Started for general fitness and now I have become to love kickboxing and BJJ , great way to keep fit whilst learning something new, great place with fantastic coaching from Matt who is very welcoming and a true experienced professional, highly recommended

I've been involved in the Martial Arts world for over 25 years and coached for half of those. During that time I've trained with very few coaches that are as willing to share their knowledge and experience as Matt Thorpe is. He is a true expert in his field and always strives to deepen his understanding.

In the years I've known Matt he has always shown an ability to involve the latest ideas and cutting edge coaching techniques. He produces great fighters with his approach. I regularly invite Matt to teach at my gym and have no hesitation in recommending training with him and at his gym - 12 Gauge. I have sent several of my competitive fighters to train at 12 Gauge with great success and will continue to do so. 12 Gauge is proving to be a formidable force in the MMA world and Matt '12 Gauge' Thorpe is the engine driving it forward.

Our Son Harrison started a few weeks ago and absolutely loves the sessions, literally never stops talking about it. We were made to feel very welcome, and are happy to have joined the 12 Gauge family.

It’s helped me loose so much weight it has build my confidence and it help me let off steam it’s just like being a family in the gym you look out for every one and we all have a laugh and you really working hard in the gym

I first met Matt in 1999 and have watched him develop and evolve over the last 10+ years from martial arts student, to amateur level fighter, professional fighter and beyond. After his retirement from competion in 2010, Matt focused on coaching a new generation of warriors and started up 12 Gauge MMA.

I still get down there from time to time. Matt is an incredible coach. First of all he is a real student of MMA. He still studies videos, books, articles, anything.. just to pick up the new techniques and ideas. Secondly, he has a very calm persona, which means he teaches in a very relaxed manner. This gives his students a great atmosphere to learn in and creates the time for Matt to focus on the fine details of the techniques he is teaching.

With years of fighting and coaching behind him, Matt is an ideal person to gravitate to if you want to learn every aspect of MMA. From keen beginner through to seasoned professional, you will learn something from Matt. I know I still do!

I first started training at 12 Gauge MMA 18 months ago. After 10 years weight training I was in need of a new challenge, I had picked up a back injury a few years prior due to a weak core and I wanted to prevent any further problems. I'd looked at MMA prior to my injury but had to wait till I had totally recovered. I did my research on local clubs in the Manchester area and found that non had the same level of professional fight experience or coaching that Matt had. Initially I started training with private sessions. I gave Matt the brief that I wanted to learn all areas of MMA while putting an emphasis on strengthening my core and improving my general fitness. Its been well over 12 months since I've had any flair ups with my back which I put solely down to the training I do now. Matt teaches with a seamless step by step approach with the emphasis put on technique he's always looking for new ideas and one thing you won't find is stagnant training methods. This goes across the board with the other top coaches you will find at 12 Gauge MMA. You won't find any attitude or bullying at 12 Gauge MMA its not a gym you go to and get beat up, you learn in a friendly positive environment with people who are always happy to help and lend you there experience!

I joined 12 Gauge MMA in April 2011. At the time I joined I was really starting to get into MMA and thought it would be a good way to learn something new and loose some weight. Little did I know over a year later I would be 3 stone lighter and have met some top blokes who have no problems in helping you improve in any areas you seem to be struggling in and are great laugh too. All the coaches are fantastic pushing you to limits I didn't know I could do. Matts approach to his students is amazing! and makes the hardest looking moves simple to follow. Before I contacted Matt about starting I had to get some information and the best quote I saw and sold me to go for it is still true to this day "if you ever get the chance to train with or by Matthew Thorpe jump at it! You won't regret it!" I would strongly recommend anyone considering taking up MMA as a hobby or to compete to come to 12 Gauge MMA and give it a go, you won't regret it one bit!

I believe this is the best club in the whole of the country and that is saying something!!! I have been with 12 Gauge MMA for 1 year now and I have learnt a lot from Matt and Simon from standup to the ground. I haven't competed yet but have experienced my fellow team mates make a name for them selves being victorious in there bouts. I would say to you, if you want to train with the best of the best and believe me you won't be disappointed with the club, I haven't been!! So if you feel you are wasting your time with your present club, want to compete or want to attend charity, team and fun days, and watch your children progress or achieve your own goals you know where to find us!!

I have now been a member of 12 Gauge MMA for 3 months. Upon walking into the gym I was very warmly greeted by both staff and students. After my first class I was hooked, so much so that I instantly set up a monthly membership and you can not keep me out of the place much to my wifes dismay. Being new to MMA I found head coach Matt Thorpe's way of instruction very easy to follow, it's easy to see he has a great knowledge of his chosen profession. I'm growing with confidence in my skills with every session I attend and my fitness has vastly improved. I have recently started taking my 8 year old daughter to the kickboxing classes taught by Simon Home, another great coach with great knowledge,and she loves the classes. Whether you want to get fit, just learn MMA, or train to compete, 12 Gauge MMA is the place to do it, I guarantee you will not be disappointed.

I've been a member of 12 Gauge MMA for around 6 months now. On my first visit I couldn't even get through the whole session I was that unfit! But Matt and the other guys didn't make me feel stupid, quite the opposite, Matt promised me that he would get me fit, and true to his word he has! I suffer from a couple of illnesses and was wary of trying something like MMA, but I can honestly say it has changed my life! It is by far the best thing I have done, and I can't imagine a better coach than Matt to teach me! With all Matt's experience, he seems to have an amazing knack when teaching, of making difficult techniques seem simple. All I can say is come down and have a go. I'll bet you won't regret it and you'll wonder like me why you didn't do it earlier! Thanks Matt!!!

