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Mixed Martial Arts

USMMA of Bellingham Announces Quarterly Community Blood Drives

United States Mixed Martial Arts (USMMA) of Bellingham (http://www.usmma.org) recently teamed up with the American Red Cross to hold a community Blood Drive at their studio earlier this month. It was well-received by the community and 25 blood donors came in, eight whom were new blood donors to the American Red Cross.

In light of the blood drive’s success, USMMA has announced that they will host quarterly blood drives, run by the American Red Cross, at their studio at 316 Hartford Ave. The next blood drive will be held on September 3, 2009.

As a “thank you” to donors from the recent blood drive, USMMA offered one free week of Martial Arts or one free yoga class. Donors also received a free box of chocolate dipped strawberries from Edible Arrangements and were entered into a drawing for a chance to win two Boston Red Sox Tickets and to be honored on the field as “Blood Donor of the Game”.

“According to the American Red Cross, every two seconds, someone in the U.S. needs blood, yet only five percent of the eligible population gives blood. Our community blood drive was a great success. And, since there is a significant and ongoing need for blood, we’ve decided to organize a quarterly blood drive with the Red Cross here at our studio,” explained Tom Hafers, owner of USMMA.

He continued, “We had a lot of positive feedback from those who donated. Whole blood donors are eligible to give blood every eight weeks and a number of donors expressed their interest in doing so.”

For more information or to sign up to donate at the next Blood Drive, which will be held September 3rd, contact USMMA at 508-966-5006.

About USMMA

USMMA focuses on elevating the physical and spiritual well being of students through Mixed Martial Arts and Yoga. Classes offered include Strength & Conditioning; Brazilian Jiu Jitsu; Thai Boxing; Cardio Thai Boxing; Wrestling; Cardio and Open Mat; Kids Mixed Martial Arts; Pilates; Power Yoga and Deep Flow Yoga.

USMMA’s state of the art, 4,000 square foot training facility is complete with a 2,000 square foot padded MMA training floor equipped with heavy bags and conditioning equipment, a 1,500 square foot yoga studio, locker rooms, showers and a juice bar. USMMA is located at 316 Hartford Avenue in Bellingham. For more information, call 508-966-5006 or visit their website at www.usmma.org.

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USMMA of Bellingham to Host Community Blood Drive on June 4th

United States Mixed Martial Arts’ (USMMA) of Bellingham will hold a Blood Drive on Thursday, June 4, 2009 from 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at their studio located at 316 Hartford Avenue in Bellingham.

Anyone who donates blood at USMMA on June 4th will receive a free box of Chocolate Dipped Strawberries from Edible Arrangements and will be entered into a drawing for a chance to win two Boston Red Sox Tickets and to be honored on the field as “Blood Donor of the Game”.

The American Red Cross’ specially trained staff will be set up on-site at USMMA to collect blood donations from volunteers. To be eligible to give blood, healthy donors must meet the following criteria:

· Must be at least 17 years of age

· Must weigh at least 110 lbs.

· Must not have donated whole blood within the last eight weeks.

An American Red Cross staff member will conduct an extensive health history on each blood donor volunteer. Donor eligibility rules are intended to protect the health and safety of the donor as well as the patient who will receive the transfusion. The final determination of eligibility is made by American Red Cross staff.

According to the American Red Cross, every two seconds, someone in the U.S. needs blood, yet only five percent of the eligible population gives blood.

“There is a significant and ongoing need for blood. There are many people who require transfusions – from those in emergency situations to those with cancer, blood disorders or other illnesses. It’s important to come together as a community to help fulfill that need. We encourage our staff and members as well as those in the community to consider giving blood at USMMA on June 4th,” noted Tom Hafers, owner of USMMA.

For more information about the Blood Drive contact USMMA at 508-966-5006.

