Starting an MMA Gym

**brokenclavicle** · Posted On: 2/05/2008 3:31pm

I've been given the opportunity to start an MMA-centric gym. I wanted to know if you guys might suggest good places (preferably online) to check out for all the equipment a modern MMA training center should have. I also want to build an octagon there with UFC/KOF parameters but have been unable to find this information.

I already know where to get the usual equipment for any gym, but would like suggestions on things that are normally used for MMA training (such as tractor tires).

I've got a month or so before I have to put a preliminary business model together for my investors and would appreciate all the help I can get.

To the MODS: please move this thread to the correct forum if this isn't the appropriate one for this topic.

Thanks!

**LI GUY 1** · Posted On: 2/09/2008 11:39pm

I think you can get tractor tires for free at a junk yard. You can just take them, just ask.

**Odacon** · Posted On: 2/10/2008 8:46am

Erm before you make a substantial investment in opening your own club, do you know if there is a big enough market/interest in your area for mma, and are there any existing mma clubs in the area?

**oldman34** · Posted On: 2/10/2008 9:36am

What is your XP in MMA?
If you are qualified to teach it, then good luck, just make sure there are lots of people who are interested.

Of course, the fact that you dont know what type of equipment to use in training MMA, speaks volumes abotu your MMA XP.

**brokenclavicle** · Posted On: 2/14/2008 2:56pm

Originally Posted by oldman34

What is your XP in MMA?
If you are qualified to teach it, then good luck, just make sure there are lots of people who are interested.

Of course, the fact that you dont know what type of equipment to use in training MMA, speaks volumes abotu your MMA XP.

LOL.

It's cool! Actually, I'm not intending to teach, myself, as I'm in no way an expert. In fact, I'm in talks with some of the best instructors in different MA diciplines so that I might hire them to teach at the gym. I am, however, going to run it from the business side of things. The reason why I ask here is because I want to make this place as complete as possible as far as equipment goes, so I figured the people in this forum might be able to suggest some unorthodox training gear and methods.

I've already spoken at length with the usual fare of gym equipment distributors and I have a few things (methods) I've picked up when training with different people and attending the odd seminar here and there.

As for market research, I'm having that taken care of by some good (qualified) friends down here. I, of course, won't even get the money for it unless I can make a good case for building such a gym.

As for your first question, my experience in MMA is varied. I've been training more or less constantly since March 1996 - I don't count my traditional MA training, which needless to say ended on the first day I trained MMA - and have only stopped due to injuries (broken collarbone, hence my forum nickname, and a lower back injury) only to come back as soon as I could (glutton for punishment). I've competed in local Shidokan and Kyokushin tournaments and was actually part of my country's National Full Contact Martial Arts delegation back in '98. As for MMA fights, I've had no professional fights yet, but am currently training to have my first pro fight in the latter half of the year on a local promotion.

Originally Posted by LI GUY 1

I think you can get tractor tires for free at a junk yard. You can just take them, just ask.

Thanks. I've actually used tires of diferent sizes for both conditioning and target practice (mainly for lowkicks to harden my shins). I mentioned tractor tires in my original post because they are not the usual fare as far as gym equipment goes (though they are quite common at MMA training joints), therefore attempting to illustrate that very point.

One of the things I would most like to have at the gym is an octagon (I personally have never trained or fought in one, only rings or mats) as it would be a big draw for most local MMA practitioners, especially now that some Costarican fighters are fighting in Canada (Ariel Sexton, Juan Barrantes) and getting noticed by bigger promotions. Anybody know where to find the standard dimensions and materials commonly used to build one? I've had no luck so far, so I guess I'll be making a few calls to the UFC! lol

LIke I said, I just want to make sure I cover every possible MMA-centric need and, despite whatever amount of years one might have training in MMA, one might still not know some training methods/equipment other people employ.

Anybody?

**prezbuluskey** · Posted On: 2/14/2008 3:20pm

http://www.combatsports.com/SearchRe...ategoryID=2425

Thai bags, uppercut bags, and speed bags. CSI also sells cages, fences, and mats.

**Jadonblade** · Posted On: 2/14/2008 3:21pm

Sounds good. I vote for a few nice and heavy sledge hammers (combine with the tires?)and a resistance band station.

**prezbuluskey** · Posted On: 2/14/2008 3:26pm

And get one of those things that force you to do a split, flexibility is savagely underrated in most modern mma gyms.

**Jadonblade** · Posted On: 2/14/2008 3:45pm

Originally Posted by prezbuluskey

And get one of those things that force you to do a split, flexibility is savagely underrated in most modern mma gyms.

What!? no. I agree with you on flexibility but those things look lame. Nothing you couldnt do with your own body and maybe a partner.

**Tom Kagan** · Posted On: 2/14/2008 3:55pm

Originally Posted by oldman34

What is your XP in MMA?
If you are qualified to teach it, then good luck, just make sure there are lots of people who are interested.

Of course, the fact that you dont know what type of equipment to use in training MMA, speaks volumes abotu your MMA XP.

I hear there's an outfit in Florida which will certify him. In three days, he can get alll the basics needed to teach MMA. It only costs a bit less than 10 grand. And, if you order now ...