Fighting Through Blood, Sweat, and Humidity in The 5 Best Martial Arts Studios in Vietnam
Taking the first step into a martial arts gym is intimidating. You hear the heavy thud of shin kicks on leather, see seasoned fighters rolling on the mats, and suddenly, your couch looks appealing.
Vietnam’s combat sports scene is expanding rapidly, and finding a legitimate spot only adds to the stress.
For every authentic dojo with a genuine lineage, there can be overpriced fitness centers that care more about aesthetics than your striking technique. Wasting your hard-earned dong on a membership that fails to deliver real skills is frustrating.
To save you from the guessing game, our team strapped on the gloves and hit the mats across the country to find the best martial arts studios in Vietnam.
We compiled this guide to help you step into the cage with confidence and sweat out a brutal work week with elite instruction. This is your cheat sheet to finding a new fight home.
How much does martial arts training cost in Vietnam?
Martial arts training in Vietnam is incredibly diverse in terms of pricing, so your monthly bill will really depend on what kind of experience you are after.
No-frills local clubs covering the basics operate on a budget, typically charging under 1,000,000 VND per month for a few sessions a week.
Dedicated practitioners wanting unlimited access to modern facilities with Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) or Muay Thai classes generally pay between 1,000,000 and 2,500,000 VND monthly.
High-end fitness centers offering all-inclusive luxury packages push that price tag to 3,000,000 VND and beyond.
Drop-in rates remain quite reasonable for those holding off on a full commitment, usually costing 150,000 to 300,000 VND per session.
Private coaching is also available for focused attention, with hourly rates varying wildly based on the instructor’s fame and expertise.
1. Lien Phong Training Center
Website: https://www.lienphongmma.com/
Address: 101/29/15 Alley 5 Le Van Luong Street Phuoc Kien Ward, Nha Be District, Ho Chi Minh City
Contact: 0345 475 335 | [email protected]
Schedule:
- Mon-Fri 6:00 AM – 10:30 PM
- Sat-Sun 6:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Eastern and Western martial arts meet in Lien Phong’s training system. This is where master Johnny Trí Nguyễn’s ancestral Vietnamese martial arts meet modern mixed martial arts (MMA).
Lien Phong teaches a hybrid style incorporating fluid strikes and solid ground fighting.
The facility itself is stunning, featuring a spacious open-air design surrounded by greenery that feels more like a traditional dojo than a city gym.
But their open-air charm does come with a specific drawback. The lack of climate control in the main training areas can be intense.
Standing on those mats surrounded by greenery, I felt a shift in my focus that you just don’t get in a mall gym, but the tropical heat definitely adds a layer of grueling difficulty to the workout.
Fighters pushing through the humidity discover professional pathways to major tournaments like the Lion Championship, making it a top-tier choice for aspiring competitors.
Best place for ju jitsu in Saigon
High level BJJ here. Black belt instructor from Brazil! Dedicated competition team. Best place for ju jitsu in Saigon. If you are looking to train BJJ in Ho Chi Minh, this is the place to go.
– Oscar Sandström, Google Review
Course consultant is very clear
I really like the space in Lien Phong, very rustic and close, thatched roof house, bamboo fence, lots of open space, a coffee shop and a free gym for students. There is also a spacious MMA cage. The course consultant is very clear and has a good grasp of the issues that need to be clarified with students. The price of courses for adults is around 2.5 million to 2.9 million/month
– David Nguyen, Google Review (Translated)
2. SILVERBACK MMA HQ
Website: https://www.silverbackmmavn.com/
Address: 168 Van Tien Dung Street (A2), VCN Phuoc Hai, Nha Trang
Contact: 090 633 1991 | 037 360 7006 | [email protected]
Schedule:
- Mon-Fri 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Sat 7:00 AM – 9:30 PM
Silverback MMA HQ offers a comprehensive combat sports experience in Nha Trang.
While many gyms specialize in just one art, Silverback provides high-level instruction across MMA, BJJ, Boxing, and even Kudo, all under one roof.
This versatility is backed by their official affiliation with the Vietnam Mixed Martial Arts Federation (VMMAF), ensuring that the training you receive meets national competitive standards.
The coaching staff is world-class, featuring national team coaches and Abu Dhabi Combat Club (ADCC) champions who know exactly how to build a fighter from the ground up.
The facilities are also modern and clean, coaching kids in afternoon classes and conditioning professional athletes for evening bouts.
One limitation to consider, however, is their schedule as the gym is closed on Sundays. This is a significant inconvenience for those of us with standard 6-day work weeks.
A great place to train BJJ in Nha Trang, Vietnam
Silverback MMA is a great place to train BJJ in Nha Trang, Vietnam.
The facility here is modern and well equipped. The place is convenient to visit and the people are friendly.
Ton That German is a great coach who can provide you with good lessons and disciplines. 😊
– Tuan Kieu, Google Review
The athletes and people here are super nice and helpful
I’ve done martial arts for about 4 years now and while i was here on my vacation for 2 weeks, i came here daily as the schedule was really comfortable for me.
