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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.

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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.

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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.

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Cece Vde
Women's Kickboxing Coach

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

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

Jon Heake

2018-05-16

I am currently a member here. Steve is not only humble and a great instructor, he is absolutely amazing with kids. I looked at a bunch of different studios before speaking to Steve on the phone after he called me in reference to email i sent in. Ive been there for over a month, and i really feel more confident, I am losing weight, and making new friends. Not to mention all the great techniques myself, and my daughter are learning each class. Sign up, and come say hi to us! - jon

Megan Hill

2021-11-17

I just signed up this month for the Combative class with Steve and am loving it! Steve is an awesome instructor and I can definitely see how effective his training can be used in real life. Wish I started sooner.

Clarice Allen

2019-01-25

Great place for learning self-defense. You learn a lot in each lesson and have the chance to really practice it with others.

Jared Cenatiempo

2025-11-12

I have had my 7 year old son in the kids mma class for about six months now. Coach Maiston and the youth coaches have been great and my son has learned a lot and loves it. I’m impressed with how patient the coaches are with all the kids especially with my rowdy son.

Alexander's Auto Repair

2019-08-18

One of the best places for kids and adults to learn self defense techniques. We started taking my 10 year old daughter just under a month ago and now she know how to bring down an adult with just technique. I would absolutely recommend this business to anyone interested in learning self defense. The instructors are professional and very knowledgeable

robb reh

2024-08-23

Very comfortable atmosphere for my 14 year old son. Learn at your own pace with clear instruction. The hands on aspect is also top notch.

Darren LaFreniere

2020-01-15

Straight to the point, effective, and valuable. Love it!

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

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