Sorry I haven’t updated in a while but I have been recovering from my dodgeball injuries... 6 jammed fingers, a dislocated thumb, bad rotator cuff, dodgeball elbow, and mat toe. It is tough being ranked number 1.
The gym is very pumped to have Matt fighting May 23 in Las Vegas and Robbie fighting a few miles from the gym in St. Louis on June 6th. It should be an exciting time for the gym.
Brian Foster and Mario Stapel will both be fighting in Columbus , Ohio on May 9th for Shine Fight Promotions: Genesis at the Ohio Expo center.
The HIT Squad would like to thank the Granite City Police Department and their support. Please keep protecting and serving.
(Pictured Brian Foster, Matt Veach, K-9 Officer Maue, Detective Parkinson, Cortez Coleman, Mario Stapel)
People ask me if I get a lot of perks from working at Matt Hughes gym. The answer is yes. When Matt Veach fought in Tampa for the UFC, Hughes got me a $75 ticket for free!! Yes FREE. All I had to do was buy him and his friends’ lunch:
A while back (yes I know it has been months) Kyle took some members of his Jiu-jitsu class to the Arnold’s Classic grappling tournament in Columbus, Ohio the weekend the UFC was there. His merry band did very well:
JUSTIN KICHLER — 1st place No-GI, 2nd place GI JOSH McKINNEY — 1st Place GI, 2nd place No-GI BLAKE SHOEMAKER — 1st Place No-GI
Congrats guys.
Movie Quote:
Jim Braddock: For two hundred and fifty dollars I would fight your wife! Joe Gould: Now you're dreaming Jim Braddock: ...and your grandmother, at the same time. Joe Gould: Teeth in or teeth out? Jim Braddock: Take 'em out! Joe Gould: Then you're dead, you're down, you're gone, no chance! Jim Braddock: Two hundred and fifty bucks? Joe Gould: Two hundred and fifty bananas!
-Cinderella Man, 2005
Todd Laux
General Manager
HIT Squad
21 January 2009
Another satisfied GM Corner reader:
My email has been down the last couple of days. Please try again if I haven’t replied or give me a call at the gym 618-452-8561. Sorry for the inconvenience. Direct all complaints to Nate Rosario at:
nathan@matt-hughes.com
The HIT Squad has a lot of fighters fighting in the next month:
January 23rd: Kyle Watson and CJ Fernandes, X-Fights in Kansas City, MO. at Municipal Auditorium. See more details at www.thexfights.com
January 24th: Chris Rapa (amateur) Xtreme Fight League in Fenton, MO. at the Stratford Inn Grand Ballroom. Ticket Info: 314-608-3180
January 30th: Donnie Cavins (amateur), Josh Epps (first amateur fight), and Brian Mason (amateur) Sudden Impact III in St. Charles, MO. at the Machinists Hall. Ticket info: 314-488-7614
February 6th: Terrell Brown (first amateur fight), Marcus Penland (first amateur fight), Nickie Smith (first amateur fight), and TJ Thomas (amateur) Brawl in the Ballroom in Belleville, IL at Fischer’s. Ticket info: 618-233-1131
February 7th: Amir Khillah and Neil Magny (amateur) in Columbia, MO.
February 21st: Whisper Goodman and Chase Beebe UWC in GMU Patriot Center - Fairfax, VA. Ticket info: www.uwcmma.com
As some of you may know as a warm up and/or cool down for training we play a lot of dodgeball. We have been sanctioned as an official dodgeball site by the National Association of Dodgeball. Their ranking of the top 10 players in the country just came out and I am happy to announce it was dominated by HIT Squad members. Here is the National Association of Dodgeball’s (N.A.D.’s) national ranking:
1. Todd “Balls of Rage” Laux
2. Ruthless Robbie Lawler/Ross “Flypaper” Laux
3. Matt “Crazy Legs” Veach
4. Jon “Cannonballs” Madsen
5. Marcus “Kamikaze” Penland
6. Whisper “Silent Assassin” Goodman
7. Kyle “Swivel Neck” Watson
8. Amir “Blinders” Khillah
9. Matt “Commissioner” Hughes
10. Helena “Sitting Duck” Martin
Also receiving votes Marc “Tricky McTrickerton” Fiore, Justin “Silver Bullet” Robbins, and Matt “Sit Down” Bentley.
