New martial arts facility offers Xtreme training for all levels, ages
Date: 03-07-2007
Posted by: Anabolic Info TeamUnited States |
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WELLINGTON — Randy Couture checks his ego at the door each day when he arrives for work at the Xtreme Couture Mixed Martial Arts training center in Las Vegas.
The retired Ultimate Fighting Championship heavyweight opened his eponymous MMA gym in February with the intent of creating a rigorous, yet supportive, training environment for martial arts enthusiasts of all ages.
"It's a very good group of people ... no egos," said Daniel Amato, a friend of Couture's who recently opened his own mixed martial arts gym in Wellington.
"Randy had set that up as one of his mottos - 'check your ego at the door.''"
Amato, 33, checks his every day.
The Wellington resident and long-time mixed martial arts enthusiast prides himself on running a training center that provides martial artists the opportunity to train, learn and grow.
"I'd like for people to come in here and just have a good time, to learn self-defense, to gain confidence, to set a goal, achieve a goal, to be healthy," he said.
Health has played a central role in Amato's life during the past several years.
In 2003, the Greenacres native founded a sports nutrition supplement business - Fizogen Precision Technologies Inc. - that manufactures health aids and diet supplements.
The products are sold at drug stores, health food stores and gyms nationwide.
Through his business, which is based in Wellington, Amato had the opportunity to meet Randy Couture.
"I've been a big fan of MMA," Amato said. "I've always watched it. I got with Randy Couture to endorse one of my products."
Amato maintained his relationship with the 44-year-old Couture while training in martial arts under the direction of black belt Marcelo Ribeiro.
Earlier this year, when space became available in the same Wellington office complex that houses Fizogen, the trio decided to move forward with plans to open an Xtreme Couture training center.
"Marcelo was talking to me about opening a gym," Amato said.
"I was always talking to Randy about opening a gym. Finally, everything just lined up where it was the time."
On June 2 and 3, Amato held a grand opening for the Fizogen Xtreme Couture Mixed Martial Arts Training Center.
During the weekend, Couture, along with professional MMA fighters Wanderlei "The Axe Murderer" Silva and Mike Pyle, made special appearances at the 7,500-foot training facility that features an MMA Ring, MMA Circle Cage, fenced-in grappling areas and advanced equipment.
"We offer weight training and conditioning that is geared for bodybuilding or strength and conditioning for practical use in fighting," Amato said of the training center, which is open daily.
"Ultimately, if you're in a grappling situation, you want to be able to throw your opponent, take them to a dominant position or punch them hard in the fifth round, just as hard as you did in the first."
For those not interested in pursuing a competitive career in mixed martial arts, the Fizogen gym also offers classes in self-defense, jiu jitsu for kids and adults, wrestling, muy Thai, women's kick boxing and conditioning.
"Some guys just want to come in here and lose weight," said Ribeiro, a long-time mixed martial arts and Jiu Jitsu instructor.
"Some guys just make friends and have fun, and some guys want to be professionals, so they have everything here they need. But if they're just coming here to get healthy, this is a good place."
