This gym really goes above and beyond. It’s hard to put your finger on just one aspect of what makes it a special place. They have built a world class community of trainers, instructors and masseurs. Coach John Durrett really puts his all into his classes and you can tell that he really cares about the goals of his members. This is reflected in every coach/trainer I’ve interacted with as well. They hold themselves to a very high standard. If you’re looking for a gym that has an incredibly welcoming community, this is the place for you.
Well in my opinion this is a nice gym you fell really cozy when you get in and Ms. Johnny it’s really nice and friendly.
Best gym ever! Russel is extremely knowledgeable in MMA and John is a rockstar of a strength and conditioning coach.
I’ve been training here for over 4 months and would definitely recommend for anyone who wants to get into weightlifting, increase strength, and improve endurance under an eye of an experienced coach. No pressure type of environment with main focus on technique. Everyone can find something to focus on.
Top-notch instructors! John Durrett has been my fitness guru for some time and I am a stronger, fitter man for it. Thoughtful, knowledgeable coaches on both the gym side and the martial arts side. Highly recommended!
Id leave 6 stars if I could, great staff and peers are really cooperative
I’ve been going to Underdog for a couple months now after switching gyms, I love it! It really feels like a close-knit family unit that truly cares about your progress. Instructors and knowledgeable and friendly, everyone is nice and welcoming. I would highly recommend anyone looking for a good MMA experience to join up at Underdog!
Great place! All the people there are very welcoming and friendly. The instructors there really know what they teach and many of them are good mma fighters. I’m always a bit suspicious walking into a martial arts place because of the immense amount of Mcdojos out there, but Underdog is definitely not one of them. Thank you to the Underdog staff for their hard work in making the gym run.
I found Underdog through my husband, who (full disclosure) is now providing the strength and conditioning program for the gym. I’ve dabbled in a couple areas of martial arts, and can say the instruction is on point and the other athletes are super friendly and helpful for me as a beginner.I have consistently attended the S&C classes for 2 years, and I am, by far, stronger and fitter than I have ever been (including my time as a DII rower). I can also attest to my husband, Coach John Durrett’s, dedication to his craft - he spends immeasurable time and energy to learn about the ever evolving field of fitness, to provide the most effective program he can, to the clients he sincerely cares about.Come try a class (or several), and I promise you won’t regret it!
This gym is the best! There is something for everyone at every skill level. The coaches are amazing and work with everyone to help them reach their personal goals. From the pros to the newbies they will help push you to being better each day. Welcoming gym, knowledgeable coaches, family and team environment. This is the place to be!
They really live up to their recommendations. Theres a camaraderie here that you dont find in many places. Great gym to train in. Its clean, the schedules are fantastic and everyone is always trying to help each other out. Its a safe place that tolerates many different religions and walks of life and teaches respect for yourself and your community. Ive trained here. My kids train here. I paid for lessons and I ended up with a network of family and friends Im still learning new things from.
Im rarely baffled- but the growth and improvement Ive seen from this gym is something that will do it. Excellent stuff. The newest facilities are way better than expected and the staff are as dedicated as ever. I wholly recommend Underdog to anyone in the Northeast, there is just no substitution. If you want the best-- look here.
I take every class here. It is awesome. Love this place.
Its absolutely the place to be to get or stay in shape. No judgment fitness center. You go as fast and as far as you want to go. Excellent facilities, management and staff.
I love Underdog! The instructors can help at any level of training you come with, from novice to pro. They have classes for everyone, from kids, teens, women and men. Ive been training here for about a year and a half and cant ask for a better place for myself and soon my kids too.
I am a police officer and have two young daughters. l feel I can speak for the benefits this gym offers for my professional needs as well as my personal desires as a parent. Underdog MMA has the perfect blend of providing competitive fighters with resources to develop and hone their skills while keeping space for recreational and emerging athletes of all ages, interest and abilities. What I find most impressive about Underdog is how students become a family without the gym being “soft” or void of personality. Underdog keeps its edge while cultivating a safe environment for kids, teens and those stepping into a gym for the first time. Professional and amateur fighters continue to learn right next to you and support whatever journey you are on. People from all walks of life walk through these doors – some with incredible martial arts knowledge, some with no formal training, some looking for general fitness – all come and work together to learn new techniques and skills practical for the mat, life or just fun. As a police officer, military veteran and parent, I am proud to be a part of this supportive group of diverse people. I love who I have become since training here and take joy in watching the development and accomplishments of my teammates.
Underdog Mixed Martial Arts is a great school with an unbelievable staff! The atmosphere is welcoming from the moment you walk in. It is a perfect gym if you want to be a competitive martial artist or just all around looking to improve your life through physical activity. It is the premier gym in Connecticut. Highly recommended!
Whether youre looking to fight or just get into shape UnderdogMMA will give you the quality training youre looking for. Being apart of this team has changed my life for the better. Were more like a family here! Great environment for your family too with the children and teen classes.
Whether youre starting out in your martial arts journey or are looking to add to your experience Underdog has something to offer you. Great instructors, friendly positive environment, and great training. Stop in and see for yourself. You will like what you see.
Ive been going to Underdog Bjj for the last 6/7 years of my life. It has been my second home away from home. If you want top quality training or just want to learn how to throw a punch/kick this is the place to go. We are all like one big o happy family!
Great gym for MMA! The coaches are great, the facility is amazing and clean, and best of all they have the best fighters from New England training there as well who actually have insight in fighting! Its the real deal if you want to really learn the art of combat. If you want to just get fit, learn, and have fun then this gym works for you as well!
