai Classes!

Making friends in Vancouver through boxing & kickboxing classes might not be the first idea that comes to mind when you’re feeling isolated—but it might work. In a place where starting conversations with strangers can feel awkward and where social events often come with a hefty price tag, martial arts classes might just be the most unexpected (and effective) way to build real connections.

If you’ve been feeling lonely or have been socially isolated for too long, come join us at 4471 No.6 Road, Unit 125A Richmond, BC, Canada V6V 1P8. Attending our classes consistently might alleviate the Vancouver loneliness and depression you might be feeling when you’ve been disconnected from society for a long time.

At Art of Kickboxing, we provide martial arts classes for beginners in Metro Vancouver, including:

Making Friends in Vancouver Is Rough: Challenges, Costs, Barriers

Let’s be honest—making friends in Vancouver is rough. In data taken from 2021-2023, only 45.2% of Metro Vancouver survey participants felt that they had a strong sense of belonging to a local community, and 13.9% reported that they always felt lonely or often felt lonely, according to Statistics Canada.

Vancouver’s hustle and bustle and rising cost of living make forming new connections harder than it should be. Some of us are endlessly grinding to catch up with education or make rent, while others are juggling multiple gigs or side hustles just to keep up. The difference in financial situations means social plans often get cancelled or never happen at all.

And let’s not forget transportation. Not everyone can afford a car, and let’s face it—getting around without a car in Vancouver can be a real barrier to having a consistent social life, especially if you’re trying to meet someone outside your neighborhood. We see friends hanging out at Kits Beach, planning barbeques, or last-minute dinner parties, but getting there can feel like more effort than it’s worth.

The reality is, in a city like Vancouver, it’s easy to feel isolated. And the longer we spend in our own bubble, the harder it becomes to make genuine, lasting connections.

Finding Friends in Vancouver: Classes, Communities, Clubs

There are plenty of ways to meet people in Vancouver, but let’s be real—not all social spaces are created equal when it comes to forming lasting friendships. A lot of social programs and community organizations are focused on mental health support, which absolutely has value. But these spaces can sometimes turn into trauma-dumping zones, which doesn’t always lead to sustainable or balanced relationships.

Instead, we’ve found that shared physical activities—where people show up consistently, work toward goals together, and bond through mutual effort—offer a better chance at creating real connections. That’s why boxing and kickboxing classes like those at Art of Kickboxing could be where Vancouverites might be able to make friends.

Here are a few places where you can make friends in Vancouver:

Bumble BFF or a local Facebook group
Fast Friending or VanCity Newcomers Group
Meetup Groups like Language Exchanges and Neighborhood Houses
Mix & Mingle or Singles Social Club of Vancouver
Run clubs and Sports leagues
Game nights with Vancouver Board Games, Meeple Leaf, or Shindigs & Board Games
Volunteering ike with BC SPCA or Stanley Park Ecology Society
…and of course Martial Arts Classes!

The majority of these might be great starting points, especially for casual or one-off interactions. But building authentic long-term friendships often requires repeated, meaningful contact—and that’s where martial arts classes stand out.

Martial Arts Classes: The Best Way to Make Friends in Vancouver?

Martial arts classes might be the best way to make friends in Vancouver in 2025. In 2025, with attention spans shrinking and stress levels rising due to digital overload and fast-paced lifestyles, martial arts classes provide a rare and powerful antidote—a focused, screen-free environment where people connect through shared discipline, mutual respect, and real-world interaction with each other.

Examples of Popular Martial Arts Classes in Vancouver include:

Kickboxing
Boxing
Muay Thai
MMA
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ)
Karate
Taekwondo
MMA
Kung fu

In martial arts classes like at Art of Kickboxing, you’re coming back several times a week, training side by side, improving together, and becoming part of a community. Whether you’re trying out boxing, kickboxing, Muay Thai, or MMA, the consistency creates a strong foundation for connection.

Let’s face it—when you train and spend a lot of time together, friendships happen naturally. That’s something most digital platforms and one-time events just can’t provide.

So if you’re looking for something deeper than just another social chill, martial arts might be your next move.

Why Art of Kickboxing Is a Great Place to Make Friends

At Art of Kickboxing, in Richmond BC, our small class sizes (usually between 4–12 people) make it easy to connect with others in an environment that’s totally harassment-free and intimidation-free. Our core values include mutual respect, affordability, and being welcoming to all interested in learning martial arts or self-defence.

Here Are The Classes We Provide in Metro Vancouver:

Whether you’re trying a women-only kickboxing class, stepping into your first boxing session, or testing your limits with MMA, you’ll be surrounded by people who are here for the same reason: connection and personal growth.

It’s not just about training martial arts—it’s about belonging. And honestly, with the current loneliness epidemic becoming a recognized public health issue, finding spaces that encourage positive social interaction is more important than ever.

So, if you’re looking for a place to learn martial arts and make friends, Whatsapp, Text or Call us at 604-805-3382 for a free trial class in kickboxing, boxing, Muay Thai, MMA, or Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ).

Address: 4471 No. 6 Road, Unit 125A, Richmond, BC, Canada V6V 1P8
Phone: 604‑805‑3382
Email: artokickboxing@gmail.com

Opening Hours:

Monday: 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Tuesday: 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Wednesday: 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Thursday: 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Friday: 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Saturday: 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Sunday: 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm

See our martial arts training classes here

Ready to start your first kickboxing class? Join us at Art of Kickboxing located in Richmond BC, Metro Vancouver, where we provide a diverse range of classes in kickboxing classes for all ages and skill levels. Whether you’re a beginner, a child (with parental consent), a teen, or an adult, our expert trainers are here to guide you through specializing in kickboxing for both combat sports and self-defence.

Whether you want to enroll yourself, or enroll your kids, please feel free to contact us directly to sign up. We’re here to support every step of your martial arts journey. Explore our pricing plans and class training schedule, and reach out to us for any information you need to get started.

Art of Kickboxing is located at 4471 No. 6 Road, Unit #125a, Richmond, B.C.