The KIPS Podcast with Tyler Valencia
The KIPS Podcast with Tyler Valencia
KIPS Fitness
Shannon Hudson | Punch Up Your Profits: Why Kickboxing is the Top-Grossing Specialization in 2026
34 minutes Posted Apr 13, 2026 at 12:30 pm.
As a kickboxing instructor, you have the opportunity to enhance your longevity in the fitness industry. Kickboxing is rapidly becoming one of the top-grossing specializations, appealing to a diverse client base that ranges from beginners to seasoned athletes. By incorporating kickboxing into your training repertoire, you can engage clients like never before, fostering their motivation and commitment to their fitness journeys.Shannon Hudson, the CEO of Striking Brands (the parent company of 9Round Kickboxing and I Love Kickboxing), shares his insights on the effectiveness of kickboxing workouts and how trainers can improve client retention. With years of experience in the fitness industry, Shannon has dedicated his career not only to mastering the art of kickboxing but also to empowering others to teach it.What is kickboxing?Kickboxing at the gym is a dynamic and engaging fitness program that combines elements of martial arts with high-intensity cardio, making it a favorite among various fitness enthusiasts. Its popularity has surged, particularly among women, as it provides a powerful workout that emphasizes strength, endurance, and coordination. In 2026, kickboxing is expected to be among the top-grossing specializations, attracting a diverse audience from beginners to seasoned athletes.As a personal trainer, incorporating kickboxing into your program can enhance client engagement and retention. Clients often report increased motivation and enjoyment from kickboxing classes, leading to longer commitment to the classes. Kickboxing is also highly effective for burning calories and improving overall fitness levels. Its ability to combine functional strength training with cardiovascular conditioning makes it an excellent choice for clients looking to break through plateaus and achieve their fitness goals while having fun.Connect with Shannon Hudson:Instagram: CLICK HERE. Striking Brands: CLICK HERE. Join our email list - ⁠⁠⁠⁠CLICK HERE.⁠⁠⁠⁠KIPS on Instagram -⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠CLICK HERE. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠KIPS Education Courses -⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠CLICK HERE. ⁠⁠Podcast Chapters
- KIPS Podcast Welcome
- Teach Group Fitness
- Shannon Hudson’s Background
- Do you need a martial arts background?
- Teaching to a Group
- Certification Demands
- Kickboxing’s Popularity
- Who takes kickboxing classes?
- How much does it cost to teach kickboxing?
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As a kickboxing instructor, you have the opportunity to enhance your longevity in the fitness industry. Kickboxing is rapidly becoming one of the top-grossing specializations, appealing to a diverse client base that ranges from beginners to seasoned athletes. By incorporating kickboxing into your training repertoire, you can engage clients like never before, fostering their motivation and commitment to their fitness journeys.Shannon Hudson, the CEO of Striking Brands (the parent company of 9Round Kickboxing and I Love Kickboxing), shares his insights on the effectiveness of kickboxing workouts and how trainers can improve client retention. With years of experience in the fitness industry, Shannon has dedicated his career not only to mastering the art of kickboxing but also to empowering others to teach it.What is kickboxing?Kickboxing at the gym is a dynamic and engaging fitness program that combines elements of martial arts with high-intensity cardio, making it a favorite among various fitness enthusiasts. Its popularity has surged, particularly among women, as it provides a powerful workout that emphasizes strength, endurance, and coordination. In 2026, kickboxing is expected to be among the top-grossing specializations, attracting a diverse audience from beginners to seasoned athletes.As a personal trainer, incorporating kickboxing into your program can enhance client engagement and retention. Clients often report increased motivation and enjoyment from kickboxing classes, leading to longer commitment to the classes. Kickboxing is also highly effective for burning calories and improving overall fitness levels. Its ability to combine functional strength training with cardiovascular conditioning makes it an excellent choice for clients looking to break through plateaus and achieve their fitness goals while having fun.Connect with Shannon Hudson:Instagram: CLICK HERE. Striking Brands: CLICK HERE. Join our email list - ⁠⁠⁠⁠CLICK HERE.⁠⁠⁠⁠KIPS on Instagram -⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠CLICK HERE. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠KIPS Education Courses -⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠CLICK HERE. ⁠⁠Podcast Chapters(00:00) - KIPS Podcast Welcome(01:15) - Teach Group Fitness(02:56) - Shannon Hudson’s Background(10:34) - Do you need a martial arts background?(13:20) - Teaching to a Group(16:51) - Certification Demands(19:02) - Kickboxing’s Popularity(21:47) - Who takes kickboxing classes?(24:19) - How much does it cost to teach kickboxing?(28:12) - What are the different types of kickboxing?