Head coach Sam Spencer leads Smooth Combat Academy. Sam is a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu black belt, a former professional MMA fighter, and a respected coach, who also trained under Declan Williams – another celebrated MMA fighter and BJJ black belt from Lancashire. Sam and his team are on a mission to make combat sports accessible to people of all ages and abilities. With this new partnership, the gym will strengthen its online presence and connect with even more aspiring martial artists looking to learn MMA in Bury and beyond.
Empowering Local Talent Through the MMA Scholarship Programme
One of the key focuses of this partnership is the Smooth Combat Academy MMA Scholarship Programme, a life-changing opportunity designed for young males aged 16 who want to start their combat sports journey or take their training to the next level.
Each year, selected scholars receive a full year of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu training and all the protective equipment needed to participate safely at no cost to them – the cost is borne by the scholarship programme’s sponsors. The programme aims to make martial arts in Bury more accessible, giving young people a positive outlet, a structured routine, and the opportunity to develop discipline, confidence, and resilience both inside and outside the gym.
A Partnership Built on Shared Values
Seek Marketing Partners, based only a short distance away from the gym in Bury, is known for delivering high-quality digital marketing solutions for businesses across multiple sectors. Their expertise in SEO, content writing, web design, PPC advertising, and branding will play a crucial role in helping Smooth Combat Academy expand its visibility and community reach.
As part of the collaboration, Seek Marketing Partners will be supporting the gym with website improvements, promotional campaigns, and digital storytelling. All designed to capture the energy, skill, and community spirit that make Smooth Combat Academy unique.
The Seek Marketing Partners team have a real desire to help businesses in their local area find success, and so they’re already very excited about the collaboration with Smooth Combat Academy. If there’s one particular aspect that makes the partnership with Sam and his team extra special though, it’s the connection with MMA.
Dean Braiden, a Director at Seek Marketing Partners, has a real passion for MMA, and in fact, his company already has experience in the industry. Seek Marketing Partners has previously worked to publicise training camps and fight events for ‘Fan2Fighter’, another local initiative which blends MMA and fundraising for charity.
So, both organisations share strong local roots, a love for MMA, and a commitment to helping people grow, whether that’s through business or through sport. It’s a partnership that embodies teamwork, dedication, and the pursuit of excellence.
About Smooth Combat Academy
Based on Parsons Lane in Bury, Sam and his team offer a wide range of classes for all ages and abilities. While the Scholarship Programme focuses on young males aged 16, the gym itself is open to everyone.
Training sessions are available at the junior level (ages 5–11), youth level (ages 12–16), and for adults of all experience levels. Beginners’ classes in Boxing, MMA, Kickboxing, and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) provide the perfect starting point for those looking to learn the fundamentals, while advanced sessions such as kickboxing sparring, MMA sparring, and submission grappling cater to those wanting to refine their skills further.
Classes can be attended on a pay-as-you-train basis, with a range of affordable subscription packages also available for regular members. Full timetable and pricing details can be found here on the gym’s website, and the gym is particularly active on Facebook too.
A Legacy of Discipline and Determination
Coach Sam brings over 15 years of professional training experience to the mat, having competed at an elite level and shared the cage with some of the UK’s best fighters. His experience with Cage Warriors, Europe’s premier MMA promotion, adds real-world expertise to every session, inspiring students to train with passion, respect, and focus.
Under Sam’s guidance, Smooth Combat Academy has become more than just an MMA gym in the Manchester area; it’s a growing community where people come together to train hard, improve themselves, and build lasting friendships.
Find Out More
Whether you’re completely new to MMA in Bury, or you’re looking to test yourself against experienced competitors, Smooth Combat Academy welcomes everyone through its doors. With expert coaching, a friendly atmosphere, and a powerful new partnership driving growth, there’s never been a better time to get involved.
