Natalie Salcedo
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu · MMA · Muay Thai
- ★Peak Fighting Championship Atomweight Champion
- ★ONE Championship MMA Fighter
- ★Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt
Youth Muay Thai + Kickboxing
Kids Striking
One combined Muay Thai + Kickboxing class for kids, with controlled contact, defense, and pad work under adult-room coaching.
- Ages
- 4–13
- Class
- MT + Kickboxing
- Contact
- Controlled
★ First 7 days freeEnergy, coordination, and focus, with striking taught under controlled-contact rules and a defensive emphasis.
The kids striking ladder
Technique first, defense always, and no hard sparring. Contact stays scaled to the child.
- 01
Listen & basics
Following coaches, stance, and mat safety.
- 02
Stance & guard
Balance, hands up, and moving with control.
- 03
Pad work
Punches and kicks on pads, technique over force.
- 04
Combinations
Putting strikes together with confidence.
- 05
Controlled drills
Defensive, controlled contact with no hard sparring.
The coaching room
Championship strikers, scaled for kids
The same Classic Muay Thai striking room that trains our adults and pro fighters, coached for younger athletes with controlled contact, clear defense, and real technique over force.
- Classic Muay Thai system
- UFC & ONE Championship coaches
- Controlled-contact rules
The coaching room
Championship pedigree
Larry Ruiz
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu · Grappling
- ★BJJ Black Belt under Ben Westrich
- ★BJJ Coach
- ★MMA Coach
This week
Kids classes tied to this program
Open each day to see every youth class tied to this program, then visit the full schedule to compare age groups and first-visit options.
| Day | Time | Class | Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monday | 04:30 PM | Kids BJJ | Intermediate / Advanced / Ages 6 to 14 |
| Monday | 05:00 PM | Kids BJJ (Minis) | Ages 3 to 6 / Ages 3 to 6 |
| Monday | 05:30 PM | Kids BJJ | All Levels / Ages 6 to 14 |
| Tuesday | 05:30 PM | Kids Muay Thai | Beginner / Ages 3 to 14 |
| Tuesday | 06:30 PM | Kids Muay Thai | Intermediate / Advanced / Ages 3 to 14 |
| Wednesday | 04:30 PM | Kids BJJ | Intermediate / Advanced / Ages 6 to 14 |
| Wednesday | 05:00 PM | Kids BJJ (Minis) | Ages 3 to 6 / Ages 3 to 6 |
| Wednesday | 05:30 PM | Kids BJJ | All Levels / Ages 6 to 14 |
| Thursday | 05:30 PM | Kids Muay Thai | Beginner / Ages 3 to 14 |
| Thursday | 06:30 PM | Kids Muay Thai | Intermediate / Advanced / Ages 3 to 14 |
| Friday | 05:00 PM | Kids BJJ (Minis) | Ages 3 to 6 / Ages 3 to 6 |
| Friday | 05:30 PM | Kids BJJ | All Levels / Ages 6 to 14 |
Frequently asked questions
Are Kids Muay Thai and Kids Kickboxing taught separately?
No. They are one combined Kids Striking class, just like the adult room. The coach carries both traditions and scales technique to each child's track. Most kids do not need a strict tradition choice this young, they get a complete striking foundation either way.
Will my child get hit in the head?
Not at the younger age bands. Head contact is restricted by age and only allowed once a child has the defensive habits and protective gear to handle it safely, and even then only in supervised, rules-restricted drilling. Most parents are surprised at how technical and how non-contact the early classes really are.
Is Kids Striking safe?
Yes. Contact is age-restricted and progressive. The youngest band stays on bag and pad work with no partner contact and no head contact at any age until defensive habits and gear are in place. Sparring, when it eventually happens for older kids, is supervised, rules-restricted, and never the focus of the program.
Should I pick Kids Muay Thai or Kids Kickboxing for my child?
You do not have to pick. Our Kids Striking class carries both traditions in one combined session. Kids get a complete striking foundation, punches, kicks, footwork, defense, and can lean into either tradition as they get older.
Will my child get hit in the head?
Not at the younger ages. Head contact is restricted by age and only allowed once a child has the defensive habits and protective gear to handle it safely, and even then only in supervised, rules-restricted drilling. Most parents are surprised at how technical and how non-contact the early classes really are.
What gear does my child need?
