What a 56-year-old, a mother of three and a complete beginner say about training here
The people below are beginners, parents, women, members of eighteen years and members of one month. Very few of them are fighters — about 95% of the people who train at Freestyle Fighting Academy are ordinary students. Zerek Jolly was 56 when he made this.
Start my 30-Day Free TrialOr call 305-225-4610
The free lesson and the 30 days are for South Florida residents, at our Miami location.
More members on video
All on our own YouTube channel, so you can watch them there instead if you would rather.
Yoshi Dade — A member on why he trains here. 
Bo Lattimer Jr. — A member on the coaching and the room. 
Jason “the Specimen” Soares — TitanFC Champion, and a student here when he recorded this.
What are members saying now?
All from 2026, and each one links to the original Instagram post.
Zach
Two years in
Started as a complete beginner. Now trains striking, wrestling and grappling, and says he doesn’t plan on leaving.
Melanie
In the MMA program
Expected an intimidating environment and found supportive coaches and friendly teammates instead. She is training for the police academy.
Gabriel
Almost two months
“The first step is just to get into the gym.”
Originally from Italy. Says he loves the beginner-friendly classes, the supportive teammates and being able to train at a 24/7 facility.
Delana
Two months in
After three years in a wheelchair she began walking again, and is now in the Intro to MMA classes, at open mat, and doing private lessons with Coach Brian.
Anthony
Two years in
“Joining MMA was the best decision I’ve ever made.”
His confidence has grown and his grappling has come on.
Jasmarie
One month in
A former varsity swimmer who missed being part of a team after high school, and was looking for something to challenge her.
Margarita
In the MMA program
Got bored of traditional gyms. Found new techniques every class, monthly testing to stay motivated, and a team that became friends.
Camilo
Five to six months
Came from Colombia. Picked out the coaching, a welcoming atmosphere from day one, and higher belts who genuinely help newer students.
Johnny
Three years
Earned his blue belt after three years of injuries, surgeries and setbacks.
Armando Granado
Seven years
An amateur fighter. Credits the gym with keeping him in shape, real self-defense skills, and training alongside positive people.
Ben
About two and a half years
You come in to get in shape and learn how to fight, and end up meeting a lot of good people along the way.
An FFA member
In the MMA program
“The environment is incredible. The coaches really teach you detail by detail.”
In their own words
“FFA is a great place for any and all ages to learn martial arts. I’ve been training here for almost two years and absolutely love the place. They have the best instructors and make you feel at home, like family. There are all kinds of classes, children’s, women’s bootcamps, MMA, jiu-jitsu, seminars, you name it. You learn at your own pace right alongside professional fighters without any of the stresses one might imagine. In fact, they are the best at making you feel at home and are always willing to teach you all they know. It’s been so great that the first thing I’m going to do when my daughter is old enough is bring her here.”
“Unlike other schools, their extended and liberal hours of operation provide a way for working professionals, students and families to participate at their convenience. Having traveled around the globe, I find that FFA is one of the best mixed martial arts and training centers worldwide.”
“I am 48 years old and training MMA at FFA is the best and most enjoyable way I have found to stay in shape. The owners are world class in jiu jitsu having competed at the highest level, so you can feel good knowing you are getting great instruction. It is a great, welcoming atmosphere — everyone is very helpful and friendly.”
Is it a good place for women?
“As a woman in the sport, I’ve NEVER felt disrespected or uncomfortable at FFA.” — Christine Vicens, a member of eighteen years who has competed at Bare Knuckle Fighting Championships, and whose children now train here too.
Melanie, Margarita and Jasmarie all joined the MMA program in 2026 and are in the grid above. One of the gym’s three owners is a woman, Rima Avellan, who founded the Women Only Fitness Bootcamp. If what you want is self-defense, the answer is the same program everyone else trains in.
What do parents say?
Our children’s classes run from age 2 upwards, and every coach who teaches one has passed our own 12-week Instructor Program.
“I've been here for over 18 years, and I wouldn't go anywhere else! My children now train here. As a woman in the sport, I've NEVER felt disrespected or uncomfortable at FFA. The gym is kept clean, the staff is experienced and well-educated. They have to go through specific instructor training before they can even teach a class. I highly recommend FFA to anyone who is looking for a place to either train for fun or to eventually compete.”
Christine VicensMember of 18+ years, and her children train here “I started bringing my second son here about 4 years ago. He has a lot of difficulty with changes and new things, so needless to say, while we knew this was what he wanted he still had a very hard time opening up and integrating himself. What made this experience so wonderful was the fact that each coach … had so much love and patience with him that I could never thank them enough. My other two boys are now in the MMA program as well and the discipline and self confidence that they have gained (aside from so many other things) is astounding. Everyone here is truly like family and we're so glad to be a part of it.”
