Legacy Boxing & Combat Sports Academy offers authentic MMA classes for adults and teens in the State College area. Train in a complete MMA system that blends kickboxing, Muay Thai, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ), Judo, and wrestling into one structured, skill-focused program. Our classes teach you how to fight effectively in every range – with expert coaching that meets you at your level. It's the perfect training environment whether you're a total beginner, an athlete cross-training from another sport, or an aspiring competitor looking to step into the cage.
Legacy's MMA program seamlessly combines striking, takedowns, and ground control into a progressive curriculum. Drawing techniques from boxing, Muay Thai, BJJ, wrestling, and Judo, we teach you to transition between disciplines fluently. Our curriculum includes techniques from all these martial arts:
Classes are led by Coach Derek Roth, a nationally recognized instructor and former competitor with over 30 years of experience across multiple martial arts disciplines. As Head Coach of the Penn State Boxing Club and the 2023 NCBA Coach of the Year, he brings a rare level of knowledge and professionalism to every session. You'll be learning from a coach who knows how to develop fighters and beginners alike.
We don't just teach isolated techniques or "random" moves. Our integrated approach connects striking, clinch work, and grappling skills into a fluid system that builds real fighting capability – whether you're sparring, preparing for your first amateur fight, or just training to push yourself. Every student receives focused instruction and a clear progression plan, with live practice (drilling and controlled sparring) tailored to your experience and goals. No wasted reps, no guesswork – just real training with real results.
Our mixed martial arts program is ideal for adults and teens in State College looking to start MMA, get in shape, learn self-defense, or prepare for amateur competition. Whether you're coming from a striking, wrestling, or jiu-jitsu background – or starting completely fresh – you'll find a training system that meets you at your level and helps you reach your goals.
As long as you're willing to work hard and learn, you will fit right in. Many of our members are Penn State students or busy working adults who make time in their week for MMA training. If you're completely new to martial arts, don't worry – our coaches will guide you step-by-step from day one, building your confidence with each class. If you do have prior experience (in boxing, wrestling, BJJ, etc.), we'll help you integrate those skills and advance to the next level. Male and female students of all fitness levels are welcome – our gym culture is friendly, supportive, and focused on everyone's success.
Our MMA gym in State College is built for real training. Whether you're new or experienced, you'll get expert coaching, clean facilities, and a program that truly builds your skills step by step. We emphasize proper technique, discipline, and a respectful environment so you can progress confidently and safely.
Start strong with clear instruction and structure. No experience is needed to join our classes – just the will to learn and a positive attitude.
Train under Coach Derek Roth (Head Coach of Penn State Boxing Club and 2023 NCBA Coach of the Year) – an experienced instructor with 30+ years of martial arts expertise in every session.
We connect striking, grappling, and transitions into one system you can apply in sparring, competition, or real self-defense situations.
Each class builds on fundamental techniques with live drills, partner work, and coaching tailored to your level. You'll see consistent improvement in your abilities.
Train in a professional, respectful space where focus, safety, and hard work come first. Leave the egos at the door – we're all here to learn and improve together.
Our academy is conveniently located in State College, just minutes from the Penn State University Park campus. We offer free parking on-site and flexible class times that fit into student and working adult schedules.
Train in striking, grappling, and conditioning with our expert coaches multiple times per week. All levels are welcome – start your MMA journey with any of these sessions:
MMA memberships start at an affordable $75/month. We also offer drop-in rates and combined MMA + Boxing membership options for those who want to cross-train. Start training this week – all experience levels are welcome, and your first class is free.
What Our Students Say:
"Coach Derek Roth has a rare gift for breaking down high-level concepts into real-world skills. He made me feel like a fighter from day one."
Not at all. Our MMA program is designed for complete beginners as well as experienced martial artists. You'll start with the basics and build up your skills and fitness over time. Many students join with no prior experience or fitness background – some are Penn State students who have never tried martial arts before – and they quickly improve with our beginner-friendly approach. If you're already in shape or have trained elsewhere, that's great, but it's not a requirement. Come as you are, and we will help you progress at a pace that's right for you.
For your first few classes, just wear comfortable athletic clothing (t-shirt, shorts or leggings) and bring a water bottle. We train on padded mats, so wrestling shoes are recommended. We have loaner gloves and protective gear (like focus mitts, Thai pads, etc.) available for beginners. As you continue training, we recommend investing in your own boxing/MMA gloves, 180-inch wrist wraps, a mouthguard, and shin guards for striking – but there's no need to have these on day one. Our staff can advise you on what gear to get when you're ready.
Safety is our top priority. Beginners will not be thrown straight into hard sparring. Our classes incorporate drilling and light contact exercises to build your skills and confidence. Any sparring or live rolling we do is closely supervised by the coach and kept at a level appropriate to your experience. You'll wear protective gear (gloves, mouthguard, etc.), and more experienced partners will work with you safely. Injuries are rare and we take care to ensure everyone trains smart. As you gain experience, you can choose to participate in more intense sparring rounds, but it's always optional and introduced gradually. In short, MMA training at Legacy is as safe as any other sport – you'll be challenged, but we keep it controlled and beginner-friendly.
Absolutely! We welcome Penn State students – in fact, a large part of our membership is made up of PSU students and staff. Our gym is only a few minutes from campus, and easily accessible by car or CATA bus. (There's plenty of free parking at our facility if you drive.) Class times in the evenings and on Saturdays are scheduled to fit a student's busy class timetable, so you can train after your academic day is done. Coach Derek's role as the PSU Boxing Club head coach also means you'll be training under someone very familiar with the Penn State community. Whether you're an undergrad or grad student, you'll find our schedule and location very convenient. Training MMA is a great outlet from studies – and you might even meet fellow Penn Staters in class!
Yes, our MMA program is open to teens (typically ages 16 and up) as well as adults. Teenagers often train alongside adults in our regular classes, with coaching adjusted as needed to their age and skill level. It's a fantastic way for teens to build confidence, get in shape, and learn self-defense in a controlled setting. For younger children below the early teen years, we offer separate youth martial arts programs (through our academy's youth classes) that focus on foundational skills in a fun, safe environment. If you're unsure which program is best for your child, just reach out and we'll help you find the perfect fit.
That's completely up to you. Many of our members train for personal development, fitness, and fun without ever competing, and that's 100% okay. However, if you do have goals to compete in MMA, boxing, Muay Thai, or BJJ, we can certainly help you on that path. Coach Derek has experience preparing fighters for amateur competition and can guide dedicated students through fight camps and advanced training when the time comes. We've had students participate in local boxing matches and grappling tournaments. When you're ready and have built a solid foundation, we'll support you in testing your skills in the ring or cage. Competition is optional – you won't be pressured to fight – but if it's something you aspire to, Legacy Boxing & Combat Sports Academy is equipped to train you for it.
Getting started is easy – your first class is free! Simply contact us to schedule your free introductory class, or drop in a few minutes early before any scheduled MMA session to sign up on the spot. Our staff will have you fill out a quick waiver, then we'll introduce you to the coach and get you oriented. You'll be able to jump into the class and train with the group on day one. We're confident that once you try a class, you'll love the experience. If you have any other questions or concerns before coming in, feel free to call or email us. We're here to help and look forward to meeting you!