Mixed martial arts is a sport which is gaining traction in Malaysia with no signs of stopping. In just a few years, the fan base in Malaysia has grown tremendously with gyms popping up all over the country offering classes in a myriad of martial arts styles. In 2015, Malaysia played host to the grand finale of Asia’s biggest MMA amateur tournament, the Malaysian Invasion Mixed Martial Arts (MIMMA), which attracts competitors and spectators from around the region.

As hinted in its name, mixed martial arts is a full contact combat sport that adopts techniques and moves from a variety of combat sports and martial arts. Most common are Muay Thai, kickboxing, and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. These martial arts aren’t just great fun, but also highly effective for keeping fit as they are essentially a full-body workout. It’s no wonder more people are ditching conventional workout sessions for martial arts classes.

Here are some places in both Greater KL and around the country where you can sign up for regular intensive martial arts classes:

1. Global Elite Gym

Opened in 2004, Global Elite Gym offers sparring training, fitness training, personal training, and nutritional advice to help you get in shape and stay fit. They train people of all levels, from beginners to professional martial artists and fighters. Global Elite offers training in taekwando, Muay Thai, kickboxing, wrestling, MMA, and even yoga.

Address: Lot 5-2-12, Jalan 3/109F, Danau Business Center,  Taman Danau Desa, Kuala Lumpur 58100.
Tel: +6012-604 0890
Open: Mon-Fri 4.00 to 10.30pm,  Sat 2.00 to 9.00pm
Website: globalelitegym.com | fb.com/GlobalEliteGym

2. MuayFit

MuayFit started in 2010 as a single gym. Thanks to the overnight interest in MMA in Malaysia, they have now expanded to several locations and offer a number of different martial arts classes. The gyms are equipped with everything you need when training in martial arts, including rubber flooring, various exercise equipment… and the PJ branch even has an official Muay Thai ring. MuayFit offers classes for Muay Thai, MMA, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Boxing, Krav Maga, fitness, and conditioning. They also have a children’s martial arts program.

Address: A-30-01, 3 Two Square, No 2 Jalan 19/1, 463000 Petaling Jaya, Selangor (MuayFit HQ) | for other locations, click here
Tel: +603-9760 4761 / +603-9760 2389
Open: Monday – Friday, 9.0am-10.00pm; Saturday, 9.00am-6.00pm; Sunday, 10.00am-6.00pm
Website: www.muayfit.com | fb.com/muayfit4life

3. TNT Kickboxing

Founded almost 20 years ago, TNT Kickboxing is owned and operated by Chief Instructor Khoo Meng Yang. They offer kickboxing, muay thai, ladies self defence, and MMA conditioning classes on a per class basis. They have up to four classes a day with flexible packages you can choose from.

Address: TNT Kickboxing @Desa Sri Hartamas,  No. 9-1, Jalan 26A/70A, Desa Sri Hartamas, 50480 Kuala Lumpur
Tel: +603 6201 2342
Open: Monday to Saturday, 9am – 10pm
Website: www.tntkickboxing.com | fb.com/TNTkickboxing

4. Merican Muay Thai Gym

Merican Muay Thai Gym was opened by a Malaysian Muay Thai fighter, Saiful Merican. The gym offers fitness training, Muay Thai, and competition training. If you’re serious about become a fighter, this is the gym for you. All their classes are one-on-one with the trainers.

Address: 3-3A Jalan Solaris, Solaris Mont Kiara, Kuala Lumpur
Tel: +6 012-330 0280
Open: Monday to Saturday, 10.30am – 11pm
Website: fb.com/mericanmuaythaigym

5. Monarchy MMA Combat Fitness Gym

With one outlet in the heart of KL and another in Bangsar, Monarchy offers a wide variety of martial arts classes from Muay Thai to boxing, Brazilian Jiu-Jistsu, Wrestling, MMA, self defence, CrossFit, and more. Each class is instructed by a veteran in the sport and classes are open to all levels from beginners to fighters.

Address: First Floor, Wisma MPL, Jalan Raja Chulan, 50200 Kuala Lumpur | 2nd Floor, 34-2 & 36, Jalan Telawi 2, Bangsar, 59100 Kuala Lumpur
Tel: +603-2022 3608 (City Centre)
Open: Monday to Friday, 7am – 9.30pm; Saturday, 10am – 2pm
Website: monarchymma.com | fb.com/Monarchy.MMA

6. K-One Martial Arts Academy

K-One MAA in Penang was set up 13 years ago and now is one of the leading martial arts academy in Penang. With classes in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai, MMA, and strength conditioning, this is the go-to place to train in Penang. They also have a junior kickboxing class for little fighters.

