5 Best Orlando Martial Arts Gyms | 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 Orlando.
Whether you want to try martial arts for the first time, or you're a veteran looking for a reputable place, you will find everything that you need to make an informed decision in this list.
1. Victory Martial Arts in Windermere - West Orlando
Best Overall - Best for Families & Kids
As a long life martial artist, Victory Martial Arts in this particular school features a top of the line owner and instructor, Chief Master Casco.
He specializes in teaching Taekwondo and Self Defense.
Sporting over 40 years of martial arts training under his belt, he has built one of the most trustworthy and reputable martial arts school in west Orlando.
This school is a part of the American Taekwondo Association - An organization with over 300,000 members, and 80 schools in 21 countries.
Why is this important?
Being a part of a large organization allows you to take part in their events as well as their tournaments.
Also, if you ever have to move there will most likely be a school in the city that you're moving to where you can transfer.
Classes/Programs Offered:
Tiny Tigers: 3-5 year olds
Beginner Class: Class curriculum is designed for white belts and those who have recently graduated from white belts. A slower paced class to properly teach the fundamentals while still getting a great workout.
Adult Class: Class curriculum is tailored for adults.
Black Belt Class: Class specifically tailored for black belts, by black belts.
Family Class: Kids will be able to take class with their parents for an ultimate bonding experience
Legacy: A leadership development program specifically for younger kids and teenagers. This is the cream of the crop in the school. The ones in this program are held to a higher standard, and understand they must lead by example. They are put in a strict curriculum to become a better martial artist, leader and person.
Unique Features:
Family Environment: If you're looking for a family friendly, supporting environment, where everyone understands the value of being the best version of themselves as martial artist and people, then look no further.
Legacy Program: The legacy program separates this school from others. Most martial arts schools just teach the actual martial art and that's it. The legacy program teaches life lessons, real life situations, how to handle difficult situations, and what it's like to be part of a team.
When you take into consideration how important these experiences are while growing and developing (physically, socially, mentally), you immediately understand the value that this program can bring.
Overall
The saying 'You get what you pay for' rings true when it comes to this school. Although priced higher than other schools, you will also receive high quality classes from high quality individuals.
We've made a full review of Victory Martial Arts in Windermere with more details.
Schedule: Open Monday - Saturday
Address: 13402 Summerport Village Parkway #501. Windermere, FL 34786
Phone: 407-654-7372
2. Gracie Barra Orlando - Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Academy
Best for Jiu Jitsu
When it comes to well respected lineage, 'Gracie' is at the top of the list. The Gracie family is a martial arts family that originated from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. They are most famously known for the creation of the martial art known as Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and commonly referred to Gracie Jiu Jitsu.
Gracie Barra is another school that is a part of a large organization. Students will have access to over 700 schools worldwide which is a great advantage as far as inclusive events or even in the event that you unexpectedly move.
Classes/Programs Offered:
Kids/Teens: Prioritizing self discipline and a way to express themselves, this program has trained instructors to prioritize the fundamentals and gently correct kids and teens who are practicing bjj.
Adult: The curriculum is tailored for adults however there are different levels known as GB1, GB2 and GB3.
GB1 is primarily focused on fundamentals.
GB2 is for intermediate to take training beyond fundamentals
GB3 is for advanced principles and for students seeking to become black belts.
Fitness: BarraFIT is was implemented for students seeking a challenging workout specifically promoting aerobic exercise and strength training.
Some cardio focused training cause a lot of stress on certain areas of the body such as the back, knees and shoulders. In BarraFIT, you will be doing ergonomically safe movements to protect those important features of your body while becoming the best version of yourself.
This program primarily focuses on:
- Mental strength
- Motivation
- Cooperation
- Focus and discipline
- Personal growth
Private Training: Private lessons are a great way to gain an advantage over the competition as well as settle any minor questions that you have as far as technique, positioning and even curriculum.
Offered for all ages.
1 on 1 time helps you overcome the challenging aspects that typically would take you a lot longer to master, or even may be causing you to plateau.
Unique Features:
Training in a Gracie gym for jiu jitsu is a very big deal in the world of martial arts. Casually mentioning that you train at a Gracie gym can bring you instant credibility from other martial artists.
Overall
Gracie Barra Jiu Jitsu will provide you with proven techniques and training from high quality instructors along with being a part of a supporting environment in a large organization.
The environment is friendly yet demanding and challenging, a great formula to become the best version of yourself.
If you want to learn jiu jitsu from a great lineage in a supportive but competitive environment, this may be a good fit for you.
Schedule: Open Monday - Saturday
Address: 4470 35th Street Suite B. Orlando, FL 32811
Phone: 407-868-0092
3. American Top Team - East Orlando
Best MMA in East Orlando
American Top Team is one of the most recognizable gym names in the world due to their team domination in the UFC, and multiple world champions that have been produced. This particular gym that has all of these accolades is located in Coconut Creek, Florida. However, the ATT brand (and instructors) have spread from South Florida, to 60 martial arts schools across the world.
