The Making of an MMA Gym

Extreme Gym Makeover – MMA Style

Sure they have proven they can fight – be it in the UFC, TKO, IFL or Affliction. And yes they are likeable, knowledgeable guys when it comes to the fight game. But will they have similar success when it comes to putting their fists to work with a hammer and nails and their heads to a spreadsheet and business plan?

We’ll find out as MMATraining.com’s Mark Hominick and Chris Horodecki along with the UFC’s Sam Stout look to launch a new MMA facility in London, Ontario. If you have ever thought about opening your own MMA gym and want to know the ins and outs, follow along here as we get regular updates from Mark and Chris as they target a September 1st soft opening.

Equipment, Sponsors and a Fast Approaching Opening Day

Things are very busy and fast approaching at the Team Tompkins head training facility in London Ontario. Since Shawn Tompkins has relocated permenently to Xtreme Couture in Las Vegas the remaining trainers/pro fighters, such as myself, Sam Stout, and Chris Horodecki have been given the opportunity to take over the gym.

With the help of two business partners and sponsors such as MMATraining.com and The Labors Union among others, we are in the midst of transforming the 3,600 square foot building in which we currently reside into a 11,000 square foot facility with new mats, a full size octogan, a full size competition ring, and new training equipment. It has been a new experience for all of us and we have been facing many obstacles along the way, such as dealing with finding the right location, obtaining building permits, meeting deadlines, dealing with advertising, arranging distributors, finding the best equipment for the best price, seeking sponsorships, and acutually doing the work.

It has been exciting and a big pain in the ass along the way, but a fun new experience none the less. I will be keeping everyone updated with our progress and pictures of the facility which should help push us along before our soft opening date of September 1.