Photo Courtesy Strikeforce

By David McKinney

Mixed martial arts has exploded in popularity over the past five years, with the sport’s elite promotion, the Ultimate Fighting Championship, securing a multi-year network TV deal and exposing even more people to the ultimate combat sport than ever before.

But for those who can’t get their MMA fix by watching it on TV, there are multiple gyms in Central Ohio that specialize in training students in jiu-jitsu, wrestling, boxing, kickboxing, Muay Thai and judo techniques made popular by UFC fighters.

One of the prime locations to get in on the action is Buckeye Mixed Martial Arts, a gym started by a few fighters from OSU that has blossomed into a local powerhouse during its half-decade run in Clintonville.

The gym has produced approximately 20 elite professional fighters and more than 50 solid amateurs, and it did so inside a tiny 3,500 square-foot gym on the city’s north side.

On January 7th, Buckeye MMA will unveil a new 7,500 square-foot palace of a gym in Gahanna that brings the group’s facilities up to par with its top-notch training and fighters.

“All we’ve done is expanded our program and we have newer, nicer facilities,” said co-owner and head coach Josh Williams, a black belt in Judo. “This will increase the depth of a program that has already been going for close to 10 years.”

Williams spoke of the expanded kids’ programs, which will focus on teaching the basics, and women’s programs, which will focus on self-defense. Those components will be drastically improved in the gym’s new home.

“One of the major goals of a company like the UFC is trying to push the appeal of MMA to the mainstream,” Williams said. “And what we’re trying to do here is to bridge that gap of what people see on TV to show that fighters are normal people and you don’t have to be a caged animal to do this. It’s something everybody can do.”

The new Buckeye MMA is a place where you don’t have to be a fighter to train like a fighter. The gym will offer lower impact MMA fitness classes for beginners and those who want an excellent strength and conditioning workout, and technique-based beginner classes for those who would rather ease into the sport.

Buckeye MMA (950 Taylor Station Rd., Gahanna) will kick it all off January 7th at its new location with a free grappling tournament, free classes and more for all those interested in joining the gym. For more about Buckeye Mixed Martial Arts, visit www.buckeyemma.com or call (614) 398-1662.

Unconventional Aerobics

The sad truth about exercising is that, unlike eating deep-fried pizza or watching a Deadly Women marathon, it is not usually enjoyable. It is highly effective at staving off heart disease, diabetes and man boobs. But, with the exception of the freakishly motivated, it is not something we tend to approach with enthusiasm and dedication. Fortunately, a little creativity in your fitness routine can go a long way.

Infinity Aerial in Northland offers its fair share of non-traditional fitness. PG-13 classes like pole-dancing, chair-ography and Lap 101 make it a favored destination for bachelorette parties, but there is also a strong presence of more traditional strength and endurance training. Truly unique is the studio’s aerial arts program. Anyone who ever dreamed of running off with the circus would enjoy the silks, hoops and trapeze bars that give core training a bit more edge.

Flexible scheduling and relatively inexpensive classes relieve beginners who may be intimidated by a full-time commitment, and unlike gyms that offer shady membership contracts, those who are just curious can still snag a deal. – Erin Norris

Infinity Aerial
1039 Mediterranean Ave.
(888) 762-4077
www.infinityaerial.com