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Buckhead MMA
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Buckhead MMA

star5.0/5
(13 reviews)Excellent

About

Buckhead MMA offers comprehensive training in mixed martial arts, Brazilian jiu jitsu, Muay Thai, and wrestling under a team of highly credentialed instructors. The coaching staff includes IBJJF Black Belt and Grand Slam Champion Leon Davis for BJJ, Shidokan Karate black belts Jaral Bowman and AJ Weathersby for striking, and experienced MMA and self defense instructor Ryan Shelor. The facility maintains clean, well equipped training spaces with professional gear storage and organization. Members appreciate the combination of functional strength training, cardio, and technique work that delivers a different kind of fitness compared to traditional boutique workouts.

reviewsWhat Members Say

Members consistently praise the welcoming atmosphere that immediately puts nervous beginners at ease. They highlight the exceptional coaching staff, specifically mentioning Leon, Jaral, Ryan, Terry, and Dana for their knowledge, patience, and ability to teach complex techniques effectively. Reviewers emphasize the strong community aspect, noting they've made genuine friendships rather than just gym acquaintances, with women particularly appreciating the respectful, non intimidating environment. Members report gaining both physical fitness and confidence that extends beyond the gym into their professional and social lives, describing the training as a game changing experience that combines skill development with functional strength building.

rate_reviewGoogle Reviews (5)

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Adia

7 months ago

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This was the first time I’ve EVER done something like this. I was nervous when I arrived but the staff and class instructor quickly put me at ease. The instructor was so patient and did a great job explaining everything to me. Everyone there was very encouraging and took time to help me. I left feeling stronger and more confident! I’ll definitely be back!

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Renata Villarreal

7 months ago

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I really don't write many reviews, but this place has had such an impact on me. I've known these guys for a while, and not only am I a lot more fit, and made a lot of new friends, I'm feeling more confident both at work and in social situations. When I first walked into Buckhead MMA, I'll be honest - I was intimidated. As a woman stepping into what I thought would be a very male-dominated space, I wasn't sure what to expect. But from day one, the atmosphere was completely different than I imagined. The instructors, especially Leon, Elaina, Jaral and Ryan, have this amazing ability to make everyone feel welcome regardless of their experience level. What really sets this place apart is how they've created an environment where women genuinely feel comfortable and respected. I've trained at other gyms before where I felt like I had to prove myself or deal with unwanted attention, but that's never been an issue here. The guys treat everyone as equals - they'll push you just as hard in training, but always with respect and encouragement. The facility itself is spotless and well-equipped. Whether I'm hitting the strength training area or rolling on the mats, everything feels professional and safe. The gear storage and organization shows they really care about the details. But honestly, what keeps me coming back is the community. I've made genuine friendships here - both with other women who've become training partners and workout buddies, and with the guys who've become like big brothers, always looking out for each other. There's something special about training alongside people who challenge you to be better while also having your back. The confidence I've gained here extends way beyond the gym. I walk differently now, speak up more in meetings, and honestly just feel more capable of handling whatever life throws at me. That's worth its weight in gold. If you're a woman considering trying MMA or BJJ but feeling nervous about it, this is definitely the place to start. You'll surprise yourself with what you're capable of.

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Rob Kirby

3 weeks ago

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This is an incredible gym. The place was very clean and the equipment was top notch. Leon the head instructor is extremely knowledgeable and welcoming. My first day I met a lot of very cool people. If you want to build skills, get in shape, and develop lasting relationships Buckhead MMA is the place

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Miruna

7 months ago

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I recently tried MMA and kickboxing at Buckhead MMA and loved it. From the moment I walked in, the energy was welcoming, professional, and motivating. The gym was clean, well-organized, and equipped with everything you need (for both beginners and those who are more advanced). The coaches are the heart of this place! Terry and Dana are so awesome — knowledgeable, patient, and genuinely invested in your progress. They strike the perfect balance of pushing you to improve, while making sure you’re comfortable and safe. During class, the instructors broke down complex techniques step-by-step, making them easy to grasp and apply. At the same time, they challenged us with sequences that built not just skill, but also confidence, conditioning, and discipline. What stood out the most was the atmosphere. For anyone and everyone looking to workout and be part of a community… I highly recommend Buckhead MMA!

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Melissa Cuevas

7 months ago

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I've been pretty active my whole life - Orange Theory, Barry's Bootcamp, you name it. I thought I was in decent shape, but after six months at Buckhead MMA, I'm honestly in the best shape of my life, and it's a completely different kind of fitness. Don't get me wrong, I loved the high-intensity classes at other studios, but this is on another level. At OTF and Barry's, you're basically doing your own workout surrounded by other people. Here, you're actually learning something while getting an incredible workout. The combination of strength training, cardio, and technique work has given me muscle definition I never had before, even when I was doing bootcamp classes five times a week. What really surprised me was the community aspect. Those boutique fitness classes can feel pretty competitive and cliquey, but the vibe here is totally different. Everyone genuinely wants to help each other improve. When you're learning to throw proper punches or practicing takedown defense, you need a partner, so you're forced to connect with people. I've made real friendships here, not just gym acquaintances. The functional strength I've built is incredible. I'm not just doing burpees for the sake of burning calories - I'm learning skills that actually make me feel more confident and capable. There's something empowering about knowing you can defend yourself that goes way beyond just looking good in workout clothes. The instructors really know their stuff too. They'll push you just as hard as any bootcamp trainer, but they're teaching you proper form for real techniques, not just movements designed to make you sweat. If you're tired of the same old HIIT classes and want something that will actually make you stronger both physically and mentally, definitely give this place a try. It's been a total game changer for me.

Contact

location_on

764 Miami Cir NE #208, Atlanta, GA 30324, USA

scheduleHours

Monday: 6:00 AM – 8:00 PM

Tuesday: 6:00 AM – 8:00 PM

Wednesday: 6:00 AM – 8:00 PM

Thursday: 6:00 AM – 8:00 PM

Friday: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Saturday: 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM

Sunday: 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM

groupCoaches & Instructors

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Leon Davis

BJJ Instructor

IBJJF Black Belt, IBJJF Grand Slam Champion, Multi-time Pan American & No-Gi World Champion

Decorated wrestler and BJJ competitor with over two decades of experience. Multi-time IBJJF champion and Hall of Fame wrestler.

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Jaral Bowman

MMA, Striking, Shidokan Instructor

2nd-degree black belt in Shidokan Karate, BJJ Purple Belt, Judo Brown Belt

Seasoned instructor and fight coach with 144 competitive fights across multiple disciplines. Has coached multiple champions.

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AJ Weathersby

Striking, Shidokan Instructor

3rd-degree black belt in Shidokan Karate, #1 Karate Combat middleweight, former pro kickboxing champion

Decorated professional kickboxer and karate practitioner. GA pro kickboxer of the year (2019-2025).

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Ryan Shelor

MMA, Self Defense Instructor

3rd-degree black belt in American Freestyle Karate

Began with wrestling and karate. Trained in Muay Thai, BJJ, Hapkido, and kickboxing. Known for working with beginners.

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Nicole Will

Personal Trainer

Certified personal trainer, CrossFit coach, kickboxing instructor

Full-time personal trainer since 2018, working with clients from beginners to competitive athletes.

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Akasha Nunnally

BJJ, Women's Only BJJ Instructor

BJJ Blue Belt, Two-time New York State Wrestling placer

Lifelong grappler, began BJJ at age five. Former high school and college wrestler. Coaches women's and youth programs.