Nashville MMA - Any comments good/bad, your experiences?

[Guest GlockRule]

Thinking of checking this place out...from the website it looks like my best option in the area, but thought I would see if anyone had anything to say here. I'm not looking to fight in matches, just learn some self defense/hand to hand skills and get in better shape. Thanks

[bteague2]

I've met Shawn Hammonds, he's great and definitely knows his stuff. They might be a little more into it then you want, but I could be wrong.

[poak]

I trained there back in 03/04.

The gym has grown a lot since. I sparred w/ Hammonds a few times, he's a great guy and definitely knows his stuff.

When I was training there, Luiz Palharez (6th Degree black belt under Rickson Gracie) was the head instructor for BJJ, and he was an absolute beast.

They have the best facility in Nashville, hands down.

All that said, I don't necessarily like the way Ed Clay runs the business side. He requires signed contracts to train, which is generally frowned upon in the martial arts community (it's looked at as a McDojo kind of thing). Ed's done time in jail for selling ecstasy, and a year or two ago he was doing "Real Estate King" seminars at hotels around the US. Not to say people can't change, but just know that cash is his number one priority.

If it's BJJ you're wanting, check out Evoloution Jui-Jitsu . Sure, their website isn't as flashy, and their facility isn't as nice, but they are the real deal. Palhares does seminars there a few times a year.

Armbar MMA in Mt Juliet might be worth checking out, but I know absolutely nothing about them. I do know at one time they had an instructor who was very experienced in Sambo (hardcore russian grappling, good stuff), but don't know if he's still there, or if Sambo is still a part of their MMA program.

[Guest GlockRule]

ok, thanks for the info...I'll keep this in mind.

[Guest SureShot308]

There is Bad Wolf MMA up in Rivergate too. I don't know anything about them. I tried out Nashville MMA when I first moved here when they were still in 100 Oaks. There didn't seem to be a learning curve at all. No introduction, no working into it. It was if you are in this class then you do it our way or get the hell out. That was the Muay Thai side though. I did meet with Shawn Hammonds also, and I like the guy. He wasn't like everyone else there. He took the time to really teach you everything instead of trying to force feed it to you.

+1 on the Evolution BJJ, I just realized they are like 10 minutes from me, I might have to give them a try. I really want to get back into BJJ and Muay Thai, but I work too damn much to really practice much.

[poak]

There is Bad Wolf MMA up in Rivergate too. I don't know anything about them. I tried out Nashville MMA when I first moved here when they were still in 100 Oaks. There didn't seem to be a learning curve at all. No introduction, no working into it. It was if you are in this class then you do it our way or get the hell out. That was the Muay Thai side though. I did meet with Shawn Hammonds also, and I like the guy. He wasn't like everyone else there. He took the time to really teach you everything instead of trying to force feed it to you.

+1 on the Evolution BJJ, I just realized they are like 10 minutes from me, I might have to give them a try. I really want to get back into BJJ and Muay Thai, but I work too damn much to really practice much.

Yeah, I'm wanting to get back into BJJ as well. A good friend of mine rolls down at Evo, and I've heard nothing but good about the place. The only downside is they don't offer striking, it's strictly BJJ. On the plus side, the Assistant Instructor, Polo Lopez, is also a CrossFit trainer

When I was training at Nashville MMA, Tim Vandersek was the Muay Thai guy. He was from the Netherlands, and ended up being sent home on an expired visa.

[ncomarc]

If your looking for basic knowledge to up your skills, then your not going to go wrong training there. Shawn is awesome like everyone says, and there are so many different weights, body types, and skill levels to train with that its really up to you to decide how hard/much you wanna take in. I've trained there eight years so far and it's been a blast. Also, if you've been there a while, and learned the basics, the stand-up guys get together early before class and work in striking drills. They welcome anyone that wants to learn. If you want, I'm there 4 days a week, we could meet up and I'll show you the place so you can get a feel of the gym.

[bteague2]

Dang, I had no idea this was this popular on here. We might have to get an unofficial TGO tournament going.

[10Kilr]

I trained with Armbar MMA in Mount Juliet for about 6-8 months before our baby. Good bunch of guys and I learned alot. I hope to get back into it in the near future with them or these guys Integrated Martial Arts Academy, Lebanon, TN?

I heard their school is tip top and have seen some of their fighters in the cage.

Now I just have to find the time to get started again.

[poak]

I trained with Armbar MMA in Mount Juliet for about 6-8 months before our baby. Good bunch of guys and I learned alot. I hope to get back into it in the near future with them or these guys Integrated Martial Arts Academy, Lebanon, TN?

I heard their school is tip top and have seen some of their fighters in the cage.

Now I just have to find the time to get started again.

So, were they actively training Sambo?

[10Kilr]

So, were they actively training Sambo?

One of the trainers is highly skilled in Sambo. He would usually throw in a few of the techniques in each class and focused on it for about half the class one night. Some of the take downs are pretty brutal, so it was very interesting. There is quite a bit of cross training in their classes, BJJ, wrestling, Sambo, and striking.

