Is Kids MMA actually safe for my 8-year-old?

Yes. The program at Xcel is built around technique and controlled movement, not full-contact fighting. Kids learn proper form, footwork, and combinations in a supervised, padded setting. Instructor Maria Bacchetta prioritizes safety above everything else, and the small class size means she can watch every student closely.

My son plays soccer and baseball. Will MMA interfere with those sports or actually help?

Most parents find it helps. The footwork, core strength, and coordination built in Kids MMA transfer well to field sports. Many Royal Palm Beach kids who train at Xcel also play recreational sports, and their coaches often notice improved athleticism and coachability.

What ages does the Kids MMA class cover, and is there a class for my 11-year-old specifically?

Kids MMA at Xcel is geared toward ages 7 through 12, so an 11-year-old fits right in. Maria groups students by ability as well as age, so your child will train alongside peers at a similar level rather than being paired with much younger beginners.

Serving Royal Palm Beach, Palm Beach County

Kids MMA for Royal Palm Beach Boys and Girls

Xcel's Kids MMA program blends kickboxing, Muay Thai, and core martial arts into one high-energy class that Royal Palm Beach kids genuinely look forward to every week.

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Limited class spots available — reserve yours today!

No commitment. No pressure. Just a great first class.

~25 min drive from Royal Palm Beach

~18 miles to our studio

(754) 366-1425

Limited Spots Available

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Kids MMA for Royal Palm Beach Families

Kids in Royal Palm Beach have a lot of options for after-school activities, and a lot of them involve sitting still. Kids MMA at Xcel is the opposite. Students ages 7 through 12 move constantly, learn real striking combinations from kickboxing and Muay Thai, and work together in a way that builds both fitness and genuine friendships.

The word MMA can sound intimidating to parents, but the program here is designed for development, not competition. Instructor Maria Bacchetta teaches controlled technique, proper guard, and movement patterns in a safe, padded environment. There is no reckless sparring, no pressure, and no ego. The emphasis is on effort, improvement, and having a great time.

Royal Palm Beach is a community full of active, sports-minded kids, and this program meets that energy. After a few months of training, parents notice better focus at homework time, more physical coordination across other sports, and a calmer confidence that carries through everyday situations. The mix of striking styles keeps every class fresh so kids never get bored.

Why Royal Palm Beach Families Choose Xcel Martial Arts

Blends kickboxing, Muay Thai, and fundamental MMA movement into one well-rounded kids class
Safe, structured environment with no reckless contact, designed specifically for developing athletes ages 7 to 12
Small class sizes let Maria give every Royal Palm Beach student real technical feedback
Builds cardiovascular fitness, coordination, and focus that transfer into other sports and school
Weekday afternoon start times at 3:30 PM make it easy to fit into busy Royal Palm Beach family schedules

Getting to Class from Royal Palm Beach

Royal Palm Beach families heading to Xcel for Kids MMA take about 25 minutes via Southern Blvd or Okeechobee Blvd to the Turnpike, then south to the Glades Rd exit. The drive is straightforward and the 3:30 PM weekday start means kids can be on the mat and home for dinner without the day feeling rushed.

Directions: From Royal Palm Beach, take Southern Blvd or Okeechobee Blvd east to Florida's Turnpike south, then exit at Glades Rd heading east to Lyons Rd. Xcel Martial Arts is in Boca Hamptons Plaza just off Glades Rd, about 25 minutes from central Royal Palm Beach.

Neighborhoods We Serve

Crestwood · Acreage · Royal Palm Beach Village · Madison Green · Calloway Walk

Near Royal Palm Beach

Royal Palm Beach Commons Park · Village Park · The Acreage community · Wellington Amphitheater (nearby Wellington) · Royal Palm Beach Branch Library

Explore our other programs for Royal Palm Beach families: Kids Martial Arts, Kickboxing, Muay Thai, Adult Martial Arts & Self-Defense, After-School Martial Arts.

Call (754) 366-1425 or view our class schedule to get started.

What Boca Raton Parents Say

"My son started at Xcel at age 5 and the transformation has been incredible. He's more confident, focused, and respectful at home and school. Maria is an amazing instructor!"

— Jessica M.

"Best martial arts program in Boca Raton for kids. Both of my daughters train here and they love it. The environment is safe, fun, and challenging."

— Carlos R.

"We tried three other martial arts schools before finding Xcel. The difference is night and day. Maria truly cares about every student's growth — not just their kicks."

— Amanda T.

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Kids MMA in Royal Palm Beach — FAQs

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No commitment. No pressure. Just a great first class.