North Star MMA in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

“I dropped in,as a visiting black belt, while preparing for an MMA fight , and North Star MMA exceeded my expectations. The coaching is sharp, technical, and welcoming, and the room is full of skilled training partners who push the pace without ego. Great atmosphere, great rounds, and a gym that clearly knows how to develop real fighters. Iu2019ve visited several times, to both the old and new facility, and would highly s”

— New A. · ★★★★★ · 2026-1-7

“I've been training at North Star once or twice a week since they changed locations over the summer. Seeing the pictures on social media I couldn't resist checking out the grapple chapel and I'm glad I did. The morning program on Mondays and Fridays is fantastic and a great way to start and end the week. I've been training BJJ longer than I'd like to admit (based on how bad I am at it) but had relatively little striki”

— Shane T. · ★★★★★

“North Star was where I began Muay Thai and I could not have asked for a better spot to start my MMA experience. Coach Jackson and the other instructors were always very friendly and super helpful as I struggled through my first couple of months training. I stayed at the gym for about a year and enjoyed meeting a ton of really cool people and having a workout to look forward to every week. Unfortunately I moved and wa”

— Alec C. · ★★★★★

“Pretty much what Martin saidu2026 Staff/Students 100% have acted in a manner where I wouldnu2019t recommend training there. Plus, one of the fighters/workers whou2019s notorious for joking ironically canu2019t take a joke (this joke didnu2019t get removed from Instagram as it was appropriate)and blew up my phone until he video-called me, and some choice words later (after a trying and kind resolve. I said leave me alone in a mean way)u2026 ”

— Tj · ★★☆☆☆

“I trained here briefly a few years ago. While my trial period felt friendly, the atmosphere changed significantly after I signed up. I started experiencing passive-aggressive or unwelcoming behavior from students, and small things like my sandals being moved or placed under other peopleu2019s gear happened repeatedly, which felt intentional and out of place. During one conditioning drill, the coach took over from my part”

— Martin S. · ★☆☆☆☆

“One of the friendliest rooms Iu2019ve experienced. Great vibes, great atmosphere. Talented people. Highly recommend”

— Valor B. · ★★★★★ · 2026-2-9

“Long overdue review , Jackson is one of the most knowledgeable and serious trainers out there , everywhere I go they compliment my technique and thatu2019s bc of him and Milton , everybody is nice and welcoming , the facilities are religiously clean on a daily and they are respectful towards men , women and children. Thank you for the tools and making me better today Iu2019m a coach bc of what I learned I will forever carry ”

— Victor V. · ★★★★★

“Amazing facility, awesome people, professional instruction. This place is awesome! I remember coach Jackson from when he was tearing up the Muay Thai and MMA scene in Philly over a decade ago. North Star really has it all...Totally beginner friendly, fun training, multiple classes, different programs, flexible schedule. Anyone interested in martial arts do yourself the favor by checking out this place. u201cHighly Recomm”

— Eric K. · ★★★★★ · 2020-2-15