In 2023, to the delight of our young athletes, we reintroduced Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) sessions into our sports offer at the Fight for Peace Academy in North Woolwich, east London. The response was immediate and overwhelmingly positive. A wave of aspiring athletes filled our dojo, motivated not by aggression, but by a shared desire for self-improvement, discipline, and community.
But MMA continues to suffer from a persistent public misconception – that it’s a violent, dangerous sport with little value outside of the ring. At Fight for Peace, we know firsthand how far from the truth that really is.
As one of the fastest-growing sports in the world, MMA is becoming increasingly accessible, diverse, and structured. It’s not just about fighting, it’s about mental strength, technical mastery, emotional regulation, and a sense of belonging.
That’s why when our Sports Development Manager, Silvino proposed its return, we embraced the opportunity to develop a safe and empowering space for young people to engage with the sport.
The arrival of Head Coach and experienced amateur featherweight fighter, Imran Hassan has elevated the sessions further, bringing a wealth of knowledge and a calm, respectful ethos that defines our MMA sessions.
We’ve seen a surge in both participation and competitive interest, with more of our members making ways towards entering the amateur MMA scene. But despite this clear progress, mainstream assumptions remain. MMA is still too often labelled as brutal or reckless.
These ideas are not only outdated, but harmful and overlook the transformational power MMA has for those seeking structure, identity, and self-worth.
In fact, MMA and other combat sports teach us qualities such as discipline, patience, self control and respect for self and others. They create an environment for the community to thrive, and for positive role models to have a transformative influence. The skills and experience we gain through these sports can reduce the likelihood of conflicts arising in our lives.
For MMA athlete Sahil, who has been training at Fight for Peace for three years, he participates in the sport because it has helped him, and still helps him to this day both mentally and physically. “It’s my goal to be the greatest fighter ever, and what brings me back [to the sessions is that] I just enjoy facing the best,” he told us.
As well as supporting both physical and mental growth, MMA at Fight for Peace is delivered in a way that prioritises safety at every level. We have clear procedures and processes in place to ensure that sessions are closely monitored and take place in a secure, controlled environment.
Our experienced coaches are supported by trained youth workers and qualified first aiders, and sessions take place in a fully equipped dojo space designed for the sport. This professional setup allows young people to train with confidence, focus on technical development, and avoid unnecessary risks – building both skill and self-belief as they progress.
The level of skill and commitment needed in order to make it into the competitive space is also key in ensuring fighter safety. “I do MMA because every technique I learn makes me feel more accomplished, and mastering them is just like levelling up in a game,” said Rogério, who has been training MMA at Fight for Peace for a year now.
“Obviously the sport has its risks just like any other. Although you can still feel safe, because the more you learn the more you avoid getting hurt, and that’s the magic of it – trying to get unbeatable,” he continued.
It’s clear from speaking to some of our members that MMA is more than a sport, it’s a catalyst for self-discovery and growth. It’s where respect is earned, discipline is built, and resilience is formed. It’s a space where physical training meets emotional development, and where community becomes the cornerstone of every step forward.
And for many, MMA is also the spark that ignites big dreams – like former Fight for Peace member Jawany Scott who began his amateur MMA journey at our Academy, and has since catapulted into the professional MMA scene.
As Rogério puts it: “I want the adrenaline of competing in MMA and seeing my team support me. What keeps bringing me back is the little dreams of walking out to the big stage with the crowd screaming, lights and music. And the big dream of conquering a Championship Belt.”
These are the dreams we champion. Not rooted in the sport’s misconceptions, but in determination, and the belief that combat sports are a gateway for greatness in all areas of our lives.
