top of page

COMBAT SPORTS & SELF-DEFENSE CLASSES

Near Mesa, Gilbert, Queen Creek, Apache Junction & STV

mma, krav maga and bjj signs inside mma and self defense gym Faction Combat in Mesa near apache junction
mma cage in mma and self defense gym Faction Combat in Mesa near Gilbert

About Faction Combat Gym

 

At Faction Combat we believe in providing top tier training and personalized attention. Our goal with every student is to guide them on their journey to be the best that they can be. Whatever your goal for training is, we want to help you accomplish those goals. In our gym you are not just a number or a face, we know your name. You matter to us and we take great pride in being accessible to our students in the gym or out.

What to Expect in Class

 

You will be welcomed into a family like atmosphere. Egos are checked at the door. Every class is fun, engaging, and different. You will start off with a warmup, followed by practicing simple strikes that lead into the focused techniques for the day. Lastly, we finish up with a burnout that tests what you have learned that day and pushes you to new limits. Everyone goes at their own pace, but we do push you to give it your all!

WHICH CLASS IS RIGHT FOR YOU?

Select Your Goal For Training

Self-Defense - Krav Maga

If your goal is real-world protection and confidence, our Krav Maga classes in Mesa, AZ are the perfect choice. Designed for practical self-defense, Krav Maga teaches you how to identify danger, stay calm under pressure, and react effectively in real situations. Every class builds your situational awareness and decision-making under stress. While all of our martial arts programs help improve self-defense skills, Krav Maga is specifically geared toward realistic street scenarios and personal safety. It’s ideal for anyone wanting to learn how to defend themselves quickly and efficiently in everyday life.

SELF-DEFENSE & MARTIAL ARTS CLASSES IN MESA

Classes for Krav Maga, BJJ, MMA & Kickboxing

Krav Maga / Combatives

Train practical, no-nonsense self-defense skills that work in real life. Our Krav Maga classes in Mesa teach how to stay calm, react fast, and protect yourself under pressure — no experience needed.

weapons self defense in a krav maga class near Gilbert and Queen Creek STV

Mixed Martial Arts (MMA)

Experience elite-level MMA training in Mesa, AZ that combines striking, grappling, and conditioning. Perfect for beginners, competitors, or anyone who wants to train like a fighter.

 

sparring in an MMA class near AJ and Queen Creek

Women’s Kickboxing
& Self-Defense

Empower yourself with Women’s Kickboxing classes near Mesa, AZ designed to improve strength, tone, and self-defense skills. Safe, fun, and beginner-friendly — burn calories and build confidence fast.

woman practicing kicks in womens kickboxing class near queen creek and apache junction

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ)

Learn leverage, ground control, and submissions in our Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu classes for beginners and advanced students. Great for fitness, focus, and self-defense — taught in a safe, supportive environment.

passing guard in a no gi brazilian jiu-jitsu class in mesa near gilbert

Kickboxing / Muay Thai

Build power, endurance, and confidence in our high-energy Kickboxing & Muay Thai classes in Mesa, AZ. Learn real striking techniques while getting a total-body workout — great for fitness or self-defense.

coach practicing kicks in a muay thai kickboxing class near gilbert and QC

Kids Martial Arts
(MMA & BJJ)

Help your child build confidence, discipline, and focus through Kids Martial Arts classes in Mesa. Fun, structured training that improves fitness, coordination, and respect — great for all levels.

girl doing self defense in a kids mma class in mesa gilbert

MEET THE FACTION COACHES

Expert MMA, BJJ & Self-Defense Class Coaches

Steve DeArmond
Krav Maga/Combatives Coach

A Krav Maga coach, trained in various self-defense and combat sports, that has the depth of knowledge to get students to their potential.

krav_maga_self_defense_class_mesa_tempe.png

Maiston Hattery
MMA & Kickboxing Coach

An MMA coach that is passionate about learning, training and competing; strives to get the most out of the students he teaches.

bjj_mma_classes_mesa_tempe_gilbert.jpg

Brenden Richardson
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Coach

A Jiu-Jitsu coach that is a shark on the mat and has the skill set to develop medal winning competitors, and get the best out of his students.

3fe2c386b8e56246e183d418e37badb24b908a04-1S_1280.jpg

Cece Vde
Women's Kickboxing Coach

A Kickboxing Coach with a passion for training various disciplines, teaching and seeing students achieve their goals.

cececoach_edited.jpg

WHAT OUR STUDENTS ARE SAYING ABOUT FACTION
We have trained more than 1500 Mesa locals in MMA, BJJ & Self-Defense

K C

2022-09-23

I've been here for about 18 months and I'm so happy to stumble upon this place. I started taking classes with Steve and did Krav, but then added jiujitsu and eventually mma. I'm blown away with the personalities of the coaches- super patient and kind, but will also try and push you into being a better practitioner in your art. They'll help you find your weaknesses and work on those and then sharpen your strengths. My kids are also in the kids mma class and I can't say enough about Maiston. Far more patient in teaching than anything I've ever seen, but structured enough to assure they're actually getting taught something versus a "karate mill". The family feel in all of the classes is mind blowing.

Erin's Lifestyle

2019-08-28

I have been attending classes at this gym for a year now and I love it. I felt welcomed since day one, everyone is so friendly! Every class is fun, yet challenges me physically and mentally. I have learned many valuable self defense skills. The instructors are very knowledgeable, motivating, and teach simple but effective techniques. I highly suggest checking out classes for both kids and adults!

