The 5 Best MMA Gyms in Melbourne to Train Like a Champ
I have a friend who once signed up for an MMA gym, thinking he’d leave with Bruce Lee skills in a month. Instead, he left with sore muscles and a newfound respect for kinesiologists who warn about proper movement.
Between dodging flying pads and seeing a guy nearly call a hernia surgeon after a simple lift, we realised that finding the right MMA gym really matters.
So, we rolled up our sleeves and did our research. We focused on the things that actually matter: trainers who’d keep you safe, well-equipped facilities, and classes that help you improve.
Here are the best MMA gyms in Melbourne that might just inspire you to channel your inner Bruce Lee!
How much does a mixed martial arts (MMA) gym membership cost in Melbourne?
An MMA gym membership in Melbourne typically costs around $35–$70 per week, depending on the gym and access level. Most dedicated MMA or Muay Thai gyms charge $40–$60 per week for unlimited classes.
1. Absolute MMA Melbourne CBD
Address: 136 Exhibition St
Phone: +61 3 9663 9122
Business hours:
- Monday to Thursday: 6 AM – 9 PM
- Friday: 6 AM – 8 PM
- Saturday: 8:30 AM – 12 PM
- Sunday: Closed
Right in the middle of the city, Absolute MMA Melbourne CBD is a great choice for professionals.
Training options are broad, which is a big advantage for those interested in MMA as a complete discipline. Classes include BJJ, Muay Thai, boxing, wrestling, and more.
Their schedule caters to different experience levels too.
Many members said that the instructors are both highly skilled fighters and effective teachers. Some coaches would even focus on longer combinations and repetition for skill-building and conditioning.
We also loved the culture here. We found out that there are certain classes, like gi jiu-jitsu, where everyone greets each other before training.
For us, it shows how welcoming the environment here is. Beginners and experienced practitioners are treated with the same level of respect.
The most impressive part for us would be the facilities. Unlike other locations, the CBD gym has strong building ventilation and air conditioning. The gym stays cool in summer and warm in winter, so it’s very comfortable to train here.
Locker rooms include showers and even small personal saunas.
That said, some people mentioned that sessions run around 45 to 60 minutes. Compared to some other gyms that offer a 90-minute session, it’s a bit short.
Absolute MMA has taught me so much
“Absolute MMA has taught me so much. It not only teaches you martial arts or the skills to protect yourself, the coaches and the programs offered at Absolute MMA are great for your physical health, along with their conditioning programs. Toey is a great coach and I love doing long combo in his class. Even though it is a long combo, the repetition and classes to get there are the best, happiest journey of a fit and active life…”
– Jack, Google review
The coaches give you all the attention you need to succeed
“Awesome facility with a great crew. The coaches give you all the attention you need to succeed. Good vibes, I can’t recommend it enough. Toohey is an unreal trainer I look forward to his classes every week.”
– John Lohmeyer, Google review
2. Melbourne Fight Club – Martial Arts Academy
Address: 9&10/367 Flinders St
Phone: +61 3 9620 5433
Business hours:
- Monday to Friday: 6:30 AM – 8:30 PM
- Saturday: 10 AM – 5 PM
- Sunday: Closed
George Kolovos leads the Melbourne Fight Club. What’s impressive is that he’s a 7th Dan black belt with nearly five decades in martial arts.
Our team noticed that his background spans multiple disciplines, which shapes the gym’s training philosophy. Rather than focusing on a single martial art, it emphasizes cross-training.
Kolovos also mentors instructors through an internal coaching program. That means the trainers have been trained directly under him.
They run around 80 classes a week, covering boxing, Muay Thai, BJJ, Kyushin karate, and more. Boxing seems to be their speciality here. They really focus on the fundamentals.
We liked that classes run morning, midday, and evening, which works well for busy people.
Some members have also mentioned training here because they’d join an interclub or amateur fights. It seems like they can also support fighters who want to test themselves.
They’re not just for aspiring fighters. We also heard a lot of great feedback about the kids’ karate program in confidence-building.
That said, the facilities are just a bit old and grungy.
George takes good care of everyone who comes into his gym
“My daughter joined when she was 4 and now as a 6 year old, she tells me how she loves going to Karate training. George is very inclusive and takes good care of everyone who comes into his gym. Highly recommend!”
– Leanne Simon, Google review
Highly recommend to everyone
“Great place to train if you are a experienced or start martial arts if you are beginner. Whether it’s be boxing, BJJ, muay thai you have great coaches like Hamza and George, they will help you and guide you to improve all the time. Best part is you have flexible timings throughout the week. I’m really enjoying my training here and hope to improve my boxing more along the journey. Highly recommend to everyone”
– Athul S, Google review
3. John Donehue Jiu Jitsu & MMA Melbourne
Address: Unit 6/278 Ferntree Gully Rd, Notting Hill
Phone: +61 3 9544 5820
Business hours:
- Monday to Friday: 11:30 AM – 8 PM
- Saturday: 9 AM – 11 AM
- Sunday: Closed
We’re not surprised if a lot of people have heard about John Doenhue.
He’s not just another gym owner. He’s coached fighters like Randy Couture, Dan Henderson, and Frank Trigg. That’s a credibility that’s hard to ignore!
They offer a wide mix of classes, including kickboxing, wrestling, and even kids’ martial arts. There are also boxing, MMA, BJJ, and conditioning.
The coaching team here received many positive comments. One beginner said the instructors broke techniques down in a way that made the learning curve far less intimidating.
Even in more technical disciplines like wrestling and submission grappling, instructions are detailed but easy to follow.
