Mixed Martial Arts

Find out more

• Training

  Training sessions are mainly coached by professional coaches from a variety of local gyms and are split into striking, grappling, mixed martial arts, and sparring. Training sessions are open to all members regardless of level; beginners are welcome to join sparring sessions, but should ensure they have the coach’s approval to ensure they know how to spar safely.
  Tuesday’s Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is coached by former Dundee MMA submission grappling coach Greame Lowe. Sessions are designed to teach fighting while on the ground, submitting opponents through various chokes and joint locks (none of which lead to actual damage or injury; all participants are taught to practice these techniques safely).

  Saturday’s Submission Wrestling training is coached by John King, head coach of Rio Grappling Arbroath, and a brown belt in both Judo and BJJ. These sessions will teach a more proactive style of BJJ/submission grappling, where beginners and advanced grapplers alike will learn to safely take down, control, and submit opponents.

  Friday and Sunday’s Muay Thai striking training are coached by Professional Muay Thai coach James Livingston, and committee members with coaching qualifications. These consist of fitness, pad-work and controlled sparring using provided gloves and pads.

  Tuesday’s sparring session is a free space for members to develop the skills of their choosing. Normally split between striking and grappling, experienced members can also choose to practice alternate rule-sets such as boxing or MMA.

  Friday’s development sparring sessions are aimed at intermediates looking to even-out their games. This will involve a mix of interactive teaching, guided/positional sparring, and then free-sparring.

  Sunday’s S&C sessions are run jointly with the MMA Judo club, and will be coached by professional S&C coach Michael Boland. Members will follow a plan designed specifically to help improve athletic performance and reduce injuries. Coach Michael will also teach newer athletes how to lift weights safely

• Competition

  The club offers a range of opportunities to compete for BJJ, Muay Thai and MMA, both locally and throughout the UK in the form of competitions and interclubs. These include the annual Scottish University Kickboxing Championships held in Aberdeen, the Edinburgh BJJ Open and the GBMT British University Muay Thai Championships. The UStA MMA Club also hosts periodic interclubs with other martial arts societies such as Judo over the course of the year.

• Additional Club Information

  St Andrews MMA offers tutelage for beginners and intermediates in the growing sport of mixed martial arts, as well as an active social scene involving regular social events, access to a members group chat, opportunities to join our committee, and a chance to meet new people from a variety of backgrounds during sessions.

• How to get involved

  Whether you are new to the sport or experienced MMA practitioner, already attend the University or if you are thinking about attending, please get in touch to register your interest and find out more about our club.

  The University hosts a Sports Fayre at the beginning of each academic year during Orientation Week, giving prospective players the opportunity to talk to club members and sign up to ‘Give It A Go’ sessions.

  Please email the club to register your interest: [email protected]

  Club Membership

  All matriculated students at the University can join the Mixed Martial Arts Club.

  Please visit the Saints Sport website for a full list of club membership options, prices and information on how to purchase your membership.