Business Details
Your Premier Destination for Martial Arts Training in Richmond
MMA Institute is Virginia's largest Mixed Martial Arts school, dedicated to empowering individuals through comprehensive training in MMA, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Muay Thai, and more. Founded by renowned martial artist Rick McCoy, our Richmond-based facility serves as a community hub for over 30 years, offering programs tailored to all ages and skill levels. Our team of certified instructors combines decades of competitive experience with personalized coaching to help students achieve fitness goals, self-defense proficiency, and competitive success.With the state's largest fight team, we emphasize technical mastery, physical conditioning, and mental discipline while maintaining a supportive environment for both recreational and professional athletes. Our proven track record includes training UFC champions and everyday individuals seeking transformative results through martial arts.
Services
Mixed Martial Arts
Muay Thai Kickboxing
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
Grappling
Judo
Fight Team Training
Kids Programs
Fitness Conditioning
Kettlebells
Fighter Yoga
Highlights and features
- We offer over 30 years of combined martial arts expertise from certified instructors
- Our diverse programs cater to all ages and skill levels, from beginners to professional fighters
- We maintain the largest fight team in Virginia with proven competitive success
- Our flexible AM & PM class schedules accommodate busy lifestyles
- We combine technical precision with practical application for real-world effectiveness
What people say
Top notch instruction
Supportive community
Great for all levels
Excellent instructors
Family atmosphere
Services
Mixed Martial Arts
Our MMA program combines striking, grappling, and conditioning techniques from multiple disciplines. Certified instructors teach practical self-defense applications while preparing athletes for competition. The curriculum emphasizes technical proficiency, physical development, and mental discipline through structured classes for all skill levels.
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
We offer Brazilian Jiu Jitsu instruction focusing on ground fighting techniques and submission holds. Classes develop strategic thinking, body control, and close-quarters combat skills. Our program accommodates beginners through advanced practitioners with specialized training for competitive grapplers and self-defense applications.
Muay Thai Kickboxing
Our Muay Thai program teaches traditional Thai striking techniques using fists, elbows, knees, and shins. Classes emphasize proper form, conditioning, and practical application through partner drills and controlled sparring. The curriculum develops cardiovascular fitness, coordination, and effective stand-up combat skills.
Fight Team Training
We provide specialized training for competitive fighters across multiple disciplines. The program includes technical skill development, strength and conditioning, fight strategy, and sparring sessions. Our experienced coaches prepare athletes for professional and amateur competitions in MMA, Muay Thai, and grappling events.
Kids Programs
Our youth martial arts programs teach children essential life skills through structured martial arts instruction. Classes focus on discipline, respect, coordination, and confidence-building in a safe environment. Age-appropriate curricula introduce fundamental techniques while emphasizing character development and physical fitness.
People
Rick McCoy
Head Instructor
Third-degree BJJ black belt with over 30 years martial arts experience. Recognized as Virginia's top MMA trainer, Rick has developed multiple professional fighters and holds advanced ranks in Sombo, Judo, and Karate.
Brian Nielson
Head Grappling Instructor
BJJ black belt and professional MMA fighter with expertise in submission grappling. Specializes in kids' programs and fight team coaching, bringing competitive experience to technical instruction for all skill levels.
Joanna Catabui
Muay Thai Instructor
Certified Muay Thai instructor with 15 years training experience. Holds kettlebell certifications and specializes in developing striking techniques and conditioning programs for martial artists of all levels.
Chad Morrison
Judo Instructor
Judo black belt with 25 years martial arts experience across multiple disciplines. Focuses on throws, groundwork, and self-defense applications while teaching practical combat techniques to students of all ages.
Luke Hunsaker
Head Fight Team Coach
Experienced fight team coach with proven success developing competitive athletes. Specializes in preparing fighters for professional and amateur competitions through comprehensive technical training and strategic preparation.
Questions
What martial arts disciplines do you offer?
We offer Mixed Martial Arts, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Muay Thai Kickboxing, Grappling, Judo, and Fighter Yoga programs for all skill levels.
Are classes available for children?
Yes, we provide age-appropriate martial arts programs for kids focusing on discipline, coordination, and character development in a safe environment.
Do you offer trial memberships?
We provide a free trial week to experience our classes and facility before committing to membership packages.
What are your operating hours?
We're open Monday-Thursday 10am-9pm, Friday 4pm-7pm, Saturday 9am-11:30am, and Sunday 11am-1pm for open mat sessions.
Can beginners join your fight team?
Our fight team accepts dedicated students after demonstrating foundational skill proficiency through regular class participation and instructor evaluation.
What fitness benefits can I expect?
Regular training improves strength, endurance, flexibility, coordination, and cardiovascular health while teaching practical self-defense skills.
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