What age is a good age to start training for MMA?

In recent years it has become apparent that kids can start as young as they do with any other martial art or sport. The earlier your child can begin MMA training is often the better. Good gyms teach kids self discipline, focus and techniques that will not only help them defend themselves against bullying, but give them the tools to resolve situations in as non-violent a way as possible. Taking your child to an MMA gym for a consultation is recommended; the coaches will be able to assess if they are ready to begin MMA training or not. If you don't know what gym is best for your child, then you can do a quick search for MMA for kids near me and filter through the results and their reviews.

Do you offer Kids MMA?

Yes—Kids MMA (ages 6–12) develops balance, discipline and confidence with age-appropriate striking and grappling.

How often should I train MMA to see progress?

2–3 sessions per week deliver steady gains in conditioning, timing and fundamentals.

Is there a free trial?

Yes—book a free class to meet coaches, try a session and find the right schedule.

Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) Classes

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

MMA in mesa AZ - MMA class at Faction Combat Mixed Martial Arts gym - MMA fighter demonstrating kick.

Looking for MMA training in Mesa, AZ? At Faction Combat, our Mixed Martial Arts program brings together the best of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai, wrestling, and Kickboxing, teaching you not only the techniques of each discipline but also how to blend them into a complete and effective MMA game.

Our MMA classes in Mesa are designed for every level—from beginners who want to build fitness and confidence, to students ready for sparring, all the way up to those preparing for amateur or professional competition. Whether your goal is self-defense, conditioning, or stepping into the cage, our experienced coaches provide the guidance and structure to help you succeed.

Conveniently located near Gilbert, Queen Creek, Apache Junction, and San Tan Valley, our MMA gym serves the entire East Valley community. Come try a free trial class and see why Faction Combat is the top choice for MMA in Mesa, AZ.

Coach

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FAQ

Meet Coach Maiston Hattery
Head MMA & Kickboxing Instructor

mma coach miaston hattery teaching a bjj submission in mma classes gilbert mesa

Coach Maiston Hattery is the head coach of our MMA and Kickboxing programs at Faction Combat, teaching both kids and adults. With more than 20 years of training and competition experience, he brings a wealth of knowledge across striking, grappling, and self-defense disciplines.

Maiston holds a 2nd degree black belt in Sport Karate, that also includes Taekwondo and Kenpo. He has 17 years of boxing experience, 10 years of wrestling, and is at Black Belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. His background also extends into Krav Maga, making him one of the most well-rounded martial artists and coaches in the East Valley.

But Maiston is more than just a decorated fighter—he’s a passionate instructor. Over the past 10+ years of teaching, he has helped countless students in Mesa, Gilbert, Queen Creek, and Apache Junction reach their goals, whether that’s improving fitness, learning self-defense, or preparing for competition. His teaching style blends technical detail with encouragement, ensuring that every student feels challenged yet supported.

Coach Maiston has a special talent for working with kids. His classes help young athletes develop focus, discipline, respect, and confidence, while also improving their strength, coordination, and fitness. Parents quickly see progress both on the mats and in their children’s everyday lives.

Whether you’re new to martial arts, interested in fitness training, or aiming to compete in MMA or Kickboxing, Coach Maiston’s expertise and dedication make him one of the top martial arts instructors in Mesa, AZ.

MMA for Competition and Self-Defense in Mesa, AZ

MMA for competition and self defense in Mesa, Arizona. Coach Maiston demonstrates superman punch during mma class in qc aj mesa.

Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) in Mesa, AZ has exploded in popularity—and for good reason. This dynamic sport blends the best techniques from boxing, Muay Thai, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, wrestling, and Krav Maga, creating a complete system for striking, grappling, and self-defense. Mesa and the East Valley have long been home to top fighters and thriving martial arts communities, which is why Faction Combat is the go-to MMA gym in Mesa, AZ for beginners and competitors alike.

Training in MMA is more than just physical—it sharpens your discipline, focus, and mental toughness. At Faction Combat, our MMA coaches bring decades of combined experience across multiple martial arts, giving you the technical knowledge and personal guidance you need to succeed.

Whether your goal is to get in shape, learn MMA for self-defense, or prepare for tournaments and competition, our program is designed to meet you where you’re at and help you grow. Conveniently located near Gilbert, Queen Creek, Apache Junction, and San Tan Valley, we’re proud to serve the entire East Valley. Come in for a free trial MMA class and discover why so many choose Faction Combat to train Mixed Martial Arts in Mesa.

