Do I need to be fit before I start?

No. You work at your own pace and the fitness arrives from training rather than before it. Nobody is timing you.

Not at all. Most of the class trains for the skill and the fitness and will never compete. Those who do want to fight train alongside them.

What kit do I need to buy?

Nothing at first. Shorts and a t-shirt will get you through your first sessions, and the coach will tell you what to buy once you know you are staying.

Mixed martial arts

MMA classes in Eastbourne

Our MMA classes in Eastbourne join the pieces together: striking into takedowns, control against the fence, ground work and submissions, coached as one connected system rather than a set of separate hobbies.

Sessions are technical and controlled. You spar at the level you choose, and harder rounds are earned over time - never sprung on a beginner.

What to bring: shorts and a t-shirt to start with - ask the coach before buying gloves or shin guards.

Try MMA free See the full timetable

A coach demonstrates a clinch on a partner in shin guards while the rest of the MMA class watches from across the room

When it runs

MMA at Novo Eastbourne

Monday

6pm - 7pm

MMA

With Joe Middleton
Wednesday

6pm - 7pm

MMA

With Joe Middleton

Who it is for

You do not need to be fit before you start: the fitness arrives from training, and nobody is timing you. Most of the class trains for the skill and the fitness and will never compete, and those who do want to fight train alongside them.

How a class runs

A warm up with the class.
Technical work on how the pieces connect: striking into takedowns, control against the fence, ground work and submissions.
Partner drills that stay technical and controlled.
Sparring at the level you choose. Harder rounds are earned over time and never sprung on a beginner.

Who teaches it

Your coaches

Joe Middleton

MMA coach - Eastbourne

Joe leads the MMA programme at Novo BJJ Eastbourne. An active professional mixed martial artist, he brings fight-tested standup and grappling to every session.

Meet the whole team

From our members

What members say

5.0 · 56 Google reviews

Katie Fenton

Really friendly and welcoming atmosphere with no egos and great coaching across MMA styles from dedicated teachers. Immaculately clean and safe environment for everyone, with quality sessions and mentorship provided.
Will Brooker

Great training from coach Joe Middleton!
kayz shaw

So welcoming and friendly great team atmosphere and great jiu-jitsu/wrestling/mma coaches recommend to anyone 🫶

Google reviews of Novo BJJ Eastbourne, in the members' own words. Read them all on Google (opens in a new tab)

Before you come

Common questions

Do I need to be fit before I start?: No. You work at your own pace and the fitness arrives from training rather than before it. Nobody is timing you.
Do I have to fight?: Not at all. Most of the class trains for the skill and the fitness and will never compete. Those who do want to fight train alongside them.
What kit do I need to buy?: Nothing at first. Shorts and a t-shirt will get you through your first sessions, and the coach will tell you what to buy once you know you are staying.

Something not answered here? Read the full FAQs or ask us directly.

Find us

Train in Eastbourne

Performance Fitness Gym
14C Maple Road, Eastbourne BN23 6NY

Get directions on Google Maps (opens in a new tab)

Nearer Hastings? Hastings HQ runs gi, no-gi and MMA every week.

Also on the mats

Train something else

First class free.

No experience, no gi, no problem. Book below or just turn up ten minutes early.

Adults - free class Kids - free class

Performance Fitness Gym, 14C Maple Road, Eastbourne BN23 6NY