12 Best MMA Gyms in San Antonio | Easily Explained
Finding a legitimate instructor can be a massive headache for those who want to train in 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 MMA gyms in San Antonio.
Table of Contents
- Dominion MMA
- Pinnacle Martial Arts
- Ronin MMA
- Brazilian Top Team
- Ohana Academy HQ
- Rodrigo Penheiro BJJ
- Team Shark
- Gracie Barra San Antonio
- Kingdom Martial Arts Academy
- Class UFC Gym
- Carlson Gracie Jiu-Jitsu
- RCJ Machado
1. Dominion MMA
Overall
Dominion MMA’s slogan is to help you, “Change Your Life With Us.”
This gym is a very goal-oriented gym that provides a very friendly team atmosphere.
The owner and head coach Rey Rodriguez is a former US Army Officer who was able to attain his black belt in only 6 years (versus the normal 10 years).
Along with teaching his normal students, he has also had massive success coaching aspiring MMA fighters during their bouts.
Classes/Programs Offered
- Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
- MMA
- Muay Thai
- No Gi Wrestling
- Boxing
- Fit Class
Unique Features
New students are given 6 classes for free.
Dominion MMA has been around for over a decade (established in 2010).
2. Pinnacle Martial Arts
Overall
Pinnacle Martial Arts is another school that has been open for a decade, Pinnacle Martial Arts was created to provide a friendly environment for both those who were experienced, as well as those who have never trained before.
Classes/Programs Offered
- Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
- Muay Thai
- Kids' Martial Arts
Unique Features
They offer a VIP tour that showcases the gym, schedule, and amenities.
They also offer a Fast Pass which provides new students with a trial run before enrolling.
3. Ronin MMA
Overall
Ronin MMA is one of the newer gyms in the area, but not by much as it was opened in 2015.
This gym is 100% Female Veteran Owned and the majority of their coaching staff is made up of veterans.
They also offer adaptive MMA training so anyone can still train despite any physical limitations, this goes for the kid's program as well.
Classes/Programs Offered
- Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
- Muay Thai
- MMA Fundamentals
- Kids Jiu Jitsu
- Kids Kickboxing
- Self Defense
- Beast Fit
Unique Features
There are a variety of discounts available for military members.
4. Brazilian Top Team
Overall
Brazilian Top Team is one of the more established gyms in the area, founded in 2000 by Master Murilo Bustamante.
Bustamente is a former UFC Middleweight champion, a 7th-degree black belt in Jiu Jitsu, and a four-time Brazilian champion and UFC heavyweight world champion.
Brazilian Top Team's main focus is to provide a friendly and family environment and the best training for combat sports.
They begin offering classes to those ages 3 and up.
Classes/Programs Offered
- Kids Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
- Adult Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
- Kickboxing/Muay Thai
- Wrestling
- No Gi Jiu Jitsu
Unique Features
The instructor in BTT is one of the most accomplished fighters in MMA, which is an immeasurable asset to your learning.
5. Ohana Academy HQ
Overall
Ohana Academy is owned by Professor Jason Yerrington who is a Jiu-Jitsu black belt and has competed inside the MMA cage.
Yerrington found Jiu-Jitsu and MMA after he was done playing collegiate basketball for the University of Incarnate Word.
Eventually, he fell in love and then was able to open up his school and share his passion.
Classes/Programs Offered
- Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
- Kids' Martial Arts
- MMA
- Wrestling
- Strength and Mobility
- Muay Thai
Unique Features
The instructor has a unique view of training as he was able to experience both collegiate training as well as BJJ & MMA training.
6. Rodrigo Penheiro BJJ
Overall
Despite the BJJ name on the gym, this gym also offers many striking-based martial art options.
The main instructor of Rodrigo Penheiro BJJ is none other than the name of the gym.
Rodrigo is a 4th Degree Black Belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, holds several titles, and has participated in a remarkable number of tournaments around the world including the World BJJ Championships, the Brazilian National Championships, and the BJJ Pan-American Games.
