Description
What is MMA?
Mixed Martial Arts is an exciting combat sport that combines the best techniques from various martial arts to create something brand new. Whether you want to punch like a boxer, throw elbows and knees like a Muay Thai fighter, take down your opponent like a wrestler, or use grappling and submissions from Brazillian Jiu-Jitsu, MMA will teach you how to do it all. Our friendly and supportive sessions are open to everyone regardless of skill level or experience. You can learn some practical self defence skills, try your hand at competition, or get in better shape in a fun and dynamic way. If you have always wanted to start a martial art, but never knew which one to pick, or want to radically improve your fitness and self-confidence alongside a vibrant community, then MMA is for you!
Our head coach, Saeed Esmaeli, has 3 decades of experience teaching MMA and grappling to everyone from complete beginners to elite competitors at the highest level of competition, following his own career as both a high-level freestyle wrestler and jazz dancer. His movement-focused approach to coaching martial arts makes each training session an exciting challenge, and through his years in the combat sports world he has secured guest seminars for the club ranging from elite combat athletes to UFC competitors and Olympic medallists!
Membership Options
Free access to all mixed sessions & open mats, access to socials, and a 20% discount at Ringmaster.
Free access to all mixed sessions & open mats, access to socials, and a 20% discount at Ringmaster; for TB2 only.
Join the MMA team and get access to all our socials, including UFC watch parties, competitions and more. Training sessions available for £4 each.
If you're a recipient of the Bristol Bursary, this covers all mixed training sessions for the year, plus access to socials.
Womxn's Only sessions are free through B:Active; no membership needed, just book via the Sports Booking Portal.
Cost should never stop you joining. If you'd like support with membership, email us at uobmixedmartialarts@gmail.com.
Training Sessions
All sessions take place in the Bristol SU Carpenter Room, on the second floor of the Richmond Building (AccessAble info here).
| Session | Day & Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Open Mat | Mondays, 11am - 1pm | Shared with BJJ and Muay Thai. No coach present, bring gloves, mouthguard, shin and groin guards if sparring. |
| Mixed Session | Tuesdays, 9 - 11pm | Open to everyone, membership required after first free taster. |
| Womxn's Only | Saturdays, 12 - 1:30pm | Free via B:Active - no membership needed. |
| Mixed Session | Saturdays, 1:30 - 3pm | Open to everyone, membership required after first free taster. |
Membership also gets you reduced rates at Coach Saeed's external Infused Wrestling sessions, with regular guest coaching from world-class athletes.
Seminars
We aim to host seminars every year from visiting professionals in the martial arts world. We've previously enjoyed seminars from Fabrizio Calio (BJJ black belt under Roger Gracie and pro MMA fighter), Dan Sarkozi (a Bristol-based boxing coach and former professional boxer) and Jahi Jones and Jordan Murphy (HBCU (Historically Black Colleges and Universities) Wrestling, Black Wrestling Association).
Competitions
Fight Night
We aim to host one home competition and visit one away every year. Competing is a great opportunity to put your training into practice in a more intense environment. Unlike other martial arts societies, we take pride in letting anyone sign up, even if you only started this year! We carefully select matchups based on similar experience to and we support you every step of the way by putting on more training sessions and making sure you're prepared physically and mentally in order to enter the ring safely. There is never any pressure to sign up if you don't feel like, but we urge everyone to come support. None of the fights in our 25/26 Fight Night went to decision, so spectators can be sure to be in for a good night.
See Upcoming EventsIntraclubs & Interclubs
Intraclubs are internal sparring sessions where members fight each other in a friendly, low-pressure setting. We run these roughly every month, giving everyone, from day-one beginners to seasoned regulars, a chance to test their skills and apply what they've been learning in sessions, without the pressure of a full fight night behind it.
Interclubs take the same idea further, matching us up against other MMA societies and clubs from across the South West. We're actively working to grow our network of nearby clubs and make these a regular fixture. Going up against unfamiliar opponents exposes you to different styles, sharpens your adaptability, and builds the kind of experience that can't be replicated in the training room.
Our 2026/27 Committee
FAQs
Do I need to have done martial arts before?
