MMA
MMA in Columbus, Ohio
Learn real mixed martial arts from an active, undefeated professional. Beginners start in fundamentals, and nobody spars on day one. Your first week is free.
Book Your No Sweat OrientationThe honest part
You have been meaning to do this for a while.
Most people who want to learn to fight never walk in. They picture a room where everyone is already good and they're the only one who isn't. So another year goes by wondering.
What changes.
You know you can handle yourself
Not a theory about it. The certainty that comes from practising under resistance.
You are in a room that meets you
Everyone beside you walked in as new as you. Contact comes at your pace, never as a test.
You get fit as a side effect
Conditioning comes from training, not before it. Nobody arrives fit and then learns to fight.
Why trust this
I walked in as a beginner too. I gassed out in four minutes and I was sure everyone was watching. Nobody was. That is why the first week here is built the way it is.
I'm 6-0 as a pro with thirteen straight wins and the number one lightweight ranking in Ohio on Tapology. The person correcting your stance is still being tested.
I headlined the Ohio Combat League card at the Arnold Sports Festival and won by knockout. I'm still competing, which almost nobody running a gym here can say.
How it works
Three steps. That is the whole thing.
Book your No Sweat Orientation
Free. Meet me, see the gym, and tell me when you can make it.
Show up to a fundamentals session
Stance, footwork, a couple of basics. Nobody spars and nobody is timing you.
Decide at the end of the week
Five days, zero pressure. If it's not for you, say so.
MMA classes in Columbus, Ohio for people who have never trained
If you are searching for MMA classes in Columbus, OH, most of what you will find is built for people who already train. The class assumes you know the vocabulary and the warm up doubles as a filter. If you have never set foot in a gym like that, walking in is not a welcome, it is a test you did not agree to take.
I am Max Metzgar and I run Mad Max's Academy in Columbus, Ohio. I am 6-0 as a professional with a thirteen fight win streak and the number one lightweight ranking in the state on Tapology. Your first week here is free, day one is fundamentals only, and sparring is something you opt into once you want it. I never hand it to a beginner as an initiation.
There are three ways to train with me, because three completely different people walk through the door. Adults who want to compete join the fight team. Adults who want the discipline, the conditioning and the real technique without ever stepping in a cage train in MMA for Adults, which is the larger group. Children from about five to fourteen train in Young Warriors, where contact comes in slowly and parents always know what is happening.
The four things people ask me before their first session are always the same. I have never trained: most of the room had not either. I am out of shape: conditioning comes from training, not before it. I do not want to get hurt: contact is slow, earned and opted into. I am too old: I coach people in their thirties, forties and fifties every week.
Where do you fit?
Three ways to train here. Most adults reading this belong in the middle one.
Mad Max's Fight Team
The competition track. Selective, and framed as an application.
- For people who genuinely intend to compete
- The same system that produced a 6-0 pro record
- Striking, grappling, conditioning and fight IQ
MMA for Adults
Train like a fighter without ever stepping in a cage.
- The largest group, and where most people start
- Same coaching and same room as the fight team
- Love your first week or get your money back
Kids and private lessons
Young Warriors for ages five to fourteen, or one on one.
- Contact introduced slowly and by age
- Parents stay and watch the whole session
- Private lessons for faster progress or more privacy
Not sure which is yours? Book a No Sweat Orientation and we'll work it out in person.
What people say
Verified Google reviews
Started the program with zero mma experience - Max met me where I was at, helped me build my fundamentals, and kept me at a pace where I felt involved but not overwhelmed. Overall excellent coaching across all levels, with attention to detail and solid technique as the focal point, in addition to a supportive and encouraging community. Highly recommend
Remington Norman
7 months ago
Max is a wonderful personal trainer! He's a great listener when it comes to your goals and an encouraging presence in the gym. The atmosphere is fun and nonjudgmental while still focused and engaging enough to see results. 10/10 would recommend!
Kori Stewart
8 months ago
I worked with Max to put together a private birthday boxing event for my boyfriend and his friends, and it was an absolute hit! Max guided everyone through a variety of punches and combinations, keeping the energy high and the vibe fun throughout. He wrapped up the session with some friendly sparring, which everyone loved. Max made the whole experience easy to plan and incredibly enjoyable from start to finish. I'd highly recommend him for your next private event
Olivia J
11 months ago
Free Guide
Never walked into an MMA gym?
What to wear, what happens on day one, and the fears that turn out not to be real. Free, opens straight away.
Read the guideFirst week is on the house.
Free orientation. Love your first week or get your money back. Show up and find out what you are made of.
Book Your No Sweat Orientation