11 Best MMA Gyms in Philadelphia | Easily Explained
Finding a legitimate instructor can be a massive headache for those who want to train martial arts. Even worse, it can be a time consuming process that may end in frustration.
We understand, we've been in the same shoes.
To fix this problem, we've created a list of the best martial arts schools in Philadelphia.
Table of Contents
- North Star MMA
- Daniel Gracie Academy BJJ
- Philadelphia Jiu Jitsu
- Stay Fly Muay Thai
- Martinez BJJ Fitness Center
- Royal Striking Muay Thai
- Semper FI
- Balance Studios
- Logic Jiu Jitsu
- Commando MMA
- Gracie Academy Philadelphia
1. Daniel Gracie Academy Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
Overall
Daniel Gracie Academy BJJ offers a welcoming environment where the instructors also pay close attention to details, in order for the students to have the best possible experience.
The instructor is a world champion in Jiu Jitsu, and has also fought in the MMA scene.
Classes/Programs Offered
- Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
- Wrestling
- Mixed Martial Arts
Main Instructor
Daniel Gracie a two-time World Champion in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, PRIDE veteran and international Mixed Martial Arts fighter, encourages his students to embrace the Gracie philosophy of making Jiu-Jitsu their way of life.
Unique Features
The environment is fantastic, as far as instructors, training partners, and everything in between.
Schedule: Open every day
Address: 5904 Greene St
Phone: (215) 848-5454
2. North Star MMA
Overall
One of the more modern gyms in the area, North Star MMA offers a great place to work out your stress away, while learning a variety of martial arts.
Classes/Programs Offered
- Jiu Jitsu for Ages 7-12
- Adult Jiu Jitsu
- Muay Thai
- MMA
Main Instructor
Jackson does a great job of integrating all levels of training with all levels of fighters.
Doesn't matter what level you are, you will learn each and every training session.
Unique Features
One of the underrated perks of this gym is the natural light that comes through, that brings a sense of calm where training.
Clean, spacious facility with top notch instructors.
Schedule: No information on their site.
Address: 2301 N Front St. First Floor
Phone: (267) 886-9413
3. Philadelphia Jiu Jitsu
Overall
As one of the more seasoned gyms, Philadelphia JiuJitsu has provided group lessons, seminars, and private instruction for over two decades.
Some of their clients include colleges, law enforcement, Martial Arts Schools, fitness centers, personal protection, security personnel, and common everyday people who wish to hone their mind, body, and spirit through the art of Philadelphia JiuJitsu.
Classes/Programs Offered
- JiuJitsu
- Judo
- Muay Thai
- Arnis
- MMA
- Self-Defense
- Weapons
- Pa-Kua
- Submission Wrestling
Main Instructor
Sensei Damon Umholtz has been involved in the Martial Arts most of his life.
He has studied with many great teachers and has several black belts including Judo, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and Jiu-Jitsu. Sensei Umholtz is also a Pro MMA, Muay Thai, Boxing Coach/Trainer and a Weapons Expert, but it is his Urban Combat and Self-Defense System he is most proud of.
Unique Features
They don't offer contracts, as students can pay on a monthly basis, and there are no additional costs for rank testing and merchandise.
Schedule: Open everyday
Address: 1760 Barbara St
Phone: (215) 587-0007
4. Stay Fly Muay Thai
Overall
Stay Fly Muay Thai is Philadelphia’s premier striking arts facility, and home to the city’s best instruction in Muay Thai & kickboxing.
Established in 2014, Stay Fly offers a diverse student base including professional fighters, athletes and fitness enthusiasts.
Stay Fly focuses on creating a place where everyone feels welcome.
All genders, shapes, sizes, ages & experience levels call Stay Fly home.
Classes/Programs Offered
- Muay Thai
- Strength and Conditioning
- Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
Unique Features
This gym is one of the best striking gyms in the area, and they routinely train aspiring fighters for amateur and professional bouts.
5. Martinez BJJ Fitness Center
Overall
Martinez BJJ features a great staff and a welcoming environment, that teaches students of all ages.
