Sam AlvarezChoosing the right place to train in mixed martial arts (MMA) can completely transform both your fitness and mental toughness. The best MMA gyms provide expert coaching, ample mat space, and a community that challenges you to push your limits.
Luckily, Nashville’s combat sports scene offers a wide range of gyms, from beginner-friendly spaces to facilities designed for serious fight preparation.
We’ve explored the top spots around town to help you find the facility that matches your goals. Here are the best gyms in Nashville, ready to get you on the mats and put in the work.
How much does MMA training cost in Nashville?
MMA training in Nashville typically costs $150 to over $230 per month for unlimited training, with limited packages and drop-in rates available for those needing a more flexible schedule.
| Training Option | Monthly Cost Range |
| Unlimited Training | $180 – $230+ |
| Limited Access | $115 – $120 |
| Drop-In Sessions | $50 per session |
| Private Instruction | $375 – $800+ per package |
1. Nashville MMA Training Camp
Website: https://nashvillemma.com/
Address: 1504 Elm Hill Pike
Contact: 615-297-4430 | [email protected]
Hours: Monday to Thursday 6:00AM-9:00PM | Friday 6:00AM-8:00PM | Saturday to Sunday 8:00AM-2:00PM
Stepping into a massive 40,000-square-foot facility changes your entire perspective on what a combat sports workout can be. Nashville MMA Training Camp offers a sprawling layout with over 13,000 square feet of mats and a dedicated recovery room.
They even have yoga classes and an on-site performance doctor. The spot also easily serves as a complete fitness replacement, as it features a massive traditional weightlifting section right alongside the heavy bags.
I dropped by a few weeks ago to check out their striking setup. The sheer volume of their 80 weekly classes means you can easily find a session no matter how chaotic your work schedule gets.
Just keep your timeline organized if you ever plan to take a break, since their month-to-month plan still requires a 28-day cancellation notice.
I’ve wanted to take a MMA or boxing class for a while and finally found the perfect place. If you’re considering taking a class or finding a gym w a welcoming community, this is the place. I went back this morning after taking a boxing class last night and, again, everyone is so welcoming and friendly. I had a great workout and they have every facility you can imagine from a state of the art recovery room to mats and gym spaces for every type of exercise and martial art.
- Harris P. Culhane | Google Reviews
Coach BT, has some of the BEST insight to martial arts in the city/state! His dedication to teaching and showing his students current and new techniques is truly inspiring. It’s clear how much he cares about our progress and success to our journey. From white to black belts, always showing up for competitions and showing support, give us the extra push we need in our matches to do our best. The commitments he makes to Nashville MMA and his students makes all the difference to be the best we can be! OOS
- Do Work Hill | Google Reviews
2. SwiftKick – MMA And Boxing
Website: https://swiftkickmma.com/
Address: 403 Harding Industrial Dr
Contact: 615-732-2662 | [email protected]
Hours: Monday to Friday 1:00PM-9:30PM | Saturday 11:00AM-6:00PM
Learning how to strike effectively requires guidance from someone who has actually been in the ring. That’s exactly what earned SwiftKick a spot on our list.
The gym is led directly by Bernard “Swiftkick” Robinson, the owner and former three-time world kickboxing champion. This ensures you learn proven techniques rather than basic cardio routines.
Their specialized “Courageous Yin Yoga” class also stood out to us. It specifically targets mobility for combat athletes, giving you a serious edge in physical recovery.
What’s even better is you get elite-level instruction without being forced into restrictive long-term contracts. This removes a huge psychological barrier for newcomers looking to step onto the mats.
Just be aware that if you want their absolute cheapest monthly rate, you have to commit to a six-month autodraft contract.
Bernard has been an amazing coach and role model to my son. I highly recommend his gym to anyone, adult and kids alike interested in MMA. It’s a safe environment full of good hearted people
- Melissa Moore Bonacic | Google Reviews
Great atmosphere at this gym. All levels of mix martial arts has a safe space to sharpen there skills at Swiftkick Mma. Whether you are just wanting to defend yourself or pursue a career in mma/boxing/muay thai this the place. Pricing is around $40 per week. Paid monthly.
- oYou Boxedx | Google Reviews
3. Legion Jiu Jitsu East Nashville
Website: http://www.legionjj.com/
Address: 2618 Gallatin Pike
Contact: 931-257-8587 | [email protected]
Hours: Monday & Wednesday 5:00PM–8:00PM | Tuesday 6:00AM–7:00AM, 12:00PM–1:30PM & 5:00PM–8:00PM | Thursday 6:00AM–7:00AM, 12:00PM–2:00PM & 5:00PM–8:00PM | Friday 5:00PM–7:00PM | Saturday 10:00AM–12:00PM
Finding a grappling space that feels welcoming rather than intimidating can completely change your martial arts trajectory. That’s why Legion Jiu Jitsu stood out to us.
