Dayton Mixed Martial Arts Academy

I was in town for a couple of weeks for work and needed to find a place to train while being away from my home gym. I have a competition coming up and could not afford to miss two weeks of training. I did a simple google search of local BJJ gyms and came across a few but this gym stuck out to me. I dug a little further and decided to visit this gym and when I walked in I was greeted by another member of the gym. We spoke for about ten minutes while we were waiting for the class before us to finish. Coach Chris (owner) came up to me after class and introduced himself and we spoke a little. I explained to him that I was in town for a couple of weeks and would like to train as a drop in while in town. I explained my background to him and he immediately accepted me into the gym and told me that I could be his guest while in town. I was amazed by his professionalism and hospitality.Over the next couple weeks that I trained at Dayton MMA, I felt welcomed by Coach Chris, Coach Ben, and the other students. I learned some new things, was able to drill the moves and enjoyed the roll time. I mentioned to Coach Chris a technique I was having trouble with and he took the time to go over it with me and even showed me an easier way to hit it. At the end of my stay, I went back to thank Coach Chris for letting me train as a guest and he told me that anytime I was in town that I was welcome to train there. You don't get that kind of hospitality from a lot of gyms. I know I made the right choice. For those of you local and are thinking of a BJJ gym, look no further than Dayton MMA. Coach Chris is a direct student of Renzo Gracie and you will not be disappointed by the environment or the knowledge and skill that Coach Chris possesses.

Dayton MMA is like family! Our son has been training for the last 3 years under Coach Chris. Chris communicates his expectations clearly, takes his time when you are new to the class and has truly helped develop our son! Our entire family now attends class and the culture that exist at Dayton MMA you will not find anywhere else. Encouragement, teamwork, and a solid academy to call home!

As absolute top notch place to learn BJJ. The entire team makes everyone feel welcome and Chris explains techniques in an easily understandable format that even I can understand. Dayton MMA is a family that will sharpen your skills while maintaining a safe environment.

I messaged Professor Chris before traveling to the Dayton area for a work conference that I was a novice GB BJJ white belt from the west coast wanting to keep learning while away from home. He welcomed me promptly through email, inviting me to attend any classes I would like while I was in the area.Getting to the studio was a bit confusing as there isn't much signage for the studio (its just a large sticker on the door). I did find it, though, on the second pass of the strip mall, in between a liquor store and a maid service. I attached a photo of his front door with my own photoshop magic added to help future travelers.The studio itself was clean and organized, with plenty of cubbies for belongings, benches for spectators / guests, a changing area and restroom. He has clear guidance posted inside the studio about hygiene, cleanliness and respect for others.I introduced myself to him after his junior class was complete; he recalled our email exchange, was immediately personable, and again I felt welcomed. I signed his online waiver and attendance sheet (he helped walk me through the process) and began with his no-gi session. I stayed next for his Adult BJJ session. My observations of his interactions with the junior class while waiting for the adult sessions to start and what I experienced during his instruction throughout the adult classes, it was clear that he treats his students as a family, and they show him the respect that he deserves. He is firm and fair in his immediate corrections to any students that don't follow his class rules, which I can appreciate. That being said, he is a very effective communicator in his expectations for each drill, and his firmness was to ensure the students followed his provided instructions.His class format is to perform the previous day's techniques with a partner as the warm-up, alternating every 1-2 mins, followed by technique drills built upon the previous classes (my blue belt partner brought me up to speed on what I missed), and finishing with 15+ minutes of rolling, with a partner swap every 3-4 minutes to ensure exposure to a variety of skill levels. During rolling he invited me to roll with him a handful of times and I gladly accepted.The skill mix on my first day appeared to be a couple of purple belts, a few blues and many whites with multiple stripes. By the end of the first session, I was beyond tired, sweat pouring. However, Professor Chris had just the right mix of energy/motivation to keep me moving onto and through the second class that day. Also, the students I rolled with were respectful and appreciative of each other, which was reminiscent of our GB BJJ camaraderie back in Northern Cali.I was fortunate to have time to attend the next day's Adult BJJ class. This class had a few more attendees and some more newer white belts. All showed the same rapport and respect with Professor Chris as the day prior.All told, I'm glad I had this opportunity with Professor Chris and his students, and will definitely reach out to him next time I'm in the area.

I came to Dayton MMA as a purple belt looking for a new gym. What I found was a fantastic instructor, and a great community of people. The instruction is some of the best I've had, conceptually driven and very technical. Chris goes above and beyond to ensure every student is safe and progressing their skills, and knowledge, with every class.

I've trained at a lot of different gyms and this might be the best I've been to overall. Chris has the best and most positive and welcoming energy of any instructor I've trained with, and his instructions are very detailed and affective. He is also great with kids and runs a very organized and disciplined program all around. I highly recommend this gym to all ages.

I had the pleasure to train at Dayton MMA this week while traveling for work and I was positively blown away. Chris is a superb teacher from a renowned lineage. You will learn the best jiu jitsu technique here. On top of that, the culture of the gym is simultaneously disciplined about getting good training and light and friendly. People train hard, but they are also there for the community. This again speaks to Chris’s caliber as a coach and leader, since gym culture pours down from the top. Amazing gym and I can’t wait to train there again.

I am new to any martial art and this gym has set the standard for me. For starters the coaching is top teir. Chris Lehman is very knowledgeable in the world of MMA and wants what’s best for his students. He has fostered a culture of hard working, welcoming, and respectful individuals. All of the more advanced students have also been a huge help to me on my martial arts path. They are all willing to lend a helping hand and take time out of their sessions to help somone like me find their bearings. I would recommend this gym to any and all who are looking to not only learn a skill but be a part of a great team.

Can’t recommend Dayton MMA enough. Chris does an amazing job developing the team and he treats his students like family. I am so glad to have gotten my start in BJJ here. He teaches in a way that not only shows what you are doing but also explains the fundamental principles of why you do it and how it fits into the big picture.

Incredible atmosphere and learning environment. Had the pleasure of training at Dayton MMA on two separate TDYs. Detailed and quality instruction. Chris (the owner) was welcoming, encouraging, insightful. He’s a black belt accredited and affiliated with one of the world’s leading Jiu Jitsu practitioners, Master Renzo Gracie. He’ll go out of his way to make sure you’re taken care of. Just in a short time, my game was elevated by his technique progressions.This gym is versatile and can meet anyone’s needs. From self defense, to fitness, and even the competition setting.He and his team have built a quality children’s program that I would personally recommend. Not only providing clear cut fundamentals, but healthy character-building as well.You can instantly tell that Chris is a coach who cares. It’s easily reflected upon his students. They’ve super welcoming and helpful. Most of them I’ve had contact with even remembered me my second trip to Ohio.I can’t praise this place enough. I found a second home in Dayton Ohio. If you’re interested in getting involved in BJJ/MMA In the area, I guarantee you will too as well.Oss