It can be tricky to pick out the right gym for your martial arts needs, but I’ve collected together a selection of gym options in the ‘heart of it all.’
There are several unique options, including Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Kickboxing, and a twist-mix of other martial arts to make up the best MMA gyms in Columbus, Ohio.
Let’s crack on with the selection!
Table of Contents
Neighborhood Boxing Club
Our Rating: ★★★★ 4/5
- Gym Type: Boxing
- Location: 6100 Huntley Rd, Columbus, OH 43229
- Phone: (614) 810-7428
Neighborhood Boxing Club was founded by Trainer Ron K., who started his boxing fitness journey in October 2012 and later established the gym.
With trainers driven by a passion for boxing fitness, this gym will surely get you moving and fit.
It’s perfect for those who want to learn how to box and get very fit simultaneously, great for beginners.
You can get an initial introduction boxing offer for FREE – a good way to test the waters. Some membership plans have discounts, too.
Their establishment is located along Huntley Road in Columbus. It’s about time you shape your body as you throw those jabs and punches in Neighborhood Boxing Club.
Short North Muay Thai
Our Rating: ★★★★ 4/5
- Gym Type: Muay Thai
- Location: 855 W 5th Ave, Columbus, OH 43212, United States
- Coaches: Kru Hope
Short North Muay Thai is a traditional Muay Thai school that’s been serving aspiring Thai fighters since 2005.
The gym was founded by Kru Hope, a respected fighter in the Muay Thai community who started her journey in 1993.
The gym offers a variety of classes for all levels, from beginners to advanced fighters. There’s a four-week beginner course designed to introduce you to the Muay Thai style if you’re new.
There are also kid-friendly options with Junior Muay Thai. And Kru Hope offers private lessons for those looking to take it up a notch.
Short North is not just about the physical practice but also about building respect and confidence in the changing world around us.
One unique feature of this gym is the “shorts testing.” This is a test of a student’s Muay Thai skills and discipline, designed by Kru Hope. Each test is tailored to the student, increasing in difficulty.
So, if you’re in the Columbus area and looking for a place to learn Muay Thai in a supportive environment, Short North Muay Thai is definitely worth a look.
TITLE Boxing Club Westerville
Our Rating: ★★★★★ 5/5
- Gym Type: Boxing
- Location: 131 Huber Village Blvd, Westerville, OH 43081
- Phone: (614) 981-6175
TITLE Boxing Club is a Boxing club founded by the gym’s ‘Queen of Squats’ herself, Ainsley, way back in 2012.
The Westerville branch of this gym is situated in the Huber Village Boulevard, a real easy spot.
Take note that this gym focuses more on boxing and kickboxing as a workout activity for fitness and weight loss.
This may be suited for those who seek active exercises more than competitive skills for boxing.
Each punching bag in this gym fits beginners and intermediate boxing enthusiasts.
The membership could give you access to branches across the state, as well as beyond, if you’re a travelling fighter.
iLoveKickboxing
Our Rating: ★★★★ 4/5
- Gym Type: Kickboxing
- Location: 2264 W Henderson Rd, Columbus, OH 43220
- Phone: (614) 470-4552
iLoveKickboxing is here to revitalize your workout mindset and be your springboard to tone that body.
Located along W Henderson Road in Columbus, this gym, just as its name suggests, focuses on kickboxing skill development and fitness.
You’ll love their signature classes, from standard to different variations – each class optimizes your calorie burn with HIIT training.
If you are looking to blow (or should we say, kick) off some steam, kickboxing can be your outlet here.
They offer classes six days a week, which you can choose from in your best available schedule.
Their routines are an amazing combination of cardio and resistance training, perfect for stepping up your workout game.
TITLE Boxing Club Grandview
Our Rating: ★★★★★ 4/5
- Gym Type: Boxing
- Location: 955 W 5th Ave, Columbus, OH 43212
- Phone: (614) 291-2787
TITLE Boxing Club Grandview is a Boxing club that dabbles in the fitness aspect of boxing.
The boxing and kickboxing classes offered here concentrate on developing your cardio, core, and strength.
This is already the second branch of TITLE Boxing Club in Ohio in this selection. This a testament that this Boxing club is worth checking if you happen to be around Grandview Heights.
Every fitness journey starts with a passion for shredding off weight and this would be a good place to do it.
Boxing and Kickboxing are not for the faint of heart. Nevertheless, your trainers will guide you as you roll your punches and hit the bags.
Endeavor Defense & Fitness
Our Rating: ★★★★★ 5/5
- Gym Type: Mixed Martial Arts / Self-Defense
- Location: 5040 Nike Dr D, Hilliard, OH 43026
- Phone: (614) 290-2512
Endeavor Defense & Fitness is owned by a CrossFit-trained coach, Dude Poole.
Endeavor is filled with Fight and Fitness instructors who could cater to your needs as you navigate through the different programs this gym offers.
Programs are customized to each individual. The strength and conditioning program is centered on overall fitness, while Self Defense program combines combat sports into a tactical skill.