This week The HIT Squad hired a maintenance man to do some odd jobs around the gym. His first order of business was to fix one of the gym’s lights that is 20-25 feet above the gym floor. We hired him for his work ethic and his past work as a circus trapeze artist. Here is a clip of his work:
BJJ Instructor Kyle Watson took the jiu-jitsu team to Florence Kentucky for the Tri-State Grappling Challenge this past weekend. Results:
Teen NO Gi Beginner 149.9lbs and under
1st Place: Andrew Berger (First time competing)
Teen No gi Intermediate 160 and under
1st Place: Josh Mckinney
Teen Gi intermediate 160 and under
2nd place: Josh Mckinney
Masters Gi 170-179.9
1st Place Denis Janis
Men Advanced no gi 170-179.9
2nd place: Derek Maguire
Men Gi blue belt 170-179.9
4th place: Derek Maguire
Quote of the week:
Mom: “So you know what, today when you were driving around. Dale was telling me that he's really into Kung Fu and I was telling him that you're really into Kung Fu as well.” Brennan: “I have a green belt. Read it and weep.” Dale: “I don't believe in belts. There should be no ranking system for toughness.” — Step Brothers, 2008
Todd Laux
General Manager
HIT Squad
22 November 2008
This is an ACTUAL complaint about the GM Corner sent in from B. Jose of
Chicago, IL. :
Has the GM Corner closed up shop for the fall/winter? What's the deal?
No one getting engaged? No one has fallen under the monster truck tire
as its being flipped? No forum fanatics have shown up to help move
equipment? Perhaps the quiet guy who updates the web site got hit by a
bus? Did you climb up the climbing rope and were too scared to come
down so you are waiting on the Granite City fire department to rescue
you? Did Fiore hear that the internet causes cancer and made you get off
of it because he was concerned about you? Are you just a lazy *#@*+# ??
Congrats to Brian "the soccer dude" Mason on winning his amateur fight
on November 14th in Bridgeton, MO. Brian's amateur record is now 3-0.
The HIT Squad would like to welcome the employees of Veteran's Tree
Service to the gym.
The HIT Squad would like to thank the guys at BD Sports/Cage Ready,
Jason, Darryl, and Chon. They help us out a lot with our HIT Squad
apparel.
I will get put in a pretzel if I don't mention the results of Kyle's
boys (Brazilian Jiu Jitsu) at NAGA (North American Grappling
Association) in Chicago:
Josh McKinney-1st place GI. 2nd place No-GI
Denis Janis-3rd place No-GI
Derek Maguire-3rd No-GI
Congrats to Josh, Denis, and Derek. The many hours of sitting around
after practice and talking about practice paid off!
The winner of the First Annual HIT Squad Halloween Costume contest goes
to........ Matt Hughes!
Congrats Matt "The Duke" Hughes!
Pop Quiz: Is this a picture of:
A. George "the animal" Steele (Former WWF star that used to eat
the turnbuckles)? (see picture)
B. Private Pyle from Full Metal Jacket? (see picture)
C. Sean "Big Irish" Crowe, who came from Ireland to do the 3 month
camp, celebrating after his first amateur fight and win?
C is correct. Congrats to Big Irish!!
Upcoming fights:
November 28th: Clay French-King of the Cage Lightweight Championship
(Defending his belt), Calgary, Canada. J
November 29th: Brian Foster, Jeremiah Riggs, and Jeremiah Caves-Fort
Smith, Arkansas.
Quote of the week:
"I'm a limousine ridin', jet flyin', kiss stealin', wheelin' dealin'
son of a gun. WOOOO!!"-Ric Flair
Todd Laux
General Manager
HIT Squad
24 October 2008
We would like to congratulate Blake Shoemaker and Jesse Gerringer on their wins in
the Battle of the Bend II held in Bethalto, IL. The show was put on by Take That
Promotions. The HIT Squad would like to thank Adam Marburger and Take That
Promotions for taking care of us and our fighters. Jesse looked very impressive in
his win in the first round by submission. Below you will find a very short recap of
Blake's fight:
Hit Squad employee of the day Blake Shoemaker was put to the test at the Battle at
the Bend MMA show in Bethalto on October 11th. We knew that this would be Blake's
toughest bout (1-0 amateur record coming into the fight) yet when we heard the
announcement that Blake's opponent would be none other than Billy Bryant a member of
the legendary Bryant fighting family. The hype leading up to the fight was intense
as it pitted two of Bethalto's toughest warriors going to battle. At the weigh-ins
both fighters tipped the scales at 170 lbs. The stare down was very tense and
several onlookers said they felt chills running down their spine as the taller
Bryant gave Shoemaker the stink eye.