Youngest kids only need athletic clothes and water. Older kids who progress into pad work and drilling need their own boxing gloves (sized by age and weight), shin guards, and a mouthguard. Wait until after the first visit so coaches can recommend the right sizing; members get gear discounts through the gym.
Who coaches Kids Striking?
Kids Striking is taught by our striking coaches, Natalie Salcedo (ONE Championship fighter, top-ranked world atomweight, IFMA World Team) and Kay Hansen (UFC veteran). Both bring real competition resume scaled appropriately for kids.
What does Kids Striking cost?
The Kids Muay Thai Only tier covers all Kids Striking classes (Muay Thai and Kickboxing are the same combined session for kids). The Kids All-Inclusive tier adds Kids BJJ. Family cap applies for households with multiple kids. See the pricing page.
Find the gym
Hours
- Monday: 11:00 AM - 8:30 PM
- Tuesday: 11:00 AM - 8:30 PM
- Wednesday: 11:00 AM - 8:30 PM
- Thursday: 11:00 AM - 8:30 PM
- Friday: 11:00 AM - 8:30 PM
- Saturday: 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
- Sunday: Closed
Phone
Serving
Colorado Springs, Fort Carson, Fountain, and Security-Widefield.
Common questions
Direct answers from our coaches and staff
What kids classes are available?
Warrior Fitness Center offers kids martial arts with age-appropriate paths. Kids BJJ Minis is for ages 3 to 6, Kids BJJ is for ages 6 to 14, and Kids Muay Thai is for ages 3 to 14. If a parent is unsure where to start, the consultation helps match the child to the right class based on age, readiness, and goals.
Can teenagers train in adult classes?
Teenagers may be able to train in adult classes depending on age, maturity, goals, experience, and coach approval. Parents should not assume the child must stay only in kids classes or move automatically into adult classes. The consultation helps the team decide whether kids classes, adult classes, or a mix is the right fit.
What is the difference between muay thai and kickboxing?
Both Kickboxing and Muay Thai are striking programs at Warrior Fitness Center. They are not separate martial arts with different technique sets, they are the same underlying program offered under two labels and using a uniformed curriculum with a slightly different focus.
Kickboxing sessions tend to be faster-paced and cardio-oriented. Muay Thai sessions emphasize technical drilling and contact work. A consultation helps us match you to the right starting point based on your goals and experience.
What size gloves should I buy?
Gloves can range from 8 to 16 oz depending on the student, class type, and training use. Visitors should bring gloves if they already own them. If not, they should wait for staff guidance during consultation so they do not waste money on the wrong size or type.
What should I expect at my first striking class?
Expect a warm-up, stance and movement work, basic combinations, and bag or pad work depending on the class. If you own gloves or wraps, bring them. If you do not, wait to buy until staff can help with sizing. Gloves commonly range from 8 to 16 oz depending on the person and training use.
What is the difference between Kickboxing and Muay Thai?
Kickboxing is often the cleaner beginner ramp for combinations, movement, conditioning, and basic stand-up confidence. Muay Thai goes deeper into Thai boxing mechanics, including kicks, knees, elbows, clinch work, balance, and ring-tested striking habits. The consultation helps a new student choose the right first class based on goals and comfort level.
Areas We Serve
Martial arts training for Colorado Springs, Fort Carson, Fountain, and Security-Widefield
Warrior Fitness Center is on Drennan Rd in Colorado Springs, making it a practical training option for nearby military members, adults, and families comparing local gyms.
Martial Arts near Fort Carson
Veteran-owned BJJ, striking, MMA, and kids programs close to post.
Martial Arts near Fountain
A practical drive for adults, beginners, and families south of Colorado Springs.
Martial Arts near Security-Widefield
Structured adult and youth training without crossing the whole city.
BJJ near Fort Carson
Gi and No-Gi Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for military members and nearby adults.
Muay Thai near Fort Carson
Technical striking, pad work, and beginner-friendly coaching near post.
Kids Martial Arts near Fort Carson
Youth BJJ and striking paths for military families.
BJJ near Fountain
A stronger grappling room for Fountain students and beginners.
Kids Martial Arts near Fountain
Structured kids classes for confidence, discipline, and consistency.
Keep Reading
Striking
Muay Thai vs Kickboxing: What's the Difference?
A practical breakdown of Muay Thai and kickboxing for beginners deciding how to start striking training in Colorado Springs.
Read ArticleWarrior Fitness Center
Your first week is on us.
Book a free consultation and we'll match you to the right Kids Striking class for your pace, level, and schedule.