They also offer a Grappling program for the right mix of grappling combat sports.
You can also check out their Yoga program if you want to take a break from the intensity of the hustle and bustle.
Don’t miss out on this one if you are around Hilliard by the Nike Drive road!
Gracie Ohio Jiu-Jitsu Academy
Our Rating: ★★★★★ 5/5
- Gym Type: Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
- Location: 6821 Flags Center Dr, Columbus, OH 43229
- Phone: (614) 890-2340
Gracie Ohio Jiu-Jitsu Academy was founded in 1992 by a 5th-degree black belter, Dr. Jeffrey Hudson.
They teach the art of self-defense martial arts system that prepares each student to take on a larger attacker by incorporating proper techniques.
This Jiu-Jitsu academy offers different programs for individuals to try out. This includes a program for your kids, divided into age categories but open to 3 to 16 years old.
Advanced training and private sessions are also available.
Open mats are available on Fridays and Sundays – a chance for competition with other students in the academy.
Walk-ins are allowed, so do check it out if you happen to be around Flags Center Drive in Columbus.
Ronin Training Center
Our Rating: ★★★★★ 5/5
- Gym Type: Mixed Martial Arts
- Location: 1012 W 3rd Ave, Columbus, OH 43212
- Phone: (614) 565-3787
Ronin Training Center is situated on West 3rd Avenue in Columbus, easy to spot when you’re in Ohio’s center.
The studio is filled with the necessary equipment for your MMA training. Experienced and accomplished instructors run this training center.
As you grapple and punch up with other students, you can fully explore which program will suit your spirits and help you unlock your potential.
While they are open seven days a week, the studio hours are shorter on weekends.
It might be overwhelming, given the variety of classes offered here, but take advantage of their one week free trial in all of their classes to test the waters and find what’s in store for you.
Pickerington ATA Black Belt Academy
Our Rating: ★★★★★ 4/5
- Gym Type: Taekwondo
- Location: 773 Windmiller Dr # C, Pickerington, OH 43147
- Phone: (614) 920-9480
Pickerington ATA Black Belt Academy is a student-centered taekwondo school for kids and adults alike.
Operating for 18 years, this academy prepares its students for life outside the halls and the training mats – excellent individuals trained by virtues.
Each instructor is an experienced martial artist, headed by black belt Masters Michelle and Kevin Pavlik.
In this academy, you can expect the competitive spirits of their students as they compete in different championships. Instructors deliver nothing but quality taekwondo education.
Want to strengthen those kicks or just find a family activity beyond the barbecue nights? Consider taking taekwondo classes at this academy.
Their establishment is just behind Kroger Grocery in Pickerington. Kick it high, future black belter!
Ohio Combat Sports Academy
Our Rating: ★★★★★ 5/5
- Gym Type: Mixed Martial Arts
- Location: 6956 Americana Pkwy, Reynoldsburg, OH 43068
- Phone: (614) 288-0398
Ohio Combat Sports Academy is another academy that deviates from the gyms and club set-up for mixed martial arts.
They train their students in martial arts and philosophies to bring them outside the academy.
This academy is spearheaded by Professor Dustin Ware who instructs on MMA, while Sensei Anthony Roberts focuses on Shorin-ryu Karate.
All instructors train students to develop an honorable character as martial arts students. Browse the academy’s classes that interest you.
From kickboxing for kids and adults to BJJ, different programs are customized to fit and cater to the student’s needs and abilities.
Family discounts are also offered in this sports academy by Central Ohio, so grab your household members today!
Columbus Martial Arts Academy
Our Rating: ★★★★★ 4/5
- Gym Type: Mixed Martial Arts
- Location: 3664 Garden Ct, Grove City, OH 43123
- Phone: (614) 277-8622
Columbus Martial Arts Academy has been operating for 18+ years now.
Since they opened the academy, they have been training students in Muay Thai and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in Grove City. Adults and kids can sign up today.
The Academy does not hold sessions on Sundays and Wednesdays.
More than the Jiu-Jitsu and Muay Thai classes, they also host open mats. Martial arts academies are a great avenue for your fitness journey as you integrate with your peers.
This academy will surely put on the pressure to release your potential. Fitness and self-defense are incorporated into your classes, which is a great combo for your skill set.
Koguryo Martial Arts Academy
Our Rating: ★★★★★ 4/5
- Gym Type: Mixed Martial Arts
- Location: 6015 S Sunbury Rd, Westerville, OH 43081
- Phone: (614) 899-9033
Koguryo Martial Arts Academy is located by Sunbury Road in Westerville.
This is another academy that offers Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and martial arts to youngsters and adults alike. You are never too late or too early to learn martial arts here.
Classes offered in this academy can be categorized into youngsters (Preskillz and Kids Martial Arts), adult martial arts, and Brazillian Jiu Jitsu.
Complete with the facilities along with the equipment (and weapons!) inside your membership fee.
They offer special discounts, so tune into their social media accounts.
More than the grappling and throws, the academy fosters holistic athletic and individual growth. You are in great hands in this Martial Arts Academy!