If you are travelling and you do martial arts you should definitely come here. It’s a really nice gym that offers variety of combat sports(BJJ, Muay Thai/Kickboxing, Boxing, Wrestling and MMA). The athletes and people here are super nice and helpful. If I’m ever back in Nha Trang I will definitely visit Silverback again.
– Bilguun Chuluunbat, Google Review
3. Shobukan Dojo PMH
Website: https://shobukanvietnam.com/
Address: Shobukan D7: D1.01 Riverside Residence Block D, Tan My Ward, Quận 7, Ho Chi Minh City
Contact: 0909 072 742
Schedule:
- Mon-Fri 4:00 – 7:30 PM
- Sat 9:30 AM – 6:30 PM
- Sun 9:30 AM – 8:00 PM
Shobukan Dojo is the only official branch of the Tenshinshō-den Katori Shintō-ryū in Vietnam.
Students seeking a deep connection to history rather than a standard workout come here to learn a martial art designated as an Intangible Cultural Asset of Japan.
The dojo is led by Malte Stokhof, a direct student of the headmaster in Japan, ensuring that every sword stroke and movement is taught exactly as it has been for centuries.
The environment is premium and spacious, creating a serious atmosphere for studying Aikido and Kenjutsu that feels very different from a noisy sports center. This attracts a dedicated group of students who value discipline.
But the strict adherence to Japanese traditions can also be a double-edged sword.
The rigorous formalities and requirements, such as the “blood oath” for advanced levels, might feel a bit too intense or intimidating for a casual hobbyist just looking for a light sweat.
Highly recommend it
My 5 year old son has been going to this Aikido dojo for over 1 year and loves it. They are great with kids, teach them to respect and help one another all whilst having fun. A good way to expel the extra energy that he has. Highly recommend it.
– Guillaume Blanchard, Google Review
The whole experience was fun, educational
I took my students on an excursion here and the whole experience was fun, educational and I could easily design follow-up lessons on the principles and skills we were taught. The staff was professional, the equipment was clean and the lesson and the chosen activities show thoughtful planning and a clear instructional intention. We also took a lot of photos and each student even received a individualised certificate.
– Elri Nieuwenhuis, Google Review
4. Jiboia C88 Martial Arts Fitness & Yoga
Website: https://jiboia-c88.vn/
Address: 109/8 Hanh Song crossroad on Hanoi Highway, Thao Dien, 2nd District, Ho Chi Minh City
Contact: 0865 255 957
Schedule:
- Mon-Fri 7:00 AM – 8:30 PM
- Sat 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Jiboia C88 is the only gym in Vietnam certified by the International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation (IBJJF). This certification ensures your belt rank receives global recognition.
Their schedule features instruction from multiple black belt coaches, including Brazilian nationals and champions. This ensures that you are learning the gentle art from the absolute best sources available.
Beyond the mats, the facility operates like a high-end wellness retreat, featuring ice baths and infrared saunas to help you recover immediately after training. It is a fantastic setup for serious athletes who need integrated recovery.
The downside to this premium experience is the cost. The membership fees are among the highest in the market, and the tiered structure can be restrictive.
Paying top Dong for a “grappling” membership doesn’t even grant you access to striking classes, which can feel limiting.
One of the nicest gyms I’ve been to in Vietnam
Jiboia is one of the nicest gyms I’ve been to in Vietnam 🇻🇳. Had the privilege of training with Onw championship fighter and jiu-jitsu specialist Robson Monkey King Oliveira. We went over ankle locks and transitions to honeyhold leg entanglement and then to heel hooks. Definitely coming back! …
– steven lomeli, Google Review
The space is so big and that facilities are very clean
Dropped in for an 8 am class and was pleased with the help from the coaches and other members from the gym. Professor Gi eve came in to provide more details on the over under pass we drilled that morning, which we found very helpful. I appreciate the encouragement and comradery. The space is so big and that facilities are very clean. Thank you and look forward to taking another class, oss!
– Subi Kim, Google Review
5. AGOGE
Website: https://www.agoge.vn/
Address: 9 Thanh Cong Street, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi
Contact: 098 322 0287 | [email protected]
Schedule: Mon-Sat 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
AGOGE aims to fuse ancient martial values with modern training in Hanoi. It’s an incredibly welcoming space that actively works to break down the intimidation barrier often associated with MMA gyms.
They offer a robust schedule of BJJ and Muay Thai, making it a legitimate spot for cross-training without the ego often found in fight clubs.
The community here is particularly friendly to expats and women. It is also one of the best value-for-money options in the city, providing elite instruction at a very competitive price point.
The trade-off for this popularity and central location is space. During peak hours, the training area gets quite crowded.
Because the facility lacks the expansive square footage of a mega-gym, you might find yourself bumping into other pairs while rolling.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!!
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!!
They have a variety of martial arts (Boxing, Kickboxing-Muay, MMA, BJJ) with a gym corner. Flexible schedule, and training fee is also cheap. Coaches are national champions and they’re very friendly; plus, they can speak and teach in English.
– Thuy Duong LE, Google Review
Coach and students are very welcoming
Came for jiu jitsu 9 am class on Saturday coach and students are very welcoming. It is on second floor of first building on the left in the alley coach can speak very good english and he explains well in detail he roll with students too
– Yosavee, Google Review