Martial arts for beginners in Sarajevo
Never trained before? That's where most of our members started, and it isn't an obstacle. We run dedicated beginner groups for MMA and grappling, paced for people starting from zero.
What a first visit looks like
Arrive about fifteen minutes early, meet the coach and look around the gym. Training opens with a warm-up, moves to the technique of the day — demonstrated slowly and drilled with a partner — and closes with light work. You won't spar on your first session. You'll almost certainly get something wrong, which is entirely expected; nobody is watching, and everyone there had the same first day.
Beginner groups
Grappling for beginners: Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 20:00–21:00. MMA for beginners: Tuesday and Thursday, 20:00–21:00. The late slot is deliberate, so you can make it after work. When your technique settles, moving up to the advanced group happens naturally, in agreement with the coach — no exam and no deadline.
What you don't need
You don't need gear — sportswear and a water bottle will do. You don't need to be fit, because fitness is built in training. You don't need experience from another sport. And you don't need to decide on a membership before trying: your first session is free and commits you to nothing.
Which sport to choose
If you're unsure, the simplest rule: grappling if you'd rather not take strikes and want the fastest technical progress, MMA if you want complete fighting including striking. Plenty of people train both — that's why the combined membership exists. If that still doesn't settle it, come once to each and decide.
Frequently asked questions
- I'm over 30. Is it too late to start?
- No. A good share of our members started after thirty, and grappling and jiu-jitsu are sports where people progress well much later than that. You set the pace, not the other way round.
- What if I'm completely out of shape?
- Then you're in the right place, because this is where it gets built. In your first sessions you'll stop and catch your breath when you need to — nobody comments on it. After a few weeks the difference is noticeable.
- Is the first session really free?
- It is, with no obligation to continue. Just let the coach know you're coming so we can expect you.
- Where is the gym?
- Nedžarići 7, Sarajevo. The location section has a map and a directions button.
- How much is membership?
- 70 KM per month for one program (MMA or grappling), 100 KM for both, or 15 KM per single session if you'd rather not commit monthly.
Start this week
The first visit is the only hard part. Message the coach on WhatsApp and arrange a time — the rest takes care of itself.
Nedžarići 7, Sarajevo
Other programs
MMA is the most complete combat sport — striking, wrestling and ground fighting in one. At OCD Fighters we train all three from day one, in groups split by experience level.
Grappling is fighting without strikes — takedowns, control, submissions and chokes. A sport where technique regularly beats strength, and probably the fastest way to learn to control someone bigger than you.
Brazilian jiu-jitsu is ground fighting built on leverage, angle and timing — the idea that a smaller, weaker person can control a stronger one who doesn't know what they're doing. Ours is taught by a black belt.
A dedicated women's jiu-jitsu session, in a closed group, led by coach Dalila. No prior experience needed, and no atmosphere where you have to prove anything to anyone.
No hidden costs and no joining fee. You pay a membership for the program you train, or per session if a monthly rhythm doesn't suit you. Your first session is free.
We train Monday to Saturday, mornings and evenings, in groups split by level. The full weekly schedule is below, with today highlighted.
Our gym is at Nedžarići 7, in the Novi Grad municipality of Sarajevo. There's a map and a directions button below — if it's your first visit, following the route straight to the address is easiest.
The gym is in Nedžarići, walking distance from the student halls. Sessions run mornings and evenings so they fit around lectures — and if your schedule is unpredictable, you can pay per session.
In your first weeks you'll hear a lot of terms nobody stops to explain. Here's what they mean — so you don't have to ask mid-round.