11 Best MMA Gyms In Houston To Boost Your Fighting Skills

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Updated on May 14, 2023

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Best MMA Gyms In Houston

Texas is one of the hot spots for mixed martial arts rising in popularity, and the busy metropolis of Houston is no exception.

In this article, I will list the best gyms for mixed martial arts you can find there. There are so many great options in Houston. You can’t go too far wrong.

Some may focus on striking, while others on grappling arts, but you will be able to test out your MMA potential at each of them.

Let’s crack on with this list!

1. Elite Mixed Martial Arts

MMA Hive Rating: ★★★★★ 5/5

Elite MMA is one of the largest and most highly regarded MMA gyms in the Houston area.

They even have multiple locations as they have grown so much, with a new location opening at Houston Memorial in January 2022.

With so many locations, you have a lot of choices to find the one that’s on your best route to or from work, making it easy to slip into class in your free time.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2KjLjcAkhGg

There are some great coaches in this location for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

While there is a lot of focus on BJJ in this gym there is also an extensive range of classes to take for men, women, and even kids.

Classes range across BJJ, Kickboxing, Boxing, self-defense, and even MMA-specific programming for those that want to get advanced.

2. Midtown MMA Houston

MMA Hive Rating: ★★★★★ 5/5

Midtown MMA Houston is a mixed martial arts gym with a strong competitive base in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu while also offering classes for Muay Thai and even Judo.

Its founder Chris Martinez started a small gym in 2010, with the approval of his professor – being only a blue belt at the time.

Since then, he has become a black belt and continues to lead BJJ at the gym. His son, Chris Martinez Jr., leads most of the Muay Thai Kickboxing classes.

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The gym is open to all age groups and would be suitable for someone with a primary interest in BJJ skills but also looking to experience some stand-up training and learn good fundamentals.

This is an “MMA” gym, but there is a defining skill set on the BJJ side.

What’s quite remarkable is they offer a 30-day free trial. Most gyms don’t go far past one free session.

They want to make sure you get the most out of your time there so you decide to become a member. Either way, it would be worth it to take them up on that rare offer.

3. 4oz Fight Club

MMA Hive Rating: ★★★★★ 5/5

4oz Fight Club focuses on bringing together a variety of martial arts with the end goal of competitive skill development for MMA.

Fighters here get a broad overview of the tactics in striking and level changes into the ground game that the sport is known for.

This gym has produced several MMA fighters that compete at a high level, and many experienced fighters pass through their doors to train.

Such as UFC fighter, Ike Villanueva. And even back in 2015, Derrick Lewis was training and fighting out of this gym.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RYh7sdxOvZ8

If you have plans to become great and are looking for a spot to train consistently, build up your MMA potential and get to competition – this is the gym for you.

4. Metro Fight Club

MMA Hive Rating: ★★★★★ 5/5

Metro Fight Club lives within the O Athletik training facility, which is a large compound fulfilling any fitness needs you have, whether it’s martial arts, Yoga, or weight training.

The lead coach behind this gym, Saul Soliz, has trained and coached champions at the UFC level.

Including the recent addition of Adrian Yanez, who secured his UFC contract by knocking out Brady Huang within 39 seconds in Dana White’s Contender Series in 2020.

Soliz has worked with other huge names in the sport, like Cyborg, Ortiz, and Ricco Rodriguez.

This MMA gym offers a diverse schedule of fight training to make full-rounded MMA fighters. Class sessions include Kickboxing, Muay Thai, BJJ, and even MMA-cage-specific training.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w4J2Z6kkcYQ

Metro has its own cage, which you can get into and train in regularly. A lot of gyms don’t have a cage. It’s challenging to learn the actual application of cage fighting without one.

So ask yourself: Do I want to learn from a UFC-level coach to become an MMA fighter? If the answer is yes, you’re in the right place!

5. Next Level Training Center And MMA

MMA Hive Rating: ★★★★ 4/5

Next Level Training Center is a family-orientated gym built inside a self-storage facility.

It’s the epitome of a DIY gym from a small community to bring together fight enthusiasts.

The classes for the gym mainly cover weekday evenings and open mats on Saturday mornings.

The types of martial arts on offer here cover kids and adult Jiu-Jitsu and Boxing every weeknight.

If you live nearby or are looking for a rugged but family-orientated gym experience for you and your kids – this could be an excellent location for you.

6. Gracie Barra Heights

MMA Hive Rating: ★★★★★ 5/5

Gracie Barra Heights is a martial arts gym with a strong focus on Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, initially set up in 2016 by four-time BJJ World Champion, Pedro Araújo.

Pedro comes from the lineage of the Gracie Barra Team, a team founded by Carlos Gracie Jr.

Pedro’s master was Vinicius Magalhães, who came directly from Carlos Gracie Jr. So, with this in mind, you’d be in good hands in the teachings of the Gracie family (the source of modern BJJ).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WxOlklUfnbw

Due to the founder having a vast background in BJJ, this gym is focused chiefly there.

