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First State Martial Arts (BJJ and Muay Thai)

First State Martial Arts (BJJ and Muay Thai)

517 reviews
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About First State Martial Arts (BJJ and Muay Thai)

At First State Martial Arts in Dover, Delaware, we deliver focused Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Muay Thai instruction to the capital city community. Located on South Red Haven Lane, we operate with a straightforward mission: teach honest, effective martial arts in a no-nonsense environment that respects every student's time and effort.

Our BJJ program emphasizes the fundamentals that make the art work — proper guard retention, positional awareness, and submission mechanics — before building students toward live rolling and competition. We train both gi and no-gi, and our coaching approach is direct: drill it until it works, then test it in sparring. Our Muay Thai program parallels this philosophy, developing real striking technique through pad work, partner drills, and controlled sparring.

First State Martial Arts is a fighter's gym with a family atmosphere. Students here are serious about improvement, but they also look out for one another. Dover's martial arts community has a home here, and we welcome anyone who wants to put in the work.

Reviews

5
17 reviews
Cody Herrmann
2022-10-03

This gym has such a great atmosphere. Everyone is extremely approachable and enthusiastic about their craft. Never met such a wonderful group of people. Their classes are great for a wide range of experience levels from brand new to advanced practitioners. The coaches are extremely talented and humble. Always available to answer questions or just have a conversation about anything. If they don’t know your name by the end of class, I’d be extremely surprised. First State Martial Arts has cultivated the type of environment I want to train in and it really does feel like one big family. One with some extra aggressive hugging maybe but at the end of the day, these guys will show you the attention and support that will make you want to come back.

nick wheeler
2018-12-20

Great MMA and BJJ studio! Especially for the little ones, I've had my boys going here for a couple months and they are learning new technique everyday. Highly recommend coming here and giving it a shot. From experienced to beginner it's a great opportunity. Also this is a gracie jujitsu gym

Richard Hucks
2024-07-02

Been here for 4 years ever since I was 14 years old. Everyone is super friendly here and I’ve seen people who never compete and just go for a workout and that’s fine because the coaches don’t pressure people to compete unless they want too, but I have also seen some amazing competitors amongst the coaches and students. So unless you’re doing jiu jitsu to be #1 in the world, this place can accommodate everyone, competition based or hobby based. I help teach the kids program and it is the same way the coaches help them compete or do jiu jitsu as a hobby.

Nic Mooney
2022-10-04

From the perspective of an absolute beginner with no prior experience in any physically competitive sport, I am grateful a friend of mine referred me to FSMA! The people are kind and supportive, our coaches are personable, and the atmosphere is conductive for learning every aspect of BJJ! I am proud to be a part of this family :D

Mike Wescott
2019-07-09

They have an amazing clean, safe and professional environment. The level of instruction is great from any skill set from black belt to day 1 white belt. If you live in around the Dover/Camden area this is the place to train at. They offer Gracie Jiu Jitsu as well as Muay Thai classes.

Frequently Asked Questions

WHERE IS FIRST STATE MARTIAL ARTS LOCATED?

We are at 523 S Red Haven Lane, Suite 102, Dover, Delaware 19901.

DO YOU OFFER BOTH BJJ AND MUAY THAI?

Yes. We run Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Muay Thai programs side by side. Students can train in one or both disciplines.

IS FIRST STATE MARTIAL ARTS GOOD FOR BEGINNERS?

Yes. Our beginner classes are structured to bring new students up to speed on technique and mat etiquette before introducing live sparring.

DO YOU TRAIN GI AND NO-GI BJJ?

We train in both gi and no-gi formats, giving students the flexibility to develop skills in whichever style suits their goals.

HOW DO I GET STARTED?

Message us through our Facebook page or show up to a class. We will introduce you to the gym and get you started on the right foot.