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MMA for Beginners - Beginner MMA Workout

mma classes for beginners in mesa, AZ. Coach Steve DeArmond oversees the beginner MMA classes in queen creek mesa

At Faction Combat MMA Gym in Mesa, AZ, we welcome students of all experience levels—but our program is especially designed to help beginners build a strong foundation in MMA. If you’re looking for a challenging but fun MMA workout for fitness, or if you dream of one day stepping into competition, our coaches and facility will give you the tools to start your journey with confidence.

Our MMA classes for beginners focus on essential skills—basic striking, footwork, grappling fundamentals, and conditioning drills—while letting you train alongside students of every level. You’ll build strength, cardio, and coordination while gaining the confidence that comes from learning real techniques.

Whether your goal is improving fitness, losing weight, learning self-defense, or exploring a path toward competition, Faction Combat offers a supportive environment where progress is earned, and every class helps you take the next step. Come try a free MMA workout in Mesa and experience how training with us can transform both your body and your mindset.

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MMA for Self-Defense near Queen Creek

self defense MMA class - Coach Steve demonstrates MMA grappling on female Uke in mma classes in apache junction gilbert

When it comes to real-world self-defense, no single martial art has all the answers. That’s why Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) is such an effective option. At Faction Combat near Queen Creek, AZ, our MMA self-defense classes combine the most practical elements of Muay Thai kickboxing, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and wrestling—giving you the ability to defend yourself in multiple situations. Training MMA not only builds your physical skills but also improves awareness, confidence, and the ability to stay calm under pressure. Combine your MMA training with our Krav Maga Combatives program to give yourself an all encompassing powerhouse of practical skills in self defense.

Unlike sport-only gyms, we focus on the real-life application of MMA for self-protection. Our experienced coaches understand the difference between fighting in a cage and handling unexpected situations on the street. You’ll learn how to use effective techniques responsibly, control distance, escape bad positions, and avoid unnecessary conflict whenever possible.

Whether your goal is fitness, confidence, or the ability to protect yourself and your family, our MMA gym in Mesa provides the tools, training, and guidance you need. With structured classes and hands-on coaching, you’ll gain the skills to defend yourself effectively while keeping safety and awareness as top priorities.

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MMA Competition Training - MMA Training near Gilbert AZ

mma competition sparring in mma classes in gilbert mesa

For many athletes, the spirit of competition is the driving force behind training in Mixed Martial Arts. At Faction Combat near Gilbert, AZ, we specialize in preparing fighters for every stage of their journey—from local amateur MMA fights to professional competition. Our experienced coaches provide structured training camps, technical coaching, and mental preparation to help you perform at your best on fight night.

Whether you’re stepping into the cage for the first time or pushing toward higher-level tournaments, our MMA competition training program will challenge you to refine your skill set, build fight-ready conditioning, and develop the strategy needed to execute under pressure. From sparring and drilling to cardio and game-planning, every aspect of training is designed to simulate the intensity of real competition.

Competing in MMA in the Easty Valley is about more than just testing your body—it’s also about building discipline, mental toughness, and confidence. By the time you walk into the cage or ring, the hardest work has already been done inside our gym. If your goal is to compete in Mixed Martial Arts, Faction Combat is the East Valley’s top MMA gym to prepare for tournaments, amateur fights, or professional competition.

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Kids MMA

MMA Classes for Kids near Gilbert AZ

Our Kids MMA classes in Mesa, AZ are the perfect way to channel your child’s energy into something positive, while also teaching them discipline, focus, and respect. At Faction Combat, we believe martial arts training helps children grow both physically and mentally—building confidence, coordination, and perseverance that will benefit them for life.

Unlike single-discipline programs, our Youth MMA program introduces kids to a variety of martial arts, including Muay Thai, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, wrestling, and self-defense fundamentals. This exposure allows every child to discover their strengths—whether they thrive in striking, grappling, or a combination of both. Some kids may find a passion for BJJ, others may excel in kickboxing, while many enjoy developing a well-rounded skill set across all styles.

Our beginner-friendly Kids MMA classes provide a fun, structured environment where children can meet new friends, learn teamwork, and stay active. With experienced coaches who understand how kids learn best, we ensure every student progresses at their own pace while still being challenged.

Whether your goal is to build your child’s confidence, improve fitness, or spark a lifelong love of martial arts, our MMA program for kids in Mesa and the East Valley offers the perfect foundation. Our Kids MMA classes offers a great training opportunity for youth near Queen Creek, Gilbert, and Apache Junction. Come try a class and see how training can help your child grow on and off the mats!

