John PerryFinding the best MMA gyms in Philadelphia can completely transform your fitness journey, whether you want to step into the cage for competition or simply learn self-defense.
Philadelphia offers a gritty, hard-working martial arts scene with gyms suited for every skill level. Choosing the right spot depends on your specific goals and comfort zone.
I explored the city’s top facilities to see which ones actually deliver solid coaching and supportive environments. Here’s a breakdown of the top spots to help you get on the mats and start sweating.
How much does mixed martial arts cost in Philadelphia?
In Philadelphia, a comprehensive Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) gym membership typically costs between $175 and $200 per month for unlimited classes, with lower rates available for specialized disciplines.
| Membership Type | Monthly/Drop-in Cost |
| Unlimited MMA & Striking | $175 – $200 / month |
| Specialized Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu or Muay Thai | $125 – $160 / month |
| Drop-in Class Fee | $10 – $20 / visit |
1. North Star MMA
Website: https://northstarmma.com
Address: 6673 Germantown Ave, Unit B
Contact: 215-848-5454 | [email protected]
Hours: Monday to Thursday 4:00 PM – 9:30 PM | Friday 5:00 PM – 8:30 PM | Saturday 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Starting your combat journey feels less intimidating at North Star MMA.
The coaches use a smart, concept-based grappling system that focuses on positional sparring instead of just memorizing random moves. So you actually understand the physics behind a submission instead of just mimicking it.
They also run a structured eight-week introductory striking program to teach you proper offensive techniques. I like how they integrate striking and grappling into training blocks for a complete foundation.
New members can even apply a promo code on their website for a discounted trial pass. The initial trial includes all the essential gear you need to hit the mats.
However, progressing into their intermediate striking classes is a bit tedious. You must buy custom protective gear and secure official coaching approval before moving up.
2. Martinez BJJ Fitness Center
Website: https://martinezbjj.com
Address: 3511 Cottman Ave.
Contact: 215-613-8360 | [email protected]
Hours: Daily 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Training under an active professional brings a completely different intensity to your workouts.
That’s why Martinez BJJ Fitness Center is led by a head instructor with an impressive thirteen-win fighting record and direct lineage under Master Carlos Machado.
Enrolled members receive mentorship from coaches who actively guide fighters in major global promotions like the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC).
When I dropped by to watch, the technical precision on the mats was incredible. I saw why they dominate regional grappling tournaments.
They also have a youth training framework to build discipline in younger kids, and prospective students get a free week to test out the different class environments.
On the flip side, the training room carries an intense atmosphere catered toward active competitors. Casual fitness seekers might find the hardcore professional focus a bit overwhelming at first.
3. Undisputed MMA, LLC
Website: https://undisputedmmallc.com
Address: 6501 Ogontz Ave.
Contact: 267-623-6444 | [email protected]
Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday to Friday 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM | Saturday 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Building strong character in young athletes is a major focus at Undisputed MMA, LLC. The academy has twenty years of industry experience running a structured youth developmental platform.
Instructors have an inclusivity policy to ensure that complete beginners receive just as much attention as advanced peers.
Their core enrollment relies on a strict two-class weekly schedule to maintain consistent technical progression. Every trainer holds an official black belt rank to guarantee high-level instruction.
The coaching staff prioritizes slow, precise structural details over rushed sparring.
However, the facility strictly limits building entry times for enrolled students. You cannot step inside the gym more than ten minutes before your designated class begins.
If you prefer solo workouts, checking out personal trainers in Philadelphia might suit your schedule better.
4. Semper Fi Academy
Website: https://semperfimma.com
Address: 7977 Oxford Ave.
Contact: 267-343-7629 | [email protected]
Hours: Monday & Wednesday 8:00 AM – 9:00 AM, 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM | Tuesday & Thursday 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM | Friday 5:00 PM – 8:30 PM | Saturday 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Smaller practitioners need specialized tactics to survive against larger opponents on the mats. They will appreciate that Semper Fi Academy teaches a leverage-centric adult grappling system focused on precise body mechanics.
Their program combines movements across combat styles to build technical knowledge. The adult modules work as excellent pathways for lowering stress and boosting internal confidence.
A friend of mine takes their striking class and loves how it targets personal fitness. You don’t feel pressured into competitive fighting if you just want a good sweat.
They also run a youth program balancing physical conditioning with emotional skill development.
That said, be aware that the gym strictly refuses walk-in visits, so newcomers should schedule trials beforehand.
5. Broad Street Kickboxing
Website: https://broadstreetkickboxing.com
Address: 1025 Hamilton St.
Contact: 267-665-3723 | [email protected]
Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday & Friday 4:00 PM – 9:30 PM | Thursday 6:00 PM – 9:30 PM | Saturday to Sunday 10:00 AM – 2:30 PM
Testing out a new facility shouldn’t require an immediate financial commitment. So it’s a relief that Broad Street Kickboxing offers a fourteen-day promotional pass that lets newcomers experience unlimited classes across several disciplines.
The academy integrates regular fitness students and active competitors into the same training environment. You get to drill the same techniques and endure the same high-intensity coaching as their competitive athletes.
The head instructor, Jake, is a certified Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) black belt who ensures authentic instruction. They run a flexible daily timetable, accommodating morning and evening workout preferences.
Every session features varied drills to help you avoid plateaus.
Just note that you must purchase your own personal safety gear once the free trial ends. The gym also forbids standard competition gloves during active sessions.
