• mixed martial arts
  • •
  • brazilian jiu-jitsu
  • •
  • submission grappling
  • •
  • kickboxing
  • •
  • functional
  • •
  • athletic
  • •
  • alive

About

MISSION STATEMENT

Our goal is to provide an environment where all people—of any background, experience & fitness level—can learn and train in the combat sports that comprise Mixed Martial Arts—the core of which are: Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Wrestling, Boxing and Muay Thai.

We accomplish this in our new, fully matted, 2500 square-foot facility (complete with an assortment of heavy bags, focus mitts, kicking shields, Thai pads, etc.) where we provide training multiple times a day, six days a week.

Our training caters to the full-spectrum needs of our student body: from those looking for realistic self-defense or effective competition training, to those who simply train for improved health, fitness, and FUN.

We take pride in our relaxed atmosphere—that while safe and welcoming to beginners and experienced athletes alike—has always proved rewarding time and time again.

ABOUT US

Who is the Straight Blast Gym International (SBGi)?

“Reality without ritual leads to truth.”

Founded by leading martial arts coach Matt Thornton, the Straight Blast Gym International (SBGi) was created as a non-political organization dedicated to enhancing human development through the vehicle of martial arts. At its core is a training philosophy in which freedom to use and discover what actually works in martial arts could be expressed safely, honestly, and enjoyably.

The SBGi is about people, and our goal is to offer the cutting edge in self-defense, combat athletics, fitness, and personal growth to every type of human body that walks through our door. Not just to 22 year-old athletes (although they will certainly find their niche here as well), but also to: professional men and women who have to work 45-hour weeks or manage families; older people looking to get into shape, have fun, and learn self-defense; and children of all ages who can learn the arts in a positive atmosphere of friendship and fun.

Combat Sports/Athletics

The combat arts/sports are the descendants of man’s oldest forms of unarmed combat (martial arts - in the truest and most literal definition of the term). These arts have survived to the modern era through the sport method and continue to thrive and evolve by way of this competitive training. Specifically we are talking about Boxing and Wrestling in all their eastern and western derivations. These would include: Boxing, Muay Thai, Greco-Roman Wrestling, Freestyle Wrestling, Judo, and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

If it is a form of functional combat, regardless of its cultural background, then it is trained alive and athletically. These are the integrated combative methods that make up our curriculum. This the kind of training, that regardless of age or current fitness level, translates to stress release and a sense of confidence and well being. In fact, we believe that drilling and sparring for sport translates to the most intensive, challenging and safe way to build the necessary attributes for self-defense as well as building overall fitness.

We apply this athletic paradigm to our training because we believe that is among the healthiest approaches to developing yourself as a martial arts athlete and an individual.

Aliveness

This is a concept that is as old as athletics itself and it is the common thread that links together the combat sports we train in. It is the core principle that the Straight Blast Gym International and all their affiliate gyms are based upon.

Aliveness, simply defined, is training with Timing, Energy, and Motion, against an uncooperative opponent, using progressive resistance.

Following this principle guides us to provide an atmosphere completely devoid of egos, hierarchies, rituals, politics, or any of the other “martial arts myths” that may typically hold you back from challenging yourself to become a better athlete/martial artist/person.

Aliveness makes our training: Realistic, Functional, and Unique and helps us to separate fantasy from reality in the martial arts.

For more on Aliveness check out Aliveness 101 by Matt Thornton of the Straight Blast Gym.

Media
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Ronin Athletics
Ronin Athletics
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