MMA
Striking, wrestling and the ground in one class: Wednesdays 6pm in Waterloo
About MMA
MMA at Warrior Combat Gym is one class that puts the lot together: hands and feet, takedowns, and what to do when the fight hits the floor. It runs every Wednesday at 6pm in Waterloo, ninety minutes on the main mat, coached by Joe Champion, who has been in striking and coaching for over twenty years. Beginners train alongside improvers and people who compete, and the drills are scaled to whoever is in the room, so you do not need any experience and you do not need to be fit first. Nobody is made to spar. Most weeks there are ten to thirteen on the mat, which is enough for partners at your level and small enough to get corrected properly. Your first class is free, then it is £8 a session, £6 for 13 to 16 year olds, or it is included in membership.
- ✓ Striking, takedowns and ground work in the same session
- ✓ Ninety minutes, Wednesdays 6pm, on the main mat
- ✓ Coached by Joe Champion, over twenty years in the game
- ✓ Beginners train with improvers, drills scaled to you
- ✓ Sparring is optional and never on your first night
- ✓ First class free, then £8 or included in membership
New to MMA? Start here
You do not need any experience. Most people in the Wednesday class walked in never having grappled or thrown a punch. The technique is taught first, then drilled with a partner at your pace, and the coaches pair you with somebody sensible. Sparring is optional and never happens on your first night. Your first class is free, so the only thing it costs you is the ninety minutes.
What ninety minutes looks like
- Warm up and movement, then a striking block on the pads or bags
- A takedown or a defence to it, drilled both sides
- Ground work from the position that takedown leaves you in
- Putting the three together in rounds, at whatever pace you are working
- Conditioning to finish, scaled to whoever is in the room
Who coaches it
Joe Champion takes the Wednesday class, with over twenty years in striking and coaching. Ten to thirteen people is a normal night, which is enough to find partners at your level and small enough that you get corrected properly rather than left in a corner. Meet the rest of the team on the coaches page.
The classes that build your MMA game
Wednesday is where it comes together. The rest of the week is where each piece gets sharper, and it is all in the same membership: hands in boxing, kicks and clinch in Muay Thai and kickboxing, and the ground game in BJJ for MMA on Monday nights with Charlie.
If you want to compete
We have a fight team and members fighting on real cards. Nobody is pushed towards it. When a coach thinks you are ready they will say so, and it starts with friendly interclubs in full gear, not a show.
MMA This Week
MMA in Liverpool: your questions answered
Is MMA at Warrior Combat Gym suitable for complete beginners?
Absolutely. Most of our members walked in having never trained MMA before. Coaches take beginners through stance, technique and fitness at your pace, and your first class is free so you can try it with zero pressure.
Where in Liverpool are your MMA classes?
We're at 51 South Road, Waterloo, Liverpool L22 5PE, two minutes from Waterloo station, serving Crosby, Waterloo, Seaforth, Bootle and all of North Liverpool. If you've been searching for MMA near Crosby or Waterloo, we're your local gym.
How much do MMA classes cost?
Your first class is free. After that you can pay as you go per class, or join as a member for unlimited training. Full pricing is on our membership page, with no contract and cancel anytime.
What should I bring to my first MMA class?
Just comfortable sportswear and a bottle of water. No experience or kit needed for your first session. Turn up a few minutes early, say hello at the desk and we'll look after you from there.
Can I start MMA with no experience?
Yes, and most people do. The Wednesday class teaches the technique first, then drills it with a partner at your pace. Nobody is thrown into sparring, and the coaches pair you sensibly.
Do I have to fight?
No. Plenty of members train MMA for the fitness and the skill and never step in the cage. If you do want to compete, we have a fight team and a proper path into it, and that is a conversation you start, not one we push.
What do I wear and bring?
A rash guard or t-shirt, shorts, a gumshield if you have one, and water. Gloves and shin pads come later, and the coaches will tell you what to buy before you spend money on the wrong kit.
Where are your MMA classes near me?
We are on South Road in Waterloo, Liverpool, two minutes from Waterloo station, with parking on the street. Members travel in from Crosby, Seaforth, Litherland, Bootle and Blundellsands.
Who Teaches MMA
What MMA Costs
Your first class is free. After that it's a rolling monthly membership, no joining fee and no contract.
Prefer 1-to-1?
Our coaches do private MMA sessions from £30 an hour. A session built around you, total beginners welcome, and the first chat is free.
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