MMA Classes in Hemel Hempstead
Mixed Martial Arts coached by an ex-professional fighter and chartered sports physio. Striking, wrestling, BJJ and the transitions between them - trained properly, taught safely.
Meet Coach Stephen Tofield
Stephen Tofield is an experienced MMA coach and chartered sports physiotherapist with over 10 years helping athletes recover from injury, improve performance, and reach their competitive goals. Alongside more than seven years of MMA coaching experience, Stephen combines his clinical expertise with real-world combat sports knowledge to deliver a complete approach to athlete development.
A BJJ brown belt under Fabio Gonzalez at Chesham Top Team, Stephen has developed a coaching style that blends technical grappling, effective striking, and practical fight strategies. As a former professional MMA fighter, he competed in three professional bouts, earning a record of 2 wins and 1 loss - firsthand experience of the demands of high-level competition.
The Methodology
Stephen’s MMA methodology is heavily influenced by the combat systems developed by Erik Paulson - incorporating striking, wrestling, submissions, and seamless transitions between all ranges of combat. Stand-up to clinch, clinch to takedown, ground to submission, scramble back to the feet. Every range, every transition.
His unique combination of coaching, competition experience and physiotherapy expertise allows him to help athletes not only perform at their best but also stay healthy, resilient and competition-ready. That last part is rare. Most MMA coaches don’t know how to keep your shoulders, knees and back working long-term. Stephen does - it’s his day job.
What You’ll Train
Striking
Boxing fundamentals, kickboxing, knees and elbows in the clinch, distance and angle management. Tight technique, not flashy nonsense.
Wrestling & Takedowns
Level changes, sprawls, single and double leg entries, cage wrestling, getting up off the floor. The bridge between striking and ground.
BJJ for MMA
Ground positions adapted for strikes. Cage work, posture, submissions that work with small gloves on. Brown-belt-level instruction from someone who’s competed using it.
Transitions & Sparring
The MMA-specific bit: connecting the ranges. Controlled live work with the right partners, scaled to your level.
Who Trains MMA at WTF?
Our MMA mat brings together people coming from BJJ, Judo, wrestling, kickboxing and boxing backgrounds - and complete beginners. We don’t throw anyone into hard sparring on day one. Expect a structured curriculum, paired drilling, controlled situational rounds, and Stephen’s eye on your technique throughout.
If you’re training toward amateur or professional competition, Stephen has both the coaching record and the physio knowledge to get you there safely. If you’re here for the fitness, skill, and to learn one of the most complete martial arts in existence, you’re equally welcome.
How to Start
The first taster class is free. Bring a mouth guard if you have one (we can recommend, otherwise gum-shield not needed for your first class). Shorts and t-shirt or rashguard. Water. That’s it.