The sport of Mixed Martial Arts has been a benchmark in the community of Lethbridge for years.
Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) was introduced in Lethbridge in early 2000 and has grown to be a dominating sport in the community. MMA is full contact fighting in a ring or cage and has competitors at the highest level around the world.
Lethbridge has been a hot spot for the sport in the province and has produced some top athletes that have gone on to win at the highest level. Some fighters such as the current UFC fighter Jordan ‘Young Gun’ who made his UFC debuted in March of 2013 against a stiff competitor veteran Dan Miller.
Mein has since kept a strong presence in the welterweight division. Another domination young competitor that got his start in Lethbridge is Janks Trotter. Trotter is currently a professional light middle weight boxing champion and said to be one of the best to come out of this community.
The sport was introduced in early 2000 by several dominating figures in the MMA community today. Some of the pioneers of the sport in Lethbridge were the late Wyatt Lewis who was one of the first true MMA athletes and instructors from the city. As well Canadian Martial arts center Owner, Lee Mein who is also the father of the young UFC start Jordan Mein.
Trevor Hardy was another dominant figures in the early stages of the sport as well as Lee and him were the founders of Roadhouse rumble that is now the Rumble in the Cage promotion. Brad Wall who currently owns and runs the Progressive Fighting Academy also became a push for the early MMA world in Lethridge.
Many martial arts experts from the city also helped make a huge impact in the sport such a Judo guru Yosh Senda, Blair Orr with his extensive Karate background, and Call Fullar whom specialized in Kickboxing really aided in setting the groundwork for MMA in the community.
MMA sometimes gets a bad rep for it’s violent competition and tough competitors but the sport is much more than just brawn says PFA owner and two time Muay Thai Kickboxing Champion Brad wall. “There is something for everyone, weather you want to compete, up your fitness, self defense, or want an activity the whole family can enjoy there’s something for everyone.”
Mixed Martial Arts is just that a mix of a variety of arts and Wall being a long time athlete in sports such a hockey and baseball as well says that’s what has kept him in the sport all these years. “MMA and kickboxing were really exciting and caught my eye when I was younger, and now that I’m older I don’t like getting hit as much so I have gravitated to the technique and quieter nature of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.”
The city offers many different varieties of martial arts training centres and has classes for everyone from kids to adults. The classes can range from beginners to advanced and range in skill development.
Lethbridge college student and MMA fighter Tom O’Connor says MMA has flipped his life upside down for the better, “It teaches you lessons and values better than any other sport. Respect, hard work, dedication, passion and mindfulness are only scratching the surface.”
The sport of MMA has not only opened athletes like Tom up the traits that help him in the gym but also ones that he may not have experienced other wise. Interests in cooking, dieting, and general health have become a big factor for the young athlete. The confidence he’s gained has helped him concur other life obstacles says O’Connor. “It has given me the motivation and confidence to chase other dreams like scuba diving and even going back to school!”
Martial Arts sports, despite their rough exteriors are a great and fun way to get your daily exercise. Weather you want to go alone or try a class with a friend this divers sport has something to offer everyone. Some of the top attributed the sport offers are self defense, fitness, confidence, maturity, and a new network of friends.