About USMMA

USMMA focuses on elevating the physical and spiritual well being of students through Mixed Martial Arts and Yoga. Classes offered include Strength & Conditioning; Brazilian Jiu Jitsu; Thai Boxing; Cardio Thai Boxing; Wrestling; Cardio and Open Mat; Kids Mixed Martial Arts; Pilates; Power Yoga and Deep Flow Yoga.

USMMA’s state of the art, 4,000 square foot training facility is complete with a 2,000 square foot padded MMA training floor equipped with heavy bags and conditioning equipment, a 1,500 square foot yoga studio, locker rooms, showers and a juice bar. USMMA is located at 316 Hartford Avenue in Bellingham. For more information, call 508-966-5006 or visit their website at www.usmma.org.

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USMMA Announces New Power Vinyasa Yoga Program

United States Mixed Martial Arts’ of Bellingham has recently added Power Vinyasa Yoga to their offerings.

Power Vinyasa Yoga is an intense yoga session that detoxifies while sculpting and toning the body. This is a challenging form of yoga that combines strength with meditation. All Power Vinyasa Yoga classes are heated which enhances stretching and helps to eliminate toxins in the body through perspiration.

Power Vinyasa Yoga classes are open to all levels, whether novice or advanced. The fee for each class is $14 and $12 for students. USMMA Yoga also offers a package of 10 class cards for $120.

Anyone interested in Power Vinyasa Yoga may attend their first class for FREE. Power Vinyasa Yoga classes are 90 minutes long and held Sunday through Thursday and on Saturdays.

The benefits of yoga include improved balance, strength and flexibility as well as better muscle tone. It’s also one of the best ways to reduce stress and anxiety.

“Power Vinyasa Yoga is a truly powerful and rejuvenating workout that transforms the mind, body and spirit. Participants can burn up to 750 calories in a single session, whereas it would take 90 minutes on a stair climber just to burn 675 calories plus you get a full body stretch and reenergized mind. Who could ask for more,” noted Stephanie Luke, Program Director of USMMA Yoga. Luke has been in the fitness industry for over 11 years and holds multiple certifications in Yoga, Pilates and personal training.

All Power Vinyasa classes are led by experienced instructors including Luke, Casey Beksha, Deborah Spielman and Lesley Reilly.

To view the yoga class schedule or to register for a class online, visit the website at www.usmma.org or contact 508-966-5006.

About USMMA

USMMA focuses on elevating the physical and spiritual well being of students through Mixed Martial Arts and Yoga. Classes offered include Strength & Conditioning; Brazilian Jiu Jitsu; Thai Boxing; Cardio Thai Boxing; Wrestling; Cardio and Open Mat; Kids Mixed Martial Arts; Pilates; Power Yoga and Deep Flow Yoga.

USMMA’s state of the art, 4,000 square foot training facility is complete with a 2,000 square foot padded MMA training floor equipped with heavy bags and conditioning equipment, a 1,500 square foot yoga studio, locker rooms, showers and a juice bar. USMMA is located at 316 Hartford Avenue in Bellingham. For more information, call 508-966-5006 or visit their website at www.usmma.org.

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USMMA’s Mike Campbell to Fight in WEC Championship in San Diego on January 25th

Mike Campbell, a resident of Franklin, MA and an MMA fighter coached by Tom Hafers, owner of United States Mixed Martial Arts (USMMA) studio in Bellingham, MA and New England Boxing Champion Matt Phinney, is set for a nationally televised WEC (World Extreme Cagefighting) bout at the San Diego Sports Arena on January 25, 2009.

Campbell, at 5’8” and 170 lbs. will put his perfect 6-0 record on the line against his opponent, Danillo Villefort, a 6’1”, 170 lbs. fighter holding an established 8-2 record. The two will meet in the WEC, one of the largest mixed martial arts organizations in the world. Facing talented fighters is nothing new to Campbell however, as his past two fights have been against some of the toughest New England has to offer. Campbell was named “Fighter of the Month” in MassMMA in June after defeating top-ranked welterweight Rich Moskowitz by KO in the first round. He then went on to defeat Tim Pinney. That fight being televised later in a reality MMA TV show called Tapout that featured Campbell and followed him through his training.

