Mixed Martial Arts
MMA is a full-contact combat sport built on striking, grappling and ground fighting. Start in a beginners class, move on to intro sparring, then advanced sessions on full sparring, conditioning and cage control.
Free Your first session is on us with code ONE4FREE →
Train with Welsh
Train with Welsh
MMA champions
MMA, Muay Thai, Wrestling, BJJ and more in Pontypridd, South Wales. Home to World, European and Domestic champions, with classes for kids, complete beginners and pros, seven days a week.
- 50+
- Classes a week
- 7
- Days a week
- 5+
- Kids classes from age 5
- 10+
- Coaches
The disciplines
All areas of modern MMA
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
Submission grappling with no strikes, in the Gi and No-Gi. Training lets you practise at full speed and full strength, the same effort you'd use in competition, with a dedicated squad for competitors.
Muay Thai & K1
“Thai boxing”: the stand-up striking art of eight limbs, using fists, elbows, knees and shins, with clinch work throughout. Plus K1 kickboxing, a women-only class and open mat sessions for bag work and pads.
Wrestling
Wrestling geared towards MMA, including cage offence and defence, with fundamentals that tie straight back to Olympic wrestling. Advanced sessions cover wrestling for MMA and live wrestling sparring.
Also on the timetable
- Ashtanga YogaBreath, mobility and recovery with Lewis Long
- Shotokan KarateAdults & kids 5+, with Terry Jones
- MATfitCombat-based circuit training, all levels
- MATKIDSFitness circuits for ages 6-12, with Ceri Louise Davies
- Women's onlyDedicated Muay Thai and BJJ classes
- Open matBags, pads and sparring through the week
The coaches
Learn from MMA veterans.
Head Coach
Lewis Long
MMA · Wrestling · Muay Thai · Yoga
- Bellator pro fighter
- BJJ black belt
- Kickboxing black belt
- Judo black belt
Head Coach
Wayne Samways
BJJ · MMA · Muay Thai
- BJJ black belt
- 17+ years of training
- Veteran of Polaris, Grapplefest, Grapple Kings and many more
- 18 medals (12 gold, 4 silver, 2 bronze)
The coaching team
- Ryan LockyerMMA · Muay Thai · Kids
- Mike ShipmanMMA
- Lee WilliamsBeginners MMA
- Arash ShojaelWrestling
- Tanya MerrettMuay Thai · Women's Muay Thai
- Russel NewtonKids Muay Thai
- Corey WilliamsNo-Gi BJJ
- Neil HarriesGi BJJ
- Craig ShirazNo-Gi BJJ
- Lauren PriceWomen's BJJ
- Hayleigh Heather BaracloughWomen's BJJ
- Terry JonesShotokan Karate
- Ceri Louise DaviesMATKIDS fitness
The club
When you're MAT, you're family.
The Mat Academy is more than just another place to train. Kids, complete beginners and pro fighters share the same mats and the same welcome.
“MMA doesn't have to be intimidating… The coaches at the MAT Academy are dedicated to making you feel comfortable whilst you learn the life-changing skill of Mixed Martial Arts.”
Memberships
For all age ranges
New to training MMA? Try your first session free with code ONE4FREE when you book.
Adult unlimited
£72/month
- Unlimited classes
- All disciplines
- All levels welcome
Teenage beginner
£52/month
- Unlimited classes
- Beginner-friendly sessions
- Build fitness and confidence
Kids unlimited
£42/month
- Unlimited kids classes
- MMA, BJJ, Muay Thai & more
- Learn self-defence
Timetable
Book your class.
Classes run seven days a week. New to training MMA? Pick any beginners session. No experience needed.
Find us
JR Business Centre, Pontypridd.
The Mat Academy WalesBuilding 21, JR Business Centre
Powys Rd, Pontypridd CF37 5ST