For a limited period, introductory MMA classes are available free of charge.
MMA Classes in Chelmsford
Train Mixed Martial Arts in Chelmsford with a coaching team boasting genuine UFC, Bellator, Cage Warriors and KSW pedigree. Whether you’re completely new to martial arts or already train Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, our MMA classes will sharpen your striking, wrestling and submission grappling.
- Beginner friendly
- No experience required
- Supportive coaching
Beginner Friendly
No previous experience required.
Structured Coaching
Learn through progressive drills.
Complete Skillset
Striking, wrestling and submissions.
Free Introduction
Try an introductory MMA class.
What Is MMA?
Mixed Martial Arts is the most complete combat sport there is. It blends striking, wrestling and submission grappling into a single discipline, testing not just technique but the ability to combine skill sets under pressure.
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Training MMA properly means learning how to strike, control an opponent through wrestling, finish fights on the ground and read distance, timing and transitions between all three ranges.
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Most gyms are strong in one of these areas. Very few are genuinely elite across all of them, which is exactly why our partnership with Diesel Gym London & Essex matters.
BENEFITS OF MMA TRAINING
Sharpen Your Striking
Learn functional boxing and Muay Thai technique.
Master Wrestling
Develop takedowns, control and stand-up defence.
Greater Athleticism
Increase athleticism, stamina and conditioning.
Confidence Under Pressure
Build confidence during challenging situations.
Faster Reactions
Improve reaction speed, movement and agility.
Genuine Self-Defence
Learn practical skills that work in real situations.
Fight-Tested Coaching
Train with competition-proven UFC, Bellator and Cage Warriors coaches.
Mental Toughness
Develop discipline, resilience and focus.
Who Can Join Our MMA Classes?
Our MMA classes are suitable for people with a wide range of goals and experience levels.
- Existing Gracie Barra students wanting to add striking and wrestling
- Complete beginners looking for a serious, structured way into combat sports
- Combat sports enthusiasts who've trained boxing, kickboxing or wrestling elsewhere
- Anyone serious about competing
- Adults looking to improve fitness, confidence and self-defence
Why MMA and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Work Together
Gracie Barra Chelmsford is already home to Essex’s biggest Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu programme, with classes for kids, teens, adults and women taught across two mats at our Eckersley Road facility.
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Adding an elite MMA programme through the Diesel Gym partnership means students no longer have to choose between a serious BJJ academy and a serious MMA gym. Chelmsford now has both, under one roof.
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Students who combine MMA with Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu develop a more complete grappling game, sharper takedown defence and far greater confidence in live, unpredictable situations.
Try Your First MMA Class Free
- No experience required
- Beginner-friendly instruction
- Free introductory class for a limited period
Book Your Free Wrestling Class
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New to MMA? Train With Confidence
Our classes are structured to build from fundamentals up, so total beginners and experienced grapplers train side by side without anyone being out of their depth.
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You do not need previous experience, exceptional fitness or any martial arts background to get started. Our coaches will guide you through every step of the learning process.
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Backed by the Diesel Gym network and a coaching pedigree few gyms in the region can match, you’re training with a system that has genuinely produced champions across UCMMA, BAMMA, Cage Warriors, Bellator and the UFC.
What Happens During an MMA Class?
1. Warm-Up and Movement
Prepare the body through mobility and MMA-specific movement drills.
2. Striking Instruction
Learn boxing and Muay Thai fundamentals with clear coaching.
3. Takedown Practice
Practise safe and effective wrestling and takedown techniques.
4. Submission Grappling
Finish fights on the ground with chokes and joint locks.
5. Partner Drills
Combine striking, wrestling and grappling with a partner.
6. Controlled Live Sparring
Apply techniques in supervised sparring rounds.
7. Conditioning and Cool Down
Finish with appropriate conditioning and recovery.
Classes focus on learning in a safe and supportive environment while providing a challenging workout.
MMA Class Times
Classes are led by Jason “The Assassin” Radcliffe, a professional mixed martial artist with well over a decade in the sport at the highest level, including bouts for KSW and Bellator. MMA classes run on our second mat as part of our expanding combat sports programme.
Explore Our Other Programmes
Adult Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Build practical grappling skills, fitness and confidence through structured BJJ training.
Kids & Teens Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Help younger students develop confidence, discipline, fitness and practical skills.
Women's Only Classes
Train Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in a supportive programme created for women.
Muay Thai Classes
Improve striking, fitness, coordination and confidence through Muay Thai training.
Private Training
Receive focused coaching and personalised instruction based on your goals.
Wrestling Classes
Build takedown skills and control with our dedicated wrestling classes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need experience to start MMA training?
No. Our classes are beginner-friendly and structured to build from fundamentals up.
Do I need to be fit before joining?
No. Fitness improves naturally through training.
Can Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu students attend MMA classes?
Absolutely. MMA is one of the best ways to round out your striking and wrestling alongside your BJJ game.
What should I wear?
Comfortable training kit such as shorts, a rash guard or t-shirt. Gloves and other equipment can be discussed with your coach before your first class.
Are the MMA classes suitable for competitors?
Yes. The programme is led by fight-tested coaches with a network that has produced competitors in UCMMA, BAMMA, Cage Warriors, Bellator and the UFC.
Will I have to spar straight away?
No. Sparring is controlled, supervised and introduced gradually once you’re ready.
Are MMA classes suitable for kids?
No. MMA classes at Gracie Barra Chelmsford are for adults only.
Book Your Free Wrestling Class
Experience wrestling training for yourself and discover why wrestlers develop some of the strongest grappling skills in combat sports. Build confidence, improve fitness and develop practical grappling skills in a welcoming environment.