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The Ultimate Guide to Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) Clubs in Bristol

By 7 January 2025January 9th, 2025No Comments

Which MMA classes in Bristol should you choose? ๐Ÿค”

There are many great MMA classes to pick from in Bristol. In this article, we will provide a comparison of the top available MMA classes in the city of Bristol to help you to make a clear decision on what is best for you.

๐Ÿ‘‰ Here is a summary of what this article will contain:

โœ… A comprehensive analysis of MMA in Bristol.
โœ… Top list of MMA clubs in Bristol.
โœ… An individual breakdown of the pros and cons of each club.
โœ… Collection of key data points when selecting the best club including location, price range, and third-party reviews.

โš ๏ธ An important note before you read on

Starting martial arts, for many is a lifelong journey. Yet, many people choose a club to start training super-fast. And it’s usually based on how close it is to them.

It’s really important that you take the time to clearly understand each individual club’s merits before jumping in. Your decision should primarily be based on the quality of instructionย and the culture of the club, and secondarily on location.

We have written this post in order to have a clearer understanding of the best clubs in Bristol and therefore best equip you to make an informed decision.

Example highlights of top schools’ offerings:

Choosing a MMA club that suits your own individual needs is challenging – we get it. Everyone has their own goals and objectives and differing lifestyles mean that MMA to the family-oriented individual may look very different from MMA, to the hungry athlete looking to build a career in the sport.

In analysing the top MMA schools in Bristol, we have collected a number of data points. Here’s a summary before we get started on the rankings.

๐ŸฅŠ Multiple mat spaces (2+)
This is great for classes running at the same time, for people that can only make one-time slots and still have access to multiple classes. Great for running striking alongside grappling classes.

๐Ÿ‘จโ€๐Ÿ‘งโ€๐Ÿ‘ฆ Kids programmes
Kids programmes are a strong indicator of the success of a club. A more intricate data point is the segmentation of the kid’s classes. Larger, more established Kickboxing classes will be able to facilitate better segmentation by age, and proficiency in order to optimise individual learning (this is usually achieved by a larger facility and broader ranges of coaches in order to best serve). Coaching techniques and teaching children discipline, overcoming failure, dedication and building social skills are paramount in their martial arts journey.

๐Ÿฅ‡ Regular Bouts
Fighters that have regular bouts is always a good indicator of a good gym, as they battle test their skills and devlopment.

1. Roger Gracie North Bristol

โญ๏ธ Rated: 5/5 on Google Reviews (180+ reviews)
๐Ÿ’ฐ Pricing: starting ยฃ55 per month for adults, ยฃ45 per month for kids.
๐Ÿ“ Address: The Youth Centre, Greystoke Avenue, Southmead, Bristol
โ˜Ž๏ธ Contact: 07796 790866
๐Ÿ’ป Website: www.rogergracienorthbristol.com

Enquire now

Primarily a BJJ school, RGA Bristol has recently expanded into boxing, kickboxing and MMA with prestigious coaches.

Run by black belt brothers Luke & Clayton Chamberlain (and 20+ coaches!)

There is a full spectrum within RGA Bristol with MMA classes for children starting at 7 years old. The core of the club is passionate, friendly and welcoming individuals who like to train regularly throughout the week – with the standards all spearheaded by a broad coaching team.

๐Ÿ‘ย Pros

๐Ÿฅ‡ Ex-Pro MMA fighters leading the programme
โœ… 2+ Kickboxing/K-1 per week
โœ… 2+ MMA classes per week
โœ… Open 7 days a week.
โœ… Over 6,000 sq. ft with 2 dedicated mat spaces for concurrent classes.
โœ… Kids-programme with segmentation between kids and adults.
โœ… The price above gets you unlimited access to Kickboxing, Boxing and MMA classes.

๐Ÿ‘Žย Cons

โŒ No cage or ring
โŒ No cafe facilities.

2. Sweatbox Gym

โญ๏ธ Rated: 4.9/5 on Google Reviews (130+ reviews)
๐Ÿ’ฐ Starting from: ยฃ85 per month for adults, ยฃ50 per month for kids.
๐Ÿ“ Address: Sweatbox Gym, Princess St, Bristol BS3 4AG
โ˜Ž๏ธ Contact: 07833493238
๐Ÿ’ป Website: https://sweatboxgym.com/classes

A functional fitness and weights facility called Sweatbox. They have multiple martial arts classes on offer. Sweatbox Striking team also have high-level fighters who compete regularly and also have success at the highest levels.

๐Ÿ‘ย Pros

โœ… Ex-Pro MMA fighter as MMA head coach
โœ… Membership includes access to a large weight facility.
โœ… Central location.
โœ… Has a cageย 
โœ… 3+ MMA sessions per week

๐Ÿ‘Žย Cons

โŒ No youth MMA programme

3. Impact Gym

โญ๏ธ Rated: 5/5 on Google Reviews (35+ reviews)
๐Ÿ’ฐ Starting from: starting at ยฃ59.99 per month for adults, ยฃ39.99 per month for kids.
๐Ÿ“ Address: Hayward Rd, Soundwell, Bristol BS16 4NY
โ˜Ž๏ธ Contact: 0117 329 0059
๐Ÿ’ป Website: https://www.impactgymbristol.com/

A Martial arts school based in the Downend area of Bristol, Impact Gym is run by brothers Tom and Jake Oโ€™Hagan. They have 26+ Classes per week in their schedule, including MMA, Striking and Wrestling. They also have a weights facility in the same building as their martial arts. They also have classes for both kids and adults. Impact Gym also has a team of competitors who compete regularly.

