Austin's MMA scene at a glance
Austin's MMA scene has grown fast, with strong gyms spread from North Austin to South Congress to the western suburbs. Here's where to look, plus how to build a training network once you've found your gym.
Top-rated MMA gyms in Austin
These are well-reviewed options across the metro, covering different neighborhoods and training styles. Ratings and hours are current as of research — call ahead to confirm class schedules and trial offers, as these change often.
- check_circleBlack Widow MMA — 10515 N Mopac Expy Ste H, Austin, TX 78759 | (512) 665-0468 — Standout North Austin gym known for its inclusive culture — including a free women's Muay Thai class and a free queer MMA class — alongside full MMA, BJJ, and boxing programs.
- check_circleCooper MMA — 12129 N FM 620 Ste 330, Austin, TX 78750 | (512) 335-0800 — Family-friendly gym with a strong reputation across all age groups, from young kids' classes through adult training, in a clean, well-equipped space.
- check_circleAustin Fight Team — 700 E Live Oak St, Austin, TX 78704 | (512) 999-4466 — South Austin gym specializing in classical Muay Thai technique with a strong reputation for detailed, technical coaching.
- check_circleKings MMA Austin — 11190 Circle Dr Ste 480, Austin, TX 78736 | (737) 280-8967 — Full MMA program with a strong competitive team pipeline — a good fit if you're serious about eventually stepping into the cage.
- check_circleIntegrated Fighting Arts Academy — 9603 Saunders Ln, Austin, TX 78758 | (512) 663-4242 — Long-running academy blending MMA, Kali/Escrima weapons training, boxing, and jiu-jitsu, with a strong self-defense and real-world focus.
- check_circle10th Planet Austin — 4509 Freidrich Ln #210, Austin, TX 78744 | (737) 255-2622 — High-level BJJ and grappling gym with a large roster of skilled coaches, notably strong on female instruction, plus a genuinely active community calendar.
- check_circleJohn's Gym Mixed Martial Arts and Jiu Jitsu — 11416 Ranch Rd 620 N, Austin, TX 78726 | (512) 621-8136 — Multi-location academy (train at any of their three Austin locations under one membership) offering BJJ, boxing, and Muay Thai.
- check_circleFighting Fit Kickboxing & Jiu Jitsu — 1779 Wells Branch Pkwy #101, Austin, TX 78728 | (512) 866-5110 — North Austin gym covering kickboxing, Muay Thai, JKD, and BJJ under one roof, with a particularly strong reputation for making women new to the sport feel comfortable.
How to pick the right gym for you
Austin is spread out and traffic-heavy — a gym close to your regular commute beats a "better" one across town you'll skip on a busy week.
Several Austin gyms run genuinely active competition teams (Black Widow, Kings MMA) — worth asking directly if fighting is a goal, not just training.
Multi-location memberships exist (John's Gym) — useful if your schedule varies by day.
Finding training partners outside class hours
Austin's MMA community keeps growing, but it's still spread thin across a sprawling city. AthletiLink connects Austin-area fighters and training partners by sport and neighborhood.
Find MMA training partners in Austin on AthletiLink →
