Apex MMA: Mixed Martial Arts

The Art Of Adaptability

Apex MMA

Mixed Martial Arts Classes in Brookvale

Learn to connect striking, clinching, wrestling and grappling through a structured Mixed Martial Arts program.

Start with no previous experience, develop skills across every range and progress towards Advanced or optional Fight Team training.

Beginner to Advanced. Competition is optional.

STRIKING // CLINCHING // WRESTLING // GRAPPLING

Benefits of MMA

SELF DEFENCE

MMA covers all ranges of combat, from striking, clinching, wrestling and grappling to give you a complete self defence solution.

PHYSICAL FITNESS

Due to its diverse ranges of combat, MMA requires that you work all energy systems of the body in fun and challenging ways.

CONFIDENCE & FOCUS

MMA training gives you the confidence that you can handle yourself wherever an altercation could occur and also how to avoid them.

COMBAT SPORT

Mixed Martial Arts is the fastest-growing martial art in the world with the UFC promoting globally along with many local amateur competition pathways.

A Complete Mixed Martial Arts System

Mixed Martial Arts is the Art of Adaptability.

It teaches you to recognise the range, solve the immediate problem and transition into the next position with purpose.

At Apex MMA, striking and clinching are developed through our Muay Thai system. Wrestling and grappling are developed through our No-Gi Jiu-Jitsu system.

MMA connects those skills into one complete martial art.

You will learn how striking changes when takedowns are possible, how wrestling changes when strikes are involved and how grappling changes when an opponent can stand or strike.

That integration is what separates MMA from simply training several arts beside each other.

Four Ranges of Mixed Martial Arts

The Apex MMA system is organised across four connected ranges.

Striking

Use footwork, punches, kicks, elbows and knees to manage distance and create opportunities.

MMA striking must account for takedowns, clinching and stance choices shaped by those threats.

Clinching

Control posture and position when the distance closes.

You will learn frames, underhooks, head position, off-balancing, strikes, trips and transitions into wrestling.

Wrestling

Determine where the exchange takes place.

Wrestling includes takedowns, takedown defence, wall control, standing back up and maintaining dominant positions.

Grappling

Control and attack once the exchange reaches the ground.

You will learn positional control, escapes, submissions and how to manage striking while grappling.

The goal is not to remain in one range. It is to move between them without losing control.

The Apex MMA Subsystems

The full system is divided into focused areas that allow students to develop each major transition.

Shoot Boxing

Shoot Boxing connects striking with takedown entries and defence.

You will learn how to strike without giving away easy takedowns, use strikes to create wrestling opportunities and continue attacking as the distance changes.

Clinch Striking

Clinch Striking combines close-range control with knees, elbows, trips, throws and off-balancing.

The goal is to control the opponent’s posture while creating safe opportunities to strike or transition into wrestling.

Fence Wrestling

Fence Wrestling focuses on control, takedowns and escapes against walls or flat surfaces.

You will learn how to maintain position, reverse pressure, complete takedowns and return safely to open space.

Grapple Boxing

Grapple Boxing combines ground control with strikes, submissions and standing back up.

You will learn how to strike without losing position, limit an opponent’s movement and recognise when to control, submit or disengage.

Together, these subsystems connect every phase of an MMA exchange.

Start with Our 12-Week Beginner Program

The Beginner MMA program is designed for adults with no previous martial arts experience.

The dedicated Beginner MMA class runs once each week across a rotating 12-week program.

Students who want the complete cross-training pathway can also attend Beginner Muay Thai and Beginner No-Gi Jiu-Jitsu classes.

This allows you to develop:

  • Striking and defensive movement
  • Clinch position and control
  • Handfighting
  • Takedowns and takedown defence
  • Positional grappling
  • Ground control
  • Escapes and standing up
  • Safe transitions between ranges

Beginner classes have no head contact.

Training uses controlled partner drills and isolated resistance exercises rather than unrestricted fighting.

You will practise realistic problems while the number of available options remains manageable.

As your skill and control develop, the exercises become more open.

WHY STUDY MMA AT APEX MMA?

