How to Spot a McDojo and Which Combat Sports Gyms You Should Avoid
- Austin Jones
- Jul 7
- 4 min read
How to Spot a McDojo and Which Combat Sports Gyms You Should Avoid
In the world of combat sports, it’s crucial to find a legitimate gym that fosters genuine skill development, respect, and hard work. Unfortunately, not every facility lives up to these standards. Enter the world of “McDojos,” a term that refers to martial arts schools and gyms that are more focused on profits and flashy promises than actually training fighters.
But how can you spot a McDojo? And more importantly, what kind of combat sports gyms should you avoid if you want to truly elevate your skills?
What is a McDojo?
The term "McDojo" comes from the fast-food chain McDonald's, symbolizing the idea of mass-producing something cheaply for profit—except in this case, it's combat training. A McDojo is a gym or school that prioritizes profits over quality training and often promotes itself with exaggerated marketing tactics, unqualified instructors, and watered-down versions of martial arts techniques. These gyms focus more on enrolling as many students as possible and pushing them through a conveyor belt of "black belts" rather than fostering real skill development.
Signs You Might Be in a McDojo
Too Many Black Belts, Too Soon
While promotions are part of the martial arts process, a legitimate gym doesn’t hand out black belts like they're candy. If you notice that students are quickly moving through belts without apparent mastery or struggle, that’s a red flag. Real progress in combat sports comes with time, effort, and consistency. If a gym is offering black belts in an unrealistic time frame, it’s probably a McDojo.
Emphasis on Tournaments Over Technique
McDojos often push tournaments as the ultimate goal. While competitions can be great for testing your skills, a genuine martial arts gym will prioritize technique and mastery of fundamentals first. If the gym’s main marketing tactic is about winning trophies or dominating in flashy competitions, then they're likely more interested in their public image than actually creating skilled fighters.
Exaggerated Claims of Effectiveness
If you’re constantly hearing exaggerated claims like, “Our students are undefeated,” or “We can make you an MMA champion in three months,” you should be suspicious. Realistic training requires time, hard work, and experience. A gym that promises quick results without the effort is a McDojo. Combat sports require dedication, and there’s no magic shortcut to mastery.
Questionable Instructors and Their Credentials
One of the easiest ways to spot a McDojo is by looking at the credentials of the instructors. Do they have legitimate experience in the sport they’re teaching? Have they competed or trained under recognized figures in the combat sports world? If the instructor’s background is vague, or they boast titles without substance or explanation, then it’s likely you’re in the wrong place.
No Sparring or Live Training
If a gym doesn’t allow sparring or live training scenarios, it’s a serious red flag. Combat sports aren’t about memorizing techniques in a sterile environment—they’re about applying those techniques in real, unpredictable situations. A McDojo may have you perform scripted drills but will avoid actual combat training for fear that students may get injured or the illusion of invincibility could be broken.
Combat Sports Gyms You Want to Avoid
The “Do-It-Yourself” Gym
These gyms are often run by someone who has no formal coaching experience, but has a strong personal interest in combat sports. They may not have valid credentials or competition experience themselves, and they generally don’t offer structured or systematic training. You’re essentially paying for a gym membership without receiving any real value in return.
The “All-in-One” Gym
Some gyms offer everything under the sun, including martial arts, boxing, jiu-jitsu, wrestling, kickboxing, and more—all under one roof. While variety isn’t a bad thing, a gym that tries to be everything to everyone often ends up being mediocre at everything. A legitimate combat sports gym will focus on a specific discipline and provide clear structure for progression.
The Flashy Gym with No Substance
These gyms are filled with expensive equipment, flashy marketing, and comfortable amenities. They might look impressive from the outside, but when you look closer, you realize that there’s little focus on developing real skill. Instructors may be unqualified or simply bad at teaching, and students may lack real fight experience. Avoid gyms that prioritize image over substance.
The One That Feels Like a Cult
Sometimes a gym can cross the line between a training facility and a "cult-like" atmosphere, where instructors have excessive control over students' lives, personal beliefs are promoted, and everything revolves around unquestioning loyalty to the gym or instructor. Be cautious of any gym that requires you to cut ties with outside training or friends in exchange for their services.
What to Look for in a Legitimate Combat Sports Gym
Qualified Instructors: Your instructor should have real-world experience and certifications. Look for schools that offer coaches who’ve competed at a high level or have been recognized by legitimate martial arts organizations.
Focus on Fundamentals: A legitimate gym will focus on fundamentals first. A good instructor will make sure you understand the basics before progressing to advanced techniques. They will prioritize building strong foundations for your future growth.
Sparring and Live Training: Real combat training involves sparring and live training. Whether it’s rolling in jiu-jitsu or getting in the ring for boxing, you need to practice applying techniques in real situations to develop your skills.
A Healthy Training Environment: Look for a gym where respect is a cornerstone. The atmosphere should foster camaraderie, where fighters push each other to improve rather than trying to one-up each other. A supportive environment is key to growth.
Student Progress: If you notice that students are progressing at their own pace, rather than being rushed through belts and ranks, that’s a sign of a legitimate gym. Real progress takes time and dedication.
FIGHT.TV Breaks It Down
Combat sports are about discipline, hard work, and perseverance. The gym you choose can have a huge impact on your journey, so don’t be swayed by flashy marketing or false promises. Instead, focus on gyms that have qualified instructors, a commitment to real training, and a track record of producing skilled athletes. Avoid the McDojos, and you’ll be on your way to real, meaningful progress.
