Train Like a Pro at High Altitude
High Altitude Martial Arts is Denver’s premier destination for professional-level Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) training. Whether you’re chasing a UFC dream, training for local competition, or simply seeking an empowering fitness journey, our Denver MMA program offers world-class coaching, proven systems, and a high-altitude edge.
WHAT IS MIXED MARTIAL ARTS?
Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) is a full-contact combat sport that blends techniques from multiple disciplines, including Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai, boxing, wrestling, judo, and kickboxing. Unlike traditional martial arts that focus on a single style, MMA challenges athletes to become well-rounded fighters, capable of striking on the feet, clinching in close quarters, defending takedowns, and executing submissions on the ground. This dynamic fusion makes MMA one of the most versatile and effective combat sports in the world.
The Evolution of MMA: From Underground to Global Stage
Once a fringe spectacle in the 1990s, MMA has become one of the fastest-growing sports in the world. The UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship) played a major role in bringing structure, regulation, and mainstream respect to the sport. Today, athletes from around the world train in MMA for its complexity, athleticism, and real-world application.
Why Choose MMA Training in Denver?
Denver is a hotspot for elite-level MMA due to its altitude, competitive fight scene, and top-tier gyms. High Altitude Martial Arts stands out as a historic gym with deep UFC roots and a consistent pipeline of professional and amateur fighters.
Training MMA at elevation helps improve cardiovascular conditioning, endurance, and fight performance – one of the reasons many UFC athletes travel to Denver to train MMA.
MMA Training at High Altitude Martial Arts
A Complete MMA Curriculum
Our MMA program integrates the following elements into a comprehensive training path:
- Grappling (Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, wrestling)
- Striking (Muay Thai, boxing, kickboxing)
- Clinch & Cage Work
- Fight IQ & Strategy
- Conditioning & Mental Toughness
Whether you’re new to martial arts or a seasoned fighter, our classes focus on technique, progression, and practical application.
High Altitude Martial Arts, located in Denver, Colorado, offers a comprehensive Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) program under the expert guidance of Professor Cody Donovan. As a 3rd-degree black belt under Amal Easton and a veteran of both the UFC and Bellator, He brings a wealth of experience to his role as the ground and grappling coach. He has cornered over 50 fights in the UFC as well as in other organizations such as PFL and LFA. You can also find him in the corner at local shows with our up and coming fighters.
The MMA program at High Altitude Martial Arts is designed to develop well-rounded fighters by integrating solid stand-up striking skills with an innovative ground game. The gym has a proven track record of producing successful fighters at the highest levels.
Professor Cody’s coaching philosophy centers on changing lives through martial arts. He believes that Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu enhances overall life quality and aims to help fighters reach their full potential, guiding their careers as far as possible. He emphasizes the creativity involved in coaching MMA, developing new concepts and executing them on the sport’s highest stages.
We have been involved in MMA for a long time. Our goal from the start has been to build well-rounded martial artists. Our gym was founded by UFC great, Nate Marquardt in 2006. We have worked with and helped put more fighters in the UFC cage than any other gym in Colorado, including current #4 ranked heavyweight, Curtis “Razor” Blaydes. Many UFC veterans such as Shane Carwin, Brendan Schaub, Donald “Cowboy” Cerrone and Brandon Thatch once called High Altitude home. Cory “The Sandman” Sandhagen (currently ranked #4 UFC Bantamweight), Chepe “Machine Gun” Mariscal and Maycee “The. Future” Barber all train at the academy. Many UFC greats travel to Denver to train at High Altitude to take advantage of the high elevation and high level coaching offered here.
At High Altitude Martial Arts, we will teach you how to integrate solid stand up striking skills with an innovative ground game, to make you a complete and well-rounded MMA fighter.
