The Best MMA Gyms in London in 2025

If you’re searching for the best MMA gyms in London, you’ve probably already felt that pull towards mixed martial arts. Maybe it’s the adrenaline rush of watching a big UFC fight, or perhaps you’re looking for a new way to challenge both your body and mind. Finding the right city gym in London means considering accessibility, amenities, and the unique energy of urban training environments. Whatever your reason, finding the right MMA gym in a city as big as London can feel overwhelming, but we’re here to make it simple. Read further and discover the 5 best MMA Gyms in London, Crowns Gym being our favourite.

A Quick Look at London’s Top MMA Gyms

Before we break down what makes each spot stand out for MMA in London, here’s a snapshot of our top recommendations. These top MMA gyms in London are known for their impressive range of classes and training options, catering to different skill levels and interests.

Reviews of the Best MMA Gyms in London

Now it’s time to step onto the mats and see what makes each of these fighting gyms worth your attention. We’ll walk you through their standout features, the style and structure of their MMA classes, what a typical training session looks like at each gym, membership options, and our honest take on what it’s like to train at each MMA gym.

1. Crowns Gym – An MMA Gym Which Ticks All The Boxes

If you’re searching for the best MMA gym in London, Crowns Gym in Beckenham should be right at the top of your list. This martial arts gym blends a welcoming atmosphere with the serious grit needed for real MMA training. All the staff are highly skilled, approachable, and dedicated to creating a friendly atmosphere for members of all levels. Unlike trend-led studios that focus more on looks than skills, Crowns is built around:

• authentic coaching,
• hard work,
• results you can see and feel.

Whether you’re brand new to mixed martial arts, working towards your first fight, or simply want to get fitter, this is a place where anyone can feel inspired.

Approach to Training

Training here is about developing mental toughness and mastering the full art of mixed martial arts. Crowns offers an immersive learning experience that covers everything from self-defence skills to competition-level fight prep. Their MMA classes London programmes combine key elements from different disciplines, including:

• boxing,
• Muay Thai,
• wrestling,
• Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.

Every MMA session is designed to sharpen technique, improve conditioning, and help you think like a professional inside and outside the cage. With experienced coaches guiding you, this combat gym builds both the physical skills and the fighter’s mindset you need to win.

Classes and Coaching 

Crowns runs MMA beginner classes, intermediate sessions, and advanced fight prep, so there’s something for every skill level. Whether you’re a complete beginner or an experienced fighter, the classes are designed to help you develop new skills at every stage. The coaching team includes skilled professionals like Clide Delaney (ACE-certified trainer, karate black belt) and Kial Wilkins (BJJ black belt, Head of Jiu-Jitsu), both bringing years of real fight experience.

A unique bonus is that all training is overseen by medical and performance specialists that ensure members get guidance on energy, recovery, and nutrition.

Membership 

Crowns keeps things simple when it comes to booking your MMA lessons.

You can buy:

• single sessions for £15
• 5 sessions for £65,
• 10 sessions for £120,
• 20 sessions for £250.

There is no joining fee, making it easy and affordable to get started.

They’re open Monday to Friday from 6 AM to 9:30 PM, and weekends and bank holidays from 8 AM to 6 PM. That means you can train 7 days a week, with flexible options to fit your schedule. With over 60 classes available per week, you can choose how many sessions per week work best for you. This is ideal for fitting fight training into a busy schedule. Their premium membership even includes sauna access and wellness programmes, giving it the feel of a complete MMA academy rather than just a regular fight gym.

Our Verdict

From world-class coaching and a wide range of combat sports to excellent facilities and a motivating environment, Crowns ticks every box. Whether your dream is to compete, master UFC training techniques, or simply become the fittest version of yourself, this London MMA hub delivers. Crowns Gym offers a supportive environment that helps members build confidence and skills, positively impacting all areas of life. In our view, it’s not just one of the best MMA gyms in London, it’s the place to train if you want results that truly last.

Crowns Gym4 Thayers Farm Road, BR3 4LZ+44 (0)117 302 1018

https://crownsgym.com/contact-us/

2. Diesel Gym – A Combat Hub Focused On Community

Founded in 2008 by Cliff Bura, Diesel Gym has its roots in London’s East End, an area with a proud combat sports heritage. Over the years, this MMA gym has helped produce competitors and champions across several disciplines, earning its place as a respected name in the local fight scene. Diesel Gym also offers kids classes and provides a welcoming environment for kids to start their martial arts journey.

