Underground MMA is the premier mixed martial arts training gym located in San Jose, CA, serving South San Jose, Almaden Valley (95120) and nearby communities for over two decades, and is the home of Shamrock MMA. Originally founded by Frank Shamrock (former UFC, WEC, Strikeforce, and Pancrase world champion) and now led by his longtime head instructor Jannsen Tariga, our approach comes from a proven lineage that helped shape modern mixed martial arts, refined and adapted for today’s athletes.
We teach MMA as a complete, integrated system, not just separate classes. While many gyms focus on access, we focus on coaching. Our training emphasizes structure, progression, and personal instruction in a small-group environment, so students learn and improve – Real Training. Real Progress.
Underground MMA offers mixed martial arts for teens and adults, integrating stand-up, grappling, and transitions into one cohesive approach. We pride ourselves on maintaining a safe, respectful, and supportive environment where students of all experience levels feel welcome and challenged. We also have a competitive team for those students wanting to take their skills to the next level.
If you are looking for serious MMA training in South San Jose, taught as one unified system rather than random classes, Underground MMA provides a focused, coach-led path to real skill development and practical self defense capability.
“Jannsen Tariga is the only person I’ve authorized to teach Shamrock MMA. He embodies the discipline, philosophy, and structured progression that define our system. Under his leadership, students receive true instruction in the complete art of Shamrock MMA — not fragments, not shortcuts, but the lineage itself.”
Frank Shamrock – Former UFC, WEC, Strikeforce, and Pancrase World Champion