“I’m very excited about the match. Both Tom and Matt at USMMA are great coaches who have helped me get where I am today. I’ve trained hard and I’m definitely ready to take on Villefort,” noted Campbell. Campbell’s training for Mixed Martial Arts competition is made up of a compilation of combat skills involving Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Thai boxing, wrestling, kickboxing and judo. These skills, coupled with his conditioning, will be Campbell’s advantage in the cage on January 25th.

Campbell’s match precedes the World Lightweight Championship match between Jamie Varner and undefeated Donald “Cowboy” Cerrone main event and the co-main event rematch of Urijah Faber against Jens Pulver. This show is a step up in class, though the lights and cameras are nothing new to Campbell. “We’ve had the cameras around for the fights before and it wasn’t a issue. My focus is on the task at hand and I have a great team behind me that I know I can count on,” says Campbell.

Mike Campbell and his training camp will arrive in San Diego a few days before the event for final preparations. Weigh-ins are held the day before and Campbell will fight the following night. “This has been one of the toughest training camps I’ve run,” says Hafers. “Mike is in peak condition and his skills are there to match. I am very impressed by his work ethic; he has a very bright future ahead of him.”

With the training camp winding down and the fight date fast approaching, Campbell, Hafers, and Phinney put the finishing touches into training. Like so many great fighters from the past, Campbell appears to wear the mantle of a champion with a confident familiarity. His greatest test now coming before him, Mike Campbell is poised and ready to show the world in explosive fashion, the product of all his hard work.

The WEC event will be televised nationally on VERSUS at 9:30 p.m. EST (Visit the website versus.com/findversus to find the fight.) Tickets may be purchased through the San Diego Sports Arena Box Office or through Ticketmaster at 619-220-8497 or at ticketmaster.com.

For more information about WEC, visit www.wec.tv.

About USMMA

USMMA focuses on elevating the physical and spiritual well being of students through Mixed Martial Arts and Yoga. Classes offered include Strength & Conditioning; Brazilian Jiu Jitsu; Thai Boxing; Cardio Thai Boxing; Wrestling; Cardio and Open Mat; Kids Mixed Martial Arts; Pilates; Power Yoga and Deep Flow Yoga.

USMMA’s state of the art, 4,000 square foot training facility is complete with a 2,000 square foot padded MMA training floor equipped with heavy bags and conditioning equipment, a 1,500 square foot yoga studio, locker rooms, showers and a juice bar. USMMA is located at 316 Hartford Avenue in Bellingham. For more information, call 508-966-5006 or visit their website at www.usmma.org.

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USMMA Announces Special Holiday Packages for Men and Women

Give loved ones a gift of fitness this season. USMMA (United States Mixed Martial Arts Training Center) in Bellingham is offering special gift packages for men and women.

USMMA’s mission is to elevate the physical and spiritual well being of students through Mixed Martial Arts and Yoga. Mixed Martial Arts classes offered include Strength & Conditioning; Brazilian Jiu Jitsu; Thai Boxing; Cardio Thai Boxing; Wrestling; Cardio and Open Mat. USMMA’s Yoga center offers Power Yoga, Deep Flow Yoga and Pilates.

USMMA is offering a Yoga gift package which is 10 yoga classes plus two bonus yoga classes for $120. A Mixed Martial Arts gift package consists of 10 Mixed Martial Arts classes plus two bonus MMA classes for $200. The Mixed Martial Arts gift package is ideal for the experienced as well as for the novice.

Holiday gift packages will be available through December 31, 2008.

