Where to do boxing in Cotonou?

In Cotonou, you can do boxing at DojoLand, at two locations: Fidjrossè and Akpakpa. Classes are open from age 5, to children and adults alike, beginners included.

Class times

At Fidjrossè: Tuesday and Friday 8:30–9:30 pm. At Akpakpa: Tuesday 8:30–9:30 pm and Saturday 8:15–9:15 am. The full schedule is on the Programme page.

Boxing is not only about punching

Boxing is not just about punching hard. Under World Boxing's competition rules (February 2024), a punch only counts as a quality blow if it lands cleanly, with body or shoulder weight behind it. Judges also credit the boxer who avoids the opponent's blow by blocking, slipping, parrying or moving well.

A typical class

A class lasts one hour and always has the same shape: a warm-up, then new theory or technique, then practice.

Sparring, practice fighting with a partner, is for more experienced students and takes place regularly. Beginners are not thrown into it.

From what age?

Boxing is open from age 5, with no other minimum age. What matters is that the child is ready for this kind of training: able to focus, to follow the coach's instructions and to work safely with partners. If they are not ready yet, waiting a year or two is fine, and better than starting too early. The coach advises you after a first training.

Who is it for?

Classes are mixed: men, women and children train together. We often split the group by age or level when the gap is too big. Beginners are welcome.

What to wear

To start, comfortable sportswear is enough. Later, you can buy gloves and your equipment at the DojoLand shop.

Parents are welcome

We encourage parents to come and watch a training for themselves. Many go on to become members too.

Tournaments

Students take part in tournaments.

Did you know?

Boxing entered the ancient Olympic Games in 688 BC, and Onomastus of Smyrna is named there as its first champion. Fighters wrapped leather thongs, the himantes, round their hands, and there were no rounds and no weight classes.

The Queensberry Rules, written in London by John Graham Chambers and published in 1867, required gloves, three-minute rounds with one-minute rests, a ten-second count and a ban on wrestling.

Women's boxing made its Olympic debut at London 2012. Britain's Nicola Adams won the first gold medal there, on 9 August.

Frequently asked questions

I have never boxed, can I come? Yes, beginners are welcome, and every class starts with a warm-up.

Do I need to buy equipment before coming? No. Comfortable sportswear is enough to start; gloves come later.

First training is free

You can come and try: the first training is free. Book it in advance with the manager, at reception or by WhatsApp. For a child, it is also the chance to find out, with the coach's advice, whether they are ready now.

How much does it cost?

The 1 Class plan (one discipline of your choice, at one location) costs 10,000 FCFA for one month, or 8,500 FCFA a month with a 12-month commitment (102,000 FCFA). The Unlimited plan (all disciplines, one location) is 20,000 FCFA a month. All plans are on the Prices page.

How to join

Sign up at reception or by WhatsApp: Fidjrossè +229 01 55 93 77 77, Akpakpa +229 01 40 88 28 28.

See also

Other disciplines in Cotonou: karate, taekwondo, judo. Not sure which to pick? Read which martial art to choose.