Empire MMA Gym and Fitness
About
Empire MMA Gym and Fitness in Tampa offers comprehensive training across multiple combat disciplines including MMA, boxing, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai, and kickboxing. The gym features experienced leadership with CEO/Owner Medardo "Rome" Romero bringing decades of combat sports experience, complemented by professional mixed martial artist Javier Ceasar Rizo as fight coach, Florida Boxing Hall of Fame inductee Jerry Reyes as boxing coach, and black belt BJJ professor Jerre Norton. Members appreciate the full cage for realistic sparring and the adjacent gym facility for conditioning work, creating a complete training environment for both recreational fitness enthusiasts and competitive fighters.
reviewsWhat Members Say
Members consistently praise Empire MMA as the best MMA gym in the area, describing the training as excellent and the team as a second family. They highlight specific coaches by name, with Rome and Javi receiving frequent mentions for their knowledge, professionalism, and ability to push and motivate members. Reviewers appreciate the quality of classes, the availability of a cage for realistic sparring, and the welcoming atmosphere that accommodates all ages and goals from conditioning to competition. No concerns are mentioned in the reviews, with several members stating they would rate the gym even higher than five stars if possible.
rate_reviewGoogle Reviews (5)
Ericka Mutz
2 years ago
I have been working out with Rome at empire gym since they opened. He pushes and motivates you to do your best. I also did the female defense class which kicked my butt but coach Javi is awesome. Looking forward to the belly dancing class! All of the personal trainers are super friendly and nice. Come and check this gym out!
jared rosado torres
3 years ago
Empire MMA is the best MMA gym. Training is really good and the team is like a second family. If you are looking just for conditioning or for competing I would highly recommend joining this gym. I like the quality of the class, and the gym next door. Having a cage to spar is really nice as well to get used for fight night. Coach Rome and Javi are very knowledgeable and professional. If I could rate it 10 stars, I would.
Arelis Lizardi
10 months ago
I have been training with Julian Hampton and he is great! I am on month 3 and i can see my results. He pushes and motivates me and I am very greatful for all his help with my weightloss and fitness goals!
Angel Zayas
6 months ago
Very knowledgeable instructors at Empire. I recommend this gym to everyone of all ages.
Jose
3 months ago
Empire MMA and Fitness is an excellent training facility where you will learn the science of close quarter combat, striking, submission, take down and ground joint lock maneuvers. Mr. Romero ( ROME ) and Mr. Rizzo are Superior and Renown experts in their respective fields. Mr. Rizzo teaches the Sweet Science Of Boxing 🥊 Strategic timing, distance, angles, lateral movements and combinations behind the educated Jabs. He also teaches Real Battle Field Combat and more..... I'm personally planning on making a comeback. So soon I'll be returning back to Empire MMA and Fitness the Home of WARRIORS And the Home CHAMPIONS 🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆
Contact
5006 S MacDill Ave, Tampa, FL 33611, USA
scheduleHours
Monday: Open 24 hours
Tuesday: Open 24 hours
Wednesday: Open 24 hours
Thursday: Open 24 hours
Friday: Open 24 hours
Saturday: Open 24 hours
Sunday: Open 24 hours
groupCoaches & Instructors
Medardo Romero
CEO/Owner, Coach
Decades of combat sports experience
Owner and Coach with over 30 years experience. Foundation in boxing from US Armed Forces. Expertise in BJJ, Muay Thai, MMA, personal training, and fitness.
Javier Ceasar Rizo
Fight Coach
Professional mixed martial artist
Professional MMA fighter with over 20 years of experience in training and competition. Specializes in striking, grappling, and cage competition.
Jerry Reyes
Boxing Coach
Florida Boxing Hall of Fame Inductee (2022)
Boxing trainer and promoter with over 20 years experience. Owner-operator of Reyes-Macho Time Boxing Camp. Deep technical knowledge.
Jerre Norton
BJJ Professor
Black Belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Began BJJ journey in 1995. Trained under Kerry King (Hickson Gracie affiliate) and Eduardo DeLima (Gracie Barra). Earned Black Belt.