For all you mixed martial arts fans who want to train, look no further, as ICON Sport has recently opened their first MMA training center in Niu Valley. I went down to the center last night before picking up some dinner to get some info, and I was pretty amazed at the facility.
The center is actually located in the Niu Valley shopping center right behind Kentucky Fried Chicken. As I walked upstairs to the door, I was greeted by the ultra friendly but mean looking Steven English, an accomplished jiu-jitsu practioner, arm wrestler, and power lifter.
He first showed me the training area, which consisted of about 5-6 long heavy bags hanging from the ceiling. Towards the middle was a large jiu-jitsu mat, and to the right was a full boxing training ring. Off to the side was my good friend’s store, the Fighter’s Corner, which was a small section that sold t-shirts, shorts, and some training equipment. If you want to check out his main store, head to 405 N. King St. across of A’ala park and Nolan and/or Mark will help you out.
Anyhow, Steve proceeded to take me downstairs where he showed me a room for strength training and another room for working out. There were also locker rooms and showers for both men and women. You walk a little further and there is an indoor salt-water pool along with a heated jacuzzi. Out around the back is where he said they will have BBQ’s where you can just hang out after training.
Prices look rather expensive, but you get top notch trainers. Chris Leben from the Ultimate Fighter reality show on Spike TV, and now a UFC superstar, will be the head instructor coming from Matt Hume’s camp. Steve will be the strength conditioning coach as well as a jiu-jitsu instructor. Anyhow, back the prices. For $275 a month, you get to train all the disciplines offered at the gym, including kickboxing, gi and no gi jiu-jitsu, yoga, etc. For $150 a month, you get to train one discipline, and for $100 a month you get to do turbo kickboxing with strength conditioning for overall health. There is also a one time initiation fee of $199 that is non-refundable. If you want to go a cheaper route, you can pre-pay for a year and get two months free…this is probably the best bet as long as you know that you can afford it.
All in all, I’m rather impressed with the facility. Chris Leben should start as the head instructor on June 1st, with the grand opening on June 16th. Matt Hume is also scheduled to arrive on June 16th along with some of his fighters and instructors. So head on down to Niu Valley shopping center and check out the ICON Sport Mixed Martial Arts and Fitness Center. If you want to train with the pros, increase your fitness level, or just trying to pick up a new hobby, this might be the place for you.
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June 3rd, 2007 at 10:22 pm
i would love to train and would love to get started right away what equipment do i have to purchase.
June 5th, 2007 at 7:57 am
Wassup Kenika. They have some equipment at the gym, but I’m sure you most likely want to own and use your own. I would buy MMA gloves, a mouthpiece, a cup, and possibly a helmet. You can go and purchase these items and more at my friend’s store Fighter’s Corner on 405 North King St. It’s right across A’ala Park. You can let them know Anthony sent you.
June 11th, 2007 at 11:12 am
So you would have to pay to get in or can you check out the place first? I would love to start going to this gym.
June 16th, 2007 at 12:23 pm
Hey Mary. You don’t have to pay to check it out. In fact, I just walked in and they were nice enough to show me around the facility. And I think they are running a special where you can try a class for free and decide if you want to join or not. Hope this helps!
June 18th, 2007 at 8:54 am
Do they have classes for kids? How many times a week can you train?
Thanks!
June 19th, 2007 at 1:16 pm
Hey Noe, yes they do have classes for kids. They have classes for pretty much all ages. Depending on the price package you choose, it determines how many times you can train a week. If you get the $275 package, you can train all you want because you have access to all the disciplines. If you get the cheaper packages that only allow for one discipline, then you are restricted to the days those disciplines are taught. But I’m sure they are pretty flexible. Hope this helps!
December 17th, 2007 at 2:02 pm
sup… so do they teach jiu-jitsu as one of there disciplines?
March 8th, 2008 at 2:03 am
Hi there
I am coming to hawaii for a holiday and would like to come to your gym to have some training with you guys just wondering if that was possible
Cheers
March 13th, 2008 at 8:19 am
Hey, I am 13 years old and would like to start training for this gym. I have experience with ground work, footwork, and stand up boxing. Please let me know what equipment I would have to bring. I would like to get started right away.
Thanks.
March 26th, 2008 at 6:42 pm
Howzit Anthony!
Nice to see a good friend recommending Fighter’s Corner. Come down to the shop so we can talk story.
Aloha, Mark
December 15th, 2008 at 2:37 pm
We bought a membership, but the owner won’t cancel it after we have asked him to many times. They just keep dinging our credit card, months after we were told our membership was supposed to have been ended. Stay away from this company, they will give you nothing but problems later. Mahalo Joe
January 7th, 2009 at 3:39 pm
I loved this place but had to move. Really miss it. As soon as my yr membership was up they cancelled it and didn;t bill me again. Wish I was back there. Mahalo KK