Amazing facility, awesome people, professional instruction. This place is awesome! I remember coach Jackson from when he was tearing up the Muay Thai and MMA scene in Philly over a decade ago. North Star really has it all...Totally beginner friendly, fun training, multiple classes, different programs, flexible schedule. Anyone interested in martial arts do yourself the favor by checking out this place. “Highly Recommended “

I’ve only been here once, but will definitely be coming back! The owner was incredibly warm and welcoming, and the students seemed really passionate and focused.The space itself is also really beautiful. The tatami is great for long practices, and the space gets a lot of natural light. There’s also a really beautiful windowed wall that faces some hanging garden plants - I found it relaxing and focusing while I practiced.Looking forward to returning soon!

I am Fighter and the Kids Teacher at the Gym, and after training at many gyms across the city I can say from my heart that North Star offers something completely unique and invaluable.Aside from being one of the only True MMA Gyms in the city (Striking and Grappling) what really makes North Star different is the standard set by Coach Jackson. He is truly a one man show, although now hes found himself surrounded with the best coaches around (Who are active Amateur and Profesional MMA and Jiu Jitsu Fighters, not bums off the street)The vibe is always high, fun, laid back but at the same time the collective energy of the intensity of everyone bettering themselves everyday is what really makes this gym shine brighter than the North Star!!!

Excellent facility. The people there train hard under excellent coaches and in a great environment. Great attitudes! Spacious facility, updated equipment.The owner, Jackson, is definitely engaging and very connected in the martial arts scene in Philly. Also, very generous and a contributor to the Budo community.

Great gym. Accepting environment with a serious approach to training. Good covid precautions and excellent coaches.

Anyone looking to train should put Northstar at the top of their list; clean, plenty of space and equipment. Really friendly and welcoming atmosphere. Jackson and his crew are super hospitable to new comers and visitors from other gyms. Love the bag room with the sunlight and hanging plants!

Amazing big, clean facility with top notch instruction. Love the ring as well as the water fountain after a hard practice. All levels welcome with friendly instructors and a detailed curriculum makes this place a hidden 💎

Love this place. They make you feel like family while getting you in shape. Best investment

North Star is a gorgeous dojo, with great energy, welcoming members and a spacious mat that will absorb the toughest of falls and pins. Cant wait to go back! Thank you Jackson and happy 3 year anniversary to NSMMA!

Coach Jackson is a amazing teacher. Not only has he shown me great technique, he has displayed what it means to be a martial artist. When my work schedule changed so that I could not attend my home gym he welcomed me with open arms like I was his own student. He cleans his facility daily. Lots of natural light creates a very welcoming environment. If you are a pro or hobbiest I cannot recommend his gym enough.

Regardless of the discipline, a coach can make or break the experience. I am reminded of this every training session I get to work with Coach Jackson. He cares about his work and his students; he is knowledgeable and experienced; he leads his class with energy, discipline, and enthusiasm; and he can regress or progress the training to create a comfortable learning environment for every skill level. I thoroughly enjoy training and learning with him and the rest of the crew and definitely recommend his program to anyone interested!

Good vibes, strong training, exceedingly beautiful - this place is a treasure!After moving here from Canada and spending a ton of time researching my BJJ options here in Philadelphia, I landed at NSMMA and couldnt be happier. The coach/owner, Jackson, is exceptionally generous with his knowledge and resources, supportive of the community, and is a terrific teacher. The gang at NSMMA are energetic, inclusive and fun-loving while taking their training seriously. I appreciate the balance.Shout out to their breathtakingly beautiful sun filled space - windows and plants keep the space naturally lit and oxygen rich, and honestly Ive never trained in a gym that smelled this good. I love it here.

I have trained at other gyms before North Star, and I have to say that joining a new gym can be intimidating at first. When I walked into North Star, however, I immediately felt welcomed. Jackson has a very friendly and welcoming demeanor, and not only keeps you motivated, but he is an amazing instructor. He starts you off by breaking down the basic mechanics of throwing a punch or a kick, and gives you a great foundation to build on. I feel like he hits a lot of the details that other trainers tend to overlook. He also cultivates a great environment to train in. He makes sure that everyone knows and interacts with each other, along with utilizing social media to keep everyone well informed and connected.

North Star MMA is by far the best training I have received as well as the best MMA facility. Fantastic atmosphere to learn, try, fail and ultimately succeed.Jackson Galkas expertise and technical instruction easily qualifies him as a fight nerd. However Jacksons passion and wit will have you kicking, striking and probably laughing too.Jackson does a great job of integrating all levels of training with all levels of fighters.Doesnt matter what level you are, you will learn each and every training session.Top notch instruction, astounding technical expertise, challenging sweat soaked training sessions and a wicked sense of humor make for an unbeatable training academy.

