Best MMA gyms in South Dakota
Ready to step into the world of MMA? It’s an exciting challenge, but with so many options out there, it can feel overwhelming to know where to start.
Are you training to compete? Looking to get in shape? Or maybe you want to refine your technique? Different gyms cater to different needs—some focus on training elite fighters, while others are perfect for beginners or those focused on fitness and self-improvement.
The key is knowing what to look for. Whether it’s expert coaching, structured classes, a motivating gym culture, or top-notch facilities, every detail makes a difference in your progress.
Not sure where to begin? We’ve got you covered! Keep reading to discover exactly what to consider when choosing the perfect MMA gym for your goals. Let’s dive in!
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Choosing the right MMA gym is one of the most important steps in your training journey. Whether you’re looking to compete, improve your fitness, or sharpen your technique, the gym you choose will play a big role in your success.
Each gym has its own strengths. Some focus on preparing fighters for the next big match, while others provide a supportive environment for beginners or those focused on personal growth and fitness.
It’s not just about the equipment or class times—it’s about the quality of coaching, the motivating environment, and the community that will support you in your training.
Still unsure where to start? The best way to find your perfect gym is to check it out yourself. Visit the gym, try a class, talk to the coaches, and see if it feels like the right fit for you. The right gym is more than just a place to train—it’s a place where you’ll grow.
Next Edge Academy
Location: 909 E 8th St, Sioux Falls, SD 57103
Number: +16057405955
Open Monday–Thursday: 12–1:30 PM & 5–8:30 PM
Friday: 5–7 PM
Saturday: 11 AM–2 PM
Closed Sunday
Ratings (Plus 59 Reviews): 4.9
Blueprints for Fighters, Not Flash
Next Edge Academy is a gym with a clear mission: build real martial artists through structure, discipline, and consistency. There’s no gimmick here. The training speaks for itself. Whether you’re working your way through a jiu-jitsu progression or sharpening your striking in MMA class, the sessions are focused and tight. It’s not just a place to train—it’s a place to build. Fighters aren’t born in this gym, they’re made with intention.
Coaching That Doesn’t Miss the Detail
The coaching staff at Next Edge stands out for one simple reason: they care about the details. You’ll be corrected, pushed, and educated—not just put through the motions. The instructors have real competitive experience, but more importantly, they know how to translate that into teachable systems. Whether you’re prepping for your first tournament or stepping onto the amateur MMA scene, they’ve got a roadmap—and they actually follow it with you.
A Culture That Keeps You Coming Back
There’s a serious training atmosphere at Next Edge, but it’s not overrun with ego. People here are respectful, helpful, and consistent. You’ll find partners who push the pace but know how to train smart. Beginners get real guidance instead of being thrown into chaos, and higher-level guys take care of each other. It’s a competitive gym without the toxicity—a rare combo.
Not Just for Fighters—But Fighters Are Born Here
Next Edge is ideal for those who want to go deep into martial arts—not just dabble. That said, it’s beginner-friendly and welcoming if you’re brand new. If you’re looking to compete in BJJ or MMA, this is a gym that can take you there. But even if you just want to get sharper, fitter, or more confident, there’s space for you here. Just know this: you won’t be babysat—you’ll be trained.
Hub City MMA & BJJ
Location: 206 S Dakota St, Aberdeen, SD 57401
Number: +16052164005
Open Monday–Friday: 4:30 PM to 8–9 PM (varies by day)
Sunday: 12–3 PM
Closed Saturday
Ratings (Plus 30 Reviews): 5.0
Raw, Real, and Results-Driven
Hub City MMA & BJJ isn’t trying to be fancy. This is a gym that sticks to what works—hard training, solid technique, and no shortcuts. From day one, it’s clear: this is a spot for people who want to train, not pose. The mats are active, the coaches are focused, and the energy leans more toward fight camp than fitness class. If you’re looking for watered-down martial arts, keep walking. If you want to sweat, struggle, and grow—this is your place.
Coaching That Doesn’t Sugarcoat
The instructors at Hub City coach with intent and honesty. Expect to get corrected. Expect to be pushed. Whether you’re working on your guard retention in BJJ or drilling cage control in MMA, they keep it practical and high-pressure. It’s not just about how cool something looks—it’s about whether it works. You’ll leave every session a little sharper, a little tougher, and with a clear idea of where you need to improve. That’s real coaching.
A Crew That Works Hard and Checks Their Ego
The culture at Hub City is intense—but grounded. Everyone trains hard, but no one’s out to prove something by smashing new guys. The upper belts and experienced strikers don’t big-time the room—they lead it. That trickles down into a respectful, hard-working environment. You’ll earn your place, but you’ll be welcomed too—as long as you show up ready to work.
Built for Competitors—but Beginners Are Welcome
Make no mistake: Hub City is built with competitors in mind. If you’re serious about MMA or BJJ, this gym can prep you for the cage or the comp mat. But if you’re just starting out, don’t stress—they’ve got you. Beginners are brought in with solid fundamentals and real reps, not fluff. Just don’t expect to coast. Whether you’re chasing gold or just trying to get in shape with purpose, you’ll earn every step here.
605 Boxing and MMA
Location: 46963 Monty St, Tea, SD 57064
Number: +16059417445
Open Monday–Friday: 6 PM to 9 PM
Saturday: 11 AM to 1:30 PM
Closed Sunday
Ratings (Plus 10 Reviews): 5.0
Where the Tough Get Technical
605 Boxing and MMA isn’t a fitness boutique with punching bags—it’s a fight gym, plain and simple. When you walk in, you feel it: this is where people come to get sharper, stronger, and more dangerous. Whether you’re slipping jabs in a sparring round or grinding through MMA transitions, every session is built around developing real skills under pressure. It’s gritty, honest, and focused on results—not aesthetics.
Trainers Who Train Fighters, Not Just Clients
The coaching at 605 is all business. These aren’t part-time instructors reading off a whiteboard. They know what works in the ring and the cage, and they don’t waste time. Boxing fundamentals are drilled with precision. MMA classes move with intensity and purpose. You’ll be pushed physically, but more importantly, you’ll learn. Footwork, fight IQ, timing, cage awareness—this is where you get better, not just tired.
Hard Work, No Hype
The community here is tight-knit and tough. It’s not a gym where people talk a big game—it’s where they put in the work to back it up. From seasoned amateurs to first-day rookies, everyone shows up to grind. If you’ve got ego, it’ll get checked. If you’ve got discipline, it’ll get sharpened. The vibe is competitive but grounded—built on respect, not bravado.
Come to Compete, Stay to Grow
605 is built for fighters—or those who want to train like one. If you’re looking to compete, the path is clear and the coaches are locked in. But even if you’re not chasing a title, this is still the kind of gym that’ll turn you into a better version of yourself. Beginners are welcome, but not babied. Show up ready to learn and ready to sweat, and this place will deliver in a big way.
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