SAFETY

At Apex MMA, you’ll be in a safe environment with professional trainers. Our specially designed beginner's classes are crafted to be effective and controlled.

LEGACY

The coaches at Apex MMA learned from coach of the first Australian UFC fighter who began on the Northern Beaches in 1996.

INNOVATION

Since then, the coaches have consistently upskilled to stay current with the latest effective techniques and modern coaching practices.

PROGRAMS

Our expertly designed programs are simple and sequential and teach practical self-defence and combat sports skills. No prior experience or fitness level is necessary to get started.

COMMUNITY

One of Apex MMA's biggest attractions is its strong and unique Northern Beaches community. Together, we work and support each other, achieving unexpected levels of success.

What to Expect in Your First MMA Class

Before Class

Arrive around 10 minutes early so you can check in, meet your coach and become familiar with the academy.

Wear comfortable athletic clothing without metal fittings or zippers.

Bring a water bottle and tell the coach about any previous injuries or concerns.

During Class

The session begins with movement preparation and a relaxed warm-up.

Your coach will introduce one of the four ranges or a transition between them.

You will practise the skill with a partner before applying it through a controlled positional exercise.

You will not be expected to spar or make head contact.

The coach will explain the goals, boundaries and safety rules before each exercise.

After Class

The class finishes with a recap and handshake.

You can ask questions and speak with the coach about attending the next MMA, Muay Thai or Jiu-Jitsu beginner class.

How MMA Progression Works

Beginner

Learn the foundational skills and safety principles of each range.

Beginner training reduces complexity so you can understand positions, recognise problems and build reliable responses.

Intermediate

Connect separate skills into combinations and transitions.

Intermediate students develop the ability to make decisions when several options are available and resistance becomes less predictable.

Advanced

Apply the full MMA system through more open training.

Advanced classes focus on tactical development, personal game-building and specialised work within the Apex subsystems.

Fight Team

Competition is optional.

Students who demonstrate consistency, control and suitable skill may be invited into Fight Team training.

Fight preparation includes tactical development, conditioning, technical sparring and focused work for an opponent or ruleset.

You do not need to compete to continue progressing through the MMA program.

Training MMA Without Needing to Fight

MMA is a competitive sport, but fighting is not a requirement.

Many members train because they want to:

  • Learn a complete martial art
  • Improve fitness
  • Develop self-defence skills
  • Build confidence under pressure
  • Understand how different martial arts connect
  • Take on a difficult personal challenge

The same skills can be developed through controlled training without stepping into a cage.

Those who decide to compete can follow a structured pathway when they are ready.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need any experience?

No previous experience is required. Our custom beginner classes are designed for you to start learning if you have never trained before. Just wear comfortable workout clothes, and our professional coaches will provide a fantastic workout and teach you a skill that will change your life!

Do I Need To Be Fit To Start?

Not at all; we expect you to come to class to get fit. Our classes cater to all skill levels and fitness types, from beginners to advanced. We consider everyone's needs. Technique drills include rest rounds for a balanced workout. If needed, a coach can adjust the intensity to suit your preferences.

How Safe is Training?

Our beginner's classes start out very controlled to help keep your training as safe as possible. We have very few injuries here at Apex MMA because the team are always prepared and cautious when they come in contact with others during training sessions, as they recognise them as teammates.

When Do You Offer Classes?

We run classes in the morning, lunchtime and evening. To find out what times are available for the individual art you wish to train then please view our timetable.

How should I prepare for my first class?

There is no need to prepare. Simply wear comfortable workout clothes and come to class; our coaches will handle everything else!

Can Beginners join your classes?

Yes, we have classes tailored for beginners of all ages, adults and kids alike. No experience needed.

How many times a week should I attend?

It's recommended to take a minimum of two classes each week.

Am I required to compete?

No, you don't have to compete. But for those who want to, we provide opportunities to compete in different events and have a successful competition and fight team.

7-Day Free Trial

Contact Us for a Free 7-day trial at Apex MMA, including our introductory beginner classes.

BEGINNERS CLASSES

We have a program designed to give you an introduction into the striking and grappling arts used in our MMA Classes.