MMA Classes in Soldotna: Can You Train MMA If You Don't Want to Fight?

Yes. You can train MMA (mixed martial arts) at AK-49 Martial Arts in Soldotna and never step into a fight. We teach it through its building blocks, Kickboxing, Muay Thai, Wrestling and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, and sparring is completely optional.

A lot of people have watched the UFC for years and want to try it, but they're not looking to fight anybody. They want to get in shape, learn how to handle themselves, and have fun doing it. You can do all of that here.

Where Can I Take MMA Classes in Soldotna

We're at 35300 KB Drive, Building C2, behind Save-U-More and right next to Timber Tech.

People come in from Soldotna, Kenai, Sterling, Nikiski and all over the Kenai Peninsula. You can see the class times on our schedule.

Do You Have to Fight to Train MMA

No. Training and fighting are two different things. You can train for fitness, for self defense, or just to learn something hard, and never compete.

Sparring is controlled practice with a partner, and with us it's completely optional. Nobody gets pushed into it. Most students end up wanting to try it, but that's up to you.

What Do You Learn in MMA Classes

MMA is striking and grappling put together. Here's what each piece teaches you.

Kickboxing. Punches, kicks and footwork. You hit pads with a partner, drill combinations and work the heavy bag. Here's our Kickboxing page.

Muay Thai. Everything in kickboxing plus elbows, knees and the clinch, where you control somebody up close. Here's our Muay Thai page.

Wrestling. Takedowns and control, which is how a fight gets to the ground and who ends up on top. We teach it in our No Gi classes, which are a hybrid of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and wrestling. Here's our No Gi Jiu Jitsu page.

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. What you do once you're on the ground. You learn to hold a good position, get out of a bad one, and finish with a joint lock or a choke. Here's our Brazilian Jiu Jitsu page.

Most classes start with a warm up, then technique with a partner, then some live work like pad rounds or light rolling.

Is MMA Good for Beginners

Yes, when the gym teaches technique before hard contact. Our program is perfect for beginners, and you start with the basics.

You don't have to be in shape first and you don't need to know how to throw a punch. Come train for a few weeks and you'll feel the difference.

If safety is what's on your mind, read Is MMA Safe for Beginners? If you're brand new to the sport, start with What Is MMA?

Should I Start With Kickboxing or Jiu Jitsu for MMA

Start with the one you're most curious about. If you want to hit pads and work up a sweat, start with Kickboxing. If you'd rather wrestle around and figure out the puzzle on the ground, start with Brazilian Jiu Jitsu or No Gi.

Once you're comfortable, add a class from the other side. Train both and you're learning the skills an MMA fighter uses. Our post on Kickboxing vs Muay Thai can help you pick a striking class.

Can Kids Do MMA in Soldotna

Kids train the same building blocks in their own classes. Kids BJJ is for kids six and up, and Kids Kickboxing is for kids seven and up. Both go through 17.

Kids learn technique first, with respect and focus built into how the class runs. The coaches keep it safe and keep it fun.

How Do I Start MMA Training at AK-49 Martial Arts

Claim your free class pass, check the schedule, and pick a class. For striking, wear comfortable shorts and a white shirt. For Jiu Jitsu, shorts and any t-shirt. If you need equipment for class, we'll provide it for you free of charge.

There are no long term contracts, just a 30 day notice if you ever need to cancel.

Coach Seth runs the gym. He holds a black belt under Duane Ludwig and was his assistant coach, and he's cornered fighters at the UFC, Glory Kickboxing, AFC and WBC. He coached Victor Rodriguez to the UFC and to his AFC bantamweight title, and he holds a purple belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Read more on his coach page.

Our motto is simple: Get Better. Get Tired. Have Fun. Come in and see what it's like.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a beginner take MMA classes?+

Yes. You don't need any experience and you don't have to be in shape. At AK-49 Martial Arts new students are paired with patient partners, and sparring is completely optional.

Is MMA good for self defense?+

Yes. Striking teaches you to keep your hands up and keep your distance, and grappling teaches you what to do if somebody grabs you or takes you down.

Can kids train MMA at AK-49 Martial Arts?+

Kids train the building blocks in their own classes. Kids BJJ is for kids six and up, and Kids Kickboxing is for kids seven and up, through 17.

What do I wear to my first MMA class?+

For striking classes, wear comfortable shorts and a white shirt. For Jiu Jitsu, comfortable shorts and any t-shirt. If you need equipment for class, we'll provide it for you free of charge.