Bali has become a bit of a hotspot for athletes from all over the world. Many look to train in one of the many well-established martial arts gyms on the island.
The Indonesian island houses some of the finest martial arts gyms in South East Asia, catering to all skill levels. Whether you’re a beginner looking to learn how to defend yourself, or a fighter preparing for a competition, the gyms are welcoming for everyone!
The fitness fiends who come to Bali often have a goal of bettering themselves, and there’s no better way to do it then picking up the basics of martial arts.
I have put together a list of the best martial arts gyms in Bali where you can start learning some new skills, stay fit and maybe one day jump into the ring and fight – check them out!
Bali MMA
Situated in central Canggu is the outstanding Bali MMA Gym. It was established in 2014 to make mixed martial arts available to newbies, intermediates and experts on the island.
Arguably one of the most popular martial arts gyms around, Bali MMA has built up a huge name for itself among both expats and tourists. Its well-designed classes provide fighters with the techniques they need to go into battle.
Bali MMA’s facilities are exceptional, with three zones; the Grappling Room, the Striking Room, and the Weight Room.
You can choose between various classes, including BJJ, MMA Striking, Muay Thai Fundamentals, and more!
Single classes at Bali MMA start at IDR200.000, but you can also buy memberships weekly, monthly, and yearly depending on your needs.
How about training in Bali’s first-ever Brazilian Jiu-jitsu and mixed martial arts academy! Synergy BJJ Academy’s number-one goal is to spread the word about Brazilian Jiu-jitsu and martial arts.
The founder Nico Han started his Brazilian Jiu-jitsu campaign in Los Angeles, at the world-renowned Rickson Gracies Academy.
There, he worked tirelessly to receive his blue belt, and continued training at other gyms in the state with some big-name coaches. After years of being in the States, he returned home to Indonesia, earned his black belt and set up the outstanding Synergy BJJ Academy. You know you’ll be in safe hands.
Synergy BJJ Academy is in Canggu, so it’s pretty central and super easy to find.
Soma Fight Club
Soma Fight Club specialises in Muay Thai, boxing, kickboxing, and Jiu-jitsu classes, for all the rookies and masters alongside each other.
Finding a martial arts gym with facilities quite like Soma Fight Clubs is hard. The gym is highly regarded for its training spaces, featuring a competition ring, dedicated weights areas, ice baths, saunas, functional fitness spaces, private locker rooms, a cafe and juice bar for all athletes.
A nice mix of people come to train at Soma Fight Club thanks to the range of programmes available. Some turn up for private one-on-one classes and stick to a nutrition plan, while others prefer to participate with a wider group of fighters. Many train for fitness rather than preparing for a fight – everyone is welcome.
Different classes are held on different days, with a range of different kinds of classes and skills.
A daily membership at Soma Fight Club is a little more expensive than other mixed martial arts gyms on this list, priced at IDR250.000, but it’s well worth it for the use you can get out of their facilities.
Zealot Muay Thai lies is close to Berawa Beach and has a reputation for pushing fighters the extra mile to achieve their goals.
All different kinds of fighters attend Zealot Muay Thai. There are the casual visitors who want to improve their fitness in a more fun and interesting way, and there are the intense, committed fighters who put in the hours and the work to be the top of their game.
The gym has everything you would expect of a Muay Thai space including a large open gym with all the required equipment.
Learn from the best in the business, and see how your body transforms – even if you aren’t planning to get in the ring.
HIIT Studio
HIIT Studio has a diverse selection of classes that focus on the skills and intentions of boxing and Muay Thai, welcoming fighters of all backgrounds.
The martial arts gym in Bali has a small team of nine coaches, each specialising in their own field, e.g. boxing, MMA, Muay Thai etc.
These guys didn’t get their skills from any old teachers, they have competed at the highest level and trained with big UFC fighters such as Petr Yan and GSP.