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MMA Competition Classes for Kids near Queen Creek AZ

kids mma bjj competition win gold from mma classes in mesa gilbert

For young athletes who want to test their skills, Faction Combat in Mesa near Queen Creek, AZ offers a structured Kids MMA competition training program. Designed for children who are ready to take their martial arts beyond recreational classes, our program prepares students for youth tournaments, grappling matches, and amateur competitions in a safe and supportive environment.

Competition training for kids goes beyond physical technique—it builds discipline, confidence, and sportsmanship. Our experienced coaches guide children through age-appropriate sparring, drilling, and conditioning while teaching them how to apply strategies under pressure. Every step of training emphasizes safety, respect, and the importance of learning win or lose.

At Faction Combat MMA, kids have the opportunity to explore their strengths across multiple martial arts, including Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai, wrestling, and self-defense fundamentals. This well-rounded approach allows young competitors to gain a balanced skill set that prepares them for success on the mats and in life.

Whether your child dreams of stepping into youth MMA competitions or simply wants the challenge of testing themselves against others, our Kids MMA program in Mesa and the East Valley provides the perfect pathway. With the right coaching, environment, and guidance, competition becomes not just about winning—but about growth, resilience, and self-confidence.

FAQ

Common Questions About our MMA Classes in Mesa / Gilbert

MMA class at Faction Combat in Mesa AZ. Women throws kick at pad with Coach Steve in mma classes near san tan valley

Is MMA good for self defense?

Mixed martial arts (MMA) has been on the rise in popularity in recent years. This full-contact sport combines various techniques from different martial arts disciplines, such as boxing, Muay Thai, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, wrestling, and others. MMA gyms will typically offer classes for both competition and MMA for self defense. Whether you are looking to get into shape, learn self-defense skills, or compete in MMA tournaments, there are MMA training facilities for every level of expertise. If you are interested in learning mixed martial arts but don't know where to start, doing an online search for Beginner MMA gyms near me is a great place to start. Have a look at their reviews and if they look good, then you should visit the gym to see if the style, facilities and atmosphere are right for you.

Do MMA fighters train everyday?

Professional mixed martial arts fighters all approach MMA training differently depending on virtually every opponent. Also every MMA training gym will typically have a different approach and build a fight camp around the fighter. Often while an MMA fighter is preparing for a fight there will be multiple stages to the fight camp, with certain stages having the fighter training for 3 hours, twice a day for 5 days a week and a light single session on the 6th day. It is usual for fighters to scale back MMA training and sparring up to two weeks before the fight. This is usually to avoid injury and focus on weight cutting.

How long should you train before your first MMA fight?

If you are training beginner MMA and are interested in taking a fight, then it is best to approach your coaches and trainers and ask them where they think you are with your MMA training and skill level. The coach is always the one who will make that decision. If you are going to fight a kickboxing "Smoker", the timelines between training and the fight will be different than preparing for an amateur MMA fight for a local organization.

Do you offer MMA competition training near Gilbert and Queen Creek?

Yes. Our gym in East Mesa serves Gilbert, Queen Creek, Apache Junction, and San Tan Valley. We provide structured fight camps, sparring, and strategy sessions for both amateur and professional MMA competitors.

How long does it take to prepare for an MMA competition?

On average, most fighters train 8–12 weeks in a dedicated fight camp. However, the timeline depends on your current experience, conditioning, and competition goals.

Is MMA good for beginners in Mesa, AZ?

Yes. At Faction Combat in Mesa, we offer beginner-friendly MMA classes that focus on fitness, basic striking, grappling, and conditioning. You don’t need any prior martial arts experience to start.

Can I train MMA just for fitness without competing?

Absolutely. Many of our students join MMA for the intense workouts, weight loss, and cardio conditioning. Our classes allow you to train at your own pace, whether your goal is fitness or competition.

What age can kids start MMA at Faction in Mesa?

Kids as young as 5 can join our Kids MMA program. Classes are tailored to teach discipline, self-confidence, and safe martial arts techniques in a fun environment. Although the optimal age to start is 5, some kids are ready sooner. We have an MMA Minis class for that, providing age appropriate training for kids ages 3-5.

Is MMA safe for children?

Yes. Our Kids MMA program uses age-appropriate drills and techniques. We focus on discipline, coordination, and confidence, with safety as our top priority.

Will my child need experience to join Kids MMA in Mesa?

No experience is required. Beginners are welcome, and our coaches ensure every child learns at their own pace while still being challenged.

Can kids compete in MMA?

Yes. For kids who want to test their skills, we offer Kids MMA competition training that prepares them for age-appropriate grappling matches and tournaments in a safe, supportive environment.

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