SMMACA is celebrating their move to a brand-new home, and they're marking it with a free Open Day on Saturday 26th September from 10.30am. Their new base is Unit 4 on the Bulmer Road Industrial Estate, just off Brundon Lane, and by all accounts it's a proper step up, with new mats and a full-size octagon.

Ashley Levingbird founded it in 2022 and has spent over ten years coaching alongside some of the biggest names in the sport, including a long stint with the UFC.

"We've worked incredibly hard to create a bigger, better home for SMMACA, and we're excited to finally open our doors to the community. Whether you're completely new to martial arts or already train, come down, meet the team, try a class and see what we're all about. There's a place for everyone at SMMACA, come and join the clan."

A bigger team behind it too

The move isn't just about the building. The coaching line-up has grown as well, and there's some serious experience on the mats:

Ashley Levingbird – Head Coach and Founder, leading MMA, with a background spanning Karate, Aikido, Ninjutsu, Kung Fu, Muay Thai, Boxing and Krav Maga

Stuart Anderson – Head BJJ Coach, a 3rd Degree Black Belt with over 20 years' experience, running the club's Stormbreaker BJJ programme

Ben Crickmore – Head Kickboxing Coach, a South Wales K1 Amateur Champion, former serviceman (two tours of Afghanistan), who's competed in stadiums in Thailand

Nik Maschas – BJJ Fundamentals Coach, focused on building grappling skills from scratch for beginners and children

SMMACA is proud to be an inclusive club. They coach everyone, from complete beginners and young children right through to people training to compete, and they're the only club locally set up to do all of that under one roof.

What to expect on the day

It's free, it's open to everyone, and you don't need any experience. On offer:

 Free taster sessions in MMA, BJJ, kickboxing, boxing and self-defence

 Kids welcome from age 7

 Special Open Day membership offers

 A chance to meet the coaches and current members

 A first look at the new facility

The taster sessions run like this:

10.30 – Doors open
11.00 – BJJ
11.45 – Kickboxing
12.50 – Boxing
13.35 – MMA
14.20 – Self-defence
15.05 – Chat with the team

Each session is 30 minutes, with 15 minutes afterwards for questions.

If Saturday doesn't work for you, head to the academy's website, register your interest, and the team will help you find the right class.