Embarking on your MMA journey is as exhilarating as it is daunting. The prospect of joining a gym might send a surge of excitement through you, yet it’s completely natural to hesitate before taking that initial leap.
Perhaps you’re weighing which facility best fits your personal ambitions—be it competing at the highest level, enhancing your overall fitness, or refining your mixed martial arts techniques. Each aim calls for a distinct training environment.
To help you navigate this decision, ThunderMMA has curated an exceptional roster of premier MMA gyms in California. This guide is crafted to connect you with the ideal training space, setting you off on your journey with both confidence and enthusiasm.
Find a MMA gym near you in California:
Explore our exclusive lineup of California’s standout cities. If you’re targeting a specific locale, simply choose the one nearest you to reveal a specially selected roster of premier MMA gyms in that area.
MMA Gyms by California City:
Top 5 Best MMA gyms in California
Ready to discover the top MMA gyms in California? Below is a carefully selected list of standout gyms across the state. This is not a ranking—each gym offers something unique, and the best choice depends on your personal goals. We recommend visiting the ones that interest you, trying a class, and finding the right fit for your needs.
Rounders MMA & Boxing Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Location: 1214 17th St, Santa Ana, CA 92701
Number: +17145990826
Weekdays: Monday–Thursday: 6:30 AM–9:30 PM, Friday: 6:30 AM–8:30 PM
Saturday: 9 AM–12:30 PM
Sunday: 9 AM–12 PM
Ratings (Plus 114 Reviews): 4.6
Rounders MMA & Boxing, located in Santa Ana, California, offers a diverse range of martial arts programs, including Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, boxing, Muay Thai kickboxing, and cardio kickboxing. The facility is known for its welcoming atmosphere and flexible class schedules, accommodating both beginners and advanced practitioners. Members have praised the knowledgeable and supportive coaching staff, highlighting significant personal achievements such as weight loss and skill development. With additional locations in Fullerton and Huntington Beach, Rounders MMA & Boxing provides accessible training options across Orange County. While I haven’t personally visited, the positive feedback and strong community presence suggest a reputable environment for martial arts enthusiasts in the area.
California Mixed Martial Arts
Location: 1617 Rosecrans Ave O, Gardena, CA 90249
Number: +13107566501
Weekdays: Monday: 10 AM–12 PM, 4:30–9 PM; Tuesday & Thursday: 6–8 AM, 12–2 PM, 4:30–9 PM; Wednesday: 10 AM–9 PM; Friday: 12–2 PM, 4:30–8 PM
Saturday: 8:30 AM–2 PM
Sunday: Closed
Ratings (Plus 68 Reviews): 4.8
California Mixed Martial Arts (CMMA), located at 1617 W. Rosecrans Ave. in Gardena, California, is a premier training academy offering a wide range of martial arts programs. Their classes include Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Mixed Martial Arts (MMA), Muay Thai Kickboxing, Boxing, Wrestling, and specialized programs for women and children. CMMA is known for its welcoming atmosphere and caters to both beginners and seasoned practitioners.
Total MMA Studios
Location: 632 El Camino Real Suite A, Tustin, CA 92780
Number: +17146830164
Weekdays: Monday–Thursday: 6 AM–9 PM, Friday: 6 AM–8 PM
Saturday: 9 AM–1 PM
Sunday: 11 AM–1 PM
Ratings (Plus 128 Reviews): 4.9
Total MMA Studios, located at 632 El Camino Real in Tustin, California, offers a wide range of martial arts disciplines, including Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai, and Kickboxing. Members appreciate the extensive class schedule, which provides flexibility for various lifestyles. The facility is praised for its cleanliness and friendly staff, creating a welcoming environment for both beginners and experienced practitioners. However, some feedback suggests that beginners might find the initial experience challenging, as instruction can be more advanced. Overall, Total MMA Studios maintains a strong reputation within the community, with many members recommending it for its quality training and supportive atmosphere.
THE ARENA | MMA Gym in San Diego
Location: 3350 Sports Arena Blvd, San Diego, CA 92110
Number: +16192225554
From Monday to Saturday:
Weekdays: Saturday: X, Sunday: X
Ratings (Plus 1,000 Reviews): 4.9
The Arena, located at 3350 Sports Arena Blvd. in San Diego, California, is renowned as one of North America’s largest and oldest combat sports gyms. Established in 1949, it offers a comprehensive range of martial arts disciplines, including Boxing, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai, Wrestling, Judo, and Filipino Martial Arts. The facility spans 27,000 square feet, featuring 8,000 square feet of mat space, 35 heavy and specialty bags, and two elevated competition rings. Members have access to over 100 weekly classes, accommodating all skill levels from beginners to professional fighters. The coaching staff comprises seasoned professionals, such as legendary grappler Baret Yoshida and two-time Olympic Head Boxing Coach Basheer Abdullah. While I haven’t personally visited The Arena, its extensive history, state-of-the-art facilities, and positive community feedback suggest a reputable and welcoming environment for martial arts enthusiasts in the San Diego area.
Fight Strong MMA
Location: 140 Calle de Los Molinos, San Clemente, CA 92672
Number: +19492185222
Weekdays: Monday–Friday: 6 AM–8 PM
Saturday: 9 AM–2 PM
Sunday: Closed
Ratings (Plus 10 Reviews): 5.0
Fight Strong MMA, located in San Clemente, California, is a premier mixed martial arts facility offering a range of disciplines, including Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai, boxing, wrestling, and strength and conditioning. The gym caters to all ages and skill levels, providing a welcoming environment for beginners and experienced practitioners alike. Members have praised the knowledgeable coaching staff, highlighting their ability to break down techniques into easily understandable components. The facility is also noted for its cleanliness and friendly atmosphere, making it an excellent choice for those looking to improve their fitness and martial arts skills. While I haven’t personally visited Fight Strong MMA, the positive feedback from the community suggests a reputable and supportive training environment in the San Clemente area.
Explore our extensive collection of articles to unlock detailed insights for every question you have.
Whether you’re delving into innovative training methods, on the hunt for a gym that perfectly aligns with your ambitions, or in need of all-encompassing MMA advice, our seasoned expertise is ready to guide you every step of the way.