North Star MMA is a great place to train for all skill levels. Coach Jackson is very knowledgeable and can customize his approach based on your strengths and weaknesses. He runs the place in a professional manner while at the same time keeping the vibe friendly and welcoming.

Jackson is very knowledgeable in both Muay Thai and Jiu Jitsu. His approach helps you understand the basics and then how those basics connect within a system. Every coach is very accommodating and I’ve learned a lot in my first year.

Great training, great people, great space. Recommend it wholeheartedly.

Great people, atmosphere, and cant wait to work with Jackson and his group again.

Great Place to Train

Have never left a Google Review before (I think lol) but had to do it here. Im only on class number 5 but this place is the best. I have ZERO background in mma/boxing, but I feel at home here while still being extremely challenged. Starting with Coach Jackson - he makes sure to make everyone feel welcome and supported.. he constantly answers my texts about random mma questions. Every other staff / support person also does this - nobody cares that I have no idea what Im doing at times.Do know that this is a GREAT workout. I lifted weights for years, biked year round, etc (then started smoking and living sedentary) - but every class is the best workout Ive ever had. Despite the intense challenge of every class - Ive always been able to complete it.

The last time I worked with Jackson was in 2012. As soon as I heard he had opened up his own gym, I looked it up when I was in town. To be honest, I was extremely hesitant because some of the gyms Ive been with had always started off as a network of people who pushed each other to progress. However, that faded with time, and being a female on the smaller side, this was extremely discouraging.As soon as I walked in, one of the first members of this gym introduced himself and started to engage me in serious martial arts conversation. I cant tell you how refreshing that was. Jackson introduced me to the entire class right before we started jumping rope and made sure that I was not left without a partner to work with. The class was nothing short of amazing. He tailored his combinations if it was too advanced - Jackson only wanted the heart of the drill to be practiced. He came back constantly to watch how each group was doing throughout the entire class. And honestly, if you want strength, stamina, and technique - you really should come to his class. He always balances them all so that no one comes out of the class bored or overwhelmed.After class, he took time to work with students one on one, made sure there was safe sparring, and even went over basics (such as wrapping hands).There are many gyms out there and a lot of them have coaches who are very legitimate. But there is a reason even after all these years I decided to come back and work with Jackson. He cares about this art and he cares about his students. This place is an incredible opportunity to be taught directly by one of the best and to be a part of a student body that is rewarded for knowing every one of their classmates names.

Beautiful gym and patient, student-oriented instruction.

North star MMA is like a second home to me. Everyone is friendly, respects one another and is understanding to everyones differences. Wether your a Pro, or a Beginner coach Jackson is the man you want in your corner. Hes very respectful to all that enter his gym & willing to train anyone if their willing to put in the effort. Also theirs a awesome bunch of diverse fighters from age to Background which always follow the rules of the gym respect your Partner with the same respect you want. So Check out coach Jackson and his fighters. We have no dual moments in our gym just laughter and sweat.

Great place.. I love the training.. Great family oriented vibe

Starting with no martial arts experience at all, Ive been training at North Star MMA for about 2 months now. Its become something i look forward to every week. Coach Jackson has a great way of describing the intricacies of muay thai in exceptionally easy to understand ways. Lots of personal instruction and the other people in the gym really help with training. I really like the skills Ive picked up so far all while getting a good workout in.

Clean and inviting facilities which great coaches and a healthy number of competitors

Great vibes, great people, great time!

Ok, I admit, I havent been to North Star MMA; however, I trained with Jackson G a few years back and that guy is badass. His ability to instruct students from the first day of stepping onto the mat, to his expertise with elite athletes and successful amateur and prof fighters, is nothing short of MMA sorcery. Jackson is a phenomenal coach and businessman. He cares about every student and takes the time to personally invest in your fitness goals. I dont even have to visit North Star MMA to know that you will get great training, great education, great support, and even some great friendships at this place. Youre in great hands with Jackson, and I recommend his gym without reservation. Oss!

Great friendly environment with professional instructors. Intense workouts to get you ready for the fight.

Northstar MMA is a fun and friendly environment with everyone willing to help one another grow and master muay thai techniques. Coach Jackson is a phenomenal teacher with an extensive background in mixed martial arts. If youre looking to learn some cool Muay Thai techniques this is the place for you.

Excellent facilities, top-notch instruction, and beautiful people.

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