On fight day you could feel the testosterone boiling. There was electricity in the
air. Bryant entered the cage first and awaited the smaller Shoemaker. As the
announcements concluded both combatants looked determined. We prepared Blake for a 3
round slugfest as we knew that Bryant's stand up was exceptional. (We had heard
several unconfirmed stories of his Chuck Liddell-esque knockouts at local hang outs
such as the Runway Lounge and Bethalto Beer Tent).
The fight began and bad boy Bryant shot in for a ferocious double leg takedown that
no one in the fight world would have predicted. Blake however was ready and he
stuffed the takedown switching to the street fighting legend's back. Blake sunk in
his left hook underneath Bryant's hip and fought to get the hook on the other side
and finish the fight with a rear naked choke. The crafty Bryant however was ready
and he defended the choke. What Bryant was unaware of however, was that Blake had
spent countless hours watching Jiu Jitsu legend Eddie Bravo's instructional DVD's as
well as being a Kyle Watson jiu-jitsu protege. As Bryant posted his left arm Blake
transitioned to a picturesque arm bar that would make Joe Rogan ecstatic. Bryant
lifted Shoemaker into the air to slam him and release the vice on his arm. Finally
this epic battle ended. It seemed to rage on for hours between these two grizzled
gladiators clashing in the middle of the Midwestern fighting hot bed The street
fighting legend Bryant had no choice but to tap out to the devastating arm bar.
These two combatants both looked weary which was no surprise after having endured
this violent rumble but after 22 blood, sweat, and tear soaked seconds it was over.
Shoemaker had dispatched of the crafty veteran. Blake's face showed utter joy as Hit
Squad teammate and future amateur fighting standout Derek "Chief Wiggum" Maguire
lifted him into the air. Bryant however, looked shocked.
Because of his tenacity and never say die attitude in the war he had just fought
through, Take That Promotions co-founder Adam Marburger granted Shoemaker the
coveted "VIP access" pass to the after party being held at the world famous
Franchise.
During a post-fight interview, the always humble Shoemaker said "I put my pants on
one leg at a time just like everyone else."
After the fight Bryant's confidence came back as he approached Blake and said "its
not like you beat me more like you just caught me". Obviously this will not be the
last we hear from Bryant. There have been rumors circulating throughout the MMA
world that there might be a rematch in the future. Blake however is just taking
his amateur fight career one fight at a time and that one was number two. He is
rumored to be featured in Battle at the Bend 4. Promoter Marburger promises to
mention Blake in the Alton Telegraph article for the next show.
Congrats to Blake!
How the HIT Squad Rolls!!!
This was the bus that part of the HIT Squad Team rolled in to Arkansas
for the fights. HIT Squad Fighter from Germany Mario Stapel said "I feel like mega
superstar David Hassellhoff."
This is a picture of the inside of the bus but better yet
the TV we watched the Cubs get swept on.
The HIT Squad would like to thank GUT CHECK for sponsoring our
fighters at the Pro Battle show. Check them out at www.gutcheck.tv
Upcoming fights:
November 1st: Justin Robbins, Matt Veach, Charles Hackmann, and Tony Zucca (Amateur) - Capital City Cage
Wars, Springfield, IL.
November 1st: Dee Jay Fuentes - South Texas Fighting Championship, Mcallen, Texas.
November 28th: Clay French-King of the Cage Lightweight Championship (Defending his
belt), Calgary, Canada
Quote of the week:
"A fight is not won by one punch or kick. Either learn to endure or hire a
bodyguard."-Bruce Lee
Todd Laux
General Manager
HIT Squad
26 September 2008
GREETINGS FROM THE HIT SQUAD TRAINING CAMP:
Sometimes it gets lonely at camp but luckily Brian from Texas found a
date while he was here:
Amir "the lady" Khillah proposed during jiu-jitsu class (Kyle-Kwon-Do).
It was either tap, snap, nap, or say yes. Sherri being the chartable
type said yes. Rumor has it that the rehearsal dinner will be held at
the Granite City Garden Gate Tea Room. Congrats to Amir and Sherri!!
The Hit Squad's International MMA "exchange students" (translators not
included):
(Pictured-Matt from the country of Hillsboro, Damon-Australia,
Paul-Ireland, Helena- England, Denzil- Wales, Mario-Germany,
Sean-Ireland)
Some fighters have a phobia of dorms and have started their own little
HIT Squad camp ground. Nothing screams hardcore like your "home" sitting
on pallets and your clothes dryer consisting of hanging your laundry on
an extension cord. I don't ask if and where they wash them (**The HIT
Squad does not encourage showing up in your camper):
(Pictured-Sammy Morgan-Ultimate Fighter Season 2, Scotty, and Isaiah
Larson)
This isn't a picture of Matt Veach doing some alternative conditioning,
it is Veach helping Matt change the tire on his truck:
This is The Hit Squad "sock off" and "tug" Olympic team after their
9:30am cardio class with Matt:
(Pictured back row left to right-Damon, Matt, Paul, Denzil, Helena,
Kyle, Sean, Chris, Josh, Marcus. Front row L-R-Clay, Mario, DeeJay, Dan,
Brian, Sammy)
?????Nacho Libre?????
