Yoyo Zhang ’24 boxes with her coach.
By Calvin Moon ’24
Tucked away in the quaint Wallingfordian suburbia are martial arts studios that give residents an opportunity to train their body and their minds. From kickboxing to taekwando, Performance Combat MMA and Elite-Pro Martial Arts Studio offer a wide range of services and classes that several Choate students frequent.
As Ethan Zhang ’24 describes, “It is just really fun to be there with your friends … to be there together training, punching bags, sparring with each other. It’s amazing.”
Performance Combat MMA, a Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) school on North Colony Road, exemplifies the transformative power of martial arts. They offer group and private lessons for both kids and adults in MMA, muay thai, kickboxing, boxing, and Brazilian jiu-jitsu.
Gym owner Mr. Mike Hannon has 18 years of coaching experience and 26 years of training in the styles that Performance Combat MMA offers, as well as in karate, Russian sambo, wrestling, and judo.
Performance Combat MMA encourages members to test their skills in competitions as it provides a unique opportunity to challenge themselves and build confidence.
Ms. Kathy Matus, an employee in Choate’s Athletics Department, has trained in standard boxing for six years at Performance Combat MMA. She described her experience at an amateur boxing competition as a “lasting, once-in-a-lifetime experience.”
Whether it is learning self-defense, staying physically fit, or competing in kickboxing and jiu-jitsu, Performance Combat MMA classes teach valuable skills that are applicable to everyday life and are thrilling to participate in.
Mr. Hannon recommends all Choate students join in on the fun regardless of prior boxing experience. The gym is beginner-friendly with frequent group lessons and flexible private lessons and offers a 30-day free trial.
“Don’t be intimidated. A lot of people come in very nervous, and they really don’t have to because the environment here is super friendly and supportive,” Mr. Hannon said to newcomers. “The fighters all want to see you succeed just as much as they want to improve themselves.”
Less than three miles away is Elite-Pro Martial Arts Studio, led by Mr. Hugo Carrillo, who focuses on Taekwondo. Mr. Carrillo achieved a fifth degree Taekwondo black belt and was a member of the Peruvian national martial arts team. At the core of his philosophy, Mr. Carrillo believes that fighters build confidence when they are faced with a difficult situation and respond with genuine effort and dedication.
Through their training programs, the gym aspires to instill values of respect, self-discipline, and hard work among their students. Mr. Carrillo hopes his trainees can view Taekwondo as an opportunity for personal growth, to build confidence, and to challenge themselves physically and mentally.
However, he acknowledged the intimidating nature of Taekwondo, which may deter beginners from giving it a try. “The biggest challenge is to cross the door. Trying something new; being exposed to an environment they are not familiar with, is challenging, especially for teenagers.”
In the world of martial arts, the path to personal growth, discipline, and confidence is open to everyone. The wisdom of Mr. Hannon and Master Hugo Carrillo highlights the potential impact of martial arts.
Through this sport, individuals can not only maintain physical fitness but also channel the strength needed to face life’s challenges with confidence and resilience. So, whether it’s MMA or Taekwondo, Performance Combat MMA and Elite-Pro Martial Arts offer the opportunity to embark on the journey that martial arts provides.