๐Ÿ‘ย Pros

โœ… Has a ring
โœ… 3+ MMA classes per week

๐Ÿ‘Žย Cons

โŒ No youth MMA programme

4. Bristol Dojo

โญ๏ธ Rated: 4.7/5 on Google Reviews (20+ reviews)
๐Ÿ’ฐ Starting from: ยฃ60 per month for adults, ยฃ48 per month for kids.
๐Ÿ“ Address: 1-21 Bedminster Down Rd, Bedminster, Bristol BS13 7AB
โ˜Ž๏ธ Contact: 0800 756 6990
๐Ÿ’ป Website: https://bristoldojo.com/

Bristol Dojo is a martial arts school based in the Bedminster area of Bristol, with aย  schedule across two mat spaces, it is a family-run school run by Simon O’Brien and his family.

๐Ÿ‘ย Pros

โœ… Weights room included in membership.
โœ… Central location

๐Ÿ‘Žย Cons

โŒ No daytime schedule.
โŒ Limited parking

5. Elite MMA

โญ๏ธ Rated: 5/5 on Google Reviews (10+ reviews)
๐Ÿ’ฐ Starting from: ยฃ70 per month for adults
๐Ÿ“ Address:Clayton St, Avonmouth, Bristol BS11 9DX
โ˜Ž๏ธ Contact: 07951 701027
๐Ÿ’ป Website: https://www.elitemma.co.uk/

A Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu school based in the Avonmouth area of Bristol, Elite MMA offer 3+ MMA classes per week.

๐Ÿ‘ย Pros

โœ… Only club in the area
โœ… Lots of martial arts under one roof

๐Ÿ‘Žย Cons

โŒ No daytime schedule.
โŒ Limited parking

6. OSA (One Step Ahead)

โญ๏ธ Rated: 5/5 on Google Reviews (10+ reviews)
๐Ÿ’ฐ Starting from: ยฃ90
๐Ÿ“ Address: 133b Whiteladies Rd, Redland, Bristol BS8 2PL
โ˜Ž๏ธ Contact: 07753 249450
๐Ÿ’ป Website: https://www.onestepaheadmma.co.uk/index.html

A MMA school based in the Clifton area of Bristol, OSA offers 3+ MMA classes per week and is ran by ex UFC fighter Nad Narimani.

๐Ÿ‘ย Pros

โœ… Ran by UFC Veteran
โœ… Great central location

๐Ÿ‘Žย Cons

โŒ Limited parking
โŒ No Cage

7. Olympians MMA

โญ๏ธ Rated: 5/5 on Google Reviews (1+ reviews)
๐Ÿ’ฐ Starting from: TBC
๐Ÿ“ Address:1, 24 Emery Rd, Brislington, Bristol BS4 5PF
โ˜Ž๏ธ Contact: 07814 630503
๐Ÿ’ป Website: N/A

A MMA school based in the Brislington area of Bristol, Olympians offers 2+ MMA classes per week and is run by ex-Pro MMA fighter Wesley Murch.

๐Ÿ‘ย Pros

โœ… Ran by ex Pro MMA fighter

๐Ÿ‘Žย Cons

โŒ No Cage
โŒ No website

8. The Pit Gym

โญ๏ธ Rated: 5/5 on Google Reviews (16+ reviews)
๐Ÿ’ฐ Starting from: TBC
๐Ÿ“ Address: Unit 4, Trubodies yard, 121 London Rd, Bristol, BS30 5NA
โ˜Ž๏ธ Contact: 07528844610
๐Ÿ’ป Website: https://www.thepitbristol.com/

A MMA school based in the Warmley area of Bristol, The Pit offers 2+ MMA classes per week and is run by Mark Skidmore.

๐Ÿ‘ย Pros

โœ… Kids programme
โœ… Offers other martial arts

๐Ÿ‘Žย Cons

โŒ No Cage
โŒ No daytime sessions

9. The Way Gym

โญ๏ธ Rated: 5/5 on Google Reviews (5+ reviews)
๐Ÿ’ฐ Starting from: ยฃ45 p/m
๐Ÿ“ Address: Main Rd, Easter Compton, Bristol BS35 5RE
โ˜Ž๏ธ Contact: 07961 608259
๐Ÿ’ป Website: https://info43348.wixsite.com/thewaygym

A MMA school based in the Easter Compton area of Bristol. The Way Gym offers 2+ MMA classes per week and is run by Garry Patterson and his son Joe.

๐Ÿ‘ย Pros

โœ… Has a ring
โœ… Weightlifting facilities inside the gym

๐Ÿ‘Žย Cons

โŒ No daytime sessions
โŒ No weekend schedule