No experience is necessary. All our classes are mixed ability and a lot of our members have never done martial arts before coming to uni. In fact, starting from a blank slate can be advantageous because there are no bad habits to knock out.
What do I wear to sessions?
Bring your happy selves, plenty of water, and your favourite clean gym clothes. Be prepared to train barefoot and leave your ego at the door!
Is there sparring in sessions?
Although sparring is actively encouraged because it's one of the best ways to learn how to apply MMA, we will never force you to spar if you do not feel comfortable doing so. If you would like to spar, 8oz gloves, mouthguards, shinguards and groin guards* are required (optional for women).
Do I need to be fit to take part?
Absolutely not; train at your own pace and have fun!
I have more questions; who can I talk to?
Contact any of our committee members by email, or drop us a DM on Instagram. We'll always be happy to help.
Terms and conditions
Click here to view terms and conditions
Terms of participation
The University of Bristol Mixed Martial Arts Society creates a supportive open exercise space where we can feel comfortable, in our own clothes, to progress in our way. Our members enjoy training in a respectful environment that is free from body-shaming language, pick-up lines and judgements about who they are and what they can achieve. We hope that this sounds all good to you. By coming to the gym and training with us, you agree to uphold our principles.
Waiver of liability
I hereby understand and acknowledge that the training, programs and events held by the University of Bristol Mixed Martial Arts Society may expose me to many inherent risks, including accidents, injury, illness, or even death.
I/We assume all risk of injuries associated with participation including, but not limited to, falls, contact with other participants, effects of the weather, including high heat and/or humidity, and all other such risks being known and appreciated by me.
I/We hereby acknowledge my responsibility in communicating any physical and psychological concerns that might conflict with participation in activity. I/We acknowledge that I am physically fit and mentally capable of performing the physical activity I choose to participate in.
After having read this waiver and knowing these facts, and in consideration of acceptance of my participation and the University of Bristol Mixed Martial Arts Society furnishing services to me, I agree, for myself and anyone entitled to act on my behalf, to hold harmless, waive and release the University of Bristol Mixed Martial Arts Society, its officers, agents, employees, organizers, representatives, and successors from any responsibility, liabilities, demands, or claims of any kind arising out of my participation in the University of Bristol Mixed Martial Arts Society training, programs and/or events.
By my signature I/We indicate that I/We have read and understand this Waiver of Liability. I am aware that this is a waiver and a release of liability and I voluntarily agree to its terms.
Bristol SU Terms & Conditions
Membership Fee Inclusions
Prior to signing up to a Club or Society speak to the Committee to find out what your membership includes and if there are any further expenses throughout the year.
Service Standards
All Club or Society members can expect to receive:
The opportunity to attend regular meetings, events, activities, trips and socials as arranged.
The opportunity to stand for a committee position or vote in their elections (Bristol students only).
For Sports Club – to attend regular training sessions and have the opportunity to be selected for the teams.
Code of Conduct
When joining a club or society you are agreeing to abide by the constitution, general rules, regulations and policies of University of Bristol Students’ Union and also the Club or Society Code of Conduct which sets out the level of behaviour & discipline expected of all Club & Society members.
Refund Policy
Any customer who pays for a membership subscription to a Bristol SU Society, Sports Club, Student Media and initiatives has a 14 day cooling off period from the time and date of purchase during which they have the right to cancel the subscription and receive a full refund. If you do decide to cancel within the 14 days, Bristol SU will refund your payment within a further 30 days of the cancellation. To request a refund please email: bristolsu@bristol.ac.uk
Data sharing (Sports Club members only)
Please be aware that Bristol SU may share data relating to the members of its sports clubs with the Centre for Sport, Exercise and Health (a department of the University). This information may be used for the purposes of communicating direct with these members and/or to cross-reference against SEH's Sports Pass membership records.
As part of Bristol SU's membership of British Universities & Colleges Sports (BUCS) Bristol SU may have to share data on to its sports clubs members so BUCS can, from time to time, communicate with these members.
These terms shall be governed by English law and are subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the English Courts. Nothing in these terms shall exclude liability for fraudulent misrepresentation.
