One of the best and most innovative Martial Arts club in the UK (Dartford MMA)

Member Name: loadedluke

Product:	Dartford MMA
Date:	20/08/09 (26 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Variety of styles, focus on (safe) sparring, fantastic teaching and brilliant atmosphere

Disadvantages: a friend found it too informal and laid-back for a martial arts club (but each to their own)

I've always enjoyed martial arts, as it was a way to bond with my father. When i started at my secondary school, i was happy to learn of a martial arts club just around the corner. This club was a branch of the Bob Breen Academy, but after a few years, the club changed hands and name, eventually becoming established as "Dartford MMA" since 2004.

For the uninitated, "MMA" stands for Mixed Martial Arts. rather then a learning a single style, one mixes styles, taking the best parts of each. The popular "Ultimate Fighting Championship" is made up of MMA fighters. The growing popularity of shows like the UFC and Cage Fights represents the change in tastes in western society, as people are prefering the (relatively) more realistic elements of MMA.

Dartford MMA capitalises on this, teaching a huge variety of styles and techniques, taken from Boxing, Muay Thai and Submission Wrestling, among others. In addition, stick-fighting (Kali) is taught here, with members on the British National Kali team. But there is one style that the club focuses and prides itself on; Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.

Dartford MMA is one of the few clubs in Kent that teaches this style. Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) was developed by Gracie Family in Brazil, and is growing massively in popularity (again, through shows such as UFC). It focuses on ground-fighting/wrestling; taking ones opponent to the ground and than establishing a dominant position where you can apply chokes, holds and joint locks, in order to defeat an opponent. It's popularity stems from how it is a realistic art with proven street effectiveness.

Overall, Dartford MMA teaches a range of styles, and with such variety, you will find something that you will like. What is also good about the club is a focus on the practical application of what you are learning; Nearly every class includes a number of rounds of sparring, either boxing with large gloves, or wrestling with your partner. It is all done safely and in a friendly environment.

That is one of the clubs main advantages. Its sensei has over twenty years teaching and training experience, he is incredibly knowledgeable and teaches in an accessible way and is capable of spreading enthusiasm in the styles he teaches.

Along with this, he has a friendly and approachable demenour, which has spread to his students. It is a welcoming and inviting club, even to new members and beginners. Training at the club feels not just being part of a community, but almost like being part of a family unit, as everyone is so friendly and supportive. This creates a good, healthy training environment, which makes training more enjoyable.

The training space itself is very nice, with posters and pictures around the walls of figures from the MMA/BJJ world, as well as pictures of members of the club who have been in competitions around the UK. Members of the club are also welcome to come in before classes in order to use the bike machines, weights and punching bags.

In summary, i have been with the club for many years, and i genuinely love it. There is just such a good atmosphere for training, and the level of teaching is top-notch. Members of the club have won medals at martial art competitions around the country, and some of the members even compete internationally. Whether you are interested in learning an obscure or lesser known martial art (BJJ and Kali) or getting physically fit (just one kickboxing class will have you seriously sweating and your heart pounding). Dartford MMA is one of the best places to learn and train, not just in Kent, but in the UK.

Summary: Simply a brilliant club, i don't have the words to do it justice