[poak]

One of the trainers is highly skilled in Sambo. He would usually throw in a few of the techniques in each class and focused on it for about half the class one night. Some of the take downs are pretty brutal, so it was very interesting. There is quite a bit of cross training in their classes, BJJ, wrestling, Sambo, and striking.

That's really awesome!

Would you say Sambo takedowns and submissions are generally more complicated than BJJ takedowns and submissions? I've never had any experience w/ Sambo, but all the videos I've seen always look pretty impressive, but the movements appear to be more...ummmm... "intircate" (not the right word, but the first that comes to mind).

[Guest SureShot308]

Sambo is one that I never really learned any of. I Started with Muay Thai, and they mixed in Escrima with it. Then I picked up the BJJ because I got a hell of a deal on the Pricing and I could train 6 days a week. I picked up a little of the Krav Maga along the way too. I have been out of it for like 5 years now so I'm really rusty and out of shape compared to what I used to be.

I would definitely like to get back into it all again.

[10Kilr]

That's really awesome!

Would you say Sambo takedowns and submissions are generally more complicated than BJJ takedowns and submissions? I've never had any experience w/ Sambo, but all the videos I've seen always look pretty impressive, but the movements appear to be more...ummmm... "intircate" (not the right word, but the first that comes to mind).

Its seems like the Sambo stuff has a lot more detailed movements. It would take alot of practice for me to be proficient at it. It's is fun to work, though I found it hard to complete some of the moves on a resisting opponent. The BJJ moves are a bit more natural for me while the Sambo stuff is akward when you first start.

Either way I need to get back into it in the next few months. I really enjoyed it and was in good shape too.

[poak]

Its seems like the Sambo stuff has a lot more detailed movements. It would take alot of practice for me to be proficient at it. It's is fun to work, though I found it hard to complete some of the moves on a resisting opponent. The BJJ moves are a bit more natural for me while the Sambo stuff is akward when you first start.

Either way I need to get back into it in the next few months. I really enjoyed it and was in good shape too.

Cool, that was what I expected.

It's true, grappling is AWESOME full body exercise.

Personally, I like wrestling take downs, and then transition to BJJ on the ground.

[Guest hifiguy]

Glockrule, you may check out www.midsouthkravmaga.com for local Krav Maga Worldwide training. Training is Mon-Thurs at Fit Nashville on the corner of 12th and Demombreun downtown Nashville.

I've been there about a year and it is set up for a novice to walk in and become proficient quickly. Great workout and combines combatives (strikes, kicks, elbows, knees etc...), ground work, and self defense of knives, guns, chokes, etc...

I've gone from 205lbs to 175lbs and I'm stronger/faster than I've EVER been. Not that that's saying much.

When I started they offered a free trial. It would be worth looking into.

I did a trial class at Nashville MMA before I started with Krav. Great facility and seems like a great bunch of people to work out with. It just seemed more focused on competition MMA which wasn't exactly what I was after.

I was a little put off by the hard sell that night on signing a contract after only about 15 minutes worth of punching.

That being said, if I wanted to supplement my Krav training with more grappling/BJJ I would not hesitate to go there. As far as signing up for a year I now feel like it's not that bad to make that kind of commitment. It is good incentive to stick with it.

[Guest tbritton]

I'll try to stick to the facts as much as possible and allow you to draw your own opinions.

1. Nashville MMA is the ONLY school in Tennessee with 6 BJJ black belts

2. Nashville MMA has numerous seminars with world champion black belts and just in the month of August had Robert Drysdale and Jared Weiner.

3. Many UFC veterans have come to Nashville MMA to train for their fights

4. Shawn Hammons is regarded as one of the best TEACHING black belts in the country.

5. Nashville MMA is the ONLY school in Nashville with a black belt Pan am champion and World champion.

As for having to sign a contract, go visit David Deaton Karate, or actually any traditional martial arts school in Nashville. It is the norm. There is a reason evelution averages 5 or 6 people per class. A contract encourages people to show up for training.

As for Ed Clay having doing real estate seminars...use your brain. The statement was made that 2 years ago Ed was doing real estate seminars. Does this seem like the economic climate that he should be doing them now? He has and still is making million dollar real estate deals, but that has nothing to do with the quality of teaching at Nashville MMA.

As for other schools in the area, Armbar in Mt. Juliet is good, and Nemesis in M'boro.

Check it out in person, or they have a free training video if you fill out the pop up on their website Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Muay Thai Kickboxing in Nashville Mixed Martial Arts Academy at the Gameness Training Center.

[poak]

As for having to sign a contract, go visit David Deaton Karate, or actually any traditional martial arts school in Nashville. It is the norm. There is a reason evelution averages 5 or 6 people per class. A contract encourages people to show up for training.

David Deaton Karate and the like are largely considered McDojos, and the training contracts are one of the primary reasons for that.

Nobody doubts that Nashville MMA is an excellent school w/ great instructors and a world class facility.

[bteague2]

Anyone think they'd be interested in heading east for this? Tournament-reg

[poak]

Anyone think they'd be interested in heading east for this? Tournament-reg

Spectating or competing?

[bteague2]

Spectating or competing?

I'd like to compete, I doubt I'd place or anything but it's bound to be a fun event. And I'll have an excuse to spend some time up in Knoxville.