Martial Arts in Harborne & Edgbaston
Looking for martial arts classes in Harborne, Edgbaston or along the Hagley Road corridor? MMA Factory is now open at Lordswood Boys' School sports hall — B17 8BJ, parking on site, first two sessions free.
A proper academy, right on Hagley Road
MMA Factory runs from the full-size indoor sports hall at Lordswood Boys' School — a two-minute drive from Harborne high street, five from Edgbaston, and directly on the bus routes along Hagley Road. If you live in Harborne, Edgbaston, Bearwood, Quinton or Smethwick, this is martial arts without the trek into town.
What's on the timetable
- Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu — gi and no-gi grappling for kids, teens and adults.
- Wrestling — takedowns, control and elite-level conditioning.
- Muay Thai — striking classes coming soon.
- MMA — running now for 12+, plus Kids MMA for ages 4–12.
Coaching you won't find on every corner
Head coach Jag Paul Plaha is a BJJ black belt with 25+ years in martial arts; coach Amar Johal is a brown belt and active competitor. Their students range from seven-year-olds to a gold medallist in his fifties — including national junior champions. That depth of coaching, in a local sports hall, at local prices.
Built for beginners
No egos, no being thrown in at the deep end. Every class is structured so a complete beginner keeps up from day one — which is why our members are mostly local people who'd never trained before, not gym-hoppers.
Frequently asked questions
Where exactly is the gym?
Inside the sports hall at Lordswood Boys' School, Hagley Road, Harborne, Birmingham B17 8BJ — with on-site parking.
Which areas do members come from?
Mostly Harborne, Edgbaston, Bearwood, Quinton, Smethwick, Selly Oak and surrounding west Birmingham — anywhere within a short drive of Hagley Road.
Is it suitable for children?
Yes — dedicated kids and junior classes run alongside adult sessions, teaching discipline, confidence and real skills in a safe, structured way.
Train with us — first two sessions free
MMA Factory is open now at Lordswood Boys' School sports hall, Hagley Road, Birmingham B17 8BJ. BJJ and wrestling classes for kids, teens and adults — complete beginners welcome.