Many people who aspire to pursue a career in MMA or just want to train MMA for fun have trouble finding where to start. Several questions arise during the search for a quality MMA gym, such as: “Is this a reputable place?”, “Is it worth the price?” Well, one gym that is up to the task of answering each and every one of these possible questions is Jorge Gurgel’s Academy of Fitness and Mixed Martial Arts.
The gym is located in West Chester, Ohio, just north of Cincinnati. With star fighters like Rich Franklin, Jorge Gurgel and Dustin Hazelett, it is one of the most reputable gyms in the Midwest. In addition to the big names, they have highly qualified staff and offer a variety of classes. 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 might attend.
I have been attending this gym since August 2009. I decided to go here after visiting other MMA establishments that just weren’t up to scratch. Either the staff was unqualified or the facilities were mediocre. I mainly attend boxing classes and have had 2 amateur boxing matches. I have also participated in their annual Jiu-Jitsu tournament, their Jiu Jitsu classes, Muay Thai classes, and some private wrestling and other minor activities. I’m going to give my experience on each of the classes I’ve taken and then an overview of gym prices.
The Brazilian Jiu Jitsu offered at JG MMA is the daily bread of the academy. Classes are taught by black belts Jorge Gurgel and Jon Stutzman. They also have other professors who will teach the classes at some point, like black belt Dan Doerner and brown belt Eric Ramsey. UFC fighters Dustin Hazelett and Rich Franklin have studied with 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 solid, foundational ground game, and I’m sure JG MMA can deliver. They also offer a BJJ class for kids.
The Muay Thai classes are headed by Rich Thurston and Aaron Bowman, both of whom have competed in MMA and Muay Thai fights. His classes are just as popular as BJJ classes; with around 15 to 20 people in attendance at each class. Many Muay Thai fighters at JG have had great success, such as Matt Zilch who has a 6-1 record.
JG also offers boxing classes. Since their lead instructor recently left, the classes have not been as popular. These classes are run by professional wrestler Tommy Hayden and Robby Malof. A more MMA-oriented approach is taken in these classes compared to the classic boxing previously taught.
Financially, the gym is very affordable and has a high value. The cost is around $120 per month if you want to take all the classes the gym offers. Other local gyms will charge more than that, around $160 per month or more. Their school costs at least 20% less per month than the closest competitor and they offer individual programs for all budgets and experience levels. The staff at JG is also more than willing to help with financing and help anyone find the options that best fit their needs to make the gym affordable.