2x best of chapel hill

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try a class

free

Train in a clean, positive, and safe environment with our professional coaching staff. Have fun learning practical self-defense that really works.

Best of all, you can try a class absolutely FREE!

rave reviews

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brazilian

jiu-jitsu

The most effective singular self-defense system, BJJ arms you with the tools to defeat a larger, stronger attacker with just knowledge and leverage.

Top 3 Reasons Parents Choose Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

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Self Defense

It’s important for everyone to feel safe. And it’s important for that feeling to be bolstered with skills like Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

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Self Confidence

Expert guidance through the effort and ultimate success of performing difficult tasks help cultivate self confidence.

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Self Discipline

Like all behaviors, self discipline is a habit. Structured activities and positive role models help foster that.

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu relies on positional dominance and leverage to defeat physical attributes like size and strength. Of course, those same physical attributes can multiply the effectiveness of Jiu-Jitsu, but they are not necessary to gain proficiency in the art.

Master Roberto Godoi of G13 Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu at our annual belt ceremony in Brazil

Top 3 Reasons adults choose Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

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Physical Fitness

A mix of cardio, strength, and mobility training, classes focus on skill building, so you won’t notice you’re getting in the best shape of your life.

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Goal Setting

Because Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is competitive in nature, students learn to harness the same part of themselves that drive all of us toward success.

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Hack Your Brain

Develop problem-solving skills, strategic thinking, and mental toughness as you learn to adapt techniques during live sparring sessions.

combat

athlete

performance

Transform your body and unlock your potential with workouts designed by our medical and fitness experts.

the 3 pillars to combat athlete performance

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Strength &
Conditioning

Functional strength, power output, and endurance for athletic performance via improved muscular balance and stability.

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Movement
Optimization

Learn proper biomechanics and functional movement patterns to execute techniques with precision while minimizing the risk of injuries.

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Recovery
Protocols

Use advanced recovery strategies that are essential for optimal performance and injury prevention to aid in long-term health and athletic longevity.

Beacon Mixed Martial Arts - Combat Athlete Performance

Joining the Combat Athlete Performance program means investing in your athletic future, supported by professionals who understand the complexities of combat sports and the science behind performance optimization.

we take combat athlete performance seriously

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CAP Coaches

Our coaching staff is comprised entirely of UNC Chapel Hill educated Doctors of Physical Therapy (DPTs).

Learn more here

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Certification

The Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) certification is the standard for fitness professionals.

Learn more here

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Physical Therapy

Our DPTs are also available for one-on-one sessions at Beacon PT.
Reduced rates for members.

Learn more here

Google Reviews

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muay

Thai

The preferred striking art of pro MMA fighters and a fun, full-body, fat-burning workout.

top 3 reasons muay thai is right for you

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Kids Classes

Muay Thai is the perfect vehicle for teaching the value of hard work and discipline.

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Adult Classes

Train with active fighters in a skill-oriented atmosphere that breeds champions!

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Real Self-Defense

From long kicks to devastating elbows in the clinch, you’ll learn to be effective at every range.

Beacon Mixed Martial Arts - Muay Thai

Muay Thai or Thai Boxing is often referred to as the “Art of Eight Limbs” for its utilization of punches, kicks, elbows, and knees. It has emerged as the preferred striking-based discipline for most professional Mixed Martial Artists.

top 3 reasons to add muay thai to your fitness routine

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Easy to Learn

It’s simplicity makes it accessible for anyone despite their age or fitness level.

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Killer Cardio

Burn over 1,000 calories per class to help you shed weight and keep it off.

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Tired of Gym Rut

Every class is cooperative by design, keeping you engaged to make every class feel fresh.

SUMMER

CAMP 2025

Give your child something no one can take away from them, the confidence to stand up for themselves and the tools to back it up.

REGISTRATION INSTRUCTIONS

    1. Click on the REGISTER HERE link to get started.

    2. You will be redirected to our registration form. After completing the registration form, click Checkout.

    3. You will be redirected to our Checkout page. Select a week and choose between morning, afternoon, or all-day sessions, then click Add to Cart.

    4. If you would like to register for another week, repeat Step 3.

    5. If you would like to register another camper, repeat steps 1-4. Navigate to the main Summer Camp page and click a Register for Summer Camp.

    6. When you are finished, click on the blue shopping cart icon and click Checkout.

WANT TO SAVE 10% OFF SUMMER CAMP?

Summer Camps are always better with friends!