But you’d be glad to know if you want to try other martial arts, you can practice Muay Thai, Kickboxing, and fitness classes to broaden your skillset.

If you’re in the Houston area and have a solid inspiration for learning the teachings of the Gracie line, with a dabble in extra striking arts, then this would be an ideal spot for you.

7. Revolution Dojo Houston

MMA Hive Rating: ★★★★★ 5/5

Revolution Dojo is another gym on this list whose founder comes from the Gracie lineage, as Jeff Messina studied under Rodrigo Medeiros, who came from Carlson Gracie.

Not only that, but Jeff began his training in mixed martial arts with Saul Soliz (of Metro Fight Club, also in this list) in 1997.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Fez35kyHgw

Safe to say, Jeff Messina has had a long career studying martial arts and practicing with some of the biggest names in MMA history.

While Jeff is the founder, the gym boasts a long line of instructors who specialize in BJJ, Muay Thai, Judo, and even MMA-specific training with experienced MMA fighters.

You can also join strength and conditioning programs to improve your physical ability.

This would be a good gym for anyone looking to learn under the Gracie lineage and mix in other classes to move toward MMA proficiency.

8. Paradigm Training Center

MMA Hive Rating: ★★★★★ 5/5

Paradigm Training Center is one of Houston’s largest mixed martial arts facilities that offers a diverse range of programs to cater to any level.

Their coaching staff includes world-class experts such as Marcus Bello for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Leroy Fountain for boxing, and Leroy Vazquez for MMA.

Paradigm offers a broad range of martial arts classes, including BJJ, wrestling, boxing, submission grappling, kickboxing, judo, and MMA​​. There is something for every martial art desire here.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-JRja-ctxWA

If you want to improve your physical fitness, strength & conditioning classes are available, including HIIT, performance training, fitness foundations, kettlebells, and power yoga​​.

Paradigm also provides youth programs for all their martial art disciplines, so it’s suitable for the whole family to level up and perhaps even become the next generation of champion fighters.

You’re spoilt under Paradigm’s roof as well because there are facilities here that you don’t get in most places, including a full-sized boxing ring, MMA cage, spacious grappling mat, rock wall, and even a sauna and ice bath for recovery.

Whether you aim to compete at the highest level or improve your fitness and have fun, Paradigm has a lot to offer.

9. Heritage Muay Thai

MMA Hive Rating: ★★★★★ 4/5

Heritage Muay Thai is a dedicated Muay Thai gym located in Houston, Texas, with an impressive history dating back to 2002.

The gym is helmed by Michael Chase Corley, a seasoned professional who has fought on the world’s biggest Muay Thai stages.

Heritage Muay Thai’s emphasis on this martial art form is unquestionable.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?list=TLGGQIoztMg3XDUxNTA1MjAyMw&v=5gyH69CQZCQ

The gym’s roster includes professional fighters like Donevin Manuel, Bekah Irwin, and Brody “Beast Mode” Banks, which confirms their commitment to producing athletes.

While their speciality is in Muay Thai, they do also have classes for MMA and fitness kickboxing. Kids can also train here.

What’s even better is that you can get a free trial class to any of them. So it might just be worth a try.

10. Bam Bam Martial Arts Houston

MMA Hive Rating: ★★★★★ 4/5

Bam Bam Martial Arts is a community-focused gym that aims to develop individuals into fighters or simply exceptional humans.

Led by the enthusiastic Scott M. Sullivan, AKA Professor Scott, the gym offers programs for children, adults, and families.

Each class is designed to improve fitness and teach practical self-defense that helps create more confident and well-rounded people.

The family martial arts classes promote togetherness and collective confidence building as a unit.

Bam Bam Martial Arts is more than just a gym, but a house of self-improvement, honing mental strength alongside physical prowess.

A minor drawback is the lack of variety in martial arts disciplines, with a focus largely on Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

Overall, it’s a holistic, welcoming space for anyone seeking personal growth through martial arts.

11. Team Tooke Mixed Martial Arts

MMA Hive Rating: ★★★★★ 4.5/5

Team Tooke’s Academy stands out for its versatility, offering classes in Mixed Martial Arts, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and Kickboxing.

They cater to all ages and skill levels, from karate kids to adult, the gym fosters a community-based environment, enhancing personal growth and fostering lasting bonds.

With a focus on personal goals and personalized instruction, it’s no wonder students often rave about their experience here.

Led by Master Instructor Prof. Travis Tooke, the academy promotes life skills and self-confidence centered around the progression of self-defence. They even have bully prevention classes for the troubled teen!

While aspiring professional fighters are welcomed and nurtured under Tooke’s teaching, casual fitness enthusiasts are equally appreciated.

UFC fighter Matt Schnell has even stopped by their mats and had positive things to say:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=etAK_CwaEsQ

This MMA gym might excel further with more specific scheduling details and a lineup of pro fighters. They do have a free two week trial on offer.

And given the overwhelmingly positive reviews, Team Tooke is undeniably a top-tier choice for martial arts training in Houston.

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