Business Details
16 Years
experience
Your Premier Martial Arts Training Center in Bellingham
Bellingham MMA was founded in 2010 by Charlie Pearson, Landon Showalter, and Jeremy Saunders with a mission to cultivate local fighters and athletic talent. In 2016, Hunter Clagett and Lara Carter acquired the gym, continuing its growth while maintaining a welcoming environment for all skill levels. Our philosophy emphasizes respect, honor, and community, fostering physical and mental well-being through martial arts. We offer a unique blend of MMA, kickboxing, grappling, and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, taught by experienced instructors with professional competition backgrounds. Our team includes black belts, world champions, and dedicated coaches committed to student development.We prioritize inclusivity, ensuring every member feels valued and supported. Our facility features a full MMA cage, open gym hours, and specialized classes for adults and children. With over a decade of experience, we combine traditional techniques with modern training methods to deliver effective, adaptable martial arts education. Our competition team has earned recognition, but we equally celebrate personal growth and community building. Whether you seek fitness, self-defense, or competitive training, our structured programs cater to diverse goals while maintaining a fun, collaborative atmosphere.
Services
MMA Training
Kickboxing Classes
Grappling Instruction
Gi Jiu-Jitsu
Boxing Fundamentals
Kids Martial Arts
Strength Conditioning
Open Gym Sessions
Competition Grappling
Wrestling Techniques
Details
- Year established: 2010
Highlights and features
- We offer personalized instruction from professional fighters and world-champion instructors.
- Our curriculum combines multiple martial arts disciplines for comprehensive skill development.
- We maintain a supportive, inclusive environment welcoming to all experience levels.
- Our instructors hold black belts and advanced rankings in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
- We provide specialized classes for children, women, and competitive athletes.
What people say
Supportive community
Expert instructors
Great workout environment
Family-friendly atmosphere
Effective techniques
Services
MMA Training
Our MMA program integrates striking, grappling, and cage techniques to develop well-rounded fighters. Students train in a professional environment using industry-standard equipment. The curriculum prepares participants for competition or personal fitness goals through structured sparring and technical drills.
Kickboxing Classes
We teach Muay Thai and Dutch-style kickboxing with emphasis on footwork, clinch work, and powerful strikes. Classes accommodate all skill levels, combining traditional boxing and karate elements for dynamic, effective training sessions.
Grappling Instruction
Our grappling courses cover Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, sambo, and wrestling techniques for ground combat. Students learn takedowns, joint locks, and positional control through progressive drills and live practice sessions.
Gi Jiu-Jitsu
This program focuses on gi-based Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu techniques rooted in Zenith BJJ lineage. Participants develop control, leverage, and submission strategies using traditional uniforms while studying historical combat principles.
Kids Martial Arts
Designed for ages 8-12, our youth classes build discipline, confidence, and physical coordination. The curriculum balances self-defense techniques with character development in a safe, engaging environment for young learners.
People
Hunter Clagett
Head Coach
Professional MMA fighter with 35+ professional bouts and black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under Mike Simpson. Leads training programs and competition team development.
Lara Carter
Owner
IBJJF No-Gi World Champion and Master 2 blue belt. Oversees gym operations and teaches grappling fundamentals to students of all skill levels.
Penny M.
Grappling Instructor
Experienced amateur MMA competitor since 2014. Specializes in women's self-defense programs and beginner grappling instruction.
Andrew J.
Kickboxing Instructor
Amateur MMA fighter since 2021. Focuses on boxing fundamentals and striking techniques for new students in both group and private sessions.
Questions
Do you offer classes for beginners with no martial arts experience?
Yes, we welcome all skill levels. Our instructors specialize in teaching beginners and focus on building proper technique from the first class.
What martial arts styles are included in your MMA program?
Our MMA training combines Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai kickboxing, wrestling, and cage techniques for comprehensive combat education.
Are there age restrictions for martial arts training?
We accept students aged 8-60+. Our youth program starts at age 8, and we offer modified training options for older adults.
Do you provide equipment for new students?
We recommend bringing your own gear, but we can provide basic equipment for trial classes. Our staff can advise on essential purchases.
How often should beginners attend classes?
We recommend two 1.5-hour sessions weekly for new students to build consistency and progress effectively through our curriculum.
Are there opportunities for competitive fighting?
Yes, we have an active competition team. Instructors evaluate readiness and provide specialized training for students interested in professional bouts.
