Nairobi Jiu-Jitsu Academy Opens East Africa’s Largest MMA Training Facility in Nairobi

The Nairobi Jiu-Jitsu Academy (NJA) has officially unveiled its new, state-of-the-art combat sports facility in Nairobi, marking a major milestone for martial arts and MMA development in East Africa. Located on the second floor of New Muthaiga Mall in Thigiri Ridge, the facility is now recognized as the largest martial arts training center in the region.

This expansion positions NJA as a leading force in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ), Mixed Martial Arts (MMA), and combat sports training in Kenya.

A World-Class Combat Sports Facility in Nairobi

The new 650-square-metre facility has been designed to meet international training standards, featuring:

•  Kenya’s only full MMA octagon cage
•  Fully equipped strength and conditioning area
•  Four types of professional striking heavy bags
•  A 150-square-metre open mat training space

The facility supports athletes of all levels, from beginners to professional fighters, offering structured programs in BJJ, MMA, and fitness conditioning.

Global MMA Legends Lead Opening Workshops

The grand opening attracted some of the biggest names in combat sports, including:

• Ricardo Testai
• Renato Sobral

Professor Ricardo Testai, head coach at Kings MMA in California, is renowned for training UFC athletes such as Fabrício Werdum, Marvin Vettori, and Kelvin Gastelum. Renato “Babalu” Sobral, a former Strikeforce Light Heavyweight World Champion and UFC title challenger, brings decades of elite competition experience.

Both legends conducted exclusive BJJ and MMA workshops for children and adults, giving Kenyan athletes rare access to world-class coaching.

Three Days of Martial Arts Celebration

The launch event ran over three days, bringing together:

•  Athletes from Kenya, Tanzania, and the Democratic Republic of Congo 
•  Martial arts families and fans 
•  Media and combat sports communities 

The program featured:

•  MMA and BJJ seminars 
•  Strength and conditioning demonstrations 
•  Belt promotion ceremonies 

The event highlighted NJA’s commitment to community building, discipline, and technical excellence in martial arts training.

Strengthening Kenya’s Combat Sports Ecosystem

The opening of NJA’s new facility represents a major step forward for combat sports in Kenya and East Africa. The academy now offers:

•  Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu classes for children and adults (male and female) 
•  MMA training for amateurs and professional fighters 
•  Structured strength & conditioning programs
•  A new MMA Fitness program designed for non-contact training 

These programs aim to develop disciplined, competitive athletes while keeping training safe and accessible.

Building Future Champions in East Africa

NJA’s long-term vision is focused on developing high-performance athletes and strengthening East Africa’s presence on the global combat sports stage.

Following a year of strong competitive results in both Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and MMA competitions, the academy continues to grow its reputation as one of the most influential training hubs in the region.

The expanded facility now allows NJA to meet rising demand from:

•  Aspiring professional fighters 
•  Fitness enthusiasts 
•  Children’s martial arts programs 
•  Recreational trainees 

All while maintaining high coaching standards and a safe, inclusive environment.

The opening of the Nairobi Jiu-Jitsu Academy’s new MMA facility marks a defining moment for martial arts in Kenya. With world-class infrastructure and international coaching influence, NJA is helping shape the future of MMA, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and combat sports in East Africa.

This is more than a gym opening—it is a statement about the region’s growing place in global combat sports.