We teach mixed martial arts: boxing, kickboxing, wrestling and jiu-jitsu, taught as one connected skill set. Kids MMA & Athletic Training and Youth MMA & Athletic Training also include strength, agility and athletic development, the kind that carries into every sport they play.
Over thirty years of teaching, Coach Wil has promoted more than fifty students to black belt. Twelve of them went on to win national and world titles.
The right class for every age
Preschool and early elementary martial arts: movement, coordination, listening, and confidence, taught with warmth. Saturdays at 10:00am.
See class times
Kids MMA five weekdays plus Saturday, with Kids MMA & Athletic Training on Monday, Wednesday and Friday adding strength and agility work.
See class times
Real MMA for preteens and teens, Monday through Friday, with Youth MMA & Athletic Training on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, plus Saturday at 11:15am for ages 13 and up, all levels.
Explore Teen & Youth MMAWeekday classes run at 4:00pm (kids) and 4:45pm (youth), with Saturday classes in the morning. Full grid on the schedule. Placement can also account for experience and maturity, so contact us if you are unsure which class fits.
What parents see at home
"He had never liked any kind of sports before; yet at this studio, he was hooked from minute one."
"She has grown in her confidence, and strength over the last year with her lessons."
"He is always excited to come to class and wishes he could be here every day."
Rated Excellent on Google · read our reviews
Beyond the class schedule
One-on-one coaching for young athletes: sport-specific skills, strength, and confidence built at their pace. See kids personal training.
Practical, age-appropriate self-defense skills taught through structured martial arts training. See kids self-defense.
Questions parents ask first
Is martial arts safe for my child?
Yes, and safety is built into how every class runs rather than added on top. Coaches actively supervise from start to finish, and children are taught proper technique, control, and respect before they are ever asked to work with a partner. Students train with others of similar age, size, and experience whenever possible. Like soccer, basketball, or gymnastics, occasional bumps and bruises can happen, but structured curriculum, coach supervision, and emphasis on control keep injuries uncommon.
What age groups do you offer?
We offer three age bands: Little Dragons for ages 4-8, Kids MMA and Kids MMA & Athletic Training for ages 6-12, and Youth MMA and Youth MMA & Athletic Training for ages 11-17. Classes run six days a week; on Saturdays the 11:15am class is Youth-Teen-Adult MMA for ages 13 and up, all levels, and 11 and 12 year olds train in Kids MMA at 10:30am. Placement can also account for experience and maturity, so contact us if you are unsure which class fits.
My child is shy and has never done this before. Will they be okay?
Yes. Many students arrive shy or completely new. We introduce new students gradually, partner them appropriately, and guide them through each step. Your child will not be expected to keep up with experienced students on day one.
Can I stay and watch, or do I drop my child off?
Either is fine. Parents are welcome to stay and watch from our viewing area, or drop off and return when class ends. From drop-off to pick-up your child is supervised by our staff and instructors.
Do your kids MMA classes include sparring?
Yes, but not on your first day. Students begin with stance, footwork, technique, defense and control, and light contact is introduced gradually and only when a student has the skill and maturity to take part safely. Protective equipment is worn, partners are matched by age, size and experience, and coaches supervise closely.
What exactly do you teach in the kids and youth classes?
We teach mixed martial arts: boxing, kickboxing, wrestling and jiu-jitsu, taught as one connected skill set. Kids MMA & Athletic Training and Youth MMA & Athletic Training also include strength, agility and athletic development. We may describe the overall category as martial arts, but MMA is the accurate description of what students learn.
Do kids wear a uniform?
Yes, once enrolled, and never for a first class. Students wear a Forge Athletics dryfit t-shirt with their choice of Forge gi pants or Forge MMA fight shorts. They receive their belt from their instructor, and they need a pair of boxing gloves for class, which can be purchased at the facility. For a first class, comfortable clothes are all your child needs.
Will this actually help my child's confidence, or is that just marketing?
Yes. Confidence grows as children become genuinely competent at something difficult. Parents mention it consistently in their reviews because students earn that confidence through learning, practice and progress.
What does my child need for their very first class?
Comfortable clothes they can move in and a water bottle. Nothing needs to be purchased in advance. The uniform is only required after your child enrolls.
What if my child tries it and does not like it?
That is completely fine. The first class is free, so your child can experience Forge before you decide. Memberships have no long-term contracts.
What happens when my child ages out of one class into the next one? Will the new times still work with school and our schedule?
The age bands overlap at ages 11-12, giving us room to move your child based on experience and maturity before they age out of the kids age band. Kids MMA and Kids MMA & Athletic Training serve ages 6-12. Youth MMA and Youth MMA & Athletic Training serve ages 11-17 on weekdays, and on Saturdays the 11:15am class is Youth-Teen-Adult MMA for ages 13 and up, all levels, with 11 and 12 year olds in Kids MMA at 10:30am. Each age group has class options six days a week. Memberships are not locked to one time, so your child can attend any class that matches their age group and membership level. Tell us your schedule and we will help you find the times that work.
Bring them in for a free class
Your child trains, you watch, then you decide. No pressure and nothing to buy in advance.