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

Combatives - Street Self-Defense

If your goal is real-world protection and confidence, our Combatives classes in Mesa, AZ are the perfect choice. Our program blends Krav Maga with boxing, wrestling, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and Muay Thai to create a practical self-defense system for real-world situations. You’ll learn situational awareness, decision-making under stress, and how to defend yourself standing or on the ground. Our Combatives program focuses on realistic street self-defense, including weapons defense and multiple attacker scenarios, making it ideal for anyone in Mesa and the East Valley who wants real self-defense skills and confidence.

SELF-DEFENSE & MARTIAL ARTS CLASSES IN MESA

Classes for Krav Maga, BJJ, MMA & Kickboxing

Combatives - Street Self-Defense

Train practical, no-nonsense self-defense skills that work in real life. Our Krav Maga influenced 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
Combatives & Krav Maga 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

Randy Lebreche

2021-11-23

I don’t know what to say. This place is awesome and the people are friendly and professional. I will definitely keep going back.

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.

Mike Hansen

2018-05-17

I've been through several styles before and never felt I would ever use what I'd learned in a real fight. This is real life defense moves that I could apply on the street at any time. They're also bringing in Jiujitsu and Mui Thai. Steve is the instructor and he's equally skilled as he is an effective teacher. He teaches kids classes that I'd like to get my kids involved in. It's a great workout and it's effective training.

peter s

2024-08-30

Very friendly and knowledgeable instructors. Definitely helped me in my confidence with self defense. Student skill levels range from beginner to advanced, so beginners shouldn't feel intimidated.

Haley Stapley

2022-09-22

Great teachers and very practical self defense skills!

El patron

2022-04-21

Love it! Dawson and these guys are really good! Best combative gym in town

Ryan Sherry

2019-04-29

I've been attending the combatives (Krav Maga based) class for over a month now. Not only is the facility nice but Steve is one of the best martial art instructors I've ever come across. I've also worked with Mason a little bit and he is a great instructor as well! In combatives, we work on everything from disarming knives/guns to stand-up game, ground and pound, submissions and more. Everything is practical and designed to help train you for handling dangerous situations. In addition to the combatives class, they offer Brazilian jiu jitsu and muay thai. I haven't taken classes in those disciplines yet but I've heard great things about those as well. All in all, I highly recommend joining this gym if you like mixed martial arts, great instructors and a great curriculum!

4.5/5

Rating

Based on

Google

4.5/5

based on

Rating

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

JOIN IN ON THE ACTION

MMA/Kickboxing, Brazilian JiuJitsu & Krav Maga Classes

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 MESA 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