About Alchemy

A martial arts academy built on disciplined training, personal growth, and real community. Martial arts is the vehicle. Transformation is the destination.

The meaning of Alchemy

The art of transformation.

For centuries, alchemy has been associated with the transformation of lead into gold.

At Alchemy MMA, that transformation is a metaphor for human potential.

The lead represents our raw, unrefined state: our fears, doubts, habits, limitations, and unrealized possibilities.

The gold represents the fullest expression of who we can become.

We believe the potential for transformation already exists within each of us. Through intention, discipline, challenge, awareness, and consistent practice, we learn to bring that potential into the world.

The martial arts provide our laboratory.

The mats challenge our assumptions, expose our weaknesses, develop our strengths, and teach us to remain present under pressure.

What we practice within ourselves becomes visible in how we live.

As within, so without.

Martial arts is the vehicle. Transformation is the destination.

The symbol of Alchemy MMA

Every element of our symbol carries a deeper meaning.

The Outer Circle Unity and wholeness
The space that contains the work. A reminder that physical skill, mental awareness, and personal development are interconnected.
The Upright Triangle Fire, will, and transformation
The refining force of intention, discipline, and action. Transformation requires us to enter the fire of experience.
The Inverted Triangle Earth, grounding, and embodiment
Our connection to the physical world. Ideas become meaningful when they are practiced, experienced, and embodied.
The Upper Triangle Air, breath, and awareness
The mind, attention, and the ability to remain present. Awareness creates the space to choose our response.
The Central Circle Consciousness and the self
The point of awareness within the transformation. A reminder to return to center, even in the midst of pressure and uncertainty.
The Radiating Rays Inner transformation expressed outward
The changes we make within ourselves extend into our relationships, families, communities, and the world around us.
The Circumpunct The gold within
The point within the circle, traditionally associated with the sun and gold in alchemical symbolism.

It represents the potential already present within us and the continuing work of bringing it into expression.

A temple for transformation

Alchemy MMA is more than a place to learn how to fight.

It is a place to practice becoming who you choose to be.

The work begins here.

Who we are

We are

A place for beginners, hobbyists, and competitors
Built on discipline, respect, and accountability
Structured coaching with clear progression
A community where people push and support each other

We are not

A fight gym built on ego or intimidation
Hype, performative toughness, or "alpha" culture
Chaotic training with no structure or standards
Only for fighters

How we are different

What sets Alchemy MMA apart isn't only the techniques we teach. It's the culture we build around training.

Our academy combines

Structured progression
Disciplined coaching
Technical development
Composure under pressure
Accountability and personal responsibility
A strong sense of belonging

We're committed to a place where

Beginners feel welcome
Experienced athletes keep growing
Competitors can pursue high performance
Every student is treated with respect

Training here is intentional. Alchemy MMA is more than a place to work out. It's a place to refine yourself through challenge, consistency, and a shared pursuit.

What we teach goes beyond the mats

Every class is a chance to build skills that reach far beyond self-defense.

ConfidenceConfidence isn't given. It's built through consistent practice, overcoming challenges, and learning to trust yourself.
DisciplineShow up, stay focused, do the work. The habits that build progress on the mats carry into school, work, and relationships.
Self-defensePractical skills for managing conflict and staying calm under pressure. The goal is confidence, awareness, and control, not aggression.
FitnessStrength, endurance, coordination, balance, mobility, and athleticism, built in a way that's engaging and rewarding.
CommunityGrowth happens faster around people who support you. Mutual respect, encouragement, and the understanding that everyone starts somewhere.
ResilienceSetbacks are part of growth. Students learn that difficult things become possible through consistent effort.

Meet the owners

Brian & Maryann Thomas

We built Alchemy MMA the same way we've built everything in our lives: through hard work, discipline, partnership, and an unwillingness to quit when things get hard.

I grew up between Utah and Idaho before settling permanently in Utah County during high school. Sports were always part of my life, but wrestling became the foundation that shaped me, teaching toughness, accountability, and composure under pressure. That foundation eventually led me into Jujitsu and MMA in my twenties.

After high school, I went straight into trade school to become an electrician, carrying the same blue-collar work ethic into every chapter of my life.

Maryann is a Utah native, born and raised in Pleasant Grove. Her background in brand management and marketing leadership brought a different but equally important perspective to our partnership: vision, structure, communication, and the ability to build something with purpose and longevity.

Married in 2002, we built Pirate Electric, Inc. together in 2012, growing it into a successful electrical contracting company while raising our three boys: Justin, Rob, and Brandon.

A cause bigger than ourselves

Our perspective on life changed forever when Brandon was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes at four years old.

Since then, our family has been deeply involved in the Type 1 community and active supporters of Breakthrough T1D, formerly JDRF.

Since 2013, Maryann and I have participated annually in the Breakthrough T1D Ride to Cure, fundraising, training, and completing 100-mile rides in support of finding a cure.

Over the years, Brandon has joined us in riding those same 100-mile charity rides, turning the event into more than a fundraiser: a reflection of the resilience, grit, and unity our family has built together.

I ride those miles on a fixed-gear bike, with one gear and no coasting. For me, it represents something deeply personal:

"Brandon never gets a break from diabetes, so I refuse to give myself a break from pedaling."

That commitment has extended into my fight career as well. Over the years, every dollar earned from my fights has been donated to Breakthrough T1D in support of finding a cure.

Why we built Alchemy MMA

That same mindset lives at the core of Alchemy MMA.

Relentless effort. Quiet discipline. Partnership. Compassion. Resilience. The willingness to keep showing up long after motivation fades.

I bring the vision, martial arts experience, and hands-on leadership that drive the academy forward. Maryann brings the structure, strategy, and operational strength that helps turn that vision into something lasting.

Together, we've built Alchemy MMA to be more than a gym: a place where people of all ages can challenge themselves, grow stronger, support each other, and become capable both on and off the mats.

At Alchemy, hard work matters. Character matters. Community matters.

Martial arts is the vehicle. Transformation is the destination.

And above all, we keep moving forward.

How it started

A big group of kids and adults from the early Alchemy crew, smiling on the mats — Training in Lehi, before Alchemy MMA officially opened.

An empty room and an ideaThe lease was signed in American Fork. The temple had a home.
Training in LehiWhile the space came together, we were already rolling: Jujitsu, Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays.
The forge openedGrappling, striking, and open mat started in American Fork, with a free first week for everyone.
GrowingKids classes, morning MMA, and a fight team. Nobody arrives finished.

Strength without composure is incomplete. Skill without character is limited. Growth without discipline does not last.

Start your free week Meet the coaches

Get in touch

Dropping in? Interested in a trial class? Questions about a program? Send us a message and we'll get back to you.

Or call or text 385-202-6561, or email Brian@alchemymma.com.