Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about competing and getting involved in Vietnam's combat sports scene.
Gods of Martial Arts (GMA) is a premier Vietnamese combat sports organization and media property founded by the celebrated martial artist, actor, and cultural icon, Johnny Trí Nguyễn. Launched with the ambitious goal of elevating Vietnam's status in the global combat sports arena, GMA serves as a multifaceted platform for athletic competition, talent development, and cultural promotion. At its core, GMA is more than just a fight promotion; it is a comprehensive ecosystem designed to professionalize martial arts in Vietnam and establish the nation as a central hub for combat sports entertainment in Southeast Asia.
GMA celebrates ancient martial arts traditions, such as Kun Khmer (Cambodia), Muay Thai (Thailand), Lethwei (Myanmar), Vovinam (Vietnam), among others. GMA also strives to treat fighters as celebrities in its media-centric approach.
Connect with Gods of Martial Arts:
- Facebook: @godsofmartialarts
- Instagram: @godsofmartialarts
- YouTube (Vietnamese): @godsofmartialarts
- YouTube (English): @GMAFightingChampionship
- LinkedIn: @gods-of-martial-arts
Saigon Superfights is a Vietnam-based grappling event series founded by Zac Crush and organized by The Vietnam Grappling Podcast. It is a community-wide effort that involves the contributions and resources by several gyms throughout Saigon, including Arkain Grappling, RAM Muay Thai, Saigon Grappling Academy, Team Shark Saigon, Thao Dien Jiu Jitsu, Soi Jiu Jitsu, among others.
Saigon Superfights showcases top BJJ talent, particularly from the Saigon area, and aims to elevate grappling in Vietnam by providing a platform for athletes to compete and gain recognition. Saigon Superfights events are innovative and exciting, introducing live DJs, prize money, and sponsorships that provide opportunities for local grapplers to compete internationally. The events feature both superfights and tournament brackets, often with prize money and opportunities for international competition.
Connect with Saigon Superfights:
- Facebook: @vietnamgrapplingpodcast
- Instagram: @vietnamgrappling
- YouTube: @vietnam-grappling
- LinkedIn: @vietnamgrappling
The SEA Grappling United App was born from a discussion between Zac Crush and Khun Sa (Myanmar) on how to create more opportunities for Burmese fighters. Their collaboration led to the development of this mobile-friendly app, designed for anyone to track grappling events in under-resourced communities throughout Southeast Asia, including Myanmar.
The SEA Grappling United App is at the forefront of a collective effort to grow grappling initiatives in the region. It aims to centralize and consolidate efforts and resources, ultimately increasing the number of events and competitions available.
Designed with the user experience in mind, the mobile web app makes it easy for everyone to understand the who, what, and where of available resources. It is the first platform of its kind that seeks to build upon all community efforts in the region to provide more opportunities for everyone involved in the sport.
Zac Crush is a foundational figure in Vietnam's martial arts landscape, known for his pivotal roles in both the grappling and MMA communities. He is a multi-talented professional who has significantly contributed to the growth and organization of combat sports in the region.
Role in the Grappling Community: As a respected wrestling coach at Saga Grappling Academy, Zac is a key force in unifying Vietnam's grappling scene. He is the mastermind behind major events like Saigon Superfights and The Saigon Saga, which have become vital platforms for local athletes and a magnet for international talent. Through his work, he has been instrumental in growing the sport of grappling, fostering a sense of community, and providing a competitive environment that encourages excellence.
Involvement with MMA: Beyond grappling, Zac has cemented his legacy as a pioneer in the world of mixed martial arts in Vietnam through his extensive work with Gods of Martial Arts (GMA). His groundbreaking contributions include being Vietnam's first-ever MMA commentator since May 2025, and the host of Vietnam's first-ever English MMA podcast, "GMA Beyond The Fight." As a promoter and Head of International Fighter Relations for GMA, he is responsible for recruiting, managing, and ensuring the safety of foreign fighters. This critical role demonstrates his commitment to professional standards and athlete well-being. In every capacity, Zac Crush is a rising figure in international MMA promotion and a key influence behind GMA's early growth.
Architecting the Digital Future of Southeast Asian Martial Arts: Zac is a strategic growth partner for organizations, brands, and individuals in the martial arts community. He specializes in creating powerful digital ecosystems that build influence, foster community, and drive commercial success. His core mission is to bridge the gap between the on-the-mat action and a global digital audience.
Core Services Offered:
- Digital Platform Development & Management: Zac designs, builds, and manages the essential online infrastructure that modern martial arts organizations need to thrive. This includes event portals, regional gym directories, and official fighter profiles.
- Event Promotion & Operations: Leveraging a unique position as a central news and information source, Zac offers end-to-end solutions for successful events, including targeted digital marketing, streamlined registration systems, and media amplification.