Starting training at 12 Gauge MMA is honestly one of the best decisions I have ever made. It has greatly benefitted many areas of my life, including my fitness, strength, and confidence. The coaches are fantastic and break the techniques down to make them easy to learn while still ensuring that all the details are covered and they are always ready and willing to help you achieve your goals. There is a true sense of team spirit between everyone who trains at 12 Gauge and I would recommend the sport and club to anyone!

If it wasn't for Simon dragging me to 12 Gauge MMA, i'd have a Jonny Vegas belly by now!! So for that I am eternally grateful! Somehow I went fro avoiding exercise like the plague my whole life, to a 3 times a week monthly subscriber, inside a few months!! Its a testament to the quality coaching and some of the most helpful, friendly lads you will ever meet! If your on the fence, getting porky or just plain want to get fit, you'd be daft not to give it a bash! Its definitely a chance I don't regret taking! Thanks all!

Anybody looking to get into MMA , whether as a hobby, competitively or just for fitness, 12 Gauge MMA covers every aspect. I did not know what to expect on my first visit as I had no previous Martial Arts background but from the first lesson I was hooked. Matt the head coach teaches in a very professional way, demonstrating the drills and techniques very clearly. I am constantly learning and seeing improvements week by week. If you are looking for the best MMA gym in Stockport or South Manchester, look no further!

I have been a member of 12 Gauge MMA for little over a year now and can't get enough of it. Since joining I have lost weight, improved my fitness, made new friends and joined the cauliflower ear club! Having studied other martial arts I can honestly say Matts teaching methods are second to none and are easy to follow. If you are willing to put the time in you will see massive improvements in your all round game! The gym cares for all levels from people just looking to get fit right up to its very own fight team! The coaches and members are friendly and approachable, there are no egos here!!! The hard work and sacrifice Matt puts in the club and its members has been easy to see over the last year and it is only going to get bigger and better, with some of the young talent at the club and Matts guidance/knowledge this gym WILL be competing in the UFC in years to come! Team 12 Gauge

I have been with 12 Gauge MMA for over 1 year now and can definitely see my improvements from the day I started to now. Thanks to head coach Matt Thorpe the club has grown a lot bigger and we are seeing more new faces every time we train. I would recommend the club to all my flexibility is getting better and I am more relaxed thanks to Sharon Calvert the Yoga coach. My stand up and ground work are much better thanks to head coach Matt Thorpe and the other coaches Simon Home, Ian Buckley and the rest of the 12 Gauge Team. If it can make me a better person it can make anyone better!

I have been a consistent member of 12 Gauge MMA for coming up to 2 years and would happily recommend it to anyone of all ages, be it for truing for competition or training just for fitness. In my time there I have made many friends in the gym and in MMA thanks to the friendly atmosphere of the 12 Gauge MMA gym. The coach Matt Thorpe is a great instructor who's well respected in MMA, he always has time for his pupils, is always available for advice and he breaks techniques down to nice easy stages that anyone can pick up quickly. 12 Gauge MMA is a brilliant place to start your MMA career or just to learn self defence whilst getting in great shape!

Whatever your goals in life 12 Gauge MMA can help you achieve them whether it's fitness, self defence, confidence or training to compete there's a variety of sessions to help you on your way to achieve your goals. Training with a top coach with 10 years professional mms competition experience means he's been there done it and got the T-Shirt. Anything Matt doesn't know about MMA, grappling, kickboxing and fitness isn't worth knowing.

Matt is a true professional inside and outside of the cage, his clear coaching style makes it easy to take on board his advice and to have him in your corner is a true honour. 12 Gauge MMA has a great social atmosphere with a driven and successful competition team. Overall 12 Gauge MMA is the place to be if you are looking to be an MMA fighter or you just want a fun hobby!

I have trained and fought alongside Matt for a long time. Since he has started coaching I have seen a different side to him. He breaks down techniques in a way that makes them simple and effective. Matt is a natural coach and will be a trainer of champions, highly recommended!

No time is ever wasted at 12 Gauge MMA, every session is dedicated to our learning and development in MMA. Matt Thorpe has a very clear coaching method and a technical ability to aspire too.

I have been training at 12 Gauge MMA for about 6 months now and absolutely love it. I was a complete beginner to martial arts but have found it to be great fun as well as a great workout. Matt ensures we all get the utmost from our sessions and regardless of age, gender, level, we are all treated equally. Being a woman at the club isn't a problem either, all the guys have been friendly and helpful from the get go. MMA is great sport whether looking to compete or simply get fit, I would highly recommend 12 Gauge MMA to anybody.

Our son loves coming to mini warriors he enjoys it alot and is getting a lot of strength from it we always wanted him to learn martial arts and protect himself as he grows up and this is teaching him that. The coaches are great with the kids and there is a friendly atmosphere fab place highly recommend!

The only MMA experience I'd had prior to signing up at 12 Gauge was wrestling in our flat.. But when the plaster started falling off the walls we knew we had to join somewhere. I'm so glad we picked 12 Gauge.. you keep fit whilst continuously learning new skills and the trainers are brilliant.

Dan is great in the intro sessions and really helped build my confidence! Matt is awesome and really knows his stuff and Simon gives the hardest warm up I've ever come across, but I love it! And I know Amy is great in the childrens classes too. All the coaches are very professional, but they make the classes so fun to participate in. Would recommend to anyone!