Approach to Training

Training at Diesel Gym is supported by a dedicated team that focuses on building stronger, healthier athletes. They also offer in-house support to help members recover from injuries and get back to training faster. For those seeking individualized attention and tailored fitness plans, personal training options are available.

While these are excellent additions, it’s worth noting that the MMA classes themselves can feel a little light on depth. Many members seem to join for overall fitness rather than serious MMA training aimed at competition, which means this might not be the best fit if your goal is intensive, fight-ready preparation.

Classes and Coaching 

A few years ago, Diesel Gym became a non-profit, and started putting all profits back into community projects. Their work spans youth crime prevention, mental health support, and making sports more accessible to everyone, which is an approach that deserves credit.

For younger members, Diesel Gym offers a dedicated kids class, with sessions organized by age groups to ensure age-appropriate instruction and development.

As for training, they offer:

• MMA classes,
• Jiu-Jitsu,
• Muay Thai,
• Wrestling.

All of this gives members a solid introduction to different combat sports. However, similar to the MMA sessions, these can lack the advanced technical focus experienced fighters may be looking for. This makes Diesel Gym better suited for those seeking general martial arts gyms rather than an elite fight gym for competitive development.

Membership 

Membership costs £99 per month, with a reduced £60 fee for those under 16. While the price is fair, some equipment feels dated, and peak times can be crowded, which can make MMA training here less efficient. However, the gym offers clean and spacious changing rooms, and there is a good selection of weights available for strength training.

That said, Diesel Gym has created a welcoming environment for young people, giving them a great entry point into mixed martial arts before potentially moving on to a larger, more specialised MMA academy like Crowns Gym.

Our Verdict

Diesel Gym is a solid choice for beginners who want to try MMA in London in a friendly, community-focused setting. Training at Diesel Gym is fun and accessible for all ages, making it an enjoyable place to start your martial arts journey. However, if you’re looking for the best MMA gyms in London for serious fight training, with up-to-date facilities and advanced coaching, this might not meet your needs.

It’s an admirable MMA club for its local impact and for helping people start their martial arts journey, but not the ultimate combat gym for competitive progression.

Diesel Gym London1012 Dockside Rd, London E16 2QT+44 7765 243012

3. Team Shark – High Intensity Combat Training Sessions

Team Shark is one of the best MMA clubs in the capital. Conveniently located, it’s easily accessible. Team Shark has experience training MMA fighters, from complete beginners to those preparing for competition.

Approach to Training

Team Shark focuses on practical fight application over flashy facilities. Training blends striking, clinch work, basic wrestling drills, and movement exercises, progressing from technical breakdowns to controlled live application. The approach is deliberately inclusive: novices, complete beginners, and seasoned fighters train side by side, with an emphasis on improvement rather than image. The supportive atmosphere helps foster confidence and skill growth at every stage.

Classes and Coaching 

You’ll find regular MMA beginner classes, plus options to explore Muay Thai, Kickboxing, Muay Boran, and specialist Thai Krabbi-Krabong weapons training, an uncommon offering in UK gyms. However, sessions in each discipline rotate weekly, which can make it difficult to build consistent depth in one style. Coaches such as Sean, Mason, and Robbie bring diverse experience across Taekwondo, Muay Thai, and K1. Some coaches have experience working with professional fighters, bringing high-level expertise to the gym. While this variety keeps classes fresh, differences in teaching style may result in less consistent technical progression, especially for advanced students.

Membership 

Joining is straightforward, with a Meetup group and free trial sessions making it easy to get started. Drop-ins are welcome for those who want to try a class without a long-term commitment. The atmosphere is friendly, the community welcoming, and commitment levels flexible. However, the timetable is limited for MMA-specific classes, and the training space is small compared to larger fight gyms. The setup is functional rather than premium: no cage, advanced facilities, or recovery amenities, making it better suited for beginners and intermediates rather than competitive fight camp preparation.

Our Verdict

Team Shark delivers an accessible, community-driven MMA experience with genuine coaching and a mix of disciplines rarely found under one roof. While the casual, inclusive vibe is a strength for many, it may fall short for those seeking high-level competition training or a full-service gym environment. For anyone willing to put in the work and focus on personal progression, it’s a supportive place to build skills and confidence.

