Memphis, Tennessee, isn’t just the heartland of Blues and Rock n’ Roll; it’s also a hotspot for those eager to swap their nightly gigs for morning grapples. Ready to ditch the routine for something that really gets your heart racing?
For those seeking an adrenaline rush beyond the clang of weights, Memphis’s MMA scene offers a chance to dive into a world where the mats become your stage. We’ve rounded up the top MMA gyms in Memphis, Tennessee, for you.
And hey, why not queue up some Elvis Presley as you read? Every champ needs a soundtrack to their journey, after all.
Table of Contents
Law School MMA
Our Rating: ★★★★ 4/5
- Gym Type: Mixed Martial Arts
- Location: 3964 Park Ave, Memphis, TN 38111, United States
Law School MMA is the home of UFC’s Ryan Spann and some of the most dominant champions the area has seen from all disciplines and walks of life.
They represent the very core of the city of Memphis with hard work, patience, perseverance, evolution and dedication.
A physical representation of proof in the pudding, their methods work time and time again. Go check them out to see why they call them the #campofchamps.
Memphis Judo & Jiu Jitsu
Our Rating: ★★★★★ 5/5
- Gym Type: Mixed Martial Arts
- Location: 7859 US-64 Suite 102, Memphis, TN 38133
- Phone: (901) 590-2492
Memphis Judo & Jiu Jitsu has been providing MMA instruction since 2003. The training of MMA here is mostly for recreation, fitness, or self-defense but they also provide service for students who would like to try their skills on the competitive scene.
They have fitness boxing, BJJ, judo, kickboxing, Mixed Martial Arts, and Muay Thai. They offer a kids’ BJJ program if you are around the area and want a new activity for your child.
You can sign up for a membership in one or more classes, but you can also choose their unlimited membership to access all lessons. This training center is closed on Sundays. They also have a free introductory class available.
Memphis Fitness Kickboxing
Our Rating: ★★★★ 4/5
- Gym Type: Kickboxing
- Location: 5681 Quince Rd, Memphis, TN 38119
- Phone: (901) 249-2285
Memphis Fitness Kickboxing provides classes designed for your experience and age level. Throughout your stay, you will be guided by certified kickboxing coaches. Whether you are a starting kickboxing student or just looking for a good sweat, you’ll be in great hands here.
You will strike those bags and work out for about 45 to 55 minutes in a group setting. Initially, you will be doing warm-ups to condition your body. Each session ends with a workout for strengthening your core.
Losing calories doesn’t have to be your usual gym routine. Your coaches ensure you receive fun kickboxing training for your fitness goal while learning different techniques. They offer your first class for free, so don’t forget to try it out!
Border Martial Arts Academy
Our Rating: ★★★★★ 5/5
- Gym Type: Mixed Martial Arts
- Location: 4644 Merchants Park Cir #900, Collierville, TN 38017
- Phone: (901) 337-0831
Border Martial Arts Academy gives a selection of different martial arts programs for all ages regardless of experience. Second-degree BJJ black belt Jonathan Border is the head coach of this academy. He’s had more than two decades of experience in instructing martial arts.
Knowledgeable coaches head the family-friendly classes. Whether you are signing up to get fit or learn self-defense skills, you will be training in a safe and convenient location here. They offer BJJ, Judo, fitness kickboxing, and Muay Thai.
There is also an MMA program for kids and adults. If you are into the competitive scene of martial arts, they offer strength and conditioning programs to give you the edge in the ring.
KMD Self-Defense and Fitness
Our Rating: ★★★★★ 5/5
- Gym Type: Krav Maga
- Location: 644 S Highland St, Memphis, TN 38111
- Phone: (901) 417-7476
KMD Self-Defense and Fitness offers classes focused on self-defense in real-world scenarios. This academy caters to adults exploring new ways to get fit or defend themselves, regardless of their ability level. The academy is headed by fourth-degree Krav Maga Black Belt Michael Hooker.
Michael and the pool of experienced instructors give personal attention to their students to ensure that the sessions fit their needs and goals. Their programs include Krav Maga, Brazilian Jiu-jitsu, hybrid fitness, and Dog Brothers Martial Arts.
Their hybrid fitness program gives a twist to your regular workouts by blending training to improve your form and mobility. Meanwhile, Dog Brothers Martial Arts is a mix of martial arts that use weapons and even with empty hands.
BFC Gym
Our Rating: ★★★★ 4/5
- Gym Type: Mixed Martial Arts
- Location: 7066 US-51, Horn Lake, MS 38637
- Phone: (901) 491-6169
BFC Gym is owned by Danny Shell, who also owns Bang Fighting Championships – full of caged MMA fights. This martial arts school offers Mixed Martial Arts and Jiu-jitsu classes for kids and adults in a safe and enjoyable environment.
If you are looking for a program to equip your child with the right skills for standing up against bigger kids, they have an Anti-bully class. You can spar and sweat with your family members here in their academy.