American Top Team in East Orlando provides a safe learning environment for those looking to learn mixed martial arts.
Classes/Programs Offered:
Adult Brazilian Jiu Jitsu: Is motivation or commitment an issue for you? At ATT they preach high level teaching practices with world class techniques mixed with overall wellness. Their goal oriented ranking system allows students to safely be eased into their training while staying motivated to achieve their next goal.
Muay Thai: Whether you're a beginner or seasoned veteran, this program will push your cardio and endurance to the next level while prioritizing footwork and proper techniques
Submission Grappling: This is the No-gi version of jiu jitsu. Participants wear a rashguard (think of a tight under armour shirt). This is often referred to as a more real life bjj, and it often translates better to MMA vs gi
Mixed Martial Arts: At ATT East Orlando, their proven system blends the punches and footwork of Boxing, the wrestling takedowns, the explosive kicks of Muay Thai and the submissions of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, all in one program. Not just for fighters anymore, MMA is practiced safely by millions of people around the world.
Overall
ATT provides the best of all worlds whether you're a beginner or a veteran. It doesn't matter whether you want to train MMA or just one of the arts, or even just improve your cardio and endurance. There will be something that you can do. Their ATT program is very goal oriented and is flexible whether you're taking small steps or massive steps.
Schedule: Open Monday - Saturday
Address: 422 S. Alafaya Trail #23. Orlando, FL 32828
Phone: 407-809-5258
4. Jungle MMA - Downtown Orlando
Best MMA in Downtown
Classes/Programs Offered:
Kids Martial Arts: Also named "Little Gorillas", this program focuses on giving your child physical, social and mental tools while training a wide range of disciplines but still maintaining foundational skills. They pride themselves in boosting the confidence, respect, team work, problem solving, and socialization of children.
Adults Martial Arts: Whether you're training for better fitness or to fight, there's a program for you in Jungle MMA. This program includes bjj, muay thai, boxing and mma. This collaborative but communicative environment focuses on improving as a group, rather yet a family.
Fitness Classes: Develop lean and functional strength. If you're interested in developing toned muscles, improved cardiovascular endurance, a tighter core, and more agility and speed this is the program for you.
Their fitness program includes jungle fitness comprised of high intensity interval training, and cage fitness which simulates a fight pace of 5 minute 5 round cardio sessions.
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu: Focusing on takedowns, chokes, joint locks and submissions
Muay Thai: Known as the art of 8 limbs, Muay Thai Kickboxing will teach you how to use every inch of your body as a self-defense mechanism
Boxing: These classes offer you the best opportunity to learn the sport from the ground up in order to develop power, speed, and efficiency.
MMA: Whether you are looking to learn valuable self-defense skills, train for competition, or just try out an efficient total body workout, these classes will give you everything that you're looking for.
Karate: They teach Shito-ryu. Shito-ryy is one of the most prominent styles in the world, it is one of the four major styles along with Goju Ryu, Wado Ryu and Shotokan.
Unique Features:
Its location downtown makes it very easy for those who work downtown to train before or after work.
Overall
This gym provides on of the largest list of programs and also provides a friendly but supporting environment in the "Jungle".
Schedule: TBD
Address: 1419 E Colonial Dr, Orlando, FL 32803
Phone: 407-601-5425
5. Fusion X-Cel Performance - West Orlando
Best MMA in West Orlando
Located in Ocoee, Fusion X-Cel has quickly become one of the go to MMA gyms in this area of orlando. They offer a large variety of programs similarly to Jungle MMA, which gives great flexibility to future students.
One of the most noticeable aspects of this gym are the pro fighters who train or have trained there including Ronaldo Jacare Souza and Platinum Mike Perry.
Classes/Programs Offered:
Kid's Martial Arts
Adult Martial Arts
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
Muay Thai
MMA
Fitness Kickboxing
Group Fitness
Personal Training
Unique Features:
They offer personal training which is something that the other martial arts gyms on the list do not offer. Typically personal training is only done in fitness gyms.
Another unique aspect is that they offer a fitness class as well separate from the fitness kickboxing.
Overall
Fusion X-Cel is one of the best gyms on this side of town. They offer a bunch of programs for both kids and adults as well as fitness classes.
Address: 9401 W Colonial Dr #410, Ocoee, FL 34761
Phone: 407-440-4099
Training Gear
If you're on this page, you're serious about beginning or continuing your training journey. Make sure that you have the most high quality and protective equipment when you train.
The good news is you don't have to spend any time researching as we've created a list of the best gear, each with its pros and cons
