MMA Gyms in Iowa
25 of the 241 martial arts schools we track in Iowa have MMA training. "Martial arts" search results lump boxing gyms, jiu-jitsu academies, and traditional dojos in with actual MMA gyms, and a map pin has no field to flag which ones run true mixed-discipline sparring and cage-style training. Every gym here has MMA training confirmed from its own class schedule or website, not just a passing mention of "self-defense" in a review. Full listings for every city are on the Iowa page.
Des Moines 6
Barongan Martial Arts Academy Karate / taekwondoMMA
1111 E Army Post Rd, Des Moines, IA 50315-2605
Des Moines Mixed Martial Arts Kids classesBJJ / grapplingMuay thai / kickboxingMMA
617 Euclid Ave, Des Moines, IA 50313
Iowa Martial Arts and Wellness Kids classesFree trial classBJJ / grapplingMuay thai / kickboxingMMA
2580 Fleur Dr, Des Moines, IA 50321-1125
Pinnacle Jiu-Jitsu Kids classesFree trial classBJJ / grapplingMMA
340 Wright Rd. Suite G, Des Moines, IA 50316
🕒 Thursday from 5:30-6:30 PM
TBA Classic - Muay Thai World Expo Kids classesMuay thai / kickboxingMMA
6111 Fleur Dr, Des Moines, IA 50321
Talon Muay Thai Kids classesFree trial classMuay thai / kickboxingMMA
601 SW 9th St, Des Moines, IA 50309-4528
🕒 MONDAY 6:00 - 7:25 pm
Davenport 3
Breaking Point Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Kids classesFree trial classBJJ / grapplingMMA
3840 W River Dr, Davenport, IA 52802-2412
Caged Aggression MMA MMA
136 E 3rd St, Davenport, IA 52801-1505
MMAG MMA
1220 Minnie Ave, Davenport, IA 52802-2600
Fort Dodge 2
Faiferlick Martial Arts Kids classesFree trial classBJJ / grapplingMuay thai / kickboxingKarate / taekwondoMMA
326 S 25th St, Fort Dodge, IA 50501-4316
🕒 Mon-Thurs 4pm – 8pm Fri 5pm – 7 pm Sat 1pm
Southside Martial Arts Kids classesBJJ / grapplingMuay thai / kickboxingMMA
1028 S 22nd St, Fort Dodge, IA 50501-6125
Iowa City 2
Citadel Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Kids classesFree trial classBJJ / grapplingMMA
2325 Naples Ave SW, Iowa City, IA 52240-7608
Iowa City Karate BJJ / grapplingKarate / taekwondoMMA
2400 N Dodge St, Iowa City, IA 52245
🕒 Tuesdays & Thursdays at 5:45pm – 6:45pm
Waterloo 2
Cedar Valley Taekwondo Karate / taekwondoMMA
669 S Hackett Rd, Waterloo, IA 50701-5632
Burlington 1
American Pit Fighters Mixed Martial Arts MMA
900 Osborn St, Burlington, IA 52601-5022
Cedar Rapids 1
DTF Mma MMA
1507 1st Ave SE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52402-5123
Clinton 1
Iowa Top Team Mixed Martial Arts Free trial classBJJ / grapplingMuay thai / kickboxingMMA
232 5th Ave S, Clinton, IA 52732
🕒 FRIDAY 5PM-7PM
Decorah 1
Decorah Martial Arts Kids classesMMA
216 W Water St, Decorah, IA 52101-1728
Hiawatha 1
Phoenix Down Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Free trial classBJJ / grapplingMMA
2050 Boyson Rd, Hiawatha, IA 52233-2397
Norwalk 1
Pinnacle University BJJ Kids classesFree trial classBJJ / grapplingMMA
340 Wright Rd, Norwalk, IA 50211-1603
🕒 Thursday from 5:30-6:30 PM
Red Oak 1
Green Hills Academy of Martial Arts Kids classesMMA
416 E Reed St, Red Oak, IA 51566-2381
Robins 1
Revolution Martial Arts and Fitness Center Kids classesFree trial classBJJ / grapplingMuay thai / kickboxingKarate / taekwondoMMA
945 Robins Square Dr, Robins, IA 52411
Walcott 1
Chung Kim's Black Belt Academy Kids classesMuay thai / kickboxingKarate / taekwondoMMA
5226 200th St, Walcott, IA 52773-9501
West Des Moines 1
Zero Dojo Kids classesFree trial classBJJ / grapplingMuay thai / kickboxingKarate / taekwondoMMA
2600 University Ave, West Des Moines, IA 50266-1456
+15154145531 Website All West Des Moines martial arts schools
Also in Iowa
- Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Schools50
- Kids Martial Arts Classes67
- Traditional Martial Arts Schools118
- Family Martial Arts Classes and Academies9
Good to know about mma gyms
Do I need experience to start training MMA?
No, most MMA gyms run beginner classes that cover striking and grappling fundamentals before anyone spars live. Expect the first few weeks to focus on stance, basic strikes, and takedown defense rather than full-contact sparring.
How much does an MMA gym membership cost?
Monthly membership typically runs $100-200, though it varies by region and whether the price includes both striking and grappling classes. Some gyms charge extra for open mat time or private coaching.
How to become a certified yoga instructor?
To become a certified yoga instructor, complete a Registered Yoga School program, usually requiring 200 hours of training covering anatomy, philosophy, and instruction techniques. Afterward, register with an official organization like Yoga Alliance to receive your credential. For guided martial arts and fitness instructor pathways, explore options on MartialArtsAtlas.
Where did brazilian jiu jitsu come from?
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu originated in Brazil in the early 20th century. It developed from Kodokan Judo ground fighting fundamentals brought to South America by Japanese martial artist Mitsuyo Maeda, which were then adapted by the Gracie family. MartialArtsAtlas helps students find qualified BJJ academies nationwide.