Business Details
16 Years
experience
Martial Arts Training in Bellingham, WA
Bellingham Mixed Martial Arts was founded in 2010 by Charlie Pearson, Landon Showalter, and Jeremy Saunders to cultivate local fighting talent and promote martial arts accessibility. Acquired in 2016 by Hunter Clagett and Lara Carter, the gym continues to prioritize community-driven growth while maintaining rigorous training standards. Our philosophy centers on inclusivity, emphasizing respect, honor, and personal development through martial arts. With a team of experienced instructors, including professional fighters and BJJ black belts, we offer comprehensive programs in MMA, kickboxing, and grappling. Our facility combines technical excellence with a welcoming environment, ensuring students of all skill levels achieve physical and mental growth.We integrate diverse disciplines like Muay Thai, Dutch kickboxing, and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu to create a dynamic training experience. As active competitors, our instructors bring real-world expertise to every class, fostering resilience and confidence in our community. We believe martial arts should be accessible to everyone, regardless of background or experience level. Our commitment to quality instruction and community values has made us a trusted name in Bellingham since 2010. Whether pursuing competition or personal fitness, students benefit from our proven methodologies and supportive atmosphere.
Services
MMA Training
Kickboxing
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Grappling
Muay Thai
Dutch Kickboxing
No-Gi Grappling
Gi Jiu-Jitsu
Wrestling
Tae Kwon-Do
Details
- Year established: 2010
Highlights and features
- We offer expert instruction from professional MMA fighters and BJJ black belts.
- Our training combines multiple martial arts for a comprehensive approach.
- We welcome all skill levels in a supportive, inclusive environment.
- Our facility is designed for optimal martial arts training.
- We emphasize respect, honor, and personal growth in our community.
Services
MMA Training
Our MMA program combines striking, grappling, and cage work to develop well-rounded fighters. Students learn techniques from Muay Thai, boxing, wrestling, and BJJ in structured classes led by professional fighters. The curriculum emphasizes practical application, conditioning, and competition preparation for all experience levels.
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
We offer gi and no-gi BJJ instruction with a lineage through Zenith BJJ. Classes focus on positional control, submissions, and transitions for self-defense and competition. Students progress through belt ranks under certified black belt instructors with international competition experience.
Kickboxing
Our kickboxing program blends Muay Thai, Dutch-style kickboxing, and boxing techniques. Classes emphasize footwork, striking combinations, and defensive maneuvers in a high-energy environment. Instruction caters to both fitness enthusiasts and competitive fighters seeking technical refinement.
Grappling
No-gi grappling classes focus on takedowns, positional dominance, and submission techniques without traditional uniforms. Drawing from sambo, catch wrestling, and wrestling, this program builds functional strength and technical proficiency for MMA applications and sport grappling competitions.
Youth Programs
Our youth martial arts programs teach discipline, confidence, and self-defense through age-appropriate MMA and BJJ instruction. Classes emphasize character development alongside physical skills in a safe, encouraging environment for children and teenagers.
People
Hunter Clagett
Head Coach
Professional MMA fighter with 35+ professional bouts and BJJ black belt under Mike Simpson. Leads technical instruction and competition team development.
Lara Carter
Owner
IBJJF No-Gi World Champion and Master 2 blue belt. Oversees gym operations and teaches grappling fundamentals with championship-level expertise.
Penny M.
Grappling Instructor
Experienced amateur MMA fighter and BJJ brown belt. Specializes in women's self-defense programs and beginner grappling instruction since 2014.
Andrew J.
Kickboxing Instructor
Active amateur MMA competitor and BJJ blue belt. Teaches striking fundamentals and conditioning classes for new students since 2021.
Questions
What martial arts disciplines do you teach?
We offer MMA, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai, Dutch kickboxing, wrestling, and no-gi grappling with expert instruction from professional fighters.
Are classes suitable for beginners?
Yes! Our programs welcome all skill levels, with structured curricula for beginners through advanced students in a supportive, inclusive environment.
What should I wear to my first class?
For MMA, wear athletic shorts and a t-shirt; for BJJ, bring a gi or rash guard and grappling shorts.
Do you have competitive teams?
Yes, we maintain active competition teams in MMA, BJJ, and kickboxing with experienced coaches preparing athletes for local and national events.
How do I schedule a trial class?
Visit our website to book a free trial class or contact us directly at 425-418-1824 for personalized assistance.
Reviews (7)
Kilo Da Kid
Apr 29, 2021
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Coach Hunter and Lara run a great program in a very comfortable yet highly instructional environment. Recommend deeply for beginners but tailors to all skill levels.
Chamorita
Oct 19, 2020
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Positive:Communication,Professionalism,Quality,Value
Great coaches, very very clean and we'll kept, good quality techniques. Great training for grappling and kickboxing. Very pleased with enrolling my teen as a parent, and my teen as a student is liking the improvements in physical fitness and mma skills..
Great coaches, very very clean and we'll kept, good quality techniques. Great training for grappling and kickboxing. Very pleased with enrolling my teen as a parent, and my teen as a student is liking the improvements in physical fitness and mma skills..
Jonathan Dennison
Oct 10, 2020
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Had my first kickboxing lesson. I had an absolute blast! The instructor was friendly, professional, and very attentive to detail in making sure that I was learning proper form. I can't wait to go back!
Leona Friedman
Oct 01, 2020
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The owners of Bellingham MMA (Hunter and Lara) are extrenely kind and genuinely care so much about each individual student. They work to make the enviornment feel welcoming for everyone no matter their skill or experience level. They also have a strong technical curriculum, so they make sure that everyone has a solid foundation of basic techniques before doing any sparring or more difficult drills.
No matter your experience I think you will find this gym to be perfect for you because they really cater to everyone! I have been doing muay thai for about 5 years and I love it here, but I also convinced
No matter your experience I think you will find this gym to be perfect for you because they really cater to everyone! I have been doing muay thai for about 5 years and I love it here, but I also convinced
Jesse Johns
Nov 19, 2018
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Fantastic coaching, great people, and friendly environment. Whether you're a fighter, a martial artist, or fitness fanatic, Bellingham Mixed Martial Arts is the place to train. I can't say enough good things about this gym.
Dani Olson
May 26, 2018
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I have been a member of Bellingham Mixed Martial Arts for 4 years. At my beginning I was a complete novice and the coaches (and students!) were nothing but kind and welcoming to me, taking the extra time I needed to learn things that didnt come natural to me. Fast forward 4 years and the gym is more like family and I have never been more confident in my strength and ability. Owner/ Coach Hunter cares about each of his students and has created a positive vibes/ inclusive MMA gym Im proud to belong to.
Penny McMahon
Aug 30, 2017
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I've attended this gym for 3 years now and I love it. Coach Hunter is very accommodating to his students and always finds a way to modify and work around physical, emotional, and mental limitations. The coaches (and their spouses) have helped me a great deal in becoming who I am today!