Michelle PerezThree sons in the MMA program “My son started at Freestyle Fighting Academy two years ago, and seeing how much he enjoyed it motivated me to give it a try myself. Four months ago, I joined the Intro Program with Coach Brian, and it has been one of the best decisions I've made. I was recently invited to CAP and now train with both Coach Brian and Coach Edgar. They create a positive, supportive environment while constantly pushing you to improve.”
Manuel CastellanosParent, then a member himself “My son started at Freestyle Fighting Academy when he was 5½ years old, and he absolutely loves it! His coaches, Cami, Krystal, and Edgar, are incredibly patient, encouraging, and do an amazing job teaching discipline, confidence, respect, and self-defense while making every class fun. I recently joined the Women's Bootcamp with Coach Lorraine because I wanted to become more active and build strength, and it's been such a great experience!”
Gabriela N Santos CastellanosParent, and a Women Only Fitness Bootcamp member “Freestyle Fighting Academy is one of the best gyms in the south west Miami area. Coaches are incredibly hands on and very knowledgeable. My son participates in the teen program. He is extremely happy with all the experience and knowledge that he is receiving. I strongly recommend.”
Juan VillasmilSon in the teen program “I have been training here since I was 13 years old and this place has been my home ever since. The coaches and staff are all amazing. The Individual attention towards each student is something that stood out and still stands out to me till this day. I have been able to develop some amazing fighting and life skills which I will carry with me for my whole life.”
Binyamin DownsStarted here at 13 · now coaches our adult classes
Where can I read the rest?
You can read more reviews on our Google Business Profile.
See every class and age group · Meet the instructors · Directions and parking · Women Only Fitness Bootcamp
Frequently asked questions
- Are these reviews from real members?
- Yes. The videos are on Freestyle Fighting Academy's own YouTube channel, the recent ones are from the gym's Instagram with a link to each original post, and the rest are reviews members left on Google. You can read more on the gym's Google Business Profile.
- Do complete beginners do well here?
- That is who the gym is built for — about 95% of the people training at Freestyle Fighting Academy are ordinary students rather than competitors. Zach started as a complete beginner and now trains striking, wrestling and grappling. Melanie expected an intimidating environment and did not find one. Adults with no experience start in the Intro Program.
- What do parents say?
- Parents on this page describe coaches being patient with a child who struggles with change, discipline and confidence improving, and children carrying on for years. Christine Vicens has trained at Freestyle Fighting Academy for over 18 years and her children now train there too. Every coach has passed the gym's own 12-week Instructor Program.
- Is it a good place for women?
- Christine Vicens, an 18-year member who has competed at Bare Knuckle Fighting Championships, says she has never felt disrespected or uncomfortable at Freestyle Fighting Academy. Melanie, Margarita and Jasmarie all joined the MMA program in 2026. One of the gym's three owners is a woman, Rima Avellan, who founded the Women Only Fitness Bootcamp.
- Where can I read more reviews?
- On Freestyle Fighting Academy's Google Business Profile, which is linked from this page and shows every review the gym has received, not a selection. The gym is at 1423 SW 107th Ave, Miami, FL 33174 and the phone number is 305-225-4610.
- Can I try the gym before I join?
- Yes. The 30 day free trial starts with a free private lesson with an instructor and a tour, and includes 30 days of group classes, the daily open mat sessions and a uniform to keep. Nothing is charged during it.
Start your 30-Day Free Trial
Every person on this page started with a first visit. Yours is a free private lesson with an instructor and a tour of the gym, and it opens the 30 day free trial. See for yourself.
Here is everything you get, at no charge:
- Train mixed martial arts for 30 days
- Get a FREE uniform
- Get a FREE private lesson
- Get instant access to FREE MMA and self-defense instructional videos
In your private lesson you learn the basics: the jab, the cross, the hook, the roundhouse kick, the closed guard, the rear naked choke and the armbar.
And if you join, you have our 60-day money-back guarantee: attend all of your classes in the first 60 days, and if you are unsatisfied, get your money back.
Call or text 305-225-4610. The gym is staffed 24 hours a day, so someone picks up. Prefer not to talk on the phone? Text us and we reply within 24 hours.
For South Florida residents, at our Miami location. The offer stays open for one month from the date we send it. Bring a spouse or your children along if you would like them to take part.