Many people who aspire to uptake a career in MMA or just want to MMA train for fun have trouble finding where to start. Several questions arise during the hunt for a quality MMA gym such as:” Is this a reputable place?”, “Is it worth the price tag?” Well, a gym that rises to the task of answering any and all of these possible questions is Jorge Gurgel’s Mixed Martial Arts and Fitness Academy.
The gym is located in West Chester, Ohio, just north of Cincinnati. With star fighters such as Rich Franklin, Jorge Gurgel and Dustin Hazelett, it is one of the most reputable gyms in the Midwest. Aside from the big names, they have a highly qualified staff and offer a variety of classes. In order to help many new fighters, I am going to write a review of the gym, along with my personal experiences, and why I recommend this gym to anyone who would be able to attend it.
I have attended this gym since August of 2009. I decided to go here after visiting other mixed martial arts establishments that just weren’t up to par. Either the staff was under-qualified or the facilities were subpar. I attend mainly the boxing classes, and have had 2 amateur boxing bouts. I have also participated in their annual Jiu-Jitsu tournament, their Jiu Jitsu classes, Muay Thai classes and a few privates for wrestling and other minor activities. I am going to give my experience on each of the classes I have taken and then an overview on pricing of the gym.
The Brazilian Jiu Jitsu offered at JG MMA is the bread and butter of the academy. The classes are taught by black belts Jorge Gurgel and Jon Stutzman. They also have other professors that will teach the classes sometime such as black belt Dan Doerner, and brown belt Eric Ramsey. UFC fighters Dustin Hazelett and Rich Franklin have studied under Jorge and still frequently attend the gym. You will not find a better Jiu Jitsu staff in the Midwest and possibly the United States. Any aspiring mixed martial artist knows the importance of a strong fundamental ground game, and I am sure JG MMA can provide. They also offer a kid’s BJJ class.
The Muay Thai classes are headed by Rich Thurston and Aaron Bowman, both having competed in MMA and Muay Thai fights. Their classes are just as popular as the BJJ classes; with around 15 to 20 people in attendance each class. Many Muay Thai fighters at JG have had great success such as Matt Zilch who holds a record of 6-1.
JG also offers boxing classes. Since their lead instructor left recently, the classes have not been as popular. These classes are led by professional fighter Tommy Hayden and Robby Malof. A more MMA-oriented approach is taken in these classes versus the classic boxing that was previously taught.
Financially, the gym is very affordable and carries high value. The cost runs at about $120 per month if you want to take all the classes offered by the gym. Other local gyms will charge more than that, at about $160 per month or more. Their school is at least 20% less per month than the nearest competitor and they offer individual programs for all budgets and experience levels. JG’s staff is also more than willing to help out with financing and helping anyone find what options work best for them so that the gym is affordable.
