Underdog Mixed Martial Arts is Connecticut's premier mixed martial arts and fitness facility. Whether you are interested in training for fitness, fun, sport, self-defense or competition, we can help you achieve your goals. We offer a well-rounded program of Grappling, Striking and Physical Fitness training designed to complement each other and offer the best value for our students.
Underdog Mixed Martial Arts is also home to Maximum Potential Massage Therapy. Our students have access to the very best treatment to help them keep their bodies feeling fit and ready! All of our instructors have many years of experience in their disciplines and are eager to help you learn and develop, both as a person and as a martial artist.
Underdog Mixed Martial Arts is also home to Maximum Potential Massage Therapy. Our students have access to the very best treatment to help them keep their bodies feeling fit and ready! All of our instructors have many years of experience in their disciplines and are eager to help you learn and develop, both as a person and as a martial artist.
Services
Underdog's mission is to be Hartford County's best value for safe, effective and fun training in self-defense, competitive fighting and general fitness. Respect: Treating others the way we would want to be treated. Honoring our relationships, treating them with appropriate care and embracing our position and status within the community.
If you are looking for the real deal, if you are serious about becoming a proficient fighter, Underdog is the only place for you! There is no other mixed martial arts gym in the Hartford area that has what Underdog offers. Boxing, Muay Thai, Wrestling and MMA training. Pad work, technique, sparring drills, full contact sessions, Underdog has got it all.
Our Kids Martial Arts program is designed to teach the basics of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Wrestling, and Striking to children ages 6-13 years old. Classes are created to teach practical sport and self-defense techniques in a safe and controlled environment. Parental consent is required for participation and there is some training gear that will need to be purchased.
Here at Underdog Fitness, we combine several elements of fitness in order to build a general preparedness that will benefit our members no matter what sport or task they seek out. Our program encourages every member to "discover their inner athlete" and discover what they are capable of. The system of exercises we use allow clients to build strength and lose weight, increasing their confidence and self-esteem.
Underdog Mixed Martial Arts is an official affiliate of the Soulfighters Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu team under Rafael "Formiga" Barbosa. Our mission is to carry on the legacy of the Soulfighters style of Jiu-Jitsu in CT by providing our students with high quality and authentic Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu training.
Reviews (15)
Jeffrey Alvarado
Jan 10, 2022
Report
Megan K.
Sep 19, 2021
Report
Underdog has been my gym for over the last 4 years where I've done 1:1 training with Coach Adel. Beyond clean inside, I love all the new updates they have done as well. I'm very comfortable here, everyone's welcoming, and I love how there are so many different areas to do pad work in. Like others have said, it's great for anyone whether you're a beginner level or a pro. Cannot speak highly enough of Underdog.
Peter DeOrio
Feb 04, 2021
Report
This gym really goes above and beyond. It’s hard to put your finger on just one aspect of what makes it a special place. They have built a world class community of trainers, instructors and masseurs. Coach John Durrett really puts his all into his classes and you can tell that he really cares about the goals of his members. This is reflected in every coach/trainer I’ve interacted with as well. They hold themselves to a very high standard. If you’re looking for a gym that has an incredibly welcoming community, this is the place for you.
B. Yam
Dec 19, 2020
Report
Great place! All the people there are very welcoming and friendly. The instructors there really know what they teach and many of them are good mma fighters. I’m always a bit suspicious walking into a martial arts place because of the immense amount of Mcdojos out there, but Underdog is definitely not one of them. Thank you to the Underdog staff for their hard work in making the gym run.
Jon M.
Dec 14, 2019
Report
I’ve been going to Underdog for a couple months now after switching gyms, I love it! It really feels like a close-knit family unit that truly cares about your progress. Instructors and knowledgeable and friendly, everyone is nice and welcoming. I would highly recommend anyone looking for a good MMA experience to join up at Underdog!
Steven Meis
Nov 05, 2019
Report
Dominic B.
Aug 28, 2019
Report
Underdog is my second home. If I'm having bad day, I go there to make it better. If I'm having a good day, I go there. I bring my daughter with my 5 times a week for 2 plus hours, she's 3 and loves it there as do I. The coaches are great people and amazing teachers.The other students and people are great. The place is well kept. It's a family. Also the noon fitness class is the best class.
Em T.
Jul 17, 2019
Report
Came to the location as a bystander.
At entrance, we were immediately welcomed by multiple individuals. They were extremely approachable and non-judgmental. They were able to assist me in dobsonfly a spade to sit in addition to a location to plug my laptop in.
Location seems extremely well kept and cleaned. They utilized a recycling bin as well!
At entrance, we were immediately welcomed by multiple individuals. They were extremely approachable and non-judgmental. They were able to assist me in dobsonfly a spade to sit in addition to a location to plug my laptop in.
Location seems extremely well kept and cleaned. They utilized a recycling bin as well!
Sam M.
May 03, 2018
Report
A great range of functional, real-world-useful fitness and skill classes here. Jiu jitsu, kickboxing, striking... and plain old fitness classes! All areas are taught by highly qualified coaches, with years of experience, and welcoming, encouraging attitudes.
The fitness coach here also offers personal training, AND specializes in training pregnant and postpartum women, in safe, healthy, and functional workouts.
Even if you've never trained at a specialty gym before, this place is well worth checking out.
The fitness coach here also offers personal training, AND specializes in training pregnant and postpartum women, in safe, healthy, and functional workouts.
Even if you've never trained at a specialty gym before, this place is well worth checking out.
Sam Mayville
Oct 18, 2017
Report
Underdog is a great gym with top instructors and a friendly, welcoming atmosphere. Their BJJ program is run by two of the top black belts in the state, and their MMA program produces some of the best fighters that have come out of CT. It's also a great gym for families with a strong kids program and a unique class where the parents get to train alongside their kids that everyone enjoys. I highly recommend checking out Underdog!
Belynda Goldstein
Sep 10, 2017
Report
This gym is the best! There is something for everyone at every skill level. The coaches are amazing and work with everyone to help them reach their personal goals. From the pros to the newbies they will help push you to being better each day. Welcoming gym, knowledgeable coaches, family and team environment. This is the place to be!
David Durao
Jul 13, 2017
Report
Underdog Mixed Martial Arts is a great school with an unbelievable staff! The atmosphere is welcoming from the moment you walk in. It is a perfect gym if you want to be a competitive martial artist or just all around looking to improve your life through physical activity. It is the premier gym in Connecticut. Highly recommended!
Joshua Baez
Jun 28, 2017
Report
Great gym for MMA! The coaches are great, the facility is amazing and clean, and best of all they have the best fighters from New England training there as well who actually have insight in fighting! It's the real deal if you want to really learn the art of combat. If you want to just get fit, learn, and have fun then this gym works for you as well!
Andrew C.
Jun 23, 2017
Report
After starting work in Hartford, I visited various Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Martial Arts gyms in the Hartford area and found Underdog to have everything I was looking for in a place to train. Besides boasting an incredibly thorough mixed martial arts curriculum ranging from boxing and kickboxing to wrestling to Brazilian Jiu-jitsu and Submission Grappling, Underdog has some of the most experienced and technical instructors I've come across in my training. Whether your goals are to simply get exercise, learn martial arts as a hobby, or compete at any level (amateur to professional), everyone
Kristin G.
Jun 06, 2017
Report
