MMA (or Mixed Martial Arts) is now firmly ensconced in the psyche of many who fight and/or train. Taking moves from many different fighting forms, including karate, kickboxing, and judo, this full contact sport requires outstanding all-round fitness.
If you’re serious about your sport, you need to be serious about the gym you choose for your training.
Because of this, there are many MMA specific gyms in and around London. The following eight are, in our humble opinion, some of the very best in town…
1. Fight Zone
Located in East London, Fight Zone is the UK arm of the renowned martial arts academy of the same name in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil – founded by 9-time world Jiu Jitsu champion, Ricardo Vleira.
Here you can take part in a multitude of classes, including Muay Thai, MMA, wrestling, Thai Boxing, boxing, and Jiu Jitsu. The gym is also affiliated with the global phenomenon that is Checkmat Jiu Jitsu.
Prices at Fight Zone start from a pay-per-class option at £10 per session, and various different memberships ranging between £55 and £80 per month. You can also take advantage of a free trial class before you take the plunge to sign up for any of the memberships.
Other facilities include a full size competition cage, striking and grappling zones, and a strength and conditioning area.
2. Titan Fighter
The North London Titan Fighter club offers a range of different classes and training options. From Brazilian Jiu Jitsu to No Gi, MMA to wrestling, this club is for anyone who wants to learn and improve their fighting techniques.
They also provide kids training, with their “Titan Kids” classes that not only teach fighting moves, but self-defense, ethics, control, and discipline.
Classes tend to run in the morning and evenings, with the strength and conditioning areas of the club available for members to use at any time they wish. Students get a great 15% off of all club prices on presentation of their student card.
3. Diesel Gym
Located in Limehouse, East London, Diesel Gym has a whole range of super-experienced trainers and fighters. Muay Thai, wrestling, boxing, Jiu Jitsu, MMA… Pretty much every discipline that you could hope to excel in is included.
They also provide good value personal training for anyone who wants to gain that extra competitive edge.
Diesel actively encourage females to join, and now are pleased to say that around 25% of their active membership now consists of ladies. In fact, so many women want to train, they even run a female-only class every Sunday morning.
Membership options start from a £5-£15 per class option, a weekly membership that costs £25, or an £80 monthly tariff. Classes run 7 days a week throughout the whole day, and you can attend a trial class before you sign up.
4. London Fight Factory
Centrally located near Old Street, the London Fight Factory is pleased to welcome anyone interested in martial arts, from the complete beginner through to professional fighters.
Classes include Sambo, wrestling, strength and conditioning, Jiu Jitsu, Boxing, Muay Thai, and MMA. In addition to regular classes, you can also book a private class for one or two people.
As is usual with all good clubs, you can attend a free trial class. If you decide to join, there’s a £25 joining fee. Tariffs start from a £15 pay per class option, and monthly memberships are £55 (2 classes per week), £70 (3 classes per week), or £90 for unlimited classes and use of the gym area whenever you wish.
In addition to the main gym located in Old Street, London Fight Factory has also opened a second location in Golders Green.
5. London ShootFighters
Billing itself as “one of the world’s top Mixed Martial Arts and Combat Sports Gyms,” London ShootFighters is a great choice for those who fight or those who simply want to use MMA as a way to get in superb shape.
So popular has their concept proven to be, they’ve now added a second gym (the first being located in Acton) near Canary Wharf, making it a great choice for those who work in The City.
ShootFighters specialise in Muay Thai, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, boxing, wrestling, submission wrestling, and scientific strength and conditioning training.
But if you’re new to any type of combat training, fear not, because they welcome beginners, and you’ll be sure feel at home thanks to the friendly atmosphere and great trainers.
Membership starts from £35 per month or £9 per standard class.
6. Fight City Gym
Fight City Gym, close to Moorgate, is a great place for anyone who’s interested in Muay Thai, Krav Maga, MMA, and boxing. Classes run throughout each day, and there’s also plenty of boxing sparring opportunities for you to practice those moves.
A trial session at Fight City includes a guided tour of the complete gym, participation in any of the classes, a workout in the weight section, and any of the other facilities you’d like.
There is a £10 charge for a trial that’s refunded on joining. Membership fees start from £15 per day or £65 per month.
7. Urban Warriors Academy
Specialising in MMA, Brazilin Jiu Jitsu, Dirty Boxing, Krav Mag, Kali, Muay Thai, boxing, yoga, Pilates, and strength and conditioning, Urban Warriors Academy is located close to Vauxhall Station.
This is a great priced gym, with memberships starting from only £40 a month, making it one of the cheaper options in the city. However, don’t think that you’re going down the cheap route by joining Urban Warriors, because this really is a MMA gym to be reckoned with…
8. MMA North London
MMA North London is pretty unique in the fact that they offer the first month of membership absolutely free. They gym welcomes everyone of all abilities, and teaches a range of techniques including Krav Maga, Judo, Muay Thay, and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. This provides you with a great grounding on which to take your training further.
Classes are run on Friday evenings and Sunday afternoons, and you pay on a class by class basis. This probably makes MMA North London the best value gym around, and as such, it is perfect for those who are just getting into the sport.
