Photo courtesy of Animal MMA
With the rise of and growing popularity of the UFC, mixed martial arts gyms have become popular for those who want to learn self-defense and compete, but also for those looking to simply change up their usual fitness routine.
Regardless of whether you’re looking for full contact MMA action or you’re interested in trying the sport for the killer cardio, it might be time to ditch your $9.99 franchise chain gym membership and up your fitness regimen by checking out these five local mixed martial arts gyms in Westchester.
Igor Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Academy
New Rochelle
When considering practicing jiu-jitsu, it makes sense to begin practicing in a dojo connected with the Gracie family, whos name is synonymous with modern day MMA. (The Brazilian family is known for developing the art and bringing it to the U.S.)
Regardless of whether you’re a newbie or seasoned fighter, Igor Gracie offers both beginners and advanced classes in position, slick submissions, and everything in between. With about 1,500 square feet of mats (in a 3,000 sq ft facility), you’ll have no trouble partnering up and finding space to roll. Igor is planning on opening a second location in Eastchester in the near future.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BzvY16NJFd4/
Modern Martial Arts Westchester
Mount Kisco
With a staff full of current and former competitors, Modern Martial Arts is one of the more well-rounded schools in Westchester that doesn’t skimp on technique or fitness with a schedule that includes kickboxing, BJJ, cardio-based classes, circuit training, private lessons, and plenty of kids’ martial arts programs.
The first two classes are only $29.99 if you aren’t ready to commit to the sport just yet, but are game to give it a try.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B8jms5dBIlx/
Animals MMA
Yonkers
At Animals, you’ll hit mitts and do plenty of drills, rolling, and sparring. It’s full contact Brazilian jiu-jitsu and kickboxing for the dedicated MMA athlete. Their large gym houses a cage, a boxing ring, and 3,000 square feet of mat space.
They offer 35 days of training for free — they’re certain that if you’re serious, you’ll dig their program.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B7j9NuUp2R-/
The Jiu-Jitsu Mill
Port Chester
Kids, adults, beginners, and competitive grapplers, The Jiu-Jitsu Mill is the place for all skill levels. One of the area’s premiere BJJ schools, the Mill doesn’t only teach you how to roll, they’re mixing in stand up striking with an emphasis on Muay Thai, too. Contact them for a free 30-minute trial.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BRCFtdxg2Vx/
Belmars
White Plains
Peter Belmar has been in the fight game for a while: 34 years total, 15 of which were spent as a professional kickboxer. Belmars is a smaller dojo but that just means more personalized instruction in kickboxing, boxing, and even Zumba.
It doesn’t matter if you’re simply in it for the workout or you want to compete, Belmars is welcoming to all.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BoX4rjFnjBX/
