9Round, a fast-growing kickboxing fitness franchise, continues to be recognized as a leading global brand as it ranks #116 on Entrepreneur’s Top Global Franchises list. This will mark 9Round’s second consecutive year being acknowledged for its expansion and success in the international market.

This list recognizes the top 200 franchisers seeking international franchisees and compiles the rankings based on each company’s score for Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500 ranking. The score is then adjusted to give extra weight to the company’s international size and growth.

Since its founding ten years ago, 9Round has taken an aggressive approach to franchise expansion, operating more than 700 locations in 42 U.S. states and 13 countries. 9Round’s international franchise growth increased 37 percent in the last year alone and the company recently announced plans to expand into Argentina and India over the next five years.

“9Round is successful worldwide because its concept and business model are easily adaptable to any culture,” says Shannon Hudson, founder and CEO, 9Round. “The franchise itself is inexpensive and requires few materials, and the workout only demands members to carve out 30-minutes from their day. The simplicity and convenience of a 9Round workout are characteristics that resonate with people."

Developed by Hudson, the former IKF Light Middleweight Kickboxing Champion of the World, 9Round workouts consist of nine, three-minute stations of activities that include cardio, weight training, core exercises, and kicks and punches on 100-pound, double-end, upper cut, and speed bags. A real boxing bell rings to begin the workout, another to warn the station is ending and a third to signal the end. After completing each round, members have a 30-second active break.

“Being recognized as a business that cultures from all over the world find strength in is a truly fulfilling and rewarding achievement,” says Hudson. “We are excited to continue to share our passion for kickboxing with potential franchise owners and members from diverse backgrounds. As our following grows internationally, we continue to find ways to introduce the 9Round brand to new markets.”