(Pictured--- We never got this guys name or saw his face for that
matter.)
The HIT Squad would like to welcome everyone from American Steel Foundry
(ASF) in Granite City and their families to the gym. We are glad to have
your business. (Special thanks to Fergie and Doc)
Movie quote of the week:
"Pain don't hurt" - Road House (1989)
Todd Laux
General Manager
HIT Squad
05 September 2008
Both people that read the GM Corner have been on me to update it. (Here
you go mom and dad.)
We would like to congratulate HIT Squad fighter Jon Madsen on winning
his fight in South Dakota at Cage Inc. He won by TKO in the 5th round.
Jon has now run his pro record to a perfect 3-0.
HIT Squad fighter Charles Hackmann won his pro debut last week in
Clinton, Iowa at the Extreme Challenge. He won by TKO in 1:30 of the
first round. Rumor has it he came out to the song "I'm Too Sexy".
The HIT Squad would like to give a big thank you out to Ravanelli's
restaurant and catering in Granite City. They brought a giant lunch
spread after the morning practice and fed about 20 fighters with
leftovers to take back to the dorms today for no reason. The food was
fantastic as always. Thanks to Steve Edwards and his staff. I hope Steve
doesn't think we are going to take it easy on him now. Remember the
fighters are like stray dogs, if you feed them they will keep coming
back around.
Granite City had their Annual Labor Day Parade and some high school
youths that workout at the HIT Squad walked in it and gave out candy and
flyers. We would like to thank Misty Collins for all her help organizing
it. As you can see why from the picture below, the HIT Squad was judged
the "ugliest float" (Just kidding):
HIT Parade:
From left to right: Brandon, Kyle, Tony, Robbie, and Mike.
Upcoming H.I.T. Squad fights:
King of the Cage at the U.S. Cellular Coliseum in Bloomington, Illinois
on September 27 th: Justin Robbins and Jacob Hey. (See
www.kingofthecage.com for more details.)
The Rumble in Forest Park in St. Louis, Missouri on September 27 th:
Matt Veach, Charles Hackmann, Jeremiah Riggs.
ProBattle MMA in Springdale, Arkansas at the Northwest Arkansas
Convention Center on October 4th: Mario Stapel, Donnie Cavins (1st
amateur fight), Clay French, Jacob Hey, Matt Veach and Charles Hackmann. (See www.probattlemma.com for more info.)
Kyle took some members of his Jiu-Jitsu class to the St. Louis Brazilian
Jiu Jitsu Open a couple weeks ago. They had another successful showing.
It shows their hard work and Kyle's exceptional instruction. Here are
the results:
White Belt GI under 6 months 170-179:
1st Place - Cody Dolly
NO GI under 195:
2nd Place - Cody Dolly
White Belt GI over 6 months 170-179:
2nd place - Bobby Kunkel
Men's NO GI 170-179:
1st Place - Denis Janis
Men's Blue Belt Gi 170-179:
1st Place - Derek Maguire
Our training camp has been a huge success. Currently living in the
fighter's dorms and training at the HIT Squad we have fighters from
Wales, Germany, Australia, London, two from Belfast Ireland, and from
many different states in the US. It is fun seeing the different
cultures coming together. Everyone has troubles understanding one
another until they get out on the mat.
Movie quote of the week:
"My arm!"
"It's not yours, anymore." - 300 (2006)
Todd Laux
General Manager
HIT Squad
15 August 2008
Kyle took some guys from his jiu-jitsu class to the Ohio Grappling Challenge on Aug
2nd in Pickerington, Ohio. Josh McKinney, in his first grappling competition, got
3rd in the No-Gi beginner for teens and 2nd in the White Belt for teens.
He cut weight for this competition; but unfortunately, due to the lack of participants, they combined his
bracket with the weight class above and he lost to a much larger kid. His wins all
came by submission. Tyler Jones, also in his first grappling competition, won his
beginner No-Gi bracket. Derek Maguire won his blue belt division. Michael Allen, in
his first grappling competition, fought well but did not place. The match that he
won was by a score of 10-2. Kyle fought in the professional invite division and won
his first match, but ended up losing in the second to the eventual champion. Everyone
would like to thank Steve McKinney for his help, support, and the use of his sweet
mini-van.
