Nashville, Tennessee, isn’t just the heart of country music; it’s also a hotspot for martial arts mastery. Looking for a new twist in your fitness routine? MMA might just be the electrifying spark you need.
Diving into the world of martial arts in Nashville offers a variety of choices, from all-encompassing MMA gyms to places focusing on specific styles. To kickstart your journey, we’ve rounded up the top spots that will not only challenge your body but also ignite your passion for the sport.
Whether you’re eyeing that enviable physique or dreaming of clinching a championship belt, the journey begins with a single step. Scroll down to discover the best MMA gyms in Nashville, Tennessee, and let’s get those spirits fired up!
Table of Contents
Nashville MMA
Our Rating: ★★★★ 4/5
- Gym Type: Mixed Martial Arts
- Location: 400 Davidson St, Nashville, TN 37213
- Phone: (615) 297-4430
Nashville MMA is the first training facility in Nashville that provides classes for Muay Thai/Kickboxing, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and Mixed Martial Arts. Led by UFC Veteran Coach Dorian Price, this training camp will surely help you jumpstart your MMA journey.
This gym offers the essential disciplines to effectively fight in Mixed Martial Arts, such as Muay Thai Kickboxing for striking and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for grappling. Self-defense classes, kids’ BJJ, and boxing are also available.
The training facility is open all week, with Sundays more dedicated to their fight team. But they are open from Monday to Saturday, with the class schedule varying each day to ensure you won’t miss out on your training.
Legion Jiu Jitsu / CheckMat Hendersonville
Our Rating: ★★★★★ 5/5
- Gym Type: Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
- Location: Hendersonville, TN
- Phone: (615) 203-5004
Legion Jiu Jitsu / CheckMat Hendersonville builds a tight-knit community within the mats to train in a positive yet intense environment. This academy is led by passionate black belt instructors who come from diverse backgrounds but teach with one goal – to build future champs.
Every BJJ class across all age groups has Gi and No-Gi classes. More than the kids, teens, and regular adult BJJ classes, they also offer a women-only course for more tailored instruction. Muay Thai is also available for the striking program.
You may drop in for an intro class with any comfortable attire to see their instruction for yourself. Their website contains their weekly and monthly schedule so you can plan your sessions ahead of time.
TITLE Boxing Club Nashville Green Hills
Our Rating: ★★★★★ 5/5
- Gym Type: Boxing
- Location: 4108 Hillsboro Pike STE 201, Nashville, TN 37215
- Phone: (615) 988-4080
TITLE Boxing Club Nashville Green Hills specializes in striking activities for fitness. If you have long been looking for a boxing gym with top-tier equipment and facilities, consider trying their services. Owner Tyler Thompson envisions members surpassing their limits while learning boxing.
Classes are non-contact, which means you would be training and hitting your body bag. They would teach every beginner the fundamentals and forms to start their workouts. Sessions give an intensive exercise to keep you on track with your goals.
This boxing club has different branches across the state and the nation, so you might consider their Unlimited memberships if you travel frequently and want easy access to blow off steam with heavy bags. A free trial is available for first-timers.
Hendersonville Martial Arts
Our Rating: ★★★★★ 5/5
- Gym Type: Krav Maga
- Location: 393 E Main St, Hendersonville, TN 37075
- Phone: (615) 265-8544
Hendersonville Martial Arts offers premier self-defense classes to equip you with the right tactics, regardless of age and skill level. The pool of instructors, headed by 2nd-degree Krav Maga black belt Justin Swanson, has extensive knowledge in Krav Maga, Karate, and other MMA.
Their Krav Maga class ensures you get personal safety and confidence after going through their program. Beginners get to explore the fundamentals class to build their skills and tactics. Kids’ Karate is also available for youngsters ages five and above.
Are you looking for an unforgettable summer activity for your children? They have a summer camp to keep them active during the hot months of the year. You can head to their website and schedule your trial class.
Profectus Jiu-Jitsu Brentwood
Our Rating: ★★★★★ 5/5
- Gym Type: Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
- Location: 91 Seaboard Ln # 106, Brentwood, TN 37027
- Phone: (615) 915-1330
Profectus Jiu-Jitsu Brentwood focuses on Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu as their central Mixed Martial Arts. This original location of the Profectus Jiu-Jitsu back in 2009 has produced champions ever since. Fayyaz Akbari is now the owner and head instructor who continues to develop excellent students.
If you want your kid to develop self-esteem, discipline, and compassion, you can sign them up for their kids’ BJJ class. Their adult BJJ program is suitable for beginners and continuing Jiu-Jitsu students.
A competition class is also available for students aiming to challenge in the regional or international championships. Open mats are also used for friendly sparring and the application of techniques in combat. Check out their website for the detailed schedule.
