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COMBAT SPORTS & SELF-DEFENSE CLASSES

Near Mesa, Gilbert, Queen Creek, Apache Junction & STV

mma, krav maga and bjj signs inside mma and self defense gym Faction Combat in Mesa near apache junction
mma cage in mma and self defense gym Faction Combat in Mesa near Gilbert

About Faction Combat Gym

 

At Faction Combat we believe in providing top tier training and personalized attention. Our goal with every student is to guide them on their journey to be the best that they can be. Whatever your goal for training is, we want to help you accomplish those goals. In our gym you are not just a number or a face, we know your name. You matter to us and we take great pride in being accessible to our students in the gym or out.

What to Expect in Class

 

You will be welcomed into a family like atmosphere. Egos are checked at the door. Every class is fun, engaging, and different. You will start off with a warmup, followed by practicing simple strikes that lead into the focused techniques for the day. Lastly, we finish up with a burnout that tests what you have learned that day and pushes you to new limits. Everyone goes at their own pace, but we do push you to give it your all!

WHICH CLASS IS RIGHT FOR YOU?

Select Your Goal For Training

Self-Defense - Krav Maga

If your goal is real-world protection and confidence, our Krav Maga classes in Mesa, AZ are the perfect choice. Designed for practical self-defense, Krav Maga teaches you how to identify danger, stay calm under pressure, and react effectively in real situations. Every class builds your situational awareness and decision-making under stress. While all of our martial arts programs help improve self-defense skills, Krav Maga is specifically geared toward realistic street scenarios and personal safety. It’s ideal for anyone wanting to learn how to defend themselves quickly and efficiently in everyday life.

SELF-DEFENSE & MARTIAL ARTS CLASSES IN MESA

Classes for Krav Maga, BJJ, MMA & Kickboxing

Krav Maga / Combatives

Train practical, no-nonsense self-defense skills that work in real life. Our Krav Maga classes in Mesa teach how to stay calm, react fast, and protect yourself under pressure — no experience needed.

weapons self defense in a krav maga class near Gilbert and Queen Creek STV

Mixed Martial Arts (MMA)

Experience elite-level MMA training in Mesa, AZ that combines striking, grappling, and conditioning. Perfect for beginners, competitors, or anyone who wants to train like a fighter.

 

sparring in an MMA class near AJ and Queen Creek

Women’s Kickboxing
& Self-Defense

Empower yourself with Women’s Kickboxing classes near Mesa, AZ designed to improve strength, tone, and self-defense skills. Safe, fun, and beginner-friendly — burn calories and build confidence fast.

woman practicing kicks in womens kickboxing class near queen creek and apache junction

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ)

Learn leverage, ground control, and submissions in our Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu classes for beginners and advanced students. Great for fitness, focus, and self-defense — taught in a safe, supportive environment.

passing guard in a no gi brazilian jiu-jitsu class in mesa near gilbert

Kickboxing / Muay Thai

Build power, endurance, and confidence in our high-energy Kickboxing & Muay Thai classes in Mesa, AZ. Learn real striking techniques while getting a total-body workout — great for fitness or self-defense.

coach practicing kicks in a muay thai kickboxing class near gilbert and QC

Kids Martial Arts
(MMA & BJJ)

Help your child build confidence, discipline, and focus through Kids Martial Arts classes in Mesa. Fun, structured training that improves fitness, coordination, and respect — great for all levels.

girl doing self defense in a kids mma class in mesa gilbert

MEET THE FACTION COACHES

Expert MMA, BJJ & Self-Defense Class Coaches

Steve DeArmond
Krav Maga/Combatives Coach

A Krav Maga coach, trained in various self-defense and combat sports, that has the depth of knowledge to get students to their potential.

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Maiston Hattery
MMA & Kickboxing Coach

An MMA coach that is passionate about learning, training and competing; strives to get the most out of the students he teaches.

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Brenden Richardson
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Coach

A Jiu-Jitsu coach that is a shark on the mat and has the skill set to develop medal winning competitors, and get the best out of his students.

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Cece Vde
Women's Kickboxing Coach

A Kickboxing Coach with a passion for training various disciplines, teaching and seeing students achieve their goals.

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WHAT OUR STUDENTS ARE SAYING ABOUT FACTION
We have trained more than 1500 Mesa locals in MMA, BJJ & Self-Defense

Josh Kurtz

2018-05-27

This place is the real deal. Steve, the owner, teaches real world effective self defense. We are learning how to neutralize threats from people who have guns, knives and hand to hand combat. Very pleased with the training, as well as the flexible schedule.

DogLoving Home (Ari Lehiwa)

2022-09-24

My family has been attending various classes at Faction Combat Gym for about 2years. All of the classes have been amazing. We started my youngest child in the MMA class with Maiston Hattery because he was being bullied at school. As a concerned mom, I wanted my child to have the confidence and skills to properly defend himself. Maiston is extremely kind and works well with all of the children there. Recently, my kiddo decided he wanted to try the Kids BJJ class with Brenden Richardson. Brenden is another amazing instructor. He is always patient with the kids and keeps them actively engaged by adding in a "ninja course" game during class. The kids love it. My child loves attending the classes and making friends here. I also started taking the MMA and BJJ classes here. The instructors I have worked with are phenomenal. I decided to try out a few classes to add into my regular gym routine. As an older woman trying martial arts for the first time, its daunting. The instructors are always welcoming and other attendees have been awesome. I have been taking the Adult MMA classes with Maiston Hattery. He does a great job at giving clear and concise directions and answering my many questions. In the Adult BJJ class, I have been working with Mike Lin. Mike is another amazing instructor. I appreciate his thorough directions when teaching a new technique. As a newbie, I appreciate that Mike breaks down a technique, then gives a general idea of when and why its useful. Mike will also spend time with each participant to answer any questions and to make any corrections. Our experiences here have been great for our entire family. The owners Steven and Kimmy are lovely people. They are also in and out of the gym to answer any questions and check up on everything. They have created an amazing and welcoming environment here.