Team Shark Dojo (Wimbledon/South London)
Wandle Recreation Centre, Mapleton Rd, London SW18 4DN, UK
+44 7786 920051

4. New Wave Academy Training Centre – The Multi-Discipline Combat Centre

Since opening in 2007, New Wave Academy has built a solid reputation for quality martial arts classes across London. With experienced coaches (including multiple BJJ black belts and seasoned fighters) they aim to help members reach their goals, whether that’s improving fitness, learning self-defence, or competing. They operate from several locations, including Bromley, Croydon, and Penge.

Approach to Training

New Wave Academy covers a wide range of combat sports, offering Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai, wrestling, boxing, and white collar boxing under one roof. This variety is great if you want to explore different styles, but with so many disciplines and a large membership spread across multiple branches, the core MMA training can sometimes take a back seat.

For beginners wanting to try a mix of arts, this is appealing, but for those aiming for focused, integrated mixed martial arts progression, it may feel a little scattered. In MMA, being able to merge striking, grappling, and wrestling into one cohesive system is key, and here the training can lean more towards learning each style separately.

Classes and Coaching 

The coaching team is highly skilled, with BJJ black belts and competitive fighters offering instruction. It’s a good place for those testing the waters, perhaps trying kickboxing, wrestling, or BJJ before committing to one path. 

However, if your goal is deep, all-round MMA in London that blends all areas seamlessly, the approach here may feel too broad. New Wave functions more as a multi-discipline martial arts gym than a tightly focused MMA academy.

Membership

Membership typically sits around £100 per month, though exact prices aren’t clearly listed on the website, which can be frustrating if you’re comparing the best MMA gyms in London. 

On the plus side, they do offer a free trial session, giving you the chance to experience the gym before committing. It’s a great way to get a feel for their fight training environment and coaching style.

Our Verdict

New Wave Academy is a well-established MMA gym with strong coaching in multiple disciplines. However, the focus on variety over fully integrated MMA systems means it might not be the best choice for serious fighters chasing advanced mixed martial arts classes. The lack of clear pricing on their site is also a drawback. That said, if you’re looking for a versatile fight gym to try out different arts before specialising, New Wave delivers.

New Wave Academy Training Centre (Croydon)
38 Hermitage Ln, London SE25 5HH
+44 20 3509 3198

5. KO Gym – The Authentic Combat Sports Hub

KO Gym is a fight factory that delivers a wide mix of martial arts classes for all ages, from adults to youth and children.

The gym is equipped with a range of strength and conditioning equipment, including kettle bells for MMA training and cardio workouts.

Their timetable covers:

• Muay Thai,
• Wrestling,
• BJJ,
• kickboxing,
• boxing,
• MMA,
• yoga, and more.

A handy extra is their dedicated mobile app, which makes it easy for members to book classes, manage memberships, and stay updated on fight gym news.

Approach to Training

One of KO Gym’s biggest strengths is the variety of combat sports taught under one roof. The coaching team is made up of highly skilled, battle-tested instructors who know their craft inside out. 

However, those expecting luxury features like saunas or high-tech equipment won’t find them here. The MMA training space is also much smaller than what you’d see at some of the other MMA gyms in London.

Classes and Coaching 

The coaches’ expertise is undeniable, but the limited training space sometimes makes it difficult for members to practice techniques with full range and precision. That said, KO Gym shines in its striking disciplines, making it a great choice if you’re after a strong Muay Thai gym or kickboxing gym. For anyone searching for London Muay Thai or top-tier kickboxing coaching, it’s a solid contender.

Membership 

A standard adult membership is £85 per month, while their premium package is £110. Students get discounts, and there are tailored packages for children. 

Our Verdict

If you want plush facilities and spacious training areas like those at Crowns Gym, KO Gym probably won’t tick all the boxes. The space is compact, and during busy times it can feel crowded, which may affect the quality of MMA training or other martial arts classes. 

KO Gym
186 Bancroft Road, E1 4ET, London
+442072659693

Starting Your Mixed Martial Arts Journey: What to Expect

Deciding to train in mixed martial arts is a fantastic choice. MMA training combines striking, grappling, and wrestling into one dynamic system, giving you a complete workout for both body and mind. It’s also an effective way to lose weight while building strength and confidence.

