Art of Kickboxing is proud to announce a series of major program updates launching in early 2026, maintaining the best training quality for students of all levels—from beginners building fundamentals to serious athletes preparing for competition.
In 2026, Art of Kickboxing continues to maintain high-level coaching, classes to learn martial arts properly, and personal training for those interested in seriously competing, all under one roof in Richmond, British Columbia.
MMA Classes Taught by UFC Veteran Tristan Connelly
Starting January 8, 2026, Art of Kickboxing will welcome UFC veteran Tristan Connelly as an MMA coach for its MMA Fundamentals program, with classes running 8:00 PM–9:00 PM every Thursday. This adds an additional MMA class available to members of Art of Kickboxing’s Unlimited Monthly & Annual Class Memberships.
Coach Tristan brings an exceptional depth of experience to the mats, having competed at the highest level of mixed martial arts as a former UFC fighter, featherweight and lightweight champion, and a 2nd-degree black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, with nine submission victories in competition.
Tristan’s classes will focus on teaching MMA in a structured, intelligent way with knowledge covering striking transitions, takedowns, cage control, grappling, and fight strategy. Both students who are brand new to MMA or already training with competitive aspirations, will receive invaluable insight into what it truly takes to progress in the sport.
For those who dream of competing in amateur circuits—or even reaching the UFC one day—this is a rare opportunity to learn directly from someone who has been there.
Kickboxing & Boxing Mechanics & Defense Classes for Advanced Techniques
To further support technical development, Art of Kickboxing is including new Kickboxing & Boxing Mechanics & Defense classes for both kickboxing and boxing. These classes are designed for students who want to go beyond basics and sharpen their defensive awareness, footwork, timing, and efficiency under pressure.
These sessions emphasize controlled, technical training with full protective gear, allowing students to safely practice advanced concepts such as counters, defensive movement, range management, and realistic exchanges. They are ideal for those that want to developed into advanced martial arts practitioners who want to refine their skills.
Kickboxing Mechanics & Defense (Full Gear) will now be offered:
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Tuesday: 7:00 PM–8:00 PM
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Thursday: 6:00 PM–7:00 PM
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Sunday: 3:00 PM–4:00 PM
In addition, Boxing Mechanics & Defense (Full Gear) will run:
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Monday: 7:00 PM–8:00 PM
High-Performance Personal Training for Aspiring Competitors
For students who are serious about competing, Art of Kickboxing will also be introducing High-Performance Personal Training (PT) options in 2026. These sessions will be taught by Head Coach Kris, UFC Veteran Tristan Connelly, or BJJ World Champion Coach Joe and are perfect for competition preparation and high-performance training.
High Performance Coaching at Art of Kickboxing is designed for experienced, committed students who are ready to train at a higher level of intensity and purpose. These sessions focus on refining advanced techniques, improving timing and efficiency, and developing strategic awareness in both striking and grappling.
Training is faster-paced and performance-driven, emphasizing realistic combinations, defensive reactions, and execution under pressure. This pathway is ideal for athletes, advanced practitioners, and individuals preparing for competition who want structured, goal-oriented coaching beyond recreational training.
High Performance Coaching is led by senior instructors with elite credentials and extensive MMA experience.
Head Coach Kris brings over 10,000 hours of coaching experience along with certified expertise in striking, grappling, strength training, and conditioning, allowing him to coach across all aspects of martial arts performance.
Coach Tristan, a UFC veteran and 2nd-degree black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, provides invaluable insight from high-level professional competition and elite MMA training.
Coach Joe, also a 2nd-degree black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, specializes in technical development and structured progression. These sessions are reserved for students seeking advanced instruction, higher intensity, and coaching focused on long-term athletic and competitive performance.
BJJ Classes Are Now No-Gi BJJ Classes
In addition, Art of Kickboxing’s Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu classes have become to No-Gi BJJ classes, aligning with modern grappling and MMA training standards. No-Gi BJJ emphasizes speed, control, positional awareness, and real-world applicability without reliance on the gi, making it highly effective for both self-defense and mixed martial arts. These classes integrate seamlessly with striking and MMA training, reinforcing takedowns, transitions, and ground control while maintaining a strong technical foundation. Our No-Gi BJJ classes are now Tuesdays and Wednesdays 8-9PM.
With elite coaching, expanded advanced classes, and new competitive pathways, 2026 marks a new era for Art of Kickboxing. Students can expect higher standards, deeper knowledge, and more opportunities than ever before to grow whether for martial arts training, self-defense, or competition.