They primarily focus on three types of martial arts, as well as strength and conditioning.
Their instructor William Martinez Jr. is a Black Belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under Master Carlos Machado, 8th degree Black Belt.
He is also an active Pro MMA fighter, with a record of 9-3-1, his most recent win being at Bellator 110, in February 2014.
Classes/Programs Offered
- Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for Kids, Adults and Women Only
- Muay Thai Kickboxing
- Mixed Martial Arts
- Cardio & Strength Training
Unique Features
Having an active professional fighter as an instructor provides tremendous insight on the latest fight-trends.
6. Royal Striking Muay Thai
Overall
Although Royal Striking is one of the smaller gyms in the area, they're able to fit plenty of amenities inside including:
- Boxing Ring
- Heavy Bags
- Battle Ropes
- Kettle Bells
- Full Weight Rack
- Fully Matted Area For Training
They offer their pricing online ranging from $130-$175, depending on which classes you'd like to enroll with, and how many times per week you'd like to traiin.
Classes/Programs Offered
- Muay Thai
- Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
- Yoga
Unique Features
This gym also offers Combat Yoga.
7. Semper Fi
Overall
Semper Fi is one of the more established gyms in the area, having opened in 2007.
They offer one of the largest gyms in the area, with a 4,400 sq ft facility that offers martial arts for all ages.
Their mission is for students to have the ability to defend themselves in any situation.
They are able to do this by teaching students techniques needed to defend themselves in a realistic situation, where there are no rules, points, or time limits.
Classes/Programs Offered
- Gracie Jiu Jitsu
- Muay Thai Kickboxing
- MMA
- Boxing
- Women's Cardio Kickboxing
Unique Features
Their massive 4,4400 sq foot facility.
8. Balance Studios
Overall
Balance Studios is the most established gym in the area, having opened in 2002.
“Balance” is one of the Oldest Gracie schools in the US. Owners, Ricardo and Phil Migliarese have been training in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for more than 20 years and are certified black belts under Master Relson Gracie.
The Migliarese brothers currently guide 300+ students in their studios.
With over 25 years of experience in teaching Gracie Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Muay Thai Kickboxing, the Balance Studios teaching staff is by far the most experienced team to get you to the next level in your martial arts journey.
Classes/Programs Offered
- Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
- Muay Thai
- Boxing
- Women's Self Defense
- Kids Jiu Jitsu
Unique Features
Balance offers one of the most experienced staff in the area, and they also offer Kids Jiu Jitsu.
9. Logic Jiu Jitsu
Overall
Logic is Philadelphia’s premier modern martial arts and martial arts-based fitness studio– representing under the Atos flag.
Atos was created by one of the most accomplished BJJ practitioners of all time, Andre Galvao.
Their massive 10,000 square foot facility offers an experience that is not duplicated by any other academy or gym.
They strive to create an environment where everyone feels welcome, regardless of age, gender, and/or experience level among other things.
Classes/Programs Offered
- Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
- No Gi Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
- Kids BJJ
- Muay Thai
- MMA Fit
- BJJ Fundamentals
Unique Features
10,000 sq foot martial arts facility in Philadelphia is something that is unheard of.
10. Commando MMA
Overall
Classes/Programs Offered
Unique Features
11. Gracie Academy Philadelphia
Overall
Gracie Academy is spearheaded by Master Diamond, who attained his 5th degree Black Belt in Brazilian Jiu-jitsu on Tuesday, August 31, 2021, received from Luiz Palhares-8th degree Black Belt of The Brazilian Jiu-jitsu Federation.
Master Diamond was a member of the Rickson Gracie International Competition Team for 10 years.
He is also a Level 3 US Army Combatives Instructor and has taught Combatives and Brazilian Jiujitsu to enlisted and reserve soldiers for several years
This gym offers a large staff of instructors, with a ton of experience.
Classes/Programs Offered
- Krav Maga
- Kids Martial Arts
- Muay Thai
- Jiu Jitsu
- Boxing
- Yoga
- Mixed Martial Arts
- Get Fit Bootcamp
Unique Features
Their main instructor has been training and/or teaching for over 30 years.
