UNDERDOG
MARTIAL ARTS
Jiu Jitsu | Kickboxing | Self Defense | Fitness | Kids
Underdog Martial Arts is a martial arts gym offering no-gi jiu-jitsu, kickboxing, self-defense, and fitness programming for kids and adults.
We build practitioners from the ground up. We develop strong skill sets for hobbyists and competitors alike. We foster friendships.
We’re an ego-free gym focused on efficacy, technique, fitness, tough workouts, and a team that has your back.
Your first class is free! Sign up now:
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Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
No-Gi Brazilian Jiu Jitsu at Underdog Martial Arts is what happens when chess, wrestling, and a reality check meet on the mats. No gis, no belts to grab - just sweat, leverage, and the humbling realization that someone half your size can fold you like a beach chair. It’s fast, technical, and oddly addictive. Whether you’re training for self defense, competition, or just want to challenge your brain and body simultaneously, we’ve got you. First class is free.
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is a grappling-based martial art (sometimes called “the gentle or yielding art”) that focuses on manipulating your partner’s energy to gain dominant position and submissions. It is widely considered one of the best arts to study for self defense, and is a brilliant sport for players of all ages.
We offer mixed-gender and womens classes every week! Sign up for a free trial and get started today!
Kickboxing
Kickboxing at Underdog Martial Arts pulls from Muay Thai, Dutch kickboxing, Glory and K1 Kickboxing, boxing, and more - because taking the best from everything seems to work pretty well. The fundamentals class covers striking basics: movement, punches, kicks, and how to shell up at the perfect time. Advanced classes connect those dots in sport and self defense scenarios. Classes are highly technical, partner-based, and are known to…accelarate the heart rate. Expect light & controlled contact (we don’t love CTE), thoughtful instruction, and the occasional moment where you genuinely surprise yourself.
As class intensity progresses, we use heavy bags, Thai pads, focus mitts, partner work, controlled sparring drills, and light sparring to build real skill through smart, progressive training.
Fitness Kickboxing
Underdog Heavy Bag HIIT is arguably one of the most brutal and simultaneously exhilarating kickboxing fitness classes in all of Asheville. 45 Minutes of pure terror, Heavy Bag HIIT is an addictingly rewarding combination of kickboxing combinations on the heavy bag and custom-tailored high-intensity interval training. The instructors make up the workouts themselves, no hand-me-downs from corporate. Their goal is to challenge YOU,
The workout happens in three parts:
Long warmup that provides active introduction to the fundamental punches, kicks, and movements in kickboxing (10-12 min)
A TOUGH high intensity interval training workout custom made, each day, by the instructor to cater to the group’s needs (12-16 min)
Four 3-Minute rounds on the heavy bag. (16 minutes including rest time of pure punchy, kicky, ragey glory)
Students will learn proper kickboxing technique from a coach with real competition experience. Our head instructor has over15 years experience in fitness programming and instruction - making for a deadly combo.
Kid’s Jiu Jitsu & Kickboxing
At Underdog Martial Arts in Asheville, our classes center on building awesome, confident, kind kids on and off the mat. Through kickboxing, jiu jitsu, and learning to work as a team, kids build way more than “discipline” or “self defense skills” - they learn how to stick with hard stuff, to depend on friends, to grow through mistakes, to support one another.
Parents love our program because it delivers results. Kids improve focus at school, develop healthier habits, and gain emotional resilience — all while having fun and staying active. Every class blends skill-building with positive coaching, helping kids grow at their own pace.
Kids BJJ strengthens problem-solving and body awareness. Kickboxing for kids builds coordination and athleticism.
No matte your child’s experience or background, they’ll find a welcoming community here. At Underdog Martial Arts, we don’t just teach punches and takedowns - we help kids become confident, capable, and resilient.
Start their journey today, with a free trial!