Additionally, he is also a professional MMA fighter with a record of 4-1.
Classes/Programs Offered
- Muay Thai
- MMA
- Kickboxing
- Jiu Jitsu
- Striking
- Fundamental
- Kids Jiu Jitsu
Unique Features
The instructor is an active competitor that can show his students the latest trends in any martial arts, in real-time.
7. Team Shark
Overall
Team Shark is led by 5th Degree BJJ Black Belt 4x World Champion in Gi and NoGi Daniel Pinheiro.
This gym offers the widest range of classes and schedule flexibility so you can focus on your individual goals. All classes are led by 5th-degree BJJ black belt Daniel Pinheiro
This gym is primarily a Jiu-Jitsu gym and is commonly known as a premiere destination for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and martial arts training.
Classes/Programs Offered
- Adult Jiu Jitsu
- Kids Jiu Jitsu
- No Gi Jiu Jitsu
- Beginner Class
- Advanced Class
- MMA Fit
Unique Features
This primarily Jiu Jitsu gym's classes are all taught by the same highly accomplished instructor.
8. Gracie Barra San Antonio
Overall
Gracie Barra is one of the more well-known Jiu-Jitsu franchises in the country.
This gym in particular is another Jiu-Jitsu-based gym, that focuses on a family, educational environment.,
They will constantly hold events, seminars, and even tournaments for their students to absorb the most knowledge possible.
Classes/Programs Offered
- Kids Jiu Jitsu
- Adult Jiu Jitsu
- Beginners Jiu Jitsu
- Advanced Jiu Jitsu
- No Gi Jiu Jitsu
Unique Features
This gym primarily focuses on Jiu-Jitsu.
9. Kingdom Martial Arts Academy
Overall
Kingdom Martial Arts Academy offers one of the most experienced teams in Texas.
The KMA Instructor Team has several years of training and experience at a competitive level.
This gym offers a staggering 20 classes per week – ranging from beginner to expert levels – KMA has one of the most thorough martial programs in Texas.
Classes/Programs Offered
- Muay Thai For Adults
- Muay Thai For Kids
- Self Defense
- Bag Work and Clinch Class
Unique Features
This gym is primarily striking-based.
10. Class UFC Gym
Overall
Class UFC is more of a hybrid-based program that incorporates Boxing-based principles with High-Intensity Interval Training.
If you're looking to learn how to strike, while getting in the best shape of your life, this may be a great fit for you.
These classes also use different types of weights including free weights, and kettlebells to target different types of muscles through unique workouts.
Classes/Programs Offered
- Boxing
- High-Intensity Interval Training
Unique Features
They are open 7 days a week.
11. Carlson Gracie Jiu-Jitsu
Overall
Carlson Gracie Jiu-Jitsu is considered by many as the most successful Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu academy in the history of the sport, the Carlson Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Team was the true juggernaut of competitive BJJ in the 1970s, 1980’s and early 1990s.
The main instructor Professor Thiago Mendes is a second-degree black belt who has trained and taught at many different schools and countries over the years.
Eventually, he decided to open his gym focusing primarily on Jiu-Jitsu, for students of all levels.
Classes/Programs Offered
- Beginner Gi Jiu Jitsu
- Advanced Gi Jiu Jitsu
- All Levels of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
Unique Features
This gym is primarily focused on Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
12. RCJ Machado
Overall
RCJ Machado Jiu-Jitsu is focused on helping students across San Antonio and beyond stay active and build life skills for any situation.
They focus on being able to have the necessary skills for their students to defend themselves in any dangerous situation that they could find themselves in.
The owner and head instructor, Jerry Dalzell has been involved in training in martial arts since the age of 6.
Classes/Programs Offered
- Kids Jiu Jitsu
- Adult Jiu Jitsu
- Fitness Kickboxing
Unique Features
This school also offers after-school programs for kids.