Address: 30, Lorong Baru, Penang, Malaysia
Tel: +604-226 2027
Open: Monday to Friday, 8am – 9pm; Saturday, 10am – 4pm
Website: fb.com/k1mmapenang

7. Kombative Fitness

Kombative Fitness is the first fully equipped martial arts and fitness training centre in Penang. Since its launch in September 2012, it has quickly become a popular martial arts gym. The gym offers fitness programs and classes instructed by enthusiastic trainers for boxing, BJJ, MMA, and Muay Thai.

Address: No. 70-3-86, D’Piazza Mall, Jalan Mahsuri, Bandar Bayan Baru, 11900 Penang.
Tel: +604-630 0810
Open: Depends on schedule.
Website: www.kombativefitness.com | fb.com/KombativeFitness

8. Underdogs MMA Academy

Also know as Malacca MMA Club, this training centre was founded by professionally MMA fighter, Mohd Fouzein ‘”The Underdog” in 2012. Thy gym provides MMA training and is the only gym in Malacca to offer a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu program, instructed by Fouzein himself. In collaboration with Sharks Muay Thai, a freelance Muay Thai training organisation, they also offer striking programs like boxing and MMA. They also offer Capoeira classes. 

Address: 35-2, Jalan MH3, Taman Muzaffar Heights 75450 Melaka
Tel: +6017-601 9151
Open: Monday to Saturday, 10am – 10pm
Website: mmamalacca.wixsite.com/malaccammaclub | fb.com/UnderdogsMMA

9. Ultimate MMA Academy

For mixed martial arts enthusiasts in JB, UMA is your go to gym. Established in 2006, UMA provides classes for MMA, Muay Thai, boxing, wrestling, submission grappling, self-defence, conditioning programs, and personal training. For a monthly fee of RM180, you can have access to all classes. They also offer a program called Kids Bully-proof for children ages 4 to 12 with classes in junior kickboxing and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

Address: 39-02, Jalan Mutiara Emas 10/19, Taman Mount Austin, Johor Bahru, Johor
Tel: +6011-1614 9420
Open: Monday to Thursday, 6.30pm – 10pm; Friday, 6.15pm – 10pm; Saturday, 6pm – 10pm; Sunday, 7.30am – 9pm
Website: fb.com/UltimateMMAJB

10. Paragon Fitness Factory

This fitness centre offers over 20 different group classes, from martial arts to cycling. If you’re interested in martial arts, Paragon Fitness Factory offers a range of MMA classes to help build mental and physical strength. The intense training program is open to all levels. You will learn techniques from Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and kickboxing to Muay Thai which you can use in MMA.

Address: No.48, Jalan Persiaran Skudai 8, Pusat Perusahaan Skudai 8, 81300 Skudai, Johor, Malaysia.
Tel: +607 -555 9888
Open: Monday to Friday, 7am – 12am; Saturday and Sunday, 9am – 10pm
Website: www.paragon-fitness.net | fb.com/ParagonFitnessCenter

11. Kinabalu Fighters

Kinabalu Fighters is a martial arts fitness centre that offers various martial arts classes including boxing and Judo, all instructed by certified coaches, instructors, and fitness consultants. The gym offers various programs for adults and children, with or without prior martial arts experience. They also offer ladies only kickboxing classes and P.U.S.H Fitness and Relief & Recovery Stretch Class.

Address: 7-2, 2nd Floor, Lintas Plaza 4, Lintas Plaza, Jalan Lintas, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
Tel: +6016 8311 440 / +6016 5878 560
Open: Monday and Friday, 7.30pm – 9.30pm, Tuesday – Thursday, 6.20pm – 9.30pm; Saturady, 10.30am – 3.30pm; Sunday, 4pm – 6pm
Website: www.kinabalufighters.com | fb.com/kinabalufighters

12. Borneo Combat Gym

Founded by a professional MMA and Muay Thai fighter, this gym is the first in Borneo to be certified by the International Sport Kickboxing Association and World Professional Muay Thai Federation. The gym is equipped with Muay Thai and MMA rings. Certified trainers offer classes in extreme circuit training, kickboxing, Muay Thai, Xanda MMA, Junoir Xanda MMA, and more.

Address: U350-519, 5th Floor Labuan Time Square, Jalan Merdeka, 87000 W.P.Labuan
Tel: +6011-3516 1698
Open: Monday – Friday, 6am – 9pm
Website: fb.com/BorneoCombatGym

13. Topdog Factory

This training centre provides various combat technique classes including Muay Thai, boxing, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, strength and conditioning, and other exercise programs that can be customised to your needs and goals. Their team of trainers are there to conduct daily group classes or individual training.

Address: Lot 1730 & 1731, 1st/2nd Floor, Jalan Permaisuri, 98000 Miri, Sarawak
Tel: +6085 418444
Open: Monday to Friday, 10am – 8.30pm; Saturday, 10am – 5pm
Website: www.topdogfactory.com | fb.com/topdogfactorymiri