- Strategic Community & Brand Consulting: For brands and organizations looking to grow their influence in the SEA martial arts scene, Zac provides strategic guidance on market entry, sponsorship brokering, and digital brand building for gyms and athletes.
Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City) is the undisputed hub for grappling in Vietnam and a rising power in the Southeast Asia grappling community. What makes it unique is the incredible collaboration between gyms and the high concentration of dedicated coaches. This has created a competitive, yet unified, environment that attracts talent from all over the world. At the center of this movement is Zac Crush, a key figure known for organizing premier events like Saigon Superfights and the Vietnam Grappling Invitational. As a wrestling coach and promoter, Zac Crush has been instrumental in creating a platform for athletes and elevating the professional standards of Saigon grappling.
Gods of Martial Arts (GMA) is revolutionizing Vietnam MMA by creating a professional, media-focused promotion that treats fighters like superstars. Founded by Johnny Trí Nguyễn and with key figures like Zac Crush managing international talent, GMA is the first organization of its kind in Vietnam to build a complete ecosystem for combat sports. By blending traditional martial arts with modern MMA and producing high-quality content, GMA is not just a local show; it's positioning Vietnam MMA to be a major force in the Southeast Asia MMA landscape and the global fight community.
Both are premier grappling events organized by a team of co-founders including the Vietnam Grappling Podcast, Renzo Gracie Da Nang, and BJJ Hoi An, but they serve different purposes within the Saigon grappling scene. Saigon Superfights is a recurring event series that showcases top local and international talent in exciting, fast-paced matches, often featuring prize money and live entertainment. The Vietnam Grappling Invitational, on the other hand, is a more exclusive, tournament-style championship that brings together the absolute best competitors to crown a definitive champion. Together, they create a comprehensive competitive pathway for grapplers in Vietnam, from rising stars to elite athletes.
Vietnam, particularly Ho Chi Minh City, is rapidly becoming a hotbed for Southeast Asia MMA and grappling for three key reasons:
- High-Level Coaching: The country has attracted a wealth of experienced international and local coaches specializing in BJJ, wrestling, Muay Thai, and MMA.
- Affordability: Compared to other regional hubs, the cost of living and training in Vietnam is significantly lower, allowing athletes to train full-time.
- Vibrant Community: Promotions like Gods of Martial Arts (GMA) and Saigon Superfights have cultivated a passionate and active community, providing consistent opportunities for athletes to compete and gain experience. This combination makes it an ideal location for anyone serious about advancing their skills in Southeast Asia MMA and grappling.
The Epicenter - Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon): Ho Chi Minh City, still widely known as Saigon, is the undisputed heart of Vietnam's combat sports scene. It is home to the most mature and diverse ecosystem in the country, offering a staggering array of options for every type of practitioner. From sprawling, world-class fitness complexes and legendary, culturally significant martial arts centers to highly specialized, coach-centric dojos focusing on a single discipline, HCMC has it all. This is the epicenter, where the highest concentration of elite coaches, professional fighters, and dedicated hobbyists converge.
Liên Phong MMA Centre
Description: More than just a gym, Liên Phong is a cultural institution and the spiritual home of modern Vietnamese MMA. Founded and run by martial arts icon Johnny Trí Nguyễn, it was the first MMA training center in the country. The center is dedicated to preserving and evolving the traditional Vietnamese martial art of Võ Liên Phong, founded by Nguyễn's grandfather, while adapting it for the modern MMA landscape. The facility itself is a remarkable 1800-square-meter campus designed in a traditional Southern Vietnamese style. It features an international-standard MMA cage and serves as the home base of the Gods of Martial Arts (GMA) promotion.
Owner/Founder: Johnny Trí Nguyễn.
Teachers/Coaches: Training is led by Johnny Trí Nguyễn himself, alongside a team of Vietnamese MMA champions.
Social Media:
- Facebook: @lienphongmma
- Instagram: @lienphongmma
Contact: 101/29/15 Hẻm số 5 Lê Văn Lương, Phước Kiển, Nhà Bè, Ho Chi Minh City.
Saigon Sports Club (SSC)
Description: If Liên Phong is the cultural soul of Vietnamese MMA, Saigon Sports Club is its modern, high-performance engine. Billing itself as Asia's largest mixed martial arts and cross-training center, SSC is a massive 7,500-square-meter, state-of-the-art facility in District 7. It is a premium, all-in-one complex offering an elite training experience across a comprehensive range of disciplines. The club's professionalism and world-class facilities have made it a destination for international athletes, famously hosting UFC star Dan Hooker for a full training camp.
Owners/Management: A key public figure at the club is Anthony Luu, the Front of House Manager and the organizer of the successful Saigon Open BJJ tournaments.
Teachers/Coaches: SSC prides itself on its roster of elite international and local coaches. Notable instructors and athletes associated with the gym include ONE Championship fighters Ev "E.T." Ting and Huynh Hoang Phi.