Best martial arts school in the world. Top notch facility, amazing coaches and great environment for people (and dogs) of all skill level. I wish I could leave 6 stars!
My son (hes 5yrs old) looks forward to Sunday family class at Underdog all week long! This is a wonderful gym with amazing teachers. You wont be disappointed!
I’ve been training with the coaches at Underdog MMA for many years. This place trains everyone from world-class athlete to clean-slate beginner in everything related to martial arts and fitness. My experience is mostly in fitness and BJJ, and I can proudly say that Coach John Durrett and Raphael Quinones are among the best in their field.
Great classes, Teachers and an amazing new facility.. showers, 2 training areas weights and a massage room! I have been training at underdog for about two years now - it has grown from a small gym to one of the best in the northeast!
Underdog is a great gym with top instructors and a friendly, welcoming atmosphere. Their BJJ program is run by two of the top black belts in the state, and their MMA program produces some of the best fighters that have come out of CT. Its also a great gym for families with a strong kids program and a unique class where the parents get to train alongside their kids that everyone enjoys. I highly recommend checking out Underdog!
World class coaches and athletes while at the same time, an incredible place to take your first class. Lots of class options including womens and kids classes. Cant recommend enough!
Respectful, and welcoming atmosphere regardless of skill level or ability.
Underdog MMA is still an esteemed part of our family. We have great memories of training in both the adults and kids BJJ programs, and feel privileged to maintain friendships across the country. Whether you are training as a hobby or a world-class athlete, you will not find a better place.
Amazing teaching staff with pros and joes on the mats. Great team atmosphere in and out of the gym and everyone trains together. Soccer moms train to here to learn how to defend themselves and get in better shape, athletes train here to pursue martial arts as a career, and everything in between.
Best Brazilian jiujitsu martial arts school Ive been to. Management, coaches, and community are phenomenal. This gym is a second home.
Been training at underdog for a while now, love not only the knowledgeable, kind teachers, but the clean new facility really adds that much more to the experience. everything is great, from the staff to the equipment.
The people here are amazing. I this place is filled with people of honor and integrity anywhere in CT. They help people be powerful not just strong or fast.
Best MMA gym in New England area, no matter if you are beginner or pro.
Excellent new facilities, great staff and fun environment! While you may think of it as a smaller gym, the great equipment, good personal relationship and overall awesome, safe atmosphere make this an immediate A++.Some of the best around!
Nice place with very friendly staff, i recommend .%100 good
By far the best gym Ive gone to. I learned so much since going there. I cannot wait to start going back!! 👊🏼👊🏼
Underdog is definitely a one of a kind place to train. Its more like a large family than it is a business. My whole family trains at Underdog. My husband, a professional fighter, has trained here since 2012; my daughter started training in 2013; and I in 2015. Their childrens Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu program is an excellent one. Training in mixed martial arts helped with my weight management and overall health. While Underdog has classes tailormade for their professional fighters, they also cater to those whove never trained and arent as fit as theyd like to be. Underdog also offers the professional services of a masseuse who not only worked wonders with my partner, but also was able to see me throughout my pregnancy for prenatal massages.
Underdog is without a doubt a life changing place to train and workout...since i walked through the doors there sifu russell and the rest of the staff are amazing teachers,trainers,friends, and mentors.. you will truly grow as a person and martial artist here
Underdog MMA has come a long way and is growing leaps and bounds. They have several training areas with a ton of classes that cover everything from MMA to basic BJJ and striking. It also has full showers, changing rooms, as well a great massage therapist on staff and chiropractor that comes in frequently. But above all its has a great atmosphere and everyone is friendly and passionate about getting better at martial arts. This happens easily with great coaches and staff that provide top quality instruction, it also helps that it harbors some of the best fighters in CT that are not only great at what they do but are down to earth and willing to share their knowledge.
This is a great facility where both children and adults can learn mixed martial arts.
After starting work in Hartford, I visited various Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Martial Arts gyms in the Hartford area and found Underdog to have everything I was looking for in a place to train. Besides boasting an incredibly thorough mixed martial arts curriculum ranging from boxing and kickboxing to wrestling to Brazilian Jiu-jitsu and Submission Grappling, Underdog has some of the most experienced and technical instructors Ive come across in my training. Whether your goals are to simply get exercise, learn martial arts as a hobby, or compete at any level (amateur to professional), everyone is welcome. Since joining Ive been very satisfied with the training and cant recommend the gym enough.
One of the best places to learn about yourself and real discipline.
The best martial arts instruction in the area. They have the top teachers in the various aspects of MMA: striking, brazillian jiu jitsu, and wrestling. Also have a great amateur and professional fight team. Family and beginner friendly!
If youre looking for a place to start your journey in martial arts or if youre already seasoned on it and look for a place to train come to Underdog MMA. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Wrestling, MMA, Striking, you name it. Great facility with showers and lockers and great instructors!
Ive never been officially a team member, but I have visited the school often. However, what I can say is whenever my daughter and I stop by especially on Sunday to get some time together, especially family bjj. We are always welcomed with open arms by the owner; Russell, as well as his students there. Russell has also help me guide and open my mind on/off the mats whether itd be personal or simply talk about jiujitsu/mma. I consider this gym to be a very well respected gym and if you have any admiration into becoming a high level bjj or mma athlete, this is the gym to put your time into. Ossss
Underdogmma is one of the best jiu jitsu and martia arts academies in the area. Russ has done an exceptional job, i def recommend coming down and learning from some of the best MMA and BJJ coaches in CT!
Great instructors. New,clean fully equipped facility.
Quality training and programs
Great place to roll.