Pohang Team MAD is one of the leading mixed martial arts gyms in southeastern South Korea, representing the city of Pohang in North Gyeongsang Province. The gym is part of the larger Team MAD network, one of Korea’s most respected MMA organizations, and has established itself as a development center for amateur and professional fighters competing throughout Korea.

Training out of Pohang, the academy offers instruction in mixed martial arts, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, striking, wrestling, and fitness programs for students of all experience levels. While developing competitive athletes remains a major focus, Pohang Team MAD also serves hobbyists, youth athletes, and individuals looking to improve their physical fitness through combat sports.

The gym regularly sends competitors to Korean promotions including regional MMA events and amateur tournaments while maintaining close relationships with other Team MAD branches throughout the country. Through this network, athletes benefit from shared coaching resources, cross-training opportunities, and access to some of Korea’s top MMA talent.

Notable Characteristics

• Member of the nationally recognized Team MAD MMA network.
• Based in Pohang, North Gyeongsang Province, serving Korea’s southeastern region.
• Offers MMA, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, striking, wrestling, and fitness programs.
• Develops both amateur and professional competitors.
• Maintains strong collaboration with other Team MAD branches through shared coaching and cross-training opportunities.

Pohang Team MAD was established as part of the expanding Team MAD organization, which has grown into one of South Korea’s premier MMA teams with branches across the country.

Located in the industrial coastal city of Pohang, the academy was created to provide local athletes with access to high-level mixed martial arts training without needing to relocate to larger metropolitan areas such as Seoul or Busan.

Since its founding, the gym has steadily developed a reputation for producing disciplined competitors while fostering a welcoming training environment for beginners. As MMA has continued to grow in popularity throughout Korea, Pohang Team MAD has become an important hub for combat sports in the Gyeongsang region.

Beyond competition, the academy has built an active local community through seminars, amateur events, youth classes, and regular collaboration with neighboring Team MAD affiliates. Its social media presence highlights both competitive success and the close-knit atmosphere that has become a hallmark of the gym.

Pohang Team MAD is led by experienced instructors dedicated to developing complete mixed martial artists led by Head Coach Insu Kim. Rather than specializing in a single discipline, the coaching philosophy emphasizes building well-rounded fighters capable of competing under modern MMA rules.

Training is typically divided among instructors responsible for striking, grappling, wrestling, conditioning, and competition preparation. Athletes regularly participate in cross-training sessions with other Team MAD locations, allowing them to learn from coaches and professional fighters throughout the broader Team MAD network.

The coaching staff places strong emphasis on technical fundamentals, consistent sparring, physical conditioning, and long-term athlete development. Whether preparing fighters for professional competition or helping recreational members improve their skills, the instructors maintain a structured yet supportive environment focused on continual improvement.

Through its connection to the wider Team MAD organization, Pohang Team MAD athletes also benefit from access to experienced coaches and training partners from other branches, helping maintain a consistently high competitive standard across the team.