“It’s been over three months since I started at USMMA and I have dropped pounds and inches. My stress level has immensely changed! I’m so much more relaxed. USMMA challenges me in ways no other workouts have ever done. I’ve learned so much about Martial Arts, Strength and Conditioning and all around Wellness that I will never go back to my old ways of living,” noted Kelly Antosh, a member of USMMA and a resident of Franklin, MA.

Ron Howard, a Rhode Island resident who is involved in Mixed Martial Arts at USMMA explained, “The changes I’ve gone through since I’ve been with USMMA are unbelievable. I went from 275 lbs. to 232 lbs. in just about three months. Saying ‘it’s been a lot of hard work’ would be a huge understatement, but this team has brought out the best in me.”

“We have classes for all abilities. Many of our students have lost a lot of weight – up to 30 to 40 pounds. We teach our clients that good health is a way of life; help them meet their fitness goals and put them on the path to a lifetime of wellness,” explained Tom Hafers, USMMA instructor and owner.

The Yoga and Mixed Martial Arts gift packages may be purchased at USMMA, 316 Hartford Avenue in Bellingham. To learn more about USMMA visit the website at www.usmma.org.

About USMMA

USMMA’s state of the art, 4,000 square foot training facility is complete with a 2,000 square foot padded MMA training floor equipped with heavy bags and conditioning equipment, a 1,500 square foot yoga studio, locker rooms, showers and a juice bar. USMMA is located at 316 Hartford Avenue in Bellingham. For more information, call 508-966-5006 or visit their website at www.usmma.org.

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USMMA Coat Drive for Project Just Because Tops Expectations

There are a number of adults and children who will be much warmer this winter thanks to the Coat Drive held at USMMA (United States Mixed Martial Arts Training Center) in Bellingham.

The annual Coat Drive promoted by Dorothy Handy for Project Just Because, was well-received by USMMA members and visitors alike who donated a total of 98 coats. Project Just Because is a local charity (projectjustbecause.org) that ensures that all of the coats collected are given to families in need.  Personal requests from families in need throughout the area are made directly to Project Just Because and fulfilled.

According to Ms. Handy, “The generosity of the community in which you have created just amazes me.  This helped us surpass our goal significantly.  We collected 170 more coats this year overall.   In these very challenging economic times, our capacity to help the less fortunate is a gift, as it truly is better to give than to receive.”

“We wish to thank all the donors, volunteers and businesses who helped make a difference. When people drop a coat or warm item into a box or bin, they sometimes wonder where it goes. 10 years ago, I started Project Just Because. In 2007 our auditors’ report has $4 million dollars worth of items we gave out to families in need. Our concept remains the same – to help as many men, women and children directly. If you donate a warm coat or pair of boots, it goes right into our bins and coat racks and the very next person who e-mails or calls for a warm coat in the size you donated receives a warm coat because you took the time and directly make a difference. I thank you from the bottom of my heart because without each of you opening your heart and helping, we would not be able to help as many as we do,” Cherylann Lambert Walsh, President, Project Just Because. 

According to USMMA owner Tom Hafers, “Times are tough for everyone and we all need to help one another out whenever possible. Everyone really stepped up to the plate and we thank all who helped make the coat drive a success.”

To learn more about Project Just Because, visit the website projectjustbecause.org or call (508) 435-6511.

About USMMA

USMMA focuses on elevating the physical and spiritual well being of students through Mixed Martial Arts and Yoga. Classes offered include Strength & Conditioning; Brazilian Jiu Jitsu; Thai Boxing; Cardio Thai Boxing; Wrestling; Cardio and Open Mat; Kids Mixed Martial Arts; Pilates; Power Yoga and Deep Flow Yoga.

USMMA’s state of the art, 4,000 square foot training facility is complete with a 2,000 square foot padded MMA training floor equipped with heavy bags and conditioning equipment, a 1,500 square foot yoga studio, locker rooms, showers and a juice bar. USMMA is located at 316 Hartford Avenue in Bellingham. For more information, call 508-966-5006 or visit their website at www.usmma.org.

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