Clinch and Grappling for MMA

What it is

Clinch for MMA and Grappling for MMA are two members-only sessions at the Ashburn academy, each named for a part of the fight that single-discipline sports only partly cover.

The clinch in MMA is standing grappling with strikes allowed. Fighters battle for underhooks and head position, land knees and short punches from the tie-up, and use the same grips to finish a takedown or break away. It borrows from Muay Thai, wrestling, and jiu-jitsu at once, which is why it rewards dedicated time.

Grappling for MMA takes ground skills and adjusts them for a fight where strikes are legal. Holding position, getting back to your feet, and controlling an opponent all work a little differently when your partner can punch. At Ashburn, MMA fighters take their ground game from the No-Gi classes. In MMA generally, a fighter on the bottom has to defend strikes as well as submissions, so the priorities shift toward controlling posture, creating space, and standing back up.

In the sport as a whole, many fights are won or lost in these two phases, which is why MMA coaches often give them time of their own. Apex keeps one coaching standard across both academies, two schedules to choose from.

Who it is for

These sessions are for members of the Ashburn academy. At Ashburn, MMA is an adult program for Adults 18+, and kids and teens there build their base in wrestling, jiu-jitsu, and striking before stepping into MMA. No prerequisite is published for either session, so a member who is unsure whether one suits their training can ask a coach.

The Sterling academy does not run these named sessions. MMA training there happens in its age-grouped MMA classes; see the MMA page.

How you join

1. Start with a free class. New adults book a free Intro to MMA class, held at the Sterling academy on Monday and Wednesday evenings. You can also start with a free Muay Thai, Boxing, wrestling, or No-Gi class at the Ashburn academy.
2. Become a member. After your class, a coach walks you through membership options and helps you choose a plan, with no high-pressure sales and no public price menu.
3. Add the sessions. Neither session is on the public class schedule yet, so members can ask a coach at the Ashburn academy for current times.

At Apex Jiu Jitsu & MMA Ashburn

Members only

See the Ashburn schedule

New here? Start with a free MMA class

Questions about Clinch and Grappling for MMA

Can I book Clinch for MMA or Grappling for MMA as a free trial?

No. Both are members' sessions, so they do not appear in the free trial booking. New adults start with a free Intro to MMA class at the Sterling academy, 45714 Oakbrook Ct #160. You can also begin with a free Muay Thai, Boxing, wrestling, or No-Gi class at the Ashburn academy and ask about these sessions once you are a member.

When do these sessions meet?

Neither session appears on the public class schedule yet, so this page does not list times. Members can ask a coach at the Ashburn academy for current times. If you are not a member yet, start with a free Intro to MMA class, held at the Sterling academy on Monday and Wednesday evenings, and ask about these sessions once you join.

Is there a Sterling version of these sessions?

Not as named sessions. The Sterling academy teaches MMA through its own age-grouped classes for Kids 6–9, Youth 10–13, Teens 14–17, and Adults 18+, all of which offer a free first class. The MMA page explains how each academy runs its program, and you can book the one whose schedule suits your week.

How do I know if I am ready to add these sessions?

No prerequisite is published for either session. They are for members of the Ashburn academy, so membership is the first step, and from there a coach can answer questions about how a session fits your training week. At Ashburn, MMA fighters take their ground game from the No-Gi classes, so many MMA students already train more than one discipline.