Home › Connecticut › West Hartford › Underdog Mixed Martial Arts
Underdog Mixed Martial Arts
5 ★★★★★ 79 Google reviews · Kickboxing gym in West Hartford, Connecticut
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 — built around confidence, focus, and fun
- 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 underdogmma.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone (860) 616-1365
Hours
| Monday | 6 AM–1 PM, 5–9 PM |
| Tuesday | 6 AM–1 PM, 5–9 PM |
| Wednesday | 6 AM–1 PM, 5–9 PM |
| Thursday | 6 AM–1 PM, 5–9 PM |
| Friday | 6 AM–1 PM, 5–9 PM |
| Saturday | 8 AM–3 PM |
| Sunday | 9 AM–2 PM |
The classes they run
“They offer multiple classes all day (including the best strength & conditioning program), running in parallel for both adults and kids, and professional instructors.”
“I’ve dabbled in a couple areas of martial arts, and can say the instruction is on point and the other athletes are super friendly and helpful for me as a beginner.”
“I dropped in for a sparring session and was met with high-level fighters and top-tier etiquette — something I truly respect in a gym.”
“Whether your goals are to simply get exercise, learn martial arts as a hobby, or compete at any level (amateur to professional), everyone is welcome.”
“Underdog keeps its edge while cultivating a safe environment for kids, teens and those stepping into a gym for the first time.”
“They offer multiple classes all day (including the best strength & conditioning program), running in parallel for both adults and kids, and professional instructors.”
Other martial arts here
“Their BJJ program is run by two of the top black belts in the state, and their MMA program produces some of the best fighters that have come out of CT.”
“Their BJJ program is run by two of the top black belts in the state, and their MMA program produces some of the best fighters that have come out of CT.”
What members say
“Thoughtful, knowledgeable coaches on both the gym side and the martial arts side.”
“I’ve dabbled in a couple areas of martial arts, and can say the instruction is on point and the other athletes are super friendly and helpful for me as a beginner.”
“They offer multiple classes all day (including the best strength & conditioning program), running in parallel for both adults and kids, and professional instructors.”
“Whether your goals are to simply get exercise, learn martial arts as a hobby, or compete at any level (amateur to professional), everyone is welcome.”
“Underdog is a great gym with top instructors and a friendly, welcoming atmosphere.”
“I’ve dabbled in a couple areas of martial arts, and can say the instruction is on point and the other athletes are super friendly and helpful for me as a beginner.”
From the reviews
I am a police officer and have two young daughters. l feel I can speak for the benefits this gym offers for my professional needs as well as my personal desires as a parent.
I found Underdog through my husband, who (full disclosure) is now providing the strength and conditioning program for the gym. I’ve dabbled in a couple areas of martial arts, and can say the instruction is on point and the other athletes are super friendly and helpful for me as a beginner.
Wow lots to say about this academy. First of all the facilities are great! Tons of mats, workout equipment, showers etc. I attended the NoGi and Gi class (in that order) as an out of state guest; my professor used to train here regularly and recommended I visit.
This gym really goes above and beyond. It’s hard to put your finger on just one aspect of what makes it a special place. They have built a world class community of trainers, instructors and masseurs.
New to kickboxing? Start at Underdog Mixed Martial Arts
Underdog Mixed Martial Arts 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 Underdog Mixed Martial Arts
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 West Hartford
Plus One Defense Systems
4.9 ★★★★★ 189 reviews
🥊 Free trial / intro class — check their site
Knockout Fitness
5 ★★★★★ 32 reviews
FWJ - FitnesswithJonathan
5 ★★★★★ 25 reviews
🥊 Free trial / intro class — check their site