Many MMA enthusiasts that we spoke with praised the gym for offering a world-class curriculum while maintaining a remarkably ego-free environment.
They also operate as an official CheckMat affiliate, so students can get access to CheckMat competition camps and official merchandise.
What stood out most was their dedicated program for women that’s focused on physical empowerment. It’s great that they give women a space to develop both technical skills and the kind of self-assurance that carries beyond the mats.
The coaching staff also consistently provides excellent one-on-one technical adjustments during large-group sessions to ensure no one gets left behind.
However, keep a close eye on the schedule if you want to train under specific high-level coaches or access premium striking classes. Those instructional windows and location options are quite rigid.
I am visiting Nashville for the weekend and wanted to get some training in while I was in town. Legion offers plenty of classes, which allowed me to get in on a weekend. Everyone at the gym was very welcoming, and the instructor was extremely knowledgeable. I received plenty of help when I had questions. The environment felt both fun and safe yet offered competitive training when I wanted to push the pace. Overall great experience. I would definitely recommend for anyone in the area or visiting for any period of time.
- Trevor Jensen | Google Reviews
Outstanding place to learn the art of BJJ. The gym promotes practicing safely but effectively and keeps egos out of the room. Everyone is incredibly welcoming and wants to help and see you do succeed. Highly recommend Legion to all experience levels and backgrounds who are interested in trying BJJ or looking for a new gym.
- Cameron B | Google Reviews
4. Chonburi Muay Thai
Website: http://www.chonburimuaythai.com/
Address: 2905 Wingate Ave
Contact: 615-663-1932
Hours: Monday 11:00AM–12:00PM & 5:30PM–8:30PM | Tuesday 6:00AM–7:00AM, 11:00AM–12:00PM & 4:30PM–8:30PM | Wednesday & Thursday 11:00AM–12:00PM & 4:30PM–8:30PM | Friday 4:30PM–7:30PM | Saturday 9:00AM–12:00PM | Sunday 10:30AM–12:00PM
True striking power comes from mastering fundamental mechanics under the watchful eye of a seasoned expert. Chonburi Muay Thai is driven by Bruce Panyapol who brings authentic Thai lineage and over thirty professional fights to the mats.
We recently spent an afternoon watching their youth program. We found the two-coach system they use impressive. It guarantees incredible personalized attention for every student.
This veteran-owned facility also runs highly disciplined, exclusive fight camps that replicate the intensity of professional promotions. This gives serious athletes a taste of the real fight world.
Just note that the training space is intentionally kept warm to mirror a traditional Thai gym, which can feel exhausting at first. It does quickly build stamina and resilience, though.
Many MMA/boxing gyms offer what they call Muay Thai. This is the real deal. The atmosphere is very approachable and welcoming for beginners, but if you have an interest in being a fighter Kru Bruce Panyapol will challenge and push you.
- Eugene Martino | Google Reviews
Chonburi Muay Thai has changed my life ! Great gym and amazing coaches. Very friendly staff and students , great kids classes and you can take your kids to train while you train. Classes everyday of the week great for all fitness needs!
- Lomonzo Matthews | Google Reviews
5. Wildside Combat Sports Center Nashville
Website: https://wildsidegym.com/
Address: 2416 Music Valley Dr Unit 144
Contact: 931-933-7933
Hours: Staffed Hours 9:00AM–8:00PM | Monday to Friday 12:00PM–8:00PM | Saturday 9:00AM–1:00PM | Sunday 11:00AM–2:00PM | 24/7 Member Access
Having the freedom to hit the heavy bags at midnight is an incredibly rare luxury in the combat sports world, making Wildside Combat Sports Center a fantastic choice.
We absolutely love that they offer an upgrade for 24-hour keycard access, giving you ultimate flexibility. It’s also a huge bonus that they provide separate training tracks, meaning you only pay for the specific disciplines you actually want to learn.
Their coaching staff is impressive too. They carry a serious international pedigree from cornering athletes in major global promotions. This elite experience directly translates to high-intensity, technically sharp classes.
Beyond standard striking and grappling, the facility is uniquely equipped to handle diverse combat styles. It fosters a gritty, hard-working atmosphere that genuinely challenges you to level up your fitness.
Cross-training in both Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) and striking, though, costs significantly more per month.
One of the best environments I’ve been part of
I train at Wildside Nashville and I can honestly say it’s one of the best environments I’ve been part of. Whether you’re there for MMA or armored combat, they have everything you need to grow and level up. The coaching, the mentoring , and the team atmosphere is second to none. It’s a place that pushes you and makes you better every time you step on the mats. Proud to train here.
- Jenny Savage | Google Reviews
