Mixed Martial Arts gym to open doors
By Laurie Gordon
SPARTA — Miller Brothers Mixed Martial Arts will be opening its doors for the first time on Saturday, Nov. 1, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m..
Whether you’re an experienced martial artist or interested in trying it for the first time, the public is invited to attend a free open gym to see what Miller Brothers MMA has to offer.
In addition to touring the facilities, those in attendance are invited to experience sample classes in both Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Muay Thai, as well as meet Jim and Dan Miller and the rest of the Miller Brothers MMA coaching team. Students registering on or before opening day will also be entitled to discounted rates for their first three months of enrollment.
Background
Jim and Dan Miller both wrestled in Sparta growing up, then Jim went on to wrestle for Virginia Tech. In 2005 they started training in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and later that year made their professional debuts.
They combined to win five titles locally, and in 2007 Dan was signed to the International Fight League, with Jim joining him in 2008.
Dan became an IFL Middleweight Champion and Jim was scheduled to fight for the Lightweight Title when the organization folded, and the UFC signed them both.
They've been with the UFC since the summer of 2008.
Creating the gym
Jim said the impetus to start Miller Brothers MMA was to have an opportunity to train himself and his teammates in a way that focuses on the fundamentals of mixed martial arts.
"It was the logical next step in the evolution of our careers," Dan said. "It allows us to pass on what we've learned to the next generation of fighters, and makes training for our fights easier because we have complete control of our camps."
When it comes to working with clients, Jim said, it's about "creating a solid foundation of the basics in the martial arts."
The coaches
Nick Avalos will coach Muay Thai at the gym.
He has been an active student and trainer of Muay Thai for the last seven years and has traveled to Thailand with some of the world’s best Muay Thai trainers and fighters. Avalos strongly believes that Muay Thai can "positively effect anyone’s life. From the individual looking to live a healthier lifestyle to the professional athlete."
He teaches an authentic style of Muay Thai focusing on proper technique and serves as both of the owners' striking instructor.
Sean Santella will be coaching Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.
He is is a highly regarded practitioner of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu who is equally adept at teaching others how to properly apply techniques as he is at using them himself inside the cage. Santella has received a Black Belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu with a teaching stripe under Jamie Cruz, and has years of experience as an instructor, working with students of all ages and skill levels.
Santella and Avalos will be the head instructors for Muay Thai and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, but in addition, owners Jim and Dan Miller will also be active participants in the gym by helping with classes and being available for private sessions, as well as running an MMA class for students who are members.
Classes
As Miller Brothers Mixed Martial Arts launches, the gym will not be offering dedicated kids classes, however there is no age minimum. If a teenager wishes to train and is physically mature enough to train safely with the adult classes they will be permitted to.
The brothers said they encourage interested students of any age to attend the open gym.
Manager Bobby Ingram said that the Millers have learned a lot about the ideal way to prepare for a bout and are eager to pass on what they've learned to their team. In the future, classes will also include kids classes, weight training, cardio kickboxing and self defense.
The grand opening
The grand opening of Miller Brothers MMA will be held Saturday, Nov. 1, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 22 Gail Court in Sparta.
The sample classes will be abbreviated versions of the gym's regular classes, allowing those in attendance to get a feel for classes at the gym and if they think it will be a good fit for them. In the seminar session, Jim and Dan Miller will be teaching a variety of mixed martial arts techniques, including ground work, striking and how to use a cage or wall to your advantage.