Click “RECOMMEND A FRIEND” below to enter a friend’s email address and if they sign up, you’ll be refunded 10% of your total purchase.

available weeks

Week 1: June 9 to June 13
Week 2: July 14 to July 18
Week 3: July 28 to August 1

fees

$197 Morning
$197 Afternoon
$344 Full Day

daily schedule

  • 9:00am - Morning Drop-Off

    9:30am - Morning Meeting

    10:00am - Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

    10:30am - Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

    11:00am - Drop Everything And Read

    11:30am - Indoor Activity

    12:00pm - Outdoor Activity

    12:30pm - Lunch

    1:00pm - Morning Pick-Up


  • 1:00pm - Afternoon Drop-Off

    1:30pm - Afternoon Meeting

    2:00pm - Indoor Activity

    2:30pm - Drop Everything And Read

    3:00pm - Snack

    3:30pm - Outdoor Activity

    4:00pm - Muay Thai

    4:30pm - Muay Thai

    5:00pm - Afternoon Pick-Up

  • 9:00am - Morning Drop-Off

    9:30am - Morning Meeting

    10:00am - Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

    10:30am - Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

    11:00am - Drop Everything And Read

    11:30am - Indoor Activity

    12:00pm - Outdoor Activity

    12:30pm - Lunch

    1:00pm - Morning Pick-Up

    1:00pm - Afternoon Drop-Off

    1:30pm - Afternoon Meeting

    2:00pm - Indoor Activity

    2:30pm - Drop Everything And Read

    3:00pm - Snack

    3:30pm - Outdoor Activity

    4:00pm - Muay Thai

    4:30pm - Muay Thai

    5:00pm - Afternoon Pick-Up

get
started

FILL OUT THIS FORM TO SCHEDULE YOUR FIRST FREE CLASS WITH ONE OF OUR CERTIFIED INSTRUCTORS. NO EXPERIENCE NECESSARY!

AFTER HITTING SEND, YOU WILL BE DIRECTED TO OUR DIGITAL INTAKE FORM AND WAIVER. ONCE YOU COMPLETE THAT STEP, EXPECT A CALL OR TEXT MESSAGE FROM A STAFF MEMBER WHO WILL HELP YOU SCHEDULE YOUR FREE TRIAL CLASS.

The Beacon Difference

Beacon Mixed Martial Arts is relatively new to North Carolina but is a well-established MMA powerhouse in the northeast. Located just outside of Philadelphia, where fighting is practically a religion, the level of competition has kept our coaches on the bleeding edge of innovation in the combat sports world. As a result, our athletes have collected wins and titles across multiple organizations from regional to global.

In 2021, we took that winning formula and set our sights on North Carolina. We quickly established ourselves as the premier MMA academy in Chapel Hill. In fact, we have been voted Best of Chapel Hill 3 years in a row despite neighboring academies having been established for well over a decade.

In 2025, we moved into our brand new state-of-the-art facility after outgrowing 2 of our previous locations. With double the mat space, locker rooms, showers, physical therapy and strength & conditioning, we are poised to duplicate the success of Beacon MMA HQ.

Pictured left to right: Coach Kirby, Coach Peach, Mike Terani

more rave reviews

Coaching Staff

Kirby Farrales

HEAD COACH | MUAY THAI, BJJ
G13 BJJ BLACK BELT 3RD DEGREE

Coach Kirby started training in traditional martial arts in 1983. He has had the benefit of studying numerous disciplines at their respective Philadelphia-based national and international headquarters including Doshinkan Aikido, Judo, Kali, Kempo, Krav Maga, Shotokan, and Tae Kwon Do.

Coach Kirby is a 4th Degree Black Belt in Tae Kwon Do under Grandmaster Jae Kim and a 3rd Degree Black Belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under Master Roberto Godoi. He began his professional martial arts career in the greater Philadelphia area in 1992. Coupled with degrees in Elementary & Secondary Education and Communication, Coach Kirby has helped hundreds of students from all walks of life over the last 30+ years.

From left to right: Anthony Williams, Bob Peach, Shane Fazen, Kirby Farrales

videos

Take your first class before ever stepping onto our mats so you can hit the ground running when you come in for your FREE in-person trial session.

location

Conveniently located in Governors Village Plaza, just south of downtown Chapel Hill via Mount Carmel Church Road.

Our state-of-the-art facility is located next door to Paces & Roehm Architecture and just across the way from Food Lion.