Most sessions are about an hour andcater to all skill levels, but there’s still room for the hardcore crowd. They run invite-only advanced classes and longer sessions like the Gene Lebell competition class. It’s great for anyone looking to push past the basics.
There are a few things to consider, though, like the membership cancellation policy.
It’s a bit strict, requiring a three-month notice period. A few people have had issues with fees or aggressive follow-ups.
Definitely recommend if you want to start training any combat sport
“Great gym with great people, coaches are very beginner friendly and you can definitely see how much experience they have under their belt. Been going for around 2 months and have already learnt a lot and I look forward to going to every class. Definitely recommend if you want to start training any combat sport.”
– Aref Mekaeel, Google review
It’s definitely one of the best gyms to train Jiujitsu and MMA
“Our family has been active members in this gym for about 3 years now. It’s definitely one of the best gyms to train Jiujitsu and MMA, especially as a woman. I feel safe and respected in this gym. Our three kids also train here. They LOVE the coaches! They’ve helped our kids grow in their confidence, self discipline and of course skills to protect themselves. Highly recommend!!”
– Katrina Zhang, Google review
4. Dominance MMA Abbotsford
Address: 9 Harper St
Phone: +61 3 8394 9660
Business hours:
- Monday: 12 PM – 2:30 PM
- Tuesday to Thursday: 6 AM – 9:30 AM, 11 AM – 2:30 PM, 3:30 PM – 9:30 PM
- Friday: 6 AM – 9:30 AM, 11 AM – 2:30 PM, 5:30 PM – 8:30 PM
- Saturday: 9:30 AM – 1:30 PM
- Sunday: Closed
Dominance MMA’s coaching leans toward technical development and long-term growth.
Based on what we’ve heard, the instructors bring plenty of competitive experience and use it to create a supportive training environment. This encourages both beginners and seasoned fighters to improve.
It’s not just about getting stronger physically. They really push members to grow mentally too.
Members train in Gi and No-Gi BJJ, Muay Thai, freestyle wrestling, boxing, and MMA.
The schedule is fairly accommodating too. There are sessions in the morning, at lunchtime, and in the evening six days a week.
A lot of people also loved their youth programs. Kids and teens can train in BJJ and Muay Thai, and families seem to be a big part of the culture here.
There’s even a parent-and-child class on Saturday mornings. It’s a pretty fun concept for those parents who’d rather be on the mats than on the sidelines.
Another cool point is the strong female team. It makes it easier for women to find training partners and feel supported.
That said, the gym’s popularity seems to come with a trade-off. Several people mentioned that classes can get crowded sometimes.
Training here pushes you to grow mentally as well
“Joining Dominance was the best decision I made in 2024. It’s not just a place to train—it’s a place that stays on your mind even when you’re not there. The gym has a clean and welcoming environment, with highly professional coaches who truly care about your progress. The team is incredibly supportive, making every session both challenging and rewarding. Training here isn’t just about physical strength; it pushes you to grow mentally as well. Whether you’re looking to improve your skills, discipline, or confidence, Dominance is the perfect place to do it. Grateful for the experience!”
– Yuxia Pang, Google review
Best Jiu-Jitsu gym in the country
“Best Jiu-Jitsu gym in the country. Facilities are phenomenal, coaching is world class whilst still being inviting and supportive for all levels. If you’re in Melbourne and wanting to train jitz, Dominance is the best place to do so”
– Liam Higgins, Google review
5. Rails MMA
Address: Unit 7/11 Kipling St, Cremorne
Phone: +61 419 188 994
Business hours:
- Monday: 12 PM – 2 PM
- Tuesday to Saturday: 7 AM – 8 PM
- Sunday: Closed
What makes Rails MMA stand out is its tight, coach-driven training environment. The gym is led by head coach Raphael Scott. He has more than 10 years of MMA experience and holds a brown belt in BJJ.
From what we gathered, he’s very involved in the day-to-day training. He designs the programs, leads many of the classes, and even runs one-on-one sessions.
Classes are kept fairly small, usually around 20 people or fewer. It’s great since coaches could actually watch what everyone’s doing and give corrections when needed.
The range of classes is surprisingly broad for a gym that keeps things relatively compact. There are striking sessions, advanced striking classes, grappling, BJJ, and MMA.
On top of that, they also run pads classes, open mat sessions, and sparring for people who want to put their skills into practice.
There’s also a women-only self-defence class, which seems ot be one of the more popular offerings.
Several people who attended those sessions mentioned how the class combined practical techniques with a solid workout.
A small downside we’ve found is that pricing isn’t listed openly online. Anyone interested in joining has to book an introductory call to learn more about memberships.
The coaches are extremely knowledgeable and patient
“Rails MMA Gym is next level. From day one I felt welcomed and motivated. The coaches are extremely knowledgeable, patient, and genuinely care about your progress, whether you’re a complete beginner or an experienced fighter. Training sessions are intense but well structured, focusing on real technique, conditioning, and mindset…”
– Jatinder Singh Dhiman, Google review
All the coaches there make it 100% sure that student safety is a priority
“It is the best gym ever I’ve been to! Everyone is so friendly there and all the coaches there make it 100% sure that student safety is priority and teaching them how to become the best fighters in a short time. They make it clear you do not need to go 2 to 3 years to Dagestan to become the greatest fighter LOL. Come to Ralis MMA for 2 to 8 months instead and they will make you the best fighter possible with incredible attention to detail and work ethic!”
– Ibrahim Ammari, Google review