Published: June 06, 2009 08:28 pm      

Teaching techniques

New mixed martial arts training school scheduled to open to public in July.

Minun Bradbury wants to give back.

In order to do so, he is opening a new business to help men, women and youth in the Logansport community.

“I want to provide an outlet for youth to keep them out of trouble,” he said.

Bradbury opened Logansport Fight Company during the first week of May to train fighters for a mixed martial arts competition that took place Saturday as the training school’s first fight.

Saturday’s event introduced the community to Logansport Fight Co., allowing others to see what the business is all about.

Bradbury and Joel Blanton, the company’s other trainer, have set July 23 as the day they plan to open the doors to the public.

“I want to give back to the younger generation, who are just getting their start,” said Blanton, who is a native of the Logansport area.

The two men train in mixed martial arts, which is a mixture of martial arts combat, free style fighting, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, boxing, wrestling, and a form of kick boxing known as Muay Thai.

Neither man lacks in the experience category. A certified trainer, Bradbury has participated for 21 years in Muay Thai. Blanton serves as the grappling coach, which allows him to use his seven years of experience with wrestling and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

The popularity of the sport, which is promoted on television by the show “Ultimate Fighter,” has grown during the last several years.

“In the last five years, it’s popularity has exploded,” Bradbury said. “It’s the fastest growing sport in the world.”

Bradbury wants to stress his business isn’t backyard fighting.

“We are trying to display precision and a sense of the art,” he said. “Just because you can wrestle or hit someone doesn’t mean it’s precision.”

He wants people to see those he trained as intelligent fighters, who think out their next moves, rather than just hitting someone. His goal is to teach a professional level of fighting.

“We want to give proper instruction,” Bradbury said.

Bradbury decided to open the school in Logansport after moving to the area and meeting a number of guys who enjoyed mixed martial arts, but wanted more proper training.

The new business isn’t just about fighting though and prior experience won’t be needed to attend the classes offered in the near future.

Classes covering novice to advance levels will be offered for women, men and children.

During some classes, live sparring will take place, but the men said it will not be a requirement to participate in. Most workouts will last for an hour and a half.

Bradbury understands that not everyone interested in attending the school will want to fight. Different packages and programs will be available. Bradbury said most people should notice a difference and see advancement by the third month of participating.

Those not interested in fighting can learn the basic techniques of kick boxing, for example.

Blanton said the school is unique because both trainers know what makes each person successful. The men also revolve the training around learning the basics.

“It’s an easy, all-around curriculum,” he said.

After each class, students will be assessed to determine their level. The classes will aid students in becoming more physically fit and learn self-defense techniques, Blanton added.

For Bradbury, the best part of owning his own mixed martial arts training school is being able to do what he loves to do.

Bradbury doesn’t want to turn away people just because they can’t afford the costs. He is willing to work out a deal with anyone interested in participating, but can’t afford the rates. His idea would involve people volunteering their time in the community.

Bradbury and Blanton are excited to open the training school to the public.

“It’s always been a lifelong dream to have a gym,” Bradbury said. “I’m a fighter, but my heart is in teaching and molding.”

• Denise Massie is a staff writer at the Pharos-Tribune. She can be reached at (574) 732-5151 or denise.massie@pharostribune.com