Home › Pennsylvania › Philadelphia › North Star MMA
North Star MMA
4.9 ★★★★★ 92 Google reviews · Kickboxing gym in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Plan your first class
- Free trial or intro class most gyms welcome new members with a free trial or intro class — check their site or give them a call to book your first session
- Beginner-friendly all fitness levels welcome, including total beginners — no experience needed, and you get in shape by training, not before
- Cardio kickboxing classes high-energy cardio kickboxing on the bags and pads — a fun, sweaty workout built for fitness and weight loss, at your own pace
- Kids & teen classes kids and teen kickboxing classes (ages 5–12) — built around confidence, focus, and fun
- Private lessons one-on-one coaching available — a focused way to start or to work around a busy schedule; ask about availability and rates
- Sparring sparring and partner work for members who want it — always optional, eased in gradually, with the coach controlling the contact
- 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 northstarmma.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone +1 215-848-5454
Hours
| Monday | 4–9:30 pm |
| Tuesday | 4–9:30 pm |
| Wednesday | 4–9:30 pm |
| Thursday | 4–9:30 pm |
| Friday | 5:30–8:30 pm |
| Saturday | 9 am–1 pm |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“I know the owner for over 20 years and he’s always been a stand-up guy as well as a high-level martial artist that can teach beginners and advanced professional fighters.”
“It's not just the coaches either many of my sparring partners have given me helpful tips to improve my game.”
“Regardless of your level or your goal, if it's simply to workout or compete, Jackson and his team have created a very welcoming, friendly and diverse environment.”
“North Star was where I began Muay Thai and I could not have asked for a better spot to start my MMA experience.”
“Jackson is the best, makes you feel like your one on one training in a class of 30+ not sure how he does it!”
“If you are looking to build confidence, get a great workout, and develop your mind in new and positive ways, North Star MMA is the place for you.”
Other martial arts here
“North Star was where I began Muay Thai and I could not have asked for a better spot to start my MMA experience.”
“Aside from being one of the only True MMA Gyms in the city (Striking and Grappling) what really makes North Star different is the standard set by Coach Jackson.”
“Aside from being one of the only True MMA Gyms in the city (Striking and Grappling) what really makes North Star different is the standard set by Coach Jackson.”
What members say
“Jackson has a very friendly and welcoming demeanor, and not only keeps you motivated, but he is an amazing instructor.”
“I know the owner for over 20 years and he’s always been a stand-up guy as well as a high-level martial artist that can teach beginners and advanced professional fighters.”
“If you are looking to build confidence, get a great workout, and develop your mind in new and positive ways, North Star MMA is the place for you.”
“There is a focus on cleanliness and safety which is always a plus when combat sports are involved.”
“Regardless of your level or your goal, if it's simply to workout or compete, Jackson and his team have created a very welcoming, friendly and diverse environment.”
From the reviews
I am Fighter and the Kids Teacher at the Gym, and after training at many gyms across the city I can say from my heart that North Star offers something completely unique and invaluable.
Amazing facility, awesome people, professional instruction. This place is awesome! I remember coach Jackson from when he was tearing up the Muay Thai and MMA scene in Philly over a decade ago. North Star really has it all...
Coach Jackson is a amazing teacher. Not only has he shown me great technique, he has displayed what it means to be a martial artist. When my work schedule changed so that I could not attend my home gym he welcomed me with open arms like I was his own student. He cleans his facility daily.
North Star was where I began Muay Thai and I could not have asked for a better spot to start my MMA experience. Coach Jackson and the other instructors were always very friendly and super helpful as I struggled through my first couple of months training.
New to kickboxing? Start at North Star MMA
North Star MMA comes up as a beginner-friendly gym — noted on their own site. 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 North Star 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.
More kickboxing gyms near Philadelphia
The Garden MMA
5 ★★★★★ 42 reviews
🥊 Free trial / intro class — check their site
Philadelphia Striking Academy
4.9 ★★★★★ 39 reviews
🥊 Free trial / intro class — check their site
URGE FITNESS Olney Philadelphia
4 ★★★★☆ 93 reviews
🥊 Free trial / intro class — check their site