The student who wishes to participate in the MMA program must be at least a 3 stripe white belt.  This will ensure that our students will have a basic understanding of the self-defense fundamentals that are the backbone of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.  This program will be comprised of specific classes that work the three core elements of Mixed Martial Art competition (Striking, Takedowns and Grappling).

Striking Class

The Striking class teaches you the basic fundamentals of striking.  This class will take techniques and principles from most of the striking arts but the main influences are drawn from Boxing and Thai-boxing.  Each class will start with a warmup then technical instruction will begin usually with the use of focus mitts, glove drills or heavy bags.  It is designed to teach our students the basic fundamentals of punching and kicking and the proper techniques to defend and counter these attacks.  Every student is required to have 16 oz boxing gloves, headgear, shin guards, hand wraps, mouthpiece and cup or you will not be allowed to participate in class! Striking for mixed martial arts differs greatly from most of the other striking competitions because of the takedown factor.  Almost all striking events break up the participants when they get to close or into the clinch position.  Without properly learning the importance of takedowns and the takedown arts (Wrestling and Judo) the striker is doomed to be consistently taken down to the ground where the strikers advantage is nullified.

Invite Sparring Class

Drills and practicing technique are very good but they must be accompanied with live sparring.  The technical aspect allows the student to learn the muscle memory necessary to properly throw a punch or kick but sparring is the tool that gives the practitioner the correct timing he or she needs in order to effectively land these attacks on a resisting opponent.  To fill this void we have created invite only sparring sessions.  In order to participate in these sessions you must first get approval from Coach Ben Corpuz then from either Professor Joe or Tom.  You will also need to have 16oz boxing gloves, headgear, shin guards, handwraps, mouthpiece and a cup or you will not be allowed to participate! These sparring sessions will combine striking, takedowns and grappling to prepare our students for MMA competition.  All sparring is monitored by either Professor Joe or Tom or Coach Ben and no sparring will be permitted without their supervision.

MMA Class

This class is focused on defending strikes and effectively striking while in grappling range (mount, guard, clinch, etc.) of your opponent.  Each class will start with a warmup, then technical instruction and finally ending with live striking drills from grappling positions.   Every student must have a pair of 16 oz mma sparring gloves, face mask with the cage, cup and mouth piece or they will not be allowed to participate in class! If you have any questions on uniform requirements please email Professor Muller.

Takedown Class

This class is designed to teach our students how to effectively takedown an opponent and also learn how defend takedown attempts.  It will draw from most of the takedown arts but will focus its main attention on Wrestling.  The class will be taught without the Gi so all students should wear the same uniform as the No-Gi classes.  The class with start with a quick warm up then move into the technical instruction of the day and finally ending with live feet-to-floor matches.