MMA:  The Ultimate Work Out

Sponsored by Vuong’s Taekwondo

By Ann Evankovich

The fastest growing sport in America, Mixed Martial Arts (MMA), is a combat sport that combines jiu-jitsu, taekwondo, judo, boxing and wrestling. Last September’s televised professional Ultimate Fight Championship (UFC) title fight had 4.7 million viewers.  Master Chien Vuong of Vuong’s Taekwondo studio in Gambrills is riding this wave of excitement with a series of MMA classes.  

Twice a week, the inaugural MMA class gathers for a cardio workout like no other.  Master Vuong and his other instructors, Michael Visitacion and Michael O’Brien, traveled to Florida to become certified by American Top Team, the same organization that sends competitors into the trademark octagonal fight ring of the UFC. The trio has been trained to instruct at level one and will return to Florida for levels two and three as their classes progress.

“It's very demanding physically even at this early stage,” student Patrick Arnold of Gambrills says of the class. “That said - it's very enjoyable. Master Chien and his wife Rose are great people.”

“I was really out of shape,” confessed MMA student Jason Beatty, owner of CIC Performance in Gambrills. “I feel better after every class. I’m not fatiguing as quickly, I sleep better, and it has even helped me cut back on cigarettes.”

At first glance, televised MMA matches may look more like a brawl than a sport. This is a misconception that Master Vuong is dispelling with the class’s disciplined attention to technique.  

“Students in the MMA class will gain the physical benefits of a good cardio workout, Vuong explains. “Learning to defend yourself gives you extra confidence. It’s not just about getting stronger and faster.”

Another fear that Vuong intends to allay is that of injury. Vuong’s classes offer a nurturing environment for students of all fitness levels to improve their skills and fitness.  Safety practices and equipment are required.

“Our students are professionals and business owners,” says Vuong of his clients. “We emphasize safety because we have to go to work the next day. We don’t want fat lips or black eyes.”  

After a warm-up of calisthenics, MMA students work on striking, clinching, and grappling. Striking techniques teach proper punching, kicking and blocking form.  The clinching portion teaches grabbing and take downs. Grappling consists of floor work, including submission holds, grip breaking, and safe positions.  

“We want to grow while maintaining good quality instruction,” Vuong said of the MMA classes. “Our goal is not speed. We want our students to be proficient in all aspects of their training.”

Master Vuong is also excited about his new studio slated to open this summer just south of his current location. The new studio will more than double the size of his current space, including one large room with a retractable wall and a separate smaller studio.  

Vuong’s Studio offers a wide range of classes for adults, including tae kwon do, kickboxing, self defense and yoga. Children’s taekwondo training starts with his Little Ninjas class for 4-6 year olds.  For more information about any of Master Vuong’s classes, visit www.vuongs.com.