Little Rae of Sunshine

2019-11-22

I've been coming to the combatives/krav maga class for 2 consecutive weeks now, after having a free week a few months ago I decided to sign up. The atmosphere is awesome, the teachers are super knowledgeable and encouraging and I feel very comfortable and safe. Honestly I couldn't recommend this place enough. As a woman looking to learn self defense I can personally say it's exactly what I needed.

Patrick Kneib

2019-08-17

Love this gym. Steve is a great instructor and a great guy. All of the instructors are great, the gym is nice, and the schedule format and flexibility is awesome. I would highly recommend Faction Combatives & Combat Sports to anyone interested in learning how to better defend themselves and their loved ones, while also improving physical fitness and mental toughness. A+ organization.

sdownscali

2018-09-23

I've been attending the Muay Thai classes for a few months now and have loved it from the start. Everyone in the gym is always super welcoming. The instructor is great and super accommodating to all levels!

John Janezic

2021-09-17

Steve is amazing. When I first took a complimentary class, I noticed a few things. First; the people working out and the instructors were very welcoming. Second; as the class started, I could tell Steve was extremely knowledgably in the subject area. His teaching style was one of patience, guidance and motivation. Third; the gym was clean and full of equipment. The whole workout from beginning to end was incredible. I was hooked the first 30 minutes in. I signed up immediately and have been enjoying the workouts and meeting new people ever since. Amazing place.

Mandy

2018-05-20

This is my new favorite place. Steve is a fantastic instructor and the people that train there are so helpful. It’s very inclusive and the knowledge you gain is so valuable. Highly recommend this place!

Coaching trusted by veterans, law enforcement, and everyday people alike!

JOIN IN ON THE ACTION

MMA/Kickboxing, Brazilian JiuJitsu & Krav Maga Classes

TRY A FREE SELF-DEFENSE OR COMBAT SPORT CLASS

Signup to try of MMA, BJJ, Kickboxing or Krav Maga Classes!

EAST MESA CLASS SCHEDULE

MMA, BJJ, Kickboxing & Krav Maga Self Defense Classes

EAST VALLEY LOCATION

Combat Sport & Self-Defense Classes Near Mesa, Gilbert & Queen Creek

Mesa Location:

1529 S Clearview Ave #107

Mesa, AZ 85209

FAQ

Common Questions About our Self-Defense & MMA Gym

How long are classes?

Typically classes are 60 mins and begin with a warm-up, techniques, and finish with controlled sparring or burnouts. In the MMA program you will spend half the class honing new skills and the other half sharpening your use through controlled sparring. The BJJ class develops technique through the class and follows up another 30 mins of Open Mat rolls. In the Kickboxing/Muay Thai class you will see intense workouts sharpen your striking, improve your striking through bags and mitt work, and finish up with some controlled sparring. The Krav Maga/Combatives classes use technique oriented warm ups that lead into a topic to be developed and often end with a burnout.

Do I need experience?

We welcome students of any level, beginner through advanced. Students of every level will find improvement and development. Whether it means learning new techniques in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, improving your well rounded skills in MMA, or honing your self-defense through the Krav Maga/Combatives program. Our classes and coaches will help you see improvement regardless of level of training.

What should I wear?

For your first class, athletic attire will work just fine. For normal classes, you can continue to wear athletic attire in the MMA, Kickboxing and Krav Maga/Combatives program. For the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu program you will want to invest in a GI and a rash guard for regular training.

Which program is best for self-defense?

If your interest is specifically in self-defense as quickly as possible, then the Combatives/Krav Maga program is what you are likely looking for. The entire focus of that program is self-defense. However, although the focus of that class is self-defense the best way to think of that program is more like a Basics program. It gives you exposure across multiple disciplines with the target focus around use in a self-defense situation. The specialty programs of MMA, BJJ and Kickboxing don't lack when it comes to self-defense though. Although they are geared toward sport their honed focus in their specific discipline makes them excel at improving you in a given area. Another way to think of it is like the Krav Maga program is an Associates college degree to build your basics and give you exposure, but the MMA, BJJ and Kickboxing programs are like your Bachelors-Doctorate degrees making you a specialist in a given discipline.

What martial arts classes do you offer in Mesa, AZ?

We teach Krav Maga, MMA, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ), Muay Thai Kickboxing, and Kids Martial Arts programs.

Can beginners join a free trial class?

Absolutely! Come try a free class in our MMA, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Kickboxing or Krav Maga/Combatives programs.

Do you serve areas beyond Mesa?

Yes. We serve students from Gilbert, Queen Creek, Apache Junction and San Tan Valley.

BLOG

Answering Questions About Self-Defense and Combat Sports

WE SERVE:

Self-Defense, MMA, BJJ & Kickboxing Classes Near You​

Apache Junction

San Tan Valley

Chandler

Gold Canyon

Scottsdale

Queen Creek

East Valley

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