Rebecca Wells

2025-07-26

Great gym! High level instructors, clean facility, good people! I highly recommend.

Albert Nikolao

2022-09-24

I've been attending the jiu-jitsu class for almost two years and I can honestly say this has been an amazing experience for me. The coaches are very good (Brendan Richardson, Mike Lin, Steve Heilman- all black belts and Maiston Hattery- purple belt). Great facility and a good environment to train. Sharkside!

Patrick Kneib

2018-09-05

Started attending classes at Faction about two months ago. Steve is hands-down the best martial arts instructor that I've come across, and I have experience with a few prior. I say that not only due to his knowledge, which seems extensive, but due to his approach, attitude and demeanor. He's approachable, he listens, he's pragmatic, and he's empathetic. After a 12-year hiatus from martial arts, Steve's approach has been a breath of fresh air for me, and he provides all students with a self-tailored approach to how they want to learn and apply what they have learned. The classes I've attended mostly have a diverse mixture of attendees, spanning age groups and genders. It makes for a great learning environment. He also offers classes for kids and I've watched some of those while waiting for my classes to begin, and he's really great with the kids. He also incorporates cardio and strength training into most if not all of his classes. And while Steve draws upon numerous martial arts during his combatives instructions, like Krav Maga, you can also attend other classes at Faction if you want to, including Muay Thai, Thai boxing, and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ). This is a 5-star place and I'm planning on being a longtime member.

Rylan Fleming

2024-08-30

Great coaches and great teammates very clean gym

MIke Samples

2019-08-15

This place it great. My daughter 11 yrs old has learned so much and continues to love to learn how to defend herself. Highly recommend Faction Combative.

Coaching trusted by veterans, law enforcement, and everyday people alike!

JOIN IN ON THE ACTION

MMA/Kickboxing, Brazilian JiuJitsu & Krav Maga Classes

logo for krav maga self defense gym
defending stick in krav maga classes
knees in krav maga classes in mesa
kids krav maga classes in mesa tempe
kicking target in kickboxing class
krav maga self defense class gilbert
womens self defense classes tempe
boxing mma classes in mesa gilbert
muay thai kickboxing class in mesa
womens self defense classes mesa
krav maga classes in mesa gilbert
brazilian jiujitsu classes in mesa
kids martial arts self defense class
krav maga self defense classes mesa
arm lock in bjj classes in gilbert
sparring boxing classes in mesa qc
mugging krav maga classes in gilbert

TRY A FREE SELF-DEFENSE OR COMBAT SPORT CLASS

Signup to try of MMA, BJJ, Kickboxing or Krav Maga Classes!

EAST MESA CLASS SCHEDULE

MMA, BJJ, Kickboxing & Krav Maga Self Defense Classes

EAST VALLEY LOCATION

Combat Sport & Self-Defense Classes Near Mesa, Gilbert & Queen Creek

Mesa Location:

1529 S Clearview Ave #107

Mesa, AZ 85209

FAQ

Common Questions About our Self-Defense & MMA Gym

How long are classes?

Typically classes are 60 mins and begin with a warm-up, techniques, and finish with controlled sparring or burnouts. In the MMA program you will spend half the class honing new skills and the other half sharpening your use through controlled sparring. The BJJ class develops technique through the class and follows up another 30 mins of Open Mat rolls. In the Kickboxing/Muay Thai class you will see intense workouts sharpen your striking, improve your striking through bags and mitt work, and finish up with some controlled sparring. The Krav Maga/Combatives classes use technique oriented warm ups that lead into a topic to be developed and often end with a burnout.

Do I need experience?

We welcome students of any level, beginner through advanced. Students of every level will find improvement and development. Whether it means learning new techniques in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, improving your well rounded skills in MMA, or honing your self-defense through the Krav Maga/Combatives program. Our classes and coaches will help you see improvement regardless of level of training.

What should I wear?

For your first class, athletic attire will work just fine. For normal classes, you can continue to wear athletic attire in the MMA, Kickboxing and Krav Maga/Combatives program. For the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu program you will want to invest in a GI and a rash guard for regular training.

Which program is best for self-defense?

If your interest is specifically in self-defense as quickly as possible, then the Combatives/Krav Maga program is what you are likely looking for. The entire focus of that program is self-defense. However, although the focus of that class is self-defense the best way to think of that program is more like a Basics program. It gives you exposure across multiple disciplines with the target focus around use in a self-defense situation. The specialty programs of MMA, BJJ and Kickboxing don't lack when it comes to self-defense though. Although they are geared toward sport their honed focus in their specific discipline makes them excel at improving you in a given area. Another way to think of it is like the Krav Maga program is an Associates college degree to build your basics and give you exposure, but the MMA, BJJ and Kickboxing programs are like your Bachelors-Doctorate degrees making you a specialist in a given discipline.

What martial arts classes do you offer in Mesa, AZ?

We teach Krav Maga, MMA, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ), Muay Thai Kickboxing, and Kids Martial Arts programs.

Can beginners join a free trial class?

Absolutely! Come try a free class in our MMA, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Kickboxing or Krav Maga/Combatives programs.

Do you serve areas beyond Mesa?

Yes. We serve students from Gilbert, Queen Creek, Apache Junction and San Tan Valley.

BLOG

Answering Questions About Self-Defense and Combat Sports

WE SERVE:

Self-Defense, MMA, BJJ & Kickboxing Classes Near You​

Apache Junction

San Tan Valley

Chandler

Gold Canyon

Scottsdale

Queen Creek

East Valley

bottom of page