Sam Spencer’s MMA gym is changing young lives, one round at a time

When Sam Spencer stepped away from professional MMA, he wasn’t done fighting, he just chose a new arena. 

Now, instead of stepping into the cage himself, he’s helping others step into something bigger: purpose, discipline, and belonging. 

In a converted unit in Bury, Greater Manchester, Smooth Combat Academy is quietly becoming one of the most transformative spaces in the region: not just for aspiring fighters, but for people from all walks of life looking to find focus, confidence, and community.

Sam Spencer and Smooth Combat Academy

Behind the doors of Smooth Combat Academy, a group of people, from nervous teenagers to busy professionals,  are pushing themselves physically, mentally and emotionally. They’re learning to fight, yes. 

But they’re also learning to focus, connect, and grow.

At the heart of it all is Sam Spencer, former professional MMA fighter, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu black belt, and now, the founder and head coach of Smooth Combat Academy, Bury’s fastest-growing martial arts gym.

“I always wanted to open my gym from the moment I figured out how,” Sam said. “I spent all my late teens and twenties being a gym rat. I was in the gym all the time – training, working, coaching. When I stopped fighting, opening my own place felt like the natural next step.”

After years on the amateur and professional MMA circuits, battling through injuries and even picking up a regional title, Sam opened Smooth Combat Academy in 2022. He was just 29 at the time, and his energy and vision were clear from the start.

“I thought before I’m fully broken down, I’ll open the gym while I’ve still got youthful energy to put into coaching, rather than be a washed-up 40-year-old hobbling around,” he laughed.

From day one, Sam built the gym on the values that martial arts had instilled in him: discipline, purpose, humility, and community. What began as a personal passion has rapidly evolved into a thriving hub for people from all walks of life.

Finding purpose through punches

Ask Sam what MMA has to offer people, and his answer is immediate.

“Purpose and direction,” he said. “At 16 or 17, your life can go either way. MMA keeps people on the straight and narrow. It teaches discipline and brings all the benefits of being active and healthy.”

This isn’t just platitudes. Sam’s seen the results first-hand.

“We had two young lads join the gym who were self-harming, struggling with suicidal thoughts. One of them had a daily screen time of 13 hours during the holidays. No structure, no direction – just lost in the post-COVID mess that a lot of kids found themselves in. Now, he’s training every day, lifting weights, wants to compete.”

For Sam, it’s this transformation, not trophies, that defines success.

“MMA gives people a focus. It gets anxious energy out of your system and replaces it with calmness. People leave the gym feeling refreshed, grounded.”

Everyone’s equal on the mat

Smooth Combat Academy might specialise in combat sports: MMA, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Muay Thai, and boxing – but its real strength lies in its culture. From day one, Sam set out to make his gym welcoming to all, no matter their background or experience.

“We’re really proud of how diverse the gym is,” he said. “It’s honestly one of the most multicultural, mixed environments you’ll see. We’ve got lads from grammar schools, state schools, different religions, ethnicities – but on the mat, everyone’s the same. No one cares what you do outside the gym. If you show up and train, you’re one of us.”

This inclusivity isn’t only for teens. Sam estimates that a large portion of the gym’s adult membership falls in the 25–40 age range – working professionals, parents, and people with stressful lives.

“These are people with real responsibilities – jobs, kids, mortgages. And for them, MMA is stress relief. It’s two hours where they switch off from everything else and just focus. It’s healthy stress management, plain and simple.”

Building something bigger

When Sam talks about the gym, it’s clear he’s not just building fighters – but helping people build the foundations for a successful life. 

“We got a great group of 18- to 25-year-olds in the first year. That was always the plan. But what I didn’t expect was the impact the youth classes would have.”

In the early days, Sam ran two weekly youth sessions completely free of charge to make sure kids in the local area had something positive to get involved with. “I taught the classes myself and just put the word out there,” he says. “And the response was huge.”

That initial investment is now paying dividends. Many of those young people are still training, fitter, more focused, more connected. For some, MMA has become a way of life. For others, it’s simply a space to feel safe and supported.

“It’s honestly been more rewarding than any win I had in the cage,” Sam reflected.

In 2025, Sam was awarded his BJJ black belt by his longtime coach Gavin Boardman, a major milestone in any martial artist’s journey. But Sam’s ambitions now stretch beyond his own achievements.

“We’re putting together a sponsorship package,” he revealed, “to fund ten 16-year-old dedicated fighters through a year of free training.”

The plan is to hold an open day where potential candidates take part in a three-hour session and meet the coaching team.

“We’ll assess their attitude, commitment – see if they’ve got the hunger. If they’re dedicated, we’ll cover their membership, get them all the kit, and train them for a full year, free of charge.”

The initiative, part scholarship, part social mission, is about opening doors that might otherwise remain closed.

“After 12 months, we’ll see where they’re at. Maybe they keep training for free, maybe we open it up to new people. But we’re going to ask for commitment. At least three sessions a week. It’s not a handout – it’s an opportunity.”

Sam hopes local businesses will step forward to help fund the project.

“If we can get some sponsor backing, we can change lives. Simple as that.”

The future of Smooth Combat Academy

Martial arts may still carry an intimidating image for some – bruises, bravado, blood. But Sam is helping reshape the narrative.

“We get people walking through the door who’ve never thrown a punch in their life,” he said. “And that’s fine. This place isn’t just for future UFC fighters. It’s for anyone who wants to grow.”

The facility itself is state-of-the-art, with a fully equipped strength and conditioning gym alongside the main mats and rings. Classes are structured to cater for everyone, from total beginners to seasoned athletes.

“Whether you’re here to compete, meet people, or just find a new hobby, we’ve got your back. The coaches are on hand from day one. No egos, no cliques – just a team.”

Sam Spencer’s journey from young fighter to community leader is one defined by passion, resilience and vision. 

“I didn’t realise how much impact we’d have,” he said. “But when you get messages from parents saying you’ve changed their kid’s life, or a lad tells you he’s the happiest he’s ever been – that’s when you know you’re doing something right.”

Backed by a growing membership, a strong coaching team, and plans for social initiatives like the scholarship scheme, Smooth MMA is punching well above its weight – and it’s only just getting started.

As Sam puts it: “Once they’re on the mat, everyone’s the same. They’re all teammates. And that’s a beautiful thing.”

Find out more about Smooth Combat Academy

You can find out more about Smooth Combat Academy on their website here

Address: Carne House, Parson’s Lane, Bury, United Kingdom