180 MMA

About 180 MMA

180 MMA is a martial arts gym and community hub located on Centreway Road in Ōrewa on the Hibiscus Coast. Founded and operated by the Namoa whānau—Head Coach Will Namoa, a retired professional MMA fighter and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu brown belt, alongside his wife Rachel—the gym is founded on a culture of personal growth, authentic connection, and respect. Their philosophy is simple: no egos, no shortcuts, just the right pace, the right challenge, and the right support.

The gym welcomes individuals at all stages of their journey, whether stepping onto the mats for the very first time to build fitness, learning practical self-defense, or training as an experienced combat sports competitor. With programs spanning striking, grappling, and dedicated youth training, 180 MMA provides a structured, safe environment where children develop discipline and confidence, while adults reconnect with both physical and mental resilience.

Community, Discipline, and Connection: Inside 180 MMA in Ōrewa

For many people, walking into a combat sports gym can feel intimidating. Between the sounds of heavy bags and intense sparring, finding a welcoming training space is not always straightforward. At 180 MMA in Ōrewa, that experience is deliberately different. Situated on Centreway Road on Auckland’s Hibiscus Coast, the academy is designed from the ground up to be an inclusive space where personal growth, discipline, and community go hand in hand.

Operated by the Namoa whānau, 180 MMA is grounded in authentic connection. Head Coach Will Namoa brings over 15 years of combat sports experience to the mats. A retired professional MMA fighter and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu brown belt, Will combines high-level technical knowledge with a calm, genuine coaching manner. Alongside him, Rachel Namoa manages operations, memberships, and community support from behind the front desk, ensuring that every person who steps through the doors receives a warm welcome.

Training Without Egos

The central ethos at 180 MMA is "no egos, no shortcuts." The gym caters to every level of interest and physical readiness, meeting people where they are at. Whether someone is returning to physical activity after years away from sport, looking to learn real-world self-defense skills, or actively preparing to compete, sessions are structured with safety and progression as top priorities.

Coaches emphasize proper mechanics and personal milestones rather than unnecessary intensity. Students are encouraged to develop mental and physical resilience at their own pace, supported by both the instructors and training partners on the mats.

Disciplines on Offer

180 MMA runs dedicated programs for both children and adults across several core combat disciplines:

• **Mixed Martial Arts (MMA):** Bringing together grappling, clinch work, and stand-up striking into a cohesive training system.
• **Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu & Wrestling:** Developing ground control, positioning, escapes, and takedowns with an emphasis on leverage and technique.
• **Boxing & Kickboxing:** Focusing on rhythm, footwork, head movement, and clean striking combinations for both fitness and martial arts development.
• **Sparring Sessions:** Supervised practice allowing advanced students and competitors to pressure-test their techniques in a respectful, controlled environment.
• **Personal Coaching:** Tailored individual sessions focused on specific athletic, technical, or fitness goals.

Building Confidence from a Young Age

A major focus of 180 MMA is youth development. Through programs like Lil Ninjas MMA, kids learn the foundations of martial arts while developing focus, motor skills, and self-assurance. Classes provide the structure and guidance young people need to cultivate respect—both for themselves and others—translating into benefits that reach far outside the gym.

For families and individuals across Ōrewa and the wider Hibiscus Coast, 180 MMA serves as a positive space to develop physical capability, find genuine camaraderie, and become part of a supportive local whānau.

Signature items

• Lil Ninjas MMA
• Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
• Adults MMA
• Kickboxing
• Wrestling
• Personal Training

Menu

Kids Programs

• Lil Ninjas MMA — Foundational mixed martial arts training designed for kids to build confidence, discipline, and structure.
• Kids Jiu Jitsu — Grappling and ground technique sessions tailored for younger students.
• Kids Wrestling — Takedown fundamentals, control, and balance training for youth.
• Kids Kickboxing — Striking fundamentals using punches and kicks in a safe, controlled setting.
• Kids Boxing — Boxing fundamentals focused on footwork, stance, and hand striking.
• Kids Sparring — Supervised, controlled sparring sessions applying taught martial arts skills.
• Kids Personal Training — One-on-one tailored coaching sessions for youth.

Trials & Memberships

• 1 Week Trial — Introductory trial membership allowing new participants to experience the gym's classes.

Adults & Teens Programs

• MMA — Comprehensive mixed martial arts combining striking, wrestling, and ground fighting.
• Jiu Jitsu — Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu training covering ground control, positioning, and submissions.
• Wrestling — Takedown techniques, clinch work, and mat control for combat and fitness.
• Kickboxing — Stand-up striking technique combining boxing handwork and kicking.
• Boxing — Traditional boxing training focusing on technique, punch combinations, and conditioning.
• Sparring — Controlled, coach-led sparring practice for experienced students to sharpen skills.
• Personal Training — Individualised combat sports and fitness coaching to reach specific training goals.

Frequently asked questions

Where is 180 MMA located?

The gym is located at 196B Centreway Road, Orewa 0931, Auckland.

Do I need prior martial arts experience to join?

No. 180 MMA caters to all levels from complete beginners and first-timers through to experienced competitive fighters.

What martial arts disciplines are taught at 180 MMA?

Classes cover Mixed Martial Arts (MMA), Jiu Jitsu, Wrestling, Kickboxing, Boxing, Sparring, and Personal Training.

Are there classes available for children?

Yes. 180 MMA offers dedicated kids' sessions including the Lil Ninjas MMA program, Kids Jiu Jitsu, Wrestling, Kickboxing, Boxing, and youth sparring.

Is there a trial available for new members?

Yes, 180 MMA offers a 1-week trial option for prospective members looking to try out the classes.

Who coaches the classes at 180 MMA?

Head Coach Will Namoa, a retired professional MMA fighter and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu brown belt with over 15 years of combat sports experience, coaches alongside an experienced team.

Tips

• {"body":"If you are new to combat sports or looking for a new gym, sign up for the 1-week trial to experience the training environment and test different class formats.","title":"Take Advantage of the 1-Week Trial"}
• {"body":"Whether your focus is striking in boxing and kickboxing or ground control in jiu-jitsu and wrestling, explore different sessions to find what suits your goals.","title":"Try Different Disciplines"}
• {"body":"The Lil Ninjas and youth programs provide a structured, supportive setting that helps children develop coordination, confidence, and discipline.","title":"Get the Kids Started Early"}

Good to know

• {"family":"Dedicated kids' programs including Lil Ninjas MMA, Jiu Jitsu, Wrestling, Kickboxing, and Boxing."}