Find your strength

INSTITUTE OF COMBAT

COMBAT FOCUSED MARTIAL ARTS TRAINING & CONDITIONING

Whether you're a seasoned athlete or just starting your fitness journey, we're here to provide you with personalized training that evolves with you. Our expert team is committed to helping you unlock your potential, focusing on results-driven methods tailored to your unique needs.

Unleash your warrior spirit with Mixed Martial Arts (MMA), a dynamic and intense combat sport that fuses various fighting disciplines, including boxing, wrestling, jiu-jitsu, and more. Embrace the power of Strength Training, a scientifically proven method designed to enhance muscle tone, boost endurance, and increase overall physical prowess, providing you with the tools to conquer any physical challenge.

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Exceed Your Own Expectations

One great location, two powerhouse programs. Together Institute of Combat & 21g Gym are Humboldt County’s prime mixed martial arts training facility. Located in Arcata, CA We are suitable for anyone, whether it be the individual looking to get in shape, gain the ability to defend themselves, or the experienced fighter looking to take their skills to the next level. While Institute of Combat focuses explicitly on preparing fighters for the ring, 21g focuses on helping everyone improve their health & fitness in a fun, new way.

At a Glance:

5,000 square feet of training space
Boxing, Muay Thai, Jiu-Jitsu, & Wrestling Classes
1-on-1 Lessons available in all fighting styles
30+ Years Combined Coaching Experience
1 National MMA Title

Meet The Team

Get My Membership

We will make you fit, strong & confident

Your first class is on us

Popular Programs

Striking

This class incorporates techniques from Boxing & Muay Thai.

Wrestling (K-12)

This class focuses on freestyle, folkstyle, and greco roman style wrestling.

1-on-1 Coaching

We offer private 1 on 1 lessons in all fighting styles.

21 Grams – Small Group

The training here is diverse and focused to achieve specific goals for each individual.

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FIND YOUR STRENGTH

Ready to take it to the next level? Institute of Combat & 21g Gym has something for every age, fitness level, and fighter. Whether you’re looking to get in shape, gain the ability to defend yourself, or improve your competitive fighting technique, you’ll get the results you want here.

Interested in a membership? Come in to talk to us. We’d love to meet you.

READY TO START TODAY?

Great! Come to 820 N ST in Arcata. Please arrive at least 10 minutes early if you plan on attending a class.

What our Athletes have to say…

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From the moment I stepped on the mat at IOC I was taken seriously and given respect. It didn’t matter that I had zero experience, or that I was not their typical client. I always look forward to every single class, and I always leave feeling accomplished and exhausted. It takes a lot of courage to step onto the mat and learn to move your body in new ways with a stranger, but it was worth it every single time. I recommend IOC all the time to people because they have the heart of a teacher, the skill of a master, and demand your best from you at all times. They really care about each of their students and want you to succeed. You don’t find those qualities just anywhere. I am proud of my work with them, and I feel confident that anyone who steps out of their comfort zone and onto the mat at IOC won’t regret it.
Rachael

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Joining IOC was a defining moment in our marriage and life. The gym came into our life when we were at a stagnant point and needed a spark. Doing the striking class together as a couple really helped us to work together as a team but also gave us something fun and different to do together. The coaching staff became close friends, who still to this day check in on us even though we live in another state. We would have never moved had we not had the growth we got from going to IOC together. Literally changed our life forever!
Tommy & Diane

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After reading an article in the local press about Cass Bell and his trainer John Thompson at the IOC martial arts gym in Arcata, I decided to check it out. I wanted to see what the vibe was like. At 71 years old and having no experience with boxing which is what I was interested in I was a bit nervous about how I would be accepted. All my fears were put to rest after meeting John and Cass and many of the other fighters at IOC. The atmosphere was warm and friendly and not at all condescending. I wanted to learn boxing fundamentals, get a great workout and achieve a certain level of confidence in self defense. I can absolutely say that under John's training I achieved all of my goals.
Boxing is one Hella workout. Not only a physical sport but a mental workout as well. Learning the footwork, the moves, and the punching combinations takes time and practice but as you progress and get faster and stronger it puts you in a zone that is an endorphin elixir that you want to repeat over and over again. I would highly recommend training at the IOC for anyone that might be thinking about improving their overall fitness and health.
Doug