Hughes to teach H.I.T. method
By BILL YARBROUGH Jr
Hillsboro native opens new facility in Granite City
Matt Hughes knows the value of hard work and hard training.
Hughes, a nine-time Ultimate Fighting champion and a Hillsboro native, now hopes to give others the opportunity to learn what dedication to training can do for them.
Hughes will bring a new mixed martial arts training center and fitness gym to Granite City. The facility will be located at River’s Edge, the former U.S. Army Base facility, now owned by the Tri-City Regional Port District.
“This is a great homecoming for me,” said Hughes, who began training at the facility in November. “I’m used to being gone for long periods of a time while training. I’m thrilled about the new facility and being close to my home and family. That’s what it’s all about.”
Hughes also said he wanted to teach young up-and-coming fighters the style that made him a world champion. As a part-owner in the H.I.T. (Hughes Intensive Training) Squad, Hughes will be promoting the Granite City facility during his travels throughout the country and the world.
Operated by the H.I.T. Squad, the training center is a world-class facility designed to enhance the physical, mental and spiritual well-being of its members. The center’s purpose is education, channeled through weight training, boxing and martial arts. It caters to a wide range of members, from the very young to the elderly, from the novice to the world class professional, from singles to large families and both men and women.
The Hughes Intensive Training facility is located in an industrial building at River’s Edge.
The site was selected both for its location on a former U.S. Army base and the ability to create a disciplined “militaristic” training atmosphere in the building by adding camouflage netting and other military trademarks. The company has upgraded the building to include new locker rooms, restrooms, boxing ring, 3,000 square feet of new Hammer Strength weight lifting and fitness equipment, 1,000 square feet of cardiovascular equipment, 5,000 square feet of matted wrestling/grappling area surrounded by octagon fencing and a member’s lounge.
The facility offers memberships to the general public as well as signing and managing fighters who will compete in mixed martial arts competition. Several different membership packages will be offered to potential members. Customers not interested in training in mixed martial arts will be able to join and take advantage of the state-of-the-art fitness equipment at standard health club rates.
The layout of the facility is wide open so patrons can watch the fighters train as they workout. Patrons who elect to participate in daily boxing, grappling or mixed martial arts classes and not utilize the fitness equipment will have that option. H.I.T. Squad staff will hold bi-monthly seminars and camps for mixed martial arts, boxing and wrestling.
Hughes is a legend in the world of mixed martial arts in what has been described by CBS’ “60 Minutes” as the fastest growing sport in America. Catering primarily to the male, under-34 crowd, some have said that the UFC now is outdrawing the NFL, NBA and Major League Baseball for audiences.
Hughes is a nine-time world champion and getting ready to compete for his 10th title in December in Las Vegas. He is a devout Christian who frequently speaks at church youth rallies and Fellowship of Christian Athletes events. His appeal reaches worldwide in staggering numbers.
Hughes will also be bringing his team of elite trainers and fighters to help run the facility.This will include long time Ultimate Fighter standout, Robbie Lawler, who holds the middleweight title in both the EliteXC and Icon Sport mixed martial arts leagues.
Hughes’ long time boxing coach, Matt Pena, and wrestling coach, Marc Fiore, will also be partnering with him on the project. They both have been featured on Spike TV’s Ultimate Fighter reality show.
“The gym came together when Robbie Lawler, Matt Pena, Marc Fiore and I were out taping TUF6. We were coaching together and knew we could make it work. I would not start the gym without Marc, Robbie or Matt,” Hughes said.
Construction of the site is well under way with an anticipated ribbon-cutting ceremony in January.
“We are very pleased to welcome Matt Hughes and his entire team to Granite City and River’s Edge,” said Dr. Charles King Jr., chairman of the Tri-City Regional Port District. “He is a true gentleman who takes a genuine interest in the community and in everything he does. He is a positive role model who demonstrates a high personal standard of achievement. He and his team are welcome additions to our growing facility.”
More information as well as upcoming events will be posted at www.thehitsquad.com.
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