Top 10 Most Asked Customer Questions When Setting Up an MMA Gym with Fuji Mats and Equipment

Starting your own MMA gym is an exhilarating venture—one that combines the thrill of combat sports with the satisfaction of building a community of fighters, grapplers, and strikers. At Fuji Mats, we've been at the forefront of outfitting gyms worldwide with our premium, durable mats and complementary equipment designed specifically for high-impact training like MMA. But we know the setup process can feel overwhelming, from choosing the right flooring to sourcing gear that won't break the bank.

That's why we've compiled the top 10 most frequently asked questions from our customers embarking on this journey. These insights come straight from real gym owners, trainers, and enthusiasts who've transformed empty spaces into battlegrounds. Whether you're converting a garage or leasing a commercial spot, these answers will help you hit the ground running (or rolling). Let's dive in!

1. What Size Mats Do I Need for My MMA Gym?

The ideal mat size depends on your space and class capacity, but a good starting point is 6x6 metres for small setups (accommodating 4-6 grapplers) or 12x12 metres for larger groups. For MMA, which involves stand-up and ground work, aim for at least 100 square metres to allow safe movement without crowding. Fuji Mats come in versatile 1m x 2m  mat, making it easy to scale up. Pro tip: Factor in a 1 metre buffer around the edges for any walk ways needed.

2. How Thick Should My Mats Be for MMA Training?

Thickness is crucial for impact absorption during takedowns, throws, and strikes. We recommend 40- to 50mm Fuji Mats (smooth) for MMA—which are firm enough for striking but cushioned for grappling safety. Thinner 25-mm options work for budget-conscious beginners, and great for Striking Arts such as Karate, TKD, Kick Boxing etc where BJJ or MMA are secondary focuses. The Fuji 50mm mats provides pro-level performance, safety and durability.

Remember, thicker mats such as Puzzle Mats and Roll Outs dosn't mean that they are better than a thinner Fuji Tatami or Smooth series mat as they are built differently. We'll look at foam desity and go into more details into which mat is the best and why in another blog.

3. How Do I Install Fuji Mats in My Gym?

Installation is straightforward and DIY-friendly with no glue needed! Start by clearing and levelling the floor, then snap tiles together starting from one corner. For permanent setups, use our optional frame kits to secure edges. Expect 1-2 hours for a 6x6-metre area. Check out our video guides for pro tips, and if you're going big, we offer installation services in select areas. The biggest killer of mats can sometimes be moisture rising from concrete. This can be moisture in a newly poured site or moisture from heavy rains in which finds its way underneather the concrete slab. We highly recommend using one of our approved moisture barriers (Dunlop Aquacoustic Underlay Rolls ot Mapei Planiseal MR Moisture Barrier Sealer) to get longevity out of your Fuji Mats and prolong their commercial life span.

4. What Essential Equipment Should I Pair with Fuji Mats?

Beyond Fuji Mats, you should highly consider Fuji Wall Pads and stock up on Fuji Heavy Bags, Speed Balls, Grappling Dummies, and Thai Pads for well-rounded MMA training. Don't forget gloves, shin guards, and mouthpieces for safety. Fuji offers bundled kits with our mats, including wall-mounted bag stands and focus mitts. Start small: A basic setup might cost $2,000-5,000. Keep adding peices of equipment you need and scale up such as Boxing Rings, MMA Cages & Panels, Troleey Bag Rack to help make better use of space, extra bags, MMA Cages etc.

5. How Do I Clean and Maintain Fuji Mats?

Keeping mats hygienic is non-negotiable in a sweat-soaked MMA environment. Sweep and mop daily with the Fuji Mat Mop and Fuji All Surface Mat Cleaner. For deep cleans, invest in a Mat Scrubber which will vacuums, scrubs and wash your mats with deep scrubbing action cleaning much better than just a simple mop. Avoid harsh chemicals that degrade vinyl and foam. Air them out weekly and inspect for tears. With proper care, Fuji Mats last for years under heavy use, maintaining that fresh grip surface.

6. What's the Best Way to Budget for My MMA Gym Setup?

Aim for $10,000-50,000 total, with mats taking up 40-60% of your budget. Factor in shipping ($500-2,000 for freight), basic equipment ($3,000+), and ventilation/lighting upgrades. Pro hack: Buy in phases—mats first, then gear as memberships grow. Our shoestring budget guide can help stretch those dollars while keeping quality high.

7. Do Fuji Mats Come with a Warranty, and What Does It Cover?

Absolutely—our mats boast up to a 5-year limited warranty against manufacturing defects. It covers normal wear from training but not misuse like cuts from improper tools.  We've seen gyms thrive for over a decade on the same set, proving our build quality stands up to the toughest rolls.

8. How Long Does Shipping Take, and What About Freight Deliveries?

Standard ground shipping for smaller orders takes 5-10 business days depending on your location. Track everything via our portal, and inspect upon arrival for any damages. For international setups, duties apply, so chat with our team for quotes. Patience pays off when your mats arrive pristine and ready to unbox.

9. Can I Customise My Fuji Mats and Equipment for Branding?

Yes! Personalise with your gym your way with colours, logos and more. We also offer branded gear like rash guards and bags for a cohesive look. Minimums orders apply, perfect for academies building identity. It's a game-changer for member retention—nothing says "pro" like a logoed setup.

10. How Do I Ensure Safety with Wall Pads and Perimeter Protection?

Fuji Wall Pads are a must to prevent collisions during sprawls, clinch work or self defence training. Our 25-50mm thick wall pads install via screws, adhesive or Velcro and come in matching colours. Pair with mats, Boxing Rings, MMA Cage and Bag Racks for full coverage. Regularly check for secure attachment, and enforce no-horseplay rules. Safety first keeps your gym insured and injury-free.

Setting up your MMA gym with Fuji Mats isn't just about gear—it's about creating a space where warriors are forged. These questions cover the essentials, but every gym is unique. Got more specifics? Drop us a line at support@fujimats.com.au or hit up our design consultation for a free layout mockup. What's your first big question? Share in the comments below—we're here to mat-ter!

Ready to roll? Shop our MMA bundles today and turn that vision into victory.