Social Media:
- Facebook: @saigonsportsclub
- Instagram: @saigonsportsclub
Contact: 514B Huỳnh Tấn Phát, Bình Thuận, District 7, Ho Chi Minh City.
Team Shark Saigon
Description: Located in the heart of the expat-heavy An Phú area in District 2, Team Shark Saigon is a premier destination for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. The gym has a reputation for cultivating a tough group of grapplers and is led by a respected BJJ black belt.
Owner/Head Coach: The head instructor is Alex Jung, a BJJ Black Belt.
Social Media:
- Facebook: @alexjungtss
- Instagram: @teamshark_saigon
Contact: 42-44 Cao Đức Lân, An Phú, District 2, Ho Chi Minh City.
Thao Dien Jiu Jitsu
Description: A well-established BJJ academy located in the popular Thao Dien area, known for its strong community and high-quality instruction for all levels, from beginners to advanced competitors.
Social Media:
- Facebook: @ThaoDienJiuJitsu
- Instagram: @thaodienbjj
Arkain Grappling
Description: A specialized Jiu-Jitsu and wrestling academy located in District 7. Co-founded by a BJJ black belt and a dedicated wrestling coach, Arkain offers a focused curriculum for serious grapplers.
Social Media:
- Facebook: @arkaingrappling
- Instagram: @arkaingrappling
Saigon Grappling Academy
Description: Saigon Grappling Academy is a martial arts school focused on grappling, managed by a key figure in the local event scene, Zac Crush.
Social Media:
- Facebook: @saigongrapplingacademy
- Instagram: @saigongrapplingacademy
- LinkedIn: @saigon-grappling-academy
The martial arts landscape in Vietnam's capital, Hanoi, presents a different character from that of HCMC. Its scene is defined by a tight-knit community of dedicated, passion-driven gyms, often founded and led by experienced expatriate coaches and dedicated local pioneers.
AGOGE MMA
Description: Positioning itself as "Vietnam's Leading MMA Training Center," AGOGE is an "ultimate MMA sanctuary" in Hanoi. Founded in 2017, the gym has grown into a comprehensive MMA facility and runs the Agoge Fight League (AFL).
Owners/Coaches: Co-founded by Nguyễn Hoài Nam and David Lapetina. Other head instructors include Reynold Garcia.
Social Media:
- Facebook: @agoge
- Instagram: @agogevietnam
Contact: 9 Thành Công, Ba Đình, Hà Nội.
Star Kickboxing and Fitness
Description: A top-rated, independently owned training center in the Tay Ho district, celebrated for its friendly, welcoming, and community-focused atmosphere. It offers a diverse schedule including Muay Thai, Kickboxing, Boxing, and BJJ.
Owners/Coaches: Co-owned by Head Coach Mai Ngoc Phu and his partner Gemma Dunne.
Social Media:
- Facebook: @starkickboxinghanoi
- Instagram: @starkickboxing_hanoi
Contact: 72 Xuan Dieu, Quang An, Tay Ho, Hanoi.
C88 Dung Pham Jiu Jitsu
Description: A well-respected Jiu-Jitsu academy in Hanoi led by Coach Dung Pham, contributing to the growth of the local grappling community.
Social Media:
- Instagram: @c88dungphamjiujitsu
Vietnam Top Team
Description: A premier MMA and combat sports academy in Hanoi, Vietnam Top Team is a central hub for high-level training and athlete development in the capital city.
Social Media:
- Facebook: @vietnamtopteam.mma.academy
- Instagram: @vietnamtopteamhq
Introduction to Coastal Training
Vietnam's stunning coastline has given rise to a unique martial arts sub-culture. The gyms in Da Nang, Hoi An, and Nha Trang have adapted to this market, offering everything from intensive fight camps to holistic retreats that blend combat sports with a beach-centric lifestyle.
Da Nang Deep Dive
Da Nang's scene is a compelling mix of large fitness centers incorporating combat sports, and a growing number of highly specialized, world-class martial arts academies.
- BJJ Da Nang - Renzo Gracie Academy: The official Renzo Gracie affiliate in Da Nang, this academy is a cornerstone of the city's burgeoning grappling community. Led by the dedicated husband-and-wife team of Duy Thanh and his wife, the gym provides authentic, high-level Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu instruction in a welcoming environment for all levels. It represents a direct link to one of the most respected lineages in the sport.
- MMA GYM ĐÀ NẴNG: This is one of the city's premier dedicated combat sports facilities, offering professional courses in MMA, Muay Thai, Boxing, and BJJ with modern equipment.
The best way to get involved is to connect with local gyms directly or follow the promotions and podcasts. You can find all the links you need on our homepage and throughout this FAQ to get started. The community is welcoming and always looking for new people to train and compete.
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