MMA in Groningen: gyms, training, and fighters

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Introduction

History of this sport

From limited options to a scene of its own. The growth of MMA in Groningen is reflected in the story of Orlando Prins. In March 2025, he told OOG that there was no gym in the area offering MMA when he wanted to get started. He learned the basics with help from a trainer from outside the region and went on to become a professional fighter and owner of RootMMA.

Gyms and new generations. In 2025, OOG described how MMA was gaining ground in Groningen and how gyms were also seeing interest among young people. Alongside RootMMA, Zerofifty Sports & Fights and Renshu Fights are part of Groningen's MMA scene. The combination of MMA with disciplines such as Brazilian jiu-jitsu, grappling, and kickboxing gives athletes different ways into the sport: they can start with a single discipline or train from the outset on transitions between stand-up fighting and ground fighting.

MMA on the card at MartiniPlaza. MartiniPlaza is a Groningen venue for major fight nights. Glorious Fight Events gala announcements feature Enfusion kickboxing and professional MMA bouts. This gives MMA a place alongside the established kickboxing circuit and lets visitors experience different types of competition in one evening.

A national trend with local significance. MMA's growth in Groningen is part of a wider trend across the Netherlands. Founded in 2024, the Dutch Martial Arts Federation focuses on MMA, kickboxing, and Muay Thai. In Groningen, the sport takes shape on the training mats: at local gyms, recreationalists and competitive athletes work on technique, fitness, and the connection between stand-up fighting and ground fighting.

Local connections

Kickboxing and MMA at MartiniPlaza. Announcements from Glorious Fight Events bring Enfusion kickboxing and professional MMA bouts together on one fight card in Groningen. While kickboxing centers on stand-up fighting, MMA also brings takedowns and ground fighting to the stage.

MMA and ground fighting. The BJJ background of Renshu Fights and the combined offerings of Groningen gyms show how MMA connects with grappling and Brazilian jiu-jitsu. Control, escapes, and submissions are important building blocks. In an MMA class, these are combined with transitions from the clinch and stand-up fighting.

Groningen in the Dutch martial arts scene. The Dutch Martial Arts Federation, founded in 2024, focuses on MMA, kickboxing, and Muay Thai. The development of MMA in Groningen is part of the broader Dutch martial arts scene. If you want to compete, ask your gym about competition opportunities and coaching.

Training and experiencing martial arts in Groningen. At RootMMA, Zerofifty, and Renshu Fights, the focus is on daily training, while MartiniPlaza hosts major fight nights. Together, gyms and events give different sides of the sport a place in the city: learning techniques on the mat and seeing how they are applied in competition.

Martial arts facts

Learn MMA without a local gym: Orlando Prins

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Clubs and training locations

Training in this city

MMA as a combination of skills. MMA combines striking techniques, clinch work, wrestling and ground fighting. In Groningen, you’ll also find disciplines such as BJJ, grappling, kickboxing and boxing. Check with each gym to see which disciplines are available as standalone classes and which are combined in MMA training.

RootMMA. RootMMA is Orlando Prins’s gym in Groningen. An OOG report from March 2025 describes an active training environment with fighters preparing for professional bouts. Ask directly about the current schedule, options for beginners and requirements for training with a competition team.

Zerofifty at Kardingerplas. Zerofifty Sports & Fights lists Bieskemaar 2a as its location and offers MMA training for different age groups. The club lists children’s classes for ages 7 to 11 and youth classes for ages 12 to 16. When signing up, check the current group structure and ask which class is suitable for your experience or your child’s.

Renshu Fights. Renshu Fights combines a grappling-focused background with MMA and experience in other combat sports. The gym offers a free trial class and loaner gear. When booking, ask whether you’ll be attending an MMA, grappling or BJJ class: a gi isn’t needed for every type of training, and the required protective gear varies by class.

From your first class to competition training. Start with technique, control and working with a suitable training partner. Ask how partner drills and sparren are structured and when additional training sessions may be useful. For competition ambitions, fitness and individual techniques are important, but so are how the disciplines fit together and guidance during preparation.

Choose a club

Determine your training goal. Do you want to learn MMA for recreation, improve your fitness, or prepare for competitions? Ask how the classes match your experience and goals. Check whether beginners receive clear explanations and experienced athletes have enough opportunities to develop further.

Compare the class options. MMA combines stand-up techniques, clinch work, takedowns, and ground fighting. Ask how these elements are brought together in training and what additional classes are available. For children and young people, find out how age, experience, and coaching are taken into account when groups are formed.

Pay attention to coaching and safety. Ask about the trainers’ experience and qualifications. During a trial class, look for clear instructions, suitable training partners, and a gradual increase in contact. Ask how sparring is supervised, how injuries are handled, and what rules apply to hygiene and protective equipment.

Experience the atmosphere during a trial class. A trial class helps you decide whether the training style suits you. Ask beforehand what clothing and equipment you need and whether you can borrow any. Check whether there’s room to ask questions and whether you can take part at an appropriate level.

Choose a sustainable training schedule. Compare class times, travel time within Groningen, costs, and membership terms. Ask which classes are included in the membership and what the cancellation or suspension terms are. Choose a training environment you can attend regularly, with coaching that meets your needs.

Discover the clubs

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Athletes with a connection to this city

Orlando Prins. As a professional MMA fighter and owner of RootMMA, Orlando Prins is part of Groningen’s martial arts community. His story shows how an athlete can build their own training base when local class options are limited. In a March 2025 report by OOG, he spoke about both how he got started and the competitive ambitions of fighters at his gym.

Justin at Zerofifty. Zerofifty presents Justin as an active MMA fighter, personal trainer, and kickboxing instructor. At the Groningen gym, his training, coaching, and competitive fighting all come together.

A local training base. For athletes in Groningen, MMA can start as recreational training and later develop into a competitive sport. Talk to the coach about the preparation required, what level is right for you, and how support is arranged for your first fight. That way, you can work toward a competition step by step, starting at your current level.

Discover the profiles

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Trainers with a connection to this city

Orlando Prins at RootMMA. Orlando Prins is a professional MMA fighter and owner of RootMMA in Groningen. In the March 2025 OOG report, he described a training environment where fighters prepare for professional bouts. His ambition was to see a fighter from his gym in the UFC within three years. This showed how far he hoped to take his team in Groningen.

Guillermo at Zerofifty Sports & Fights. Zerofifty introduces Guillermo as a co-owner and MMA coach with more than twenty years of martial arts experience and a background as a professional MMA fighter. The gym is located at Kardingerplas. During a trial class, ask who will coach your group and how classes are tailored to beginners, youth, and experienced athletes.

Barry at Renshu Fights. Renshu Fights describes Barry as a coach with a second-degree black belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu, a black belt in karate, and experience in MMA and kickboxing. His background combines ground-based training with stand-up fighting skills. Ask about the content of the specific MMA classes and how takedowns, control, and transitions are taught.