Get Active Group of the Week: Combat Sports Center
Each week, we'll be highlighting a different Active Group from around RVA – this week's group is Combat Sports Center, a dynamic martial arts school offering a wide range of training and classes.
By: RaShauna Hobbs
“Fly like a butterfly and sting like a bee” are the famous words of the legendary boxer Muhammad Ali. Becoming a great fighter takes hours of intense training, and any boxer would agree that training is one of the most challenging aspects of becoming a heavyweight champion.
Brian Crenshaw, co-owner of Combat Sports Center, a dynamic martial arts school, has seen the fighters of his gym sweat through the same vigorous training.
Nestled comfortably in the West End, Combat Sports Center offers many challenging classes and training for members, as well as both amateur and professional fighters.
On any given afternoon in the center, there are a range of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Mixed Martial Arts, TRX, Cardio Kickboxing and Muay Thai Kickboxing classes being held.
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is form of ground fighting that uses every ounce of endurance to maneuver submission holds on a partner.
The Muay Thai Kickboxing class is not for the faint of heart as it contains a combination of lateral movements with kicking and punching combinations. Participants are encouraged by experienced instructors and accomplished fighters.
For participants hoping to shed a few pounds or just looking for a way to get good cardio, the Muay Thai Kickboxing class helps with both things. The class starts relatively calm and quiet with some simple stretches, push-ups and sit-ups and then takes an extreme turn as the hitting pads emerge and the insanity begins.
Also, on any given night there could be sparring taking place in the boxing ring. This is when the amateur and professional boxers suit up with all their gear and take to the ring to box. Coach Freddie Corritone moves around the ring giving instructions and navigating these fighters through techniques.
Brian describes the gym and the atmosphere as “a choice.”
“You have the choice to go to another gym and just do some time on the treadmill or you can come to Combat and go through a completely different level of training,” he said.
Combat Sports Center provides just that, a way to work out and train your body just as the professional fighters do. It can help make anybody “fly like a butterfly and sting like a bee!” Or, at least drop a couple pounds.