Schedule

No-Gi Jiu Jitsu at Underdog Martial Arts is what happens when chess, wrestling, and a low-key existential crisis meet on the mats. No pajamas, 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 a socially acceptable reason to aggressively hug strangers, we’ve got you. First class is free. Regret is minimal

Gi Jiu-Jitsu at Underdog Martial Arts is the art of patience, precision, and occasionally getting choked with your own jacket. The uniform (“Gi”) gives you grips, handles, and about a thousand more ways to get tangled up. It’s slower, more technical, and feels a bit like human Rubik’s Cube fighting back. You’ll learn control, defense, and how to strangle and submit opponents using leverage, timing, and a humble dose of audacity.. Whether your goal is self-defense, sport competition, or just learning how to stay calm while someone’s trying to tie you in a knot, this is where it starts..

For those of you unimpressed by our humor, Jiu Jitsu is a grappling-based martial art (sometimes called “the gentle 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.

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.

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!

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:

1. Long warmup that provides active introduction to the fundamental punches, kicks, and movements in kickboxing (10-12 min)

2. A TOUGH high intensity interval training workout custom made, each day, by the instructor to cater to the group’s needs (12-16 min)

3. 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.

The high-intensity interval training portion throws dumbbells, kettlebells, bands, barbells, boxes, sandbags, and anything else we can find into the mix. Beginners, don’t worry—this class is beginner-friendly in the same way a rollercoaster is beginner-friendly: thrilling, a little terrifying, and absolutely worth it.

Bring your gloves, your grit, and a healthy sense of humor. You’ll thank us later.

Our Women/Femme Self Defense program borrows from the best of jiu jitsu, striking, wrestling, traditional self defense, and more. In this class, students will get instruction on verbal advocacy and deescalation as well as physical defenses. You can expect to learn defenses for various situations, but more importantly, how to fight in general. These classes welcome and cater to beginners. Most importantly - this program is more than a series of classes - its a community of strong women seeking to better themselves and each other through growing stronger together.