Martial Arts Programs
We don’t stop at classes! Underdog is proud to offer a variety of programs to ensure that everyone has access to safe, effective martial arts and self defense training.
Jiu Jitsu
Underdog Jiu Jitsu
Where choking your friends is normal, and wearing spandex is highly encouraged.
Jiu Jitsu is hands-down one of the most effective martial arts for self-defense. It’s also one of the most addicting sports out there - think chess with joint locks. You’ll work your brain, your body, and maybe your ego... especially when someone half your size folds you like a lawn chair. And weirdly, you'll love it.
At Underdog, we train no-gi, which means no pajamas, no bathrobes - just you, some slick rash guards, and a version of grappling that feels more like a superhero fight scene than a slow-motion cuddle. It's fast, athletic, and unapologetically technical.
We're led by 10th Planet brown belts Brian Asheland and Colleen Daly, and our crew is a glorious mix: D1 wrestlers, MMA junkies, lanky software engineers, and a spectacular gender ratio. Ladies, you're not just welcome - you're essential to what makes our team great.
Our Fundamentals course is built for true beginners - with a focus on safety, body awareness, and learning how to move and think like a grappler. You’ll cycle through a 12-week curriculum covering the most important positions, escapes, submissions, and strategies. Repeat it as many times as you want until things click.
Intermediate class turns up the heat: more wrestling, more throws, more detail, more live rolling. You’ll start to connect dots and build a real game.
Competition class? Hope you stretched. It’s the deep end of the pool — where things get sharp, fast, and sweaty in a good way.
Some of us compete. Some of us just train to be dangerous at cookouts. Either way, there’s a spot for you here.
Come for the chokes. Stay for the people. And maybe become the most dangerous version of yourself in the process.
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Kickboxing
Underdog Kickboxing
Underdog Martial Arts kickboxing program is based off of K1 and Glory style kickboxing - meaning less time in the clinch, lots of lateral movement, and a seamless translation to MMA.
Led by 13x time pro MMA fighter Alexa Conners, our kickboxing program is designed with everyone in mind, from folks just wanting to learn a new skill to avid competitors. We meet everyone where they're at.
We leverage the heavy bag, thai pads, and partner work as modalities to hone skill and improve conditioning. Our fundamentals class is designed to move students safely into Intermediate and Competition classes with the skills and control they need to be successful, no matter their goal. Our intermediate and Competition classes build on that foundation to forge fully realized fighters and athletes.
Worried about getting your head turned into a speed bag? So are we. CTE is real, and we don’t mess around when it comes to safety. We have clear, explicit expectations of our students on how to train effectively and keep their partners' safe. We set clear expectations: train hard, protect your partners, and leave the “I just see red” stuff at the door. We're building fighters, not liabilities.
So whether you want to level up your cardio or step into the cage someday, this is the place. Real coaching, real skills, and a team that actually cares.
Kickboxing classes run every day (except Sunday - even fighters rest). Your first class is free. Come try it out!
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Women & Femme
Self Defense
Women and Femme
Self Defense
Ready to feel unstoppable? At Underdog Martial Arts in Asheville, NC, we offer high-energy, empowering self defense training through weekly Guerrera Self Defense classes, monthly weekend intensives, and specialized workshops — all designed to make you stronger and more confident in your body and your skills. With five weekly classes led by Guerrera founder Colleen Daly, you'll train in a bold, woman-led, trauma-informed environment that blends the best of kickboxing, jiu jitsu, wrestling, judo, and real-world self defense. Our monthly Guerrera Intensives dive even deeper, offering 3- or 10-hour weekend workshops that are open to all experience levels — beginners welcome! Whether you're here to build power, protect yourself, or connect with a badass community of women and femmes, Guerrera will meet you where you're at and help you level up. Colleen is a black belt in a leading self defense system, a brown belt in 10th Planet Jiu Jitsu, and a former competitor in boxing, kickboxing, and jiu jitsu — and she’s here to teach you how to fight, but mostly to remember that you are worth fighting for. It’s serious training, but a hell of a lot of fun.
Interested in weekly classes? Fill out the form here!
Interested in weekend seminars? Register below!
Kid’s Martial Arts
Kickboxing & Jiu Jitsu
Kid’s Martial Arts
Want your kid to be the kid who stands a little taller, thinks a little sharper, and handles whatever life throws their way? Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and kickboxing do exactly that. Here’s the deal: 81% of parents noticed their kids got noticeably more respectful after starting martial arts (Martial Arts Industry Association, 2020). In just three months, over 80% of kids gained real confidence — the kind that sticks (Youth Martial Arts Association, 2022). After eight weeks, 64% of kids felt safer at school, like they actually know how to handle trouble if it shows up (Journal of Applied Psychology, 2019). Martial arts training also slashes bullying by 68% — not by teaching kids to fight, but to outsmart and outmaneuver (BulliesOut, 2020). Focus and emotional control? Those jump by 52%, especially for kids who struggle to sit still in class (Psychology of Sport and Exercise, 2016). Plus, self-regulation and conflict skills can improve by up to 63% (Children & Schools Journal, NASW, 2017).
This isn’t just a sport — it’s an opportunity for your kid to surprise themselves, and to internalize that they’re stronger than they think.
Why us? Our kids’ program is run by parents, people who GET IT. Our program is intentionally small, allowing for lots of personalized attention. We’ve mastered the perfect blend of honing technique and play, making for a class that keeps your kid’s attention, challenges their brains AND bodies, all while building strong friendships and a sense of community.
Best part? First class is FREE to make sure your kid loves training!
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Queer/Trans/LGBT+
Self Defense Workshops
Queer/Trans/LGBT+ Self Defense Workshops
We are dedicated to providing trauma-informed self defense training to those typically overlooked by the martial arts industry.
So if you’re looking to learn tried and true self defense principles and practice a little kicky-punchy-chokey-breaky amongst friends join our free self-defense workshops every first Saturday of the month from 12:30–2:30 PM. No experience needed - just bring your energy and a willingness to learn. The training is FREE to anyone in the LGBT+/queer/trans community. Registration is required so reserve your spot below! (move to the first Saturday of each month in the schedule)