Performance Combat MMA
About
Performance Combat MMA in Hartford offers comprehensive training across multiple disciplines including MMA, wrestling, kickboxing, and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. The gym features a modern, well-equipped facility with an online learning library, supported by a deep coaching roster led by owner/head coach Mike, a BJJ Black Belt under Ricardo Cavalcanti and Karate Black Belt. The coaching team includes experienced professionals like Kevin, an 8-3 Muay Thai record holder and WKA National Silver Medalist, and Greg, a 3rd degree BJJ Black Belt under Carlson Gracie Jr., ensuring expertise across all skill levels from beginners to professional fighters.
reviewsWhat Members Say
Members consistently praise the welcoming environment that makes beginners feel comfortable while learning new skills. They highlight Coach Mike's exceptional ability to train people at all levels, from complete beginners to professional fighters, and appreciate how experienced practitioners actively help newcomers feel included. Reviewers describe a strong sense of camaraderie and family-like support within the gym, with no egos and everyone helping each other improve. Parents specifically note the gym's positive impact on youth development, building confidence, discipline, and life skills that extend beyond martial arts.
rate_reviewGoogle Reviews (5)
michael fassett
2 years ago
Great place to Learn and train. Coach creates a very welcoming environment that relieves the stress of trying to learn a new skill. Everyone I’ve met while in the gym has been nice and helpful while also keeping up the competitive energy needed to improve. Going to class everyday is the highlight of my day. 10/10 would recommend.
Betsy Carbone
a year ago
My two sons have been part of the Performance Combat experience for over ten years. Both of them have achieved self esteem, respect for others, and skills that have translated into success far beyond what I hoped for them. One of my sons became an EMT and is going to graduate college soon. The other has become a Sergeant in the United States Marine Corps. The work ethic and the dedication to being a person of integrity and honor was fostered by Michael and his extraordinary group of trainers. My sons loved video games and staying inside. Mike inspired them to be unc, to hurt, to make their comfort less important than their improvement. The skills, discipline, dedication and grit they possess is a result of the work they did with Mike and his team. They are wonderful young men who benefited from the training they received at Performance Combat MMA.
Joshua Espín
2 years ago
Great environment. Mike is a great coach he knows how to train people at all different levels of martial arts, from beginners to pros. The competition team is a big family who supports you all the time throughout your journey. I love this place.
Andy Dunaj
2 years ago
My son (14.5 yrs old) has been training with Coach Mike at Performance Combat MMA for a little over 2 years now. He started with the Kids MMA program and now also trains with the adults in BJJ, Boxing, Kickboxing, and Muay Thai. While he had some previous BJJ experience, he has improved so much in this time and he’s gained a lot of confidence in his abilities. He now competes regularly in BJJ competitions and has a kickboxing match under his belt with another on the horizon. My son loves it here! He’s found his sport and loves the crew he trains with here. Everyone is great, personable, and there’s a fantastic sense of camaraderie here. No egos and everyone helps each other out. Awesome gym atmosphere! Coach Mike is very knowledgeable and great with both the kids and adults, from training in the various disciplines, correlating techniques to self-defense vs competition, to fighter preparation and really knowing the regional fight scene. He has some great fighters competing out of the gym now and several promising up-and-comers in the wings.
Jean michel Mange
2 years ago
Performance combat and coach Mike are one of the best gym I ever went ,and I went to different gym and play sport as very competitive level . So I No what to look for and with high expectation. First to start ,this gym is open for everyone and with different goal , fighters , simply working out ,keep in shape ,loose weigh ,learning a new sport . you will meet different people with different goal and nationality .. First time getting to a boxing gym can be very intimidating specially for beginners,but the way you are welcoming and made feel comfortable it’s a plus . Experience fighters do not hesitate to jump in and make you feel like one of them , and make sure you also get you part of work out and never left out .it’s a very friendly environment. With a great vibe that Mike really established here .and work hard to maintain . I walk in at Mike gym 4 years ago And I am now 53 years old .and I never felt uncomfortable or left out .I meet amazing and brilliant young fellows that practiced hard and enjoyed themselves ,and when I can’t make it to practice,for any reason I really miss the work out , but specially the people..
fitness_centerAmenities
Contact
220 N Colony Rd, Wallingford, CT 06492, USA
scheduleHours
Monday: 12:00 – 1:00 PM, 5:00 – 9:15 PM
Tuesday: 5:00 – 9:15 PM
Wednesday: 12:00 – 1:00 PM, 5:00 – 9:15 PM
Thursday: 5:00 – 9:15 PM
Friday: 12:00 – 1:00 PM, 5:00 – 8:15 PM
Saturday: 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM
Sunday: Closed
groupCoaches & Instructors
Aiden
Assistant Coach
4-0 Kickboxing, 1-1 MMA, 1-0 Pro BJJ
Helps with kids classes and cornering fighters. Multiple time BJJ gold medalist in Gi and NoGi.
Alex
Assistant BJJ Coach
BJJ Brown Belt
Accomplished BJJ competitor. 18 time gold medalist. 2-0 Pro Grappling. 4x Expert division winner.
Mike
Owner/Head Coach
BJJ Black Belt under Ricardo Cavalcanti, Karate Black Belt
Training martial arts for 29 years. 22 years BJJ & Muay Thai. Cornerman for 130+ fights. MMA referee/judge. ISKA worlds team coach.
Ricardo Cavalcanti
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Master
6th Degree BJJ Black Belt
Lineage: Mitsuyo Maeda > Carlos Gracie > Ricardo Cavalcanti. Pan American Champion (1998), World Nogi Champion (2010).
Greg
Jiu Jitsu Coach
3rd degree BJJ Black Belt under Carlson Gracie Jr.
Assists teaching BJJ classes. 7x NAGA Gold Medalist. Teaches at Yale.
Kevin
Assistant Kickboxing Coach
8-3 MuayThai record, WKA National Silver Medalist, WFN Flyweight MuayThai Champion
Assists with kickboxing classes. ISKA USA National Team Fighter. International and Thai Games Gold Medalist.
Victor
Assistant Coach
9-5 MuayThai record, WKA National MuayThai Champion 2025, BJJ Blue Belt
WKA National Kickboxing Gold/Silver Medalist. ISKA USA National Team Fighter. International and Thai Games Silver Medalist.
Bria
Assistant Kids Coach
BJJ Purple Belt, 1-0 MMA, 8-0 Kickboxing, WKA National Champion 2025
Helps with kids classes. Certified CNC Nutrition Coach. 2025 Peoples Choice Fighter of the year. ISKA MuayThai World Champion 2024.
Manny
Assistant Kids Coach
BJJ Purple Belt
Trained at Performance Combat for 8 years, grew up in the kids program. Multiple time grappling competitor.
Jervonny
Assistant Boxing Coach
Assists kids and adult boxing programs. Over 7 years training at the gym.