Why London Stands out for MMA

London is home to one of the most exciting and diverse MMA scenes in the world. The city’s long history in combat sports, paired with a booming interest in MMA in London, means you can choose from some of the best MMA gyms in London. Fight City Gym stands out as one of the city’s leading martial arts and fitness centers, offering top facilities, community events, and programs for all skill levels.

From high-intensity fight factories to friendly MMA academies for newcomers, there’s something for every type of fighter.

The range of options is huge – you’ll find specialist grappling gyms, dedicated kickboxing gyms, and top-level wrestling gyms, many of which also offer fully integrated MMA classes.

Choosing Your MMA Home: Beyond the Hype

When you’re picking your MMA gym, go beyond the hype of glossy websites or big-name fighter photos. Focus on what truly matters to your own progress.

• Set Your Goals – Are you aiming for UFC training level competition, looking for a new way to stay fit, or focusing on self-defence? Your answer will decide whether you should join a high-performance fight gym or a more inclusive MMA club with strong MMA beginner classes.
• Look at the Coaches – Your MMA personal trainer will shape your journey. Choose someone with experience, patience, and the ability to explain complex moves in a way you can understand.
• Assess the Class Variety – For true mixed martial arts development, the gym should combine striking styles like kickboxing and Muay Thai with grappling and wrestling. If you’re specifically interested in striking, make sure their Muay Thai gym instruction is high quality and tailored to your needs.

The Full-Body and Mind Benefits of MMA

MMA training does far more than build muscle or improve stamina. Yes, you’ll get stronger, faster, and more agile, but the benefits go well beyond the physical. Learning mixed martial arts teaches discipline, focus, and the ability to think clearly under pressure.

Being part of an MMA club also connects you with a community of like-minded people who push and encourage you. Over time, you’ll notice not only improved technique in striking, grappling, and wrestling but also a boost in confidence, mental resilience, and the ability to stay calm in high-pressure situations, skills that help you both inside and outside the cage.

Best MMA Gyms in London: Finding Your MMA Home 

We’ve explored some of the best MMA gyms in London for 2025. Among the mentioned combat hubs, the one that truly ticks every box is Crowns Gym. With its world-class coaching, wide range of MMA classes, and a welcoming yet driven atmosphere, it’s the kind of fight gym where both beginners and competitive fighters can thrive.

Many of the best MMA gyms in London also host regular events, such as competitions and social gatherings, helping to build a strong community among members.

All in all, whether you want to compete, refine your MMA lessons, or simply use mixed martial arts to get fitter and more confident, London MMA has something for everyone. Try out a few MMA clubs, book trial sessions, and see where you feel most at home.

Your fight gym should be a place that challenges you, motivates you, and supports you every step of the way. Remember – the journey in MMA is just as important as the results. Pick a combat gym where you can enjoy the process, stay committed, and grow both as a fighter and as a person.

Frequently Asked Questions About London MMA Gyms

Can I Join an MMA Gym in London if I’ve Never Trained Before?

Yes! Many of the best MMA gyms in London actively welcome newcomers with no martial arts experience. Most offer dedicated MMA beginner classes that cover the basics of striking, grappling, and wrestling in a safe, structured way. 

Do the Best MMA Gyms in London Offer Specialised Classes?

Absolutely. In addition to their main MMA classes, most leading MMA clubs provide specialist sessions in individual disciplines. You’ll often find kickboxing classes, Muay Thai classes in London, Jiu-Jitsu training at a grappling gym, and wrestling sessions in a dedicated wrestling gym space. 

How Crucial is the Coach in MMA Training?

Your coach is one of the most important influences on your progress in the MMA gym. A skilled MMA personal trainer will teach techniques and also explain fight strategy, correct mistakes, and motivate you to push past your limits. Look for trainers with proven fight experience or a history of producing successful fighters.

Can I Prepare for UFC-Level Competition in London?

Some MMA gyms in London focus heavily on competitive development, making them a great choice for fighters with professional ambitions. London fight clubs like Crowns Gym offer advanced fight training, UFC training programmes, and connections to UFC clubs and global UFC gyms. If becoming a pro is your goal, discuss it with the coaching team to ensure the gym’s structure and schedule match your competitive path.