Beginner MMA Classes in Albuquerque
Welcome to Legion Iron Gym's Beginner MMA Class
Step into the cage with confidence and embark on a comprehensive journey into the world of Mixed Martial Arts. Whether you're a beginner looking to build a strong foundation or an experienced fighter aiming to sharpen your skills, this course is designed to transform you into a well-rounded MMA athlete.
This structured one-hour, five-day-a-week program focuses on building a strong foundation in martial arts while enhancing overall physical development.
As students master the fundamentals and receive clearance from their coach, they have the option to progress to the Amateur MMA Program. From there, those who aspire to compete at a higher level can transition into the Professional MMA Program.
Essential MMA Skills
Students will learn
Striking Techniques
Develop precision and power with a complete breakdown of striking techniques. Master jabs, hooks, uppercuts, elbows, knees, and an arsenal of kicks to both attack and defend effectively inside the cage.
Mastering Footwork & Stance
A strong fight game starts with proper footwork and stance. Learn the mechanics of open, closed, narrow, and wide stances while honing your movement with drills focused on linear footwork, distance control, and advanced cage positioning.
Dominating Over/Under Positions
Gain the edge with game-changing moves, including the Hip Throw, Fireman’s Carry, Elbow Strikes, and a variety of takedowns and combinations that keep your opponent guessing.
Cage Control & Takedown Strategies
Turn the cage into your ally with expert takedown strategies. Use jabs as decoys, master clinch positions, arm control techniques, and shoulder pins to dominate against the fence. Learn how to transition seamlessly from defense to offense, ensuring control in any cage scenario.
Ground Fighting/Jiu Jitsu
The Legion Iron Beginner MMA Class is led by First-Degree Black Belt Jose Barraza and First-Degree Black Belt & Gym Owner Shawn Kocab, bringing years of elite-level experience to every session.
Each class follows a structured format to ensure well-rounded development.
Each class follows a structured format to ensure well-rounded development:
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Warm-up – Preparing the body with dynamic movements and mobility drills.
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Takedown Drills – Heavy focus on Judo-based techniques to build strong grappling fundamentals.
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Submissions & Transitions – Learning key submission holds and effective transition strategies.
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Live Positional Rolling & Free Rolls – Applying skills in real-time through controlled sparring.
Under the guidance of highly experienced black belts, students receive top-tier coaching in a safe, structured, and encouraging environment. Whether you’re just starting or looking to sharpen your skills, this class provides the foundation needed to excel in MMA.
Meet The Coaches
Shawn Kocab (Gym owner)
Striking, Grappling/Jiu Jitsu, Self-Defense Instructor
With over 20 years of experience in martial arts, Shawn Kocab brings a wealth of knowledge and real-world combat expertise to his MMA and self-defense classes at Legion Iron Gym. A former professional fighter, Shawn has trained with some of the best fighters in the world, sharpening his skills in Boxing, Muay Thai, Judo, Krav Maga, tactical weapons training, and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
Shawn has had the previlate of being coached by MMA legend Wanderlei Silva and earned his black belt in Jiu-Jitsu under Robert Drysdale, one of the sport’s most respected practitioners. Shawn has been training partners with over a dozen UFC vetrans.
To further his Muay Thai expertise, Shawn embarked on a pilgrimage to Thailand, training under Master Thohsaphol Sitiwatjana (Master Toddy)—a world-renowned instructor responsible for shaping many of the sport’s champions. His time in Thailand deepened his understanding of striking techniques and clinch work, which he integrates into his teaching.
Shawn’s passion isn’t just about competing—it’s about empowering everyday people to defend themselves. His classes focus on practical self-defense, effective striking, and grappling techniques that work in real-life situations. Whether you’re an aspiring fighter or just want to build confidence and learn to protect yourself, Shawn’s instruction is designed to make you stronger, more skilled, and prepared for anything.
MONTHLY MEMBERSHIPS
MMA Membership
Month - Month
$155
Yearly - $1200 ( $100 month)
Includes
unlimited 24/7 gym access
no contract terms
no cancellation fees
no sign up fees
unlimited visits
unlimited classes
personalized pin code
one-time guest day passes for $20
SPECIAL RATES
PLEASE Call 505-218-7816 TO PURCHASE ONE OF OUR SPECIAL MEMBERSHIP RATES
Public Servant
Month to Month - $135
*Public servants include: Military/Police/Firefighter/Teacher/Doctor/Nurse
** Email:legionirongym@gmail.com a copy of your school ID or public servant proof.
Drop in Fee - $20
Reviews
We strive to be greatest and strongest gym in New Mexico, and we appreciate what our valued members have to say about us. Come in and see what sets us apart from the rest!
Freddy Sandoval – MMA Coach & Head of SFS
Freddy Sandoval is a seasoned MMA veteran with over 20 years of experience in combat sports. He stepped into the cage for his first MMA fight in 2005, launching a career that has spanned more than two dozen professional fights across four different weight classes. Freddy is a two-division champion, earning belts in two of those divisions, and has competed at the highest levels—including in Bellator MMA, one of the sport’s premier organizations.
Freddy’s background is rooted in wrestling, boxing, and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and he’s also competed professionally in boxing and bare-knuckle fighting for the largest bare-knuckle promotion in the world. His well-rounded skill set and fight-tested experience make him a respected coach and fierce competitor.
Freddy is the founder and head coach of Sandoval Fighting Systems (SFS), where he trains aspiring fighters at Legion Iron Gym. His coaching blends grit, discipline, and technical mastery—shaping fighters who are sharp, conditioned, and ready for war.
Whether you're stepping into competition or looking to sharpen your skills, Coach Freddy delivers the kind of training only a true warrior can provide.
Jose Barraza
Grappling/Jiu Jitsu Instructor
I started training at 29 years old after learning I was going to have a son I needed to set an example for. At the time, I was overweight and unhealthy. Not knowing what to do I saw my brother win his first Jiu Jitsu tournament and I was convinced. I really just love training and rolling.
I also wholeheartedly believe in the power of Jiu Jitsu as a tool to change lives. As an instructor I feel it's my obligation to provide people with confidence and a sense of belonging. Jiu Jitsu changed me and I will tirelessly help anyone who walks through the doors to find the confidence and power within themselves.
Coach Paco
Boxing Coach
Boxing experience: Growing up in New Mexico Coach Paco was involved in many sports including his favorite -- basketball; he began boxing in high school under the tutelage of his grand-uncle who was a professional boxer. After high school his job took him all over the United States where he was able to compete and study different boxing styles from the east to the west coast.
Coaching experience: After finishing his competitive boxing career Coach Paco fell in love with the idea of helping people through sports; he is passionate about working with underprivileged kids and those who did not have the same opportunities that he did growing up. Starting in the early 2000's Paco took on some of his first coaching duties including his son at a young age, since then he has coached amateur Golden Gloves champions, professional boxers, and professional bare-knuckle boxers. In 2021 Coach Paco and his partner Frankie Armijo opened the "Duke City Underdogs" boxing gym in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
Personal Note: "Outside of boxing I am a family man and I enjoy spending time with my two children. The Land of Enchantment has great camping, fishing, and recently I have gotten into horseback riding, all of which I have been taking full advantage of!"
COME TRAIN WITH US!