Home › Pennsylvania › Philadelphia › North Star MMA
North Star MMA
4.9 ★★★★★ 92 Google reviews · Muay thai gym in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Plan your first class
- Free trial or intro class most gyms welcome new members with a free trial or intro class — check their site or give them a call to book your first session
- Beginner-friendly all levels welcome, including total beginners — you don't need to be fit or have any experience to start
- Kids & youth classes kids and youth muay thai classes (ages 5–12) — built around discipline, focus, and confidence
- Private lessons private, one-on-one coaching available — a focused way to start or to work around a busy schedule; ask about availability and rates
- Fitness & conditioning muay thai fitness and cardio classes — a serious workout you can do without ever having to spar
- Sparring & clinch sparring and clinch sessions for members ready for controlled contact — always optional and coach-supervised
- Fight team a competition team for members who want to test themselves as amateur fighters
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule northstarmma.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone +1 215-848-5454
Hours
| Monday | 4–9:30 pm |
| Tuesday | 4–9:30 pm |
| Wednesday | 4–9:30 pm |
| Thursday | 4–9:30 pm |
| Friday | 5:30–8:30 pm |
| Saturday | 9 am–1 pm |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“I know the owner for over 20 years and he’s always been a stand-up guy as well as a high-level martial artist that can teach beginners and advanced professional fighters.”
“Jackson is the best, makes you feel like your one on one training in a class of 30+ not sure how he does it!”
“It's not just the coaches either many of my sparring partners have given me helpful tips to improve my game.”
“I know the owner for over 20 years and he’s always been a stand-up guy as well as a high-level martial artist that can teach beginners and advanced professional fighters.”
“If you are looking to build confidence, get a great workout, and develop your mind in new and positive ways, North Star MMA is the place for you.”
Other martial arts here
“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.”
“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.”
What members say
“Jackson has a very friendly and welcoming demeanor, and not only keeps you motivated, but he is an amazing instructor.”
“I know the owner for over 20 years and he’s always been a stand-up guy as well as a high-level martial artist that can teach beginners and advanced professional fighters.”
“Regardless of your level or your goal, if it's simply to workout or compete, Jackson and his team have created a very welcoming, friendly and diverse environment.”
“The coaches put together a complete training syllabus with an emphasis on technique and are always willing to give advice to help you improve.”
“If you are looking to build confidence, get a great workout, and develop your mind in new and positive ways, North Star MMA is the place for you.”
“I know the owner for over 20 years and he’s always been a stand-up guy as well as a high-level martial artist that can teach beginners and advanced professional fighters.”
From the reviews
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.
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...
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.
North Star was where I began Muay Thai and I could not have asked for a better spot to start my MMA experience. Coach Jackson and the other instructors were always very friendly and super helpful as I struggled through my first couple of months training.
New to muay thai? Start at North Star MMA
North Star MMA comes up as a beginner-friendly gym — noted on their own site. If you've never thrown a punch or a kick, that's exactly who a good beginners program is for. A few things worth knowing before your first week. First, you don't need to be fit to start — you get in shape by training, not before it, and coaches scale the conditioning to you. Second, you won't be thrown into sparring — reputable gyms build fundamentals (stance, footwork, and the basic strikes of the "art of eight limbs") for weeks before any contact, and sparring stays optional. Third, all levels really are welcome — ask about a dedicated beginners or fundamentals class time so your first session is alongside others who are also starting out. Most gyms are happy to let you watch or try a class first, so reach out before you commit.
Your first muay thai class at North Star MMA
Nervous about walking into a muay thai gym for the first time? Almost everyone is, and good coaches expect beginners to come through the door. Here's what to know. What to expect: a typical first class is a warm-up, then drilling the basics on pads and bags — not fighting. Rest whenever you need to; no one will bat an eye. What to wear: shorts or athletic wear and a t-shirt; you'll train barefoot on the mats. What to bring: water and hand wraps if you have them — many gyms lend gloves for a first class, so it's worth asking when you call. As you keep training you'll add your own gloves, wraps, a mouthguard, and shin guards. Sparring is optional and comes later, once your fundamentals are solid. Arrive 10–15 minutes early to sign a waiver and meet the coach. It gets easier fast — most people feel far more at home by their third class.
More muay thai gyms near Philadelphia
The Garden MMA
5 ★★★★★ 42 reviews
🥊 Free trial class — check their site
Philadelphia Striking Academy
4.9 ★★★★★ 39 reviews
🥊 Free trial class — check their site
Berzin Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
5 ★★★★★ 42 reviews