In-house fights for kids and adults are also organized occasionally. Be sure to take advantage of their first free session. This academy’s doors are closed on Sundays.
Midtown Grappling Academy
Our Rating: ★★★★★ 5/5
- Gym Type: Brazilian Jiu-jitsu
- Location: 584 Tillman St Suite #2, Memphis, TN 38112
- Phone: (901) 606-3308
Midtown Grappling Academy started from a garage by jiu-jitsu practitioners headed by Alexandre Meadows. Alex is the head instructor who will motivate you as you train BJJ on the mat. Their BJJ program equips you with self-defense techniques and a fitness outlet.
Their BJJ classes are available in Gi and No-Gi, so you don’t have to stay in your uniform all week. If you want your child to be more active, they also have a BJJ program for kids.
They also coach BJJ for the competitive scene. Saturdays are reserved for the open mat, where you can apply the techniques you learned through sparring. Their academy is closed on Sundays. You can check their schedule online for a detailed timetable.
Shackelford’s MMA Center
Our Rating: ★★★★★ 5/5
- Gym Type: Mixed Martial Arts
- Location: 8804 Caroma St. Ste 155, Olive Branch, MS 38654
- Phone: (662) 892-8602
Shackelford’s MMA Center is a Mixed Martial Arts gym owned by a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu blackbelt John-David Shackelford. Their classes are curated to boost your or your child’s confidence and get you in top shape. Sessions to hone your skills for the competition are also available.
They have an MMA program for kids aged nine and above to build their physical skills and develop their leadership qualities. MMA, Brazilian Jiu-jitsu, and Muay Thai Kickboxing classes are also taught in this martial arts gym.
More than skills and techniques, they also teach these martial arts as a form of self-defense. You can choose if you want group instruction or a private session with their instructors during the weekdays or weekends.
Endurance Krav Maga
Our Rating: ★★★★☆ 4/5
- Gym Type: Krav Maga
- Location: 2561 Broad Ave, Memphis, TN 38112
- Phone: (901) 257-9137
Endurance Krav Maga provides Krav Maga and other programs with quality self-defense and physical fitness training. The lead instructor, Sam Pike, is a third-degree Krav Maga black belt. His fellow instructors are all certified by the Krav Maga Alliance.
Their Krav Maga programs tackle the fundamentals and practical application of the self-defense system. A separate fighting program combines the application of Krav Maga to real sparring scenarios and other techniques such as grappling.
Heavy bag and kettlebell conditioning programs are available through studio and Zoom instruction. These two fitness programs will get you in the best shape with the help of instructors committed to your improvement. You can find their detailed schedule online.
Chilcutt’s Memphis Martial Arts
Our Rating: ★★★★★ 5/5
- Gym Type: Mixed Martial Arts
- Location: 2872 Wolf Creek Pkwy, Memphis, TN 38133
- Phone: (901) 388-6338
Chilcutt’s Memphis Martial Arts is owned by Karate and Gracie Jiu-jitsu black belt Chad Chilcutt. Chad continues to improve his martial arts techniques along with training his students. The coaches teach students in a friendly and safe environment.
They offer MMA and Karate at kids’ and adult levels. Jiu-Jitsu, kickboxing, and Muay Thai are available if you want to test those martial arts for recreation, fitness, or competition. There are also yoga classes for body toning and relaxation.
Kali martial arts is also available if you want to try your hand at using weapons. If you are looking for safe and great self-defense classes, this training center also has Krav Maga and self-defense for Women.
Pyramid Athletics
Our Rating: ★★★★☆ 4/5
- Gym Type: Mixed Martial Arts
- Location: 6498 Summer Ave, Bartlett, TN 38134
- Phone: (901) 386-2050
Pyramid Athletics is owned by Eric Ingram, who is passionate about helping individuals and families achieve their fitness or martial arts goals. This fitness and martial arts Bartlett gym offers four different programs that are patterned to improve your skills and physical wellness.
Their Jiu-Jitsu is available at a kids’ or adult level. You can also try out their Muay Thai program even if you are a total beginner or a skilled fighter. Their fitness kickboxing program will spice up your workout routine.
The CrossFit program is designed to hone and improve your health and endurance rigorously. They also have a Boot Camp which is perfect for body-conditioning of beginning and experienced martial artists. Gear up and try out their free trial class.
TNT Martial Arts
Our Rating: ★★★★ 4/5
- Gym Type: Taekwondo
- Location: 5101 Sanderlin Ave
- Phone: (901) 529-7030
TNT Martial Arts offers quality Taekwondo programs for young kids, teenagers, and adults. Seventh-degree black belt Senior Master Ko owns the martial arts center and serves as an instructor and his family in the three schools they run.
Beyond their on-site classes, they also offer a virtual class for kids and adults interested in training within the comfort of their homes. The instructors also focus on the student’s mental development beyond physical skills and wellness.
Make sure to stay tuned on their website and social media pages because they also provide seasonal special offers for you or your children. You will be in good hands with the motivating instructors and positive interaction within the community.