HOTBOX Fitness Nashville
Our Rating: ★★★★ 4/5
- Gym Type: Kickboxing
- Location: 1006 Nelson Merry St, Nashville, TN 37203
- Phone: (615) 881-5795
HOTBOX Fitness Nashville once trended as a workout studio in the area. This kickboxing gym is still as conducive as it first opened in 2010. Every class is beginner-friendly, so you don’t have to worry about skills and experience.
You would be kicking and striking in a safe and positive environment under the guidance of expert kickboxing and fitness coaches. Their kickboxing program is meant to give you a martial arts foundation while toning your body.
If you are looking for a more killer workout, they also have a strength class which is instructor-led circuit training. Download their app on your phone today to book your schedule and start your kickboxing journey.
Phoenix MMA and Fitness
Our Rating: ★★★★★ 5/5
- Gym Type: Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
- Location: 1479 N Mt Juliet Rd, Mt. Juliet, TN 37122
- Phone: (615) 995-1907
Phoenix MMA and Fitness offer mixed martial arts instruction meant for everyone who wants to train. This locally owned and family-run MMA fitness center is owned and headed by Cory Robison, who is a professional MMA fighter and instructor raising the next generation of champions.
Learn the basics of Muay Thai and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, or sign up for an advanced class to further your techniques in martial arts. BJJ is available in Gi and No-Gi, depending on your preferred program.
You would learn MMA footwork besides the fundamental techniques in their Muay Thai classes. Their team understands that immersion is essential before committing to a membership, so they have a one-week trial to test their programs and facilities.
Chonburi Muay Thai
Our Rating: ★★★★ 4/5
- Gym Type: Muay Thai
- Location: 2428 Nolensville Pike, Nashville, TN 37211
- Phone: (615) 663-1932
Chonburi Muay Thai centers on teaching students Muay Thai of all ages and skill levels. A veteran fighter, head instructor, and owner, Panyapol “Bruce” Ratanakol, heads this training center with a team of experienced fighters and coaches.
They have a youth class for ages 6-12 for interested youngsters. You can sign up for a private session for more personalized instruction and approach. A structured group class is a default for the adults to perform drills with others.
If you have a burning passion for competing in the cage, you might want to sign up for their fight training to hone your skills in Muay Thai and competitions. Students at all levels are trained in drills and sparring.
Liberdade Jiu Jitsu
Our Rating: ★★★★★ 5/5
- Gym Type: Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
- Location: 618 Ewing Ave, Nashville, TN 37203
- Phone: (408) 826-9607
Liberdade Jiu Jitsu offers world-class Jiu-Jitsu instruction from two experienced fighters, Milton Bastos and Alex Barcelona. Each program provided caters to all ages and skill levels. You can expect excellent instruction in a safe and positive environment.
You can enroll your child in their kids’ BJJ program to further train and equip their skills beyond academics. Their instruction will also teach you self-defense which you can use in real-life situations outside the mats.
The Gi will be provided in your trial class to ensure you are comfortable. You can access and book your trial class online with a schedule that fits your time. They are regularly closed on Sundays.
The Academy
Our Rating: ★★★★★ 5/5
- Gym Type: Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
- Location: 1214 Louisville Hwy, Goodlettsville, TN 37072
- Phone: (615) 945-6501
The Academy encourages and teaches martial arts for all ages. Your coaches here are a mix of veteran fighters, athletes, and certified coaches with one thing in common – their desire to help each student unlock their potential.
From BJJ to MMA to self-defense, these classes are meant to challenge every person to hone them holistically. Beginners in all age groups focus on fundamental techniques, so you don’t have to worry about sparring in class.
You can sign up online to view their web specials and request more information for you or your kid. Follow their social media pages to stay updated with their events or exclusive promotions.
Renzo Gracie Nashville Jiu Jitsu
Our Rating: ★★★★★ 5/5
- Gym Type: Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
- Location: 5105 Maryland Way Suite 101, Brentwood, TN 37027
- Phone: (615) 730-5547
Renzo Gracie Nashville Jiu-Jitsu highly specializes in the arts of Jiu-Jitsu with the world-class instruction of Professor Shawn Williams. Black Belt Williams has over 30 years of knowledge and experience in MMA. He and his team of experienced instructors train students six days a week.
Immerse your child in their kids’ BJJ program. More than the physical and mental benefits of Jiu-Jitsu for kids and adults, this also allows them to build connections within the MMA community. Gi and No-Gi instruction are available.
Open mat sessions are exclusive to members with three or more months of experience. Advanced classes for Gi and No-Gi require an instructor’s approval. You can contact them or request more information on their website.