Nashville's Premier Martial Arts & Fitness Academy
BJJ · Boxing · Muay Thai · Wrestling · Judo · Wellness — All Under One Roof
Built on Lineage. Raised to a Higher Standard.
Ed Clay brought Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt Luiz Palhares from Brazil in 2001 with a single vision: build the dominant martial arts academy in Middle Tennessee and throughout the Southeast. That vision became Team Shawn Hammonds — one of Tennessee's most respected grappling programs — and the foundation everything at MCMA is built on.
From the beginning, the standard here was different. Fighters were required to train for two years before earning their first BJJ belt and competing under the banner. That commitment to fundamentals and discipline — not shortcuts — is why this lineage has produced champions in the ring, the cage, and on the mats for over two decades.
Music City Martial Arts is the new headquarters for all Sean Hammond programs, housed in a 3,000 sq ft premium facility in Berry Hill with stadium-style spectator seating, top-tier weightlifting equipment, and a training environment that attracts serious practitioners and complete beginners alike — including members of Nashville's Metro SWAT team.
MCMA is also home to a full Wellness & Recovery suite — peptide therapy, red light, hormone replacement, IV recovery, saunas, and premium supplementation — making it Nashville's only true one-stop fight and fitness facility. Nick also supports <a href="https://kintsugikinetics.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="text-brand-600 hover:text-brand-700 font-semibold transition-colors">Kintsugi Kinetics</a>, a nonprofit committed to using martial arts for community development.
Our Programs
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
Train in the same system that has produced champions for over two decades. Our BJJ program offers separate tracks for kids, women, fundamentals beginners, and competitive grapplers.
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Boxing
45-minute instructional boxing classes covering fundamentals, footwork, combinations, and light sparring. Open to male and female adults at all experience levels.
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Muay Thai
Muay Thai at MCMA (also known as kickboxing) teaches punches, kicks, elbows, and knees — the most complete striking system in the world. Great for self-defense, fitness, and competition.
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Wrestling
Wrestling develops explosive takedowns, dominant control positions, and the relentless physical conditioning that athletes at every level need. Whether you're building an MMA base or training pure wrestling, MCMA has you covered.
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Cardio Kickboxing
Cardio Kickboxing at MCMA combines martial arts movement with high-intensity interval training. Burn calories, build endurance, and have fun — no experience required.
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Judo
Judo is one of the world's most effective throwing arts and the foundation of many BJJ techniques. MCMA's Judo program develops powerful throws, takedowns, and ground control for competition and self-defense.
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Personal Training
MCMA's personal training program pairs you with expert coaches for private sessions tailored to your specific goals — strength, weight loss, sport-specific conditioning, or technique refinement.
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Wellness & Recovery
MCMA is more than a gym — it's a complete performance and wellness center. Our recovery and wellness services include peptide therapy, hormone replacement, prescription weight loss, IV recovery, red light therapy, saunas, and premium supplementation.
Learn MoreWhat Our Members Say
"Music City Martial Arts consistently provides an outstanding environment for learning and growth in BJJ, Boxing, MMA, and fitness. The instructors are knowledgeable, professional, and genuinely invested in the success of every student, regardless of age or experience level. What truly sets MCMA apart is the community — welcoming, kind, supportive, and fun. Whether you're looking to learn self-defense, improve your fitness, or compete, I highly recommend Music City Martial Arts."
John Dixon
BJJ Student · 8+ Years
"I'm a novice, new to martial arts, and started a little apprehensive at 46. Yet everyone here is very welcoming and you feel like you're part of an amazing community from day 1. The beginner classes are great — you don't need any prior experience to get started. If you're new, you'll find yourself completely sweaty, worn out, and with new confidence from the beginning. 100% worth trying it out!"
Steven Fudge
Member
"In a city full of martial arts and jiu jitsu schools, this place stands out for its instruction, facility, and overall atmosphere. Whether your goal is fitness, self-defense, competition, or simply learning something new, you'll find what you need here. Beginners feel comfortable, experienced practitioners continue to grow, and visitors are welcomed like part of the team."
Russell Whitt
Member
Why Train at MCMA?
25+ Years of Championship Lineage
MCMA traces directly to Luiz Palhares and the Shawn Hammonds BJJ Association. You're not joining a gym — you're joining a tradition.
Real-World Self-Defense
Our BJJ, Boxing, and Muay Thai programs teach techniques proven in competition and real-world situations — not choreographed forms.
All Ages. All Levels.
From Little Kids classes (age 4+) to adult competition training, we have a program for every starting point. No experience needed.
A Community That Shows Up
MCMA members don't just train together — they become family. The culture of accountability and mutual respect is unlike any other gym in Nashville.
Get Started
Free Week Trial
No commitment required
- Access to any class for 7 days
- Any program — BJJ, Boxing, Muay Thai, and more
- No contract or credit card required
- Personal intro with a head coach
- Full access to MCMA's premium facility
Start Your Journey in Nashville
Programs for every age and experience level. No prior training needed.
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