WIGAN'S PREMIER
MMA & BJJ GYM
Fighter Blueprint Academy is Wigan's most established MMA and BJJ gym. Coached by former UFC fighter Tom Blackledge, we offer classes for complete beginners, children, teenagers, and elite competitors. Based in Ince-in-Makerfield, Wigan — training champions since the early 2000s.
ONE OF THE UK'S ORIGINAL
MMA CLUBS
We started as Blackledge Vale Tudo in the early 2000s — one of the UK's first and original mixed martial arts clubs. Since then, we have moved to various premises as the sport, and the team, have grown exponentially over the last couple of decades.
We have created many MMA champions across organisations from the UFC to Cagewarriors, and more importantly have altered thousands of lives through the benefit of martial arts and our amazing, uplifting community.
Our coaching staff is second to none — from UFC veterans and Cagewarriors champions to multiple black belts. We also work closely alongside Ataraxia CIC, a charity focused on providing mental health support and physical and emotional wellness to the community.
Meet the Team
WHERE CHAMPIONS
COME TO TRAIN
Fighter Blueprint Academy has welcomed some of the biggest names in MMA through its doors. UFC champion Quinton "Rampage" Jackson, multiple Cagewarriors champions, and UFC fighters have all trained here.
Head coach Tom Blackledge is a UFC veteran and pioneer of MMA in the UK — bringing that same world-class knowledge to every session, whether you're a complete beginner or an experienced competitor.
MMA & BJJ CLASSES IN WIGAN
Adult classes, kids martial arts, teens MMA, and a dedicated beginners course — all in our purpose-built academy in Wigan.
BJJ — Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
One of the most effective martial arts in the world. Wigan's best BJJ classes for beginners through to advanced. Gi and no-gi available.
No-Gi Grappling / MMA
Our most popular class. Submission wrestling and MMA ground game for all levels. Multiple sessions every week in Wigan.
MMA Striking
Boxing, kickboxing and Muay Thai for MMA. Build power, timing and defensive awareness under expert coaching.
Kids & Teens MMA
Martial arts classes for children and teenagers in Wigan. Builds confidence, discipline, focus and fitness in a safe, welcoming environment.
Beginners Course
No experience or fitness level required. The perfect way to start your MMA or BJJ journey in Wigan. Limited to 20 places.
Circuits & Conditioning
High-intensity fitness classes built around martial arts. No experience needed — great for fitness alongside your regular training.
NEW TO MARTIAL ARTS
IN WIGAN?
Our Beginners Course is the most popular way to start MMA or BJJ in Wigan. Designed for complete beginners — no experience, no fitness level, no prior training required. Just turn up and we'll take care of the rest.
FIGHTER BLUEPRINT
ONLINE
Can't make it to Wigan? Train with Tom online. The Fighter Blueprint platform gives you access to a full video library, structured courses, audio workouts, and the ability to ask Tom directly.
- White to Blue Belt: Complete BJJ Foundations Course
- Mastering Butterfly Guard
- Turtle Series — Defending, Attacking & Submissions
- Audio Workouts & Conditioning
- Ask Tom — Direct Coach Access
Tom Blackledge — Coach, Author & Speaker
Keynote speaker, author of "Fearless by Design", creator of the Superior Self 90-day programme. Stoic philosophy meets practical coaching.
WHAT WIGAN SAYS ABOUT US
“FBA is a very special place, I initially started my son training here under Tom and his team, a couple of years watching him train and I eventually joined a class and never looked back. A very family oriented place where it's not unusual to see a couple of generations of the same family training, usually parents join once they realise how much of a positive impact it has on their children. Hopefully see who ever is reading this soon ☺️”
“Fighter Blueprint is a brilliant academy to learn and train mixed martial arts. All the coaches are incredibly friendly, knowledgeable and supportive. Everyone there creates such an uplifting environment and community! They do a range of classes from beginners, juniors and teens to adults and I'd highly recommend starting and training there if mixed martial arts is something you're interested in or passionate about! Thank you to the team!”
“Great place to train Bjj, I completed the beginners course a number of years ago and really enjoyed the experience, since then I train 3-4 times per week at the academy. It’s a great place to be with great people who made me feel very welcome.”
“Fighter Blueprint Academy is an amazing gym with outstanding coaches. I have been training here now with Beck and the team for just over a year and have been made to feel so welcome. My sons also do the MMA and the coaches and their experience is amazing and has sessions to suit everyone from beginners to professional athletes! In my view it’s an amazing facility, great environment, safe place to unwind and it’s literally better than therapy! Tom has created an amazing family gym that promotes a positive atmosphere and is like a second home! So happy to part if the Fighter Blueprint Family 💙”
“Absolutely amazing gym. Myself and my daughter Started nearly 12 months ago doing PT's with Becky. Ended up doing the beginners course in April and it's the best thing I did. I've met some Absolutely amazing people and made some really good friends. It's not just a gym but it's one big family. The coaches are Absolutely fantastic and so helpful and everyone makes you feel so welcome. I've got both my sons doing PT's with Becky aswell so we are here 7 days a week and it's great at it's like home from home. So many classes to do from circuits, BJJ, striking. If your interested in beginners your BJJ journey or just want to get fit and feel comfortable then this is definitely the place for you. You will not be disappointed 🙌❤️”
REAL PEOPLE. REAL RESULTS.
Don't take our word for it. Here's what our members say about training at Fighter Blueprint Academy.
“Training at FBA has been one of the best decisions I've made.”
MIKE — FBA MEMBER
“It doesn't matter what age or fitness level you are — this gym welcomes everyone.”
IAN — FBA MEMBER
FIND US IN WIGAN
Ince-in-Makerfield, Wigan, WN3 4JY
JOIN THE FBA
INNER CIRCLE
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