Top 3 MMA gyms in Tampa Florida!

One thing harder than mixed martial arts itself is finding quality mixed martial arts gyms to train at. The amount of gyms in an area isn’t necessarily what is important. Rather it is the quality that matters. One city riddled with a vast amount of MMA gyms is Tampa, Florida. But in this city, finding a good one that’d be perfect for your needs could be the issue. For that reason, we’ve made this list stating each gym’s features, strengths, programs, etc. to guide you in your decision of picking the perfect gym. So, without further ado, let’s get into it.

1. Gracie Tampa south

Students pictured training Jiu Jitsu rolling techniques at Gracie Tampa south in the Gi

There are no bigger names in jiu-jitsu or MMA than Gracie. The Gracies are always looking to dominate and they seem to be doing the same by being the biggest MMA establishment in Tampa. With gyms in South Tampa, North Tampa, and Westchase, there is no escaping the Gracies.

Whether you’re just there to get some hardcore fitness or you’re there for competition, the Gracie gyms have got you covered. I mean, they’ve got great equipment and more importantly, world-class instructors. The owner and head instructor Rob Kahn got his black belt directly from the legendary Royce Gracie, and he guarantees expert advice and training to each athlete. It truly doesn’t get any better than that.

Founder of Gracie Tampa South Royce Gracie pictured with fellow UFC hall of famer Georges St-Pierre. Royce Gracie is a Brazilian retired professional mixed martial artist, a UFC Hall of Famer, and a Gracie Jiu-Jitsu practitioner. A member of the Gracie family, he is considered to be one of the most influential figures in the history of mixed martial arts.

This gym’s major programs are Brazilian jiu-jitsu and MMA. This gym is very inclusive and you’d be making an error taking your kids anywhere else. It has broad programs for kids’ martial arts; for afterschool, and even summer camp. Their kids’ training is trusted to improve discipline, character, fitness, self-defense from bullies and predators, and of course fun.

The adult classes are also super fun, but majorly, your fitness and athleticism would be pushed to a new level. You’d develop the confidence to defend yourself, and as regards competition, the gym has several students who compete in MMA and jiu-jitsu.

2. American Top Team Tampa

Fighters pictured at American Top Team Tampa after a hard training in the Jiu Jitsu Gi!

American Top Team Tampa is perhaps the best MMA gym not just in Tampa but in the whole country, Tampa residents are lucky to have this gym in their city.  While the main gym in Coconut Creek focuses on competitions and is not open to the public, its affiliates like the one in Tampa is open to people of all classes, ages, and fitness levels.

Besides competition, this gym offers great fitness routines and by using the techniques fighters use to get prepared for fights, you’d shred weight fast. Its adult classes are quite diverse: including taekwondo, kickboxing, Gi & No Gi jiu-jitsu, judo, and advanced MMA. The MMA classes are pretty serious and especially for competition, this 5 time MMA gym of the year is one of the best options. Through the ATT establishment, there have been several world champions like Dustin Poirier, Amanda Nunes, Kayla Harrison, etc. so you know you’re in the right place.

Even better, ATT offers after-school classes for kids. The trainers at American Top Team go through the stress of dropping off and picking their kids from school and then to their martial arts class. Amazing right? Well, it doesn’t stop there. The kids’ classes follow a curriculum that creates time for kids to complete their homework, and your kids can even play in their game room. But what’s most important are the martial arts skills and discipline the trainers at American Top Team would instill in your kids.

3. Fight Fitness Center

Fighters pictured training and applying Jiu Jitsu techniques in Fight Fitness Center practice

This gym’s name is a proper representation of what it is about. Here, you’re going to get in great shape while learning the techniques needed for self defense and competitive MMA. On their website. They've got lots of testimonials. From those, it is obvious that helping their students get fit is something they’re great at.

Fight Fitness Center has also got that family feeling and is open to all ages and people of different fitness levels. Its adult (14+) program includes boxing classes, HIIT/Strength and conditioning, cardio kickboxing, and fighter training. For kids, however, the list is much shorter and the programs are boxing, kickboxing, and fitness.

Their fitness training is top notch and the equipment there is as good as you’d find anywhere else. The gym is 4,000 square feet with an Olympic-sized fighting ring, cardio equipment, several hitting bags, free weights, wrestling mats and training gear for fighters!

Fight Fitness Center gym and equipment pictured. They offer many different forms of great equipment.

Well, apparently fitness through MMA isn’t the only thing this gym emphasizes. It is great for competition as well. With current and ex-MMA fighters like Marvin Blair, Nikolas Fekete, Joseph Fernandez, and Raynard Hill, among others, the instructors at Fight Fitness Center could take your MMA competitive career to the next level.

If you’re in love with this gym already, then you should know their classes are for six days – Monday to Saturday. So, don’t miss out.