Raleigh UFC and MMA Training
Mixed martial arts (MMA) blends striking and grappling disciplines — boxing, kickboxing, wrestling, Muay Thai, and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu — into one complete fighting system. It’s one of the fastest-growing combat sports in the world, and every skill it’s built on is something you can train right here in Raleigh.
We teach the core disciplines that make up MMA at a deeper level than a general MMA class typically allows: Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai, and kickboxing. Many of our students and coaches actively compete in MMA, and our training reflects that competitive standard, whether you’re here for the sport, self-defense, or fitness.
Learn From a Pro Fighter and Combatives Veteran
Gracie Raleigh is owned and led by Brandon Garner, a black belt promoted directly by Royce Gracie, whose background includes:
- Pro MMA record: 8-1 (17 total fights)
- Competed on The Ultimate Fighter, Season 8
- Army Special Forces Hand-to-Hand Combat Instructor (2004–2015)
- Level 2 Army Combatives Instructor; SOCP (Special Operations Combative Program) Instructor
- Carolina Fight Promotions Bantamweight Champion
- 2010 No-Gi Pan American Games — Bronze medal
- Multiple IBJJF Masters Black Belt gold and bronze medals (2025–2026)
- 25+ years of kickboxing and wrestling experience
You’re not learning secondhand technique — you’re training under someone who has competed, and continues to compete, at the sport’s highest levels.
What You'll Train
- Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu — the grappling and ground-control foundation of modern MMA
- Muay Thai — striking, clinch work, and fight conditioning
- Kickboxing — footwork, striking combinations, and cardio-driven training
- Sparring & open mat sessions — apply your skills live, at a pace that matches your experience level
Whether you’re a complete beginner or bring a black belt from another discipline, you’ll train alongside — and be coached by — people who compete.
Who This Is For
You don’t need MMA competition goals to benefit from this training. Our students train for:
- Self-defense — practical skills that hold up under pressure
- Fitness — full-body conditioning that builds real strength and endurance
- Confidence — measurable progress through belts, skills, and community
- Stress relief — a physical, focused outlet
- Competition — for those who want to compete, we support that path directly
We offer dedicated programs for adults, women, and children, with no-contract options for kids so you’re never locked in if plans change.
Train With Gracie Raleigh
Since 2011, Gracie Raleigh has trained Raleigh, NC in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai, and kickboxing, with nearly 200 five-star reviews from our community. We proudly serve students across the Triangle — including Cary, North Raleigh, Garner, Knightdale, and Wendell.
Ready to get started? Try a free class or contact us today.