The specially designed space has all the amenities, gear and equipment you need for a good burn during your class. You can work one-on-one, or join in a class to get motivated and meet others.
Not only is it one of the most affordable martial arts gyms in Bali, they also have the widest range of classes for all different kinds of work outs.
Ubud Muay Thai
Next up, we’re stepping away from the island’s sandy shores and going deeper into Bali’s uplands to Ubud. Unlike Canggu, Ubud only has a couple of martial arts gyms, and the one everyone is talking about is the Ubud Muay Thai Gym.
Just steps away from the famous Monkey Forest Sanctuary, the Ubud Muay Thai Gym has been training fighters since 2018 through a selection of tailored classes, including boxing sessions, strength training, cardio conditioning, and private courses designed based on each fighter’s needs.
The founders of the Ubud Muay Thai Gym, really go the extra mile to create a community-oriented environment for all visitors.
They have been big players in the martial arts industry, and are focused on promoting hard work and respect, two of Muay Thai’s core principles.
You can start your martial arts journey at the Ubud Muay Thai Gym for as little as IDR200.000 with a one-day all-access pass, including group classes and the complex’s gym.
Want to go it alone? Daily open gym passes only costs IDR100.000
Rituals Jiu-Jitsu Academy
Learn the basics of Brazilian Jiu-jitsu at the Rituals Jiu-Jitsu Academy.
Rituals Jiu-Jitsu Academy’s doors are open between Monday and Friday, but bear in mind that some classes are strictly GI, which means you’ll need to either bring your own gear, or you can hire some on the day for IDR50.000.
Since Rituals Jiu-Jitsu Academy focuses on a special type of martial arts, the classes are slightly pricier than other gyms, with a drop in class costing IDR250.000.
Make the most of your time at the gym by adding a recovery package, including access to the ice bath, sauna, hot tub, and pool.
Mejiro Gym Bali
Mejiro Gym Bali teaches Dutch-style kickboxing, a unique form of martial arts comprising of three different forms of combat, including Western boxing, Kyokushin karate, and Muay Thai.
It can be a tricky one to get your head around, especially if you’ve only trained under a traditional kickboxing coach, but don’t worry because the team are truly knowledgeable in all aspects of the sport.
Showing up to a Dutch kickboxing class can be a daunting task if you don’t know what you’re doing. Mejiro Gym Bali has a variety of sessions that will get you up and running before you know it.
Beginners will enjoy the boxing beginner fundamentals classes, skilled fighters can take part in some sparring, or if you have a little one dying to get started in martial arts, the kid’s boxing classes are the place for them.
The drop-in sessions at Mejiro Gym Bali provide brilliant value for money, they’re a superb way of dipping your feet into Dutch kickboxing and seeing if it’s for you.
Rivas-JH Kim Taekwondo Bali
Rivas-JH Kim Taekwondo Bali is famed for teaching both traditional taekwondo and the Olympic style.
Introduce yourself to the world of taekwondo by taking one the gym’s free trial classes! You can get a grasp of the basics from well-trained martial artists who deeply understand the sport – some have even competed at regional levels, while others have even represented their countries in the past.
If you take a liking to Rivas-JH Kim Taekwondo Bali, you can register with them as a member by booking an appointment at their office, and they’ll fill you in all about the programme prices, schedules, and procedures.
It’s recommended you take one of the free trial classes before you make the next step.
Final Thoughts
That sums up my favourite martial arts gyms in Bali, there is a nice collection that covers almost all forms of self-defence.
Deciding which gym is for you rests on what type of combat you’re interested in. For some, it’s Muay Thai, for others, it’s Brazillian Jiu-jitsu. Thankfully, there isn’t too much difference in prices for pop-in sessions at most gyms, so you don’t have to sacrifice going to a mediocre facility to cut costs.
Whichever martial arts gym you choose to train at from this list, you’ll enjoy a tough but rewarding experience.
Featured image: Bali MMA
