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Championship MMA
5 ★★★★★ 44 Google reviews · Kickboxing gym in Fort Smith, Arkansas
Plan your first class
- Beginner-friendly all fitness levels welcome, including total beginners — no experience needed, and you get in shape by training, not before
- Kids & teen classes kids and teen kickboxing classes — built around confidence, focus, and fun
- Competition team a competition team for members who want to test themselves in the ring — amateur kickboxing, muay thai, or K-1
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule championshipmma.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone +1 479-646-4662
Hours
| Monday | 4–8 pm |
| Tuesday | 4–8 pm |
| Wednesday | 4–8 pm |
| Thursday | 4–8 pm |
| Friday | Closed |
| Saturday | 9 am–12 pm |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“😊 My kids and I will miss this wonderful program, and we hope to find another MMA facility in our new state that can live up to the high bar set by Championship MMA.”
“I joined this gym in May 2018 and from the first time I talked to Coach Bales I knew this was the gym for me.”
“I was hesitant on the kick boxing portion of the curriculum due to a negative experience at a previous academy.”
Other martial arts here
“I was hesitant on the kick boxing portion of the curriculum due to a negative experience at a previous academy.”
“UPDATE June 2023: My son just turned 12 and just hit his 5 year anniversary with Championship MMA - such an amazing milestone for him!”
“I would suggest this gym to anyone at any age whether for sport fighting, self defense, or just fitness.”
What members say
“I joined this gym in May 2018 and from the first time I talked to Coach Bales I knew this was the gym for me.”
“Since our children started here, we have seen them advance physically, but have been impressed with the overall results that come from this environment!”
“My son (12yrs old) loves it and we can already see a difference in his work-ethic at home and school and he has only been training for a few weeks!”
“It's a very clean gym with top of the line gear!”
“From the moment we walked in the door it was obvious that this GYM is operated with excellence and professionalism.”
“Mat chats with Coach talk about real issues these kids face in schools today and he tells them smart ways to deal with them and gives them the confidence to do what is right.”
From the reviews
UPDATE June 2023: My son just turned 12 and just hit his 5 year anniversary with Championship MMA - such an amazing milestone for him! He has poured years into his training and I could not be prouder of not only his skills on the mat but off as well. This place teaches so much more than just MMA skills.
I joined this gym in May 2018 and from the first time I talked to Coach Bales I knew this was the gym for me. Top notch facilities, coaches, discipline, and training. I am 100% confident that this is the best gym in the River Valley and 2nd to none in the area.
My son and I have been with Championship MMA for 8 months now. My son and I both have a martial arts background and truly feel that this school is such an amazing place. The knowledge that the instructors have to offer is astounding. There is absolutely no judgment from anyone in the class or from the instructors.
Great gym and great people. You’ll get an amazing workout and thorough instruction from coaches with decades of experience. Classes for all ages and experience levels at a new facility. Most importantly, a sense of comradery among all the students and instructors.
New to kickboxing? Start at Championship MMA
Championship MMA comes up as a beginner-friendly gym, going by their listing and members’ reviews. If you've never thrown a punch or a kick, that's exactly who a good beginners class is for. A few things worth knowing before your first week. First, you don't need to be fit or coordinated to start — you get in shape by training, not before it, and coaches scale every drill to you. Second, you won't be thrown into hard sparring — reputable gyms build the basics (stance, footwork, and punches and kicks on pads and bags) first, and any contact eases in gradually under a coach's control. Third, all fitness levels really are welcome — ask about a dedicated beginners or fundamentals class time so your first session is alongside others who are also starting out. Most gyms are happy to let you watch or try a class first, so reach out before you commit.
Your first kickboxing class at Championship MMA
Nervous about walking into a kickboxing gym for the first time? Almost everyone is, and good coaches expect beginners to come through the door. Here's what to know. What to expect: a typical first class is a warm-up, then drilling the basics — stance, footwork, and punches and kicks on pads or a heavy bag — not hard sparring. Go at your own pace and rest whenever you need to; no one will bat an eye. What to wear: comfortable athletic clothes you can move and sweat in, and supportive trainers. What to bring: water, and hand wraps and gloves if you have them — many gyms lend loaner gloves for a first class, so it's worth asking when you call. As you keep training you'll add your own gloves and wraps (and shin guards once you start sparring). Sparring is optional and eases in gradually, once your basics are solid. Arrive 10–15 minutes early to sign a waiver and meet the coach. It gets easier fast — most people feel far more at home by their third class.
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