Thursday, August 21st The United Way is holding an open house event at the HIT
Squad. It is called the Ultimate Cause. It is scheduled from 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM. The cost to
attend is $5 with all proceeds going to the United Way. Admission is free for anyone 14 and under. This also includes food.
Matt Hughes, Marc Fiore, Matt Pena, and many HIT Squad fighters will be on hand
doing demonstrations. There will be some gloves autographed by Matt Hughes raffled off, as well as a gym bag signed by The HIT Squad. The US Army will have their rock
climbing wall on site for anyone to try. It will be great time and benefits a
fantastic charity. We encourage everyone to stop by. The event is brought to you by
The United Way, The Chamber of Commerce of Southwestern Madison County, The Granite
City Press Record, The US Army, and The Tri-City Regional Port District.
Here is a letter that we received via email:
Todd;
This is Kevin Smith with son Jordan from Texas. We were at the gym during our
vacation and have been remiss (and very busy) since returning home; but we both
wanted to take the opportunity to say a big Thank-You to everyone at the gym, from
yourself, Mr. Hughes, Mr. Lawler, Matt, Kyle, and Marc, to the fighters in training.
Everyone was the most professional and courteous group we had ever been around. You
all really made Jordan's vacation; and he is (already) still planning to return and
"live-in" for a while next summer. The facilities were great, but would be nothing
without the great bunch of people behind it.
Again, thanks to everyone for making his vacation a "dream come true". We look
forward to talking with you all soon! Oh yeah, tell Mr. Lawler congrats on a great
fight! Jordan was thrilled to get to watch every minute of it with some personal
interest. He looked as devastating as we expected! And Jordan wanted to know how
Kyle's trip to Brazil went?
He (Jordan) really has a renewed fire for his training and getting better to join
you guys! God Bless and we'll talk soon!
Your friends;
Kevin and Jordan "the EnforceR" Smith
Congratulations to Matt Veach and Vince Ramos on their wins in the XFO in Island
Lake, IL. Veach won by rear naked choke in the second round and Vince won by TKO in
50 seconds. Amir Khillah and Jeremiah "Mississippi" Riggs suffered tough losses.
Amir lost a very close split decision that some might say was controversial.
"Mississippi" fought hard and showed an unbelievable amount of heart and endurance.
Fight's commenced! Get to fightin' or get away! -Wyatt Earp, Tombstone -1993
Todd Laux
General Manager
HIT Squad
03 August 2008
Just got back from Robbie's fight out in California and had a great
time. Robbie did exactly what he planned on doing in the fight. The
belt has been on display all week at the gym. We have decided that
Robbie will begin teaching dance lessons a couple times a week at the
gym after his little victory dance. Who knew he had those moves?
I took this photo
of the HIT Squad banner from my seat at Robbie's fight.
The HIT Squad has a lot of fights coming up in the near future. This
weekend alone we have 6 fighters competing in Island Lake, IL. for the
XFO. This will be an outdoor event. Should be a great time during and
after the fights. We are hoping to have a lot of HIT Squad members up
there supporting us. Give us a call at the gym if you want more details.
You can go to their website for more details and a list of our
fighters that are in the show: www.x-fighting.tv
Lightweight Amir Khillah (HIT Squad) vs Pat Curran
Welterweight Jeremiah Riggs (HIT Squad) vs. Dom' O Grady
Lightweight Matt Veach (HIT Squad) vs. Brent Mehrhoff
Welterweight CJ Fernandez (HIT Squad) vs. Dustin Winterholt
Amateur:
Lightweight Vince Ramos (HIT Squad)vs. TBA
Lightweight TJ Thomas (HIT Squad)vs. Nick Scotti
King of the Cage champion and HIT Squad fighter, Clay French, will be
fighting in Japan on August 24th. This is the beginning of an 8 fighter
tournament with the winner facing Takanori Gomi. The fights will be held
at Saitama Super Arena in Saitama, Japan. Robbie Lawler and Chase Bebe
will be in Clay's corner.
We would like to congratulate HIT Squad training camp member DeeJay
Fuentes on his win in the South Texas fight League 3 "War Zone" on
August 2nd at the McAllen Convention Center in McAllen, Texas. Coach
Fiore was in his corner. Way to go "Hollywood."
Competing in mixed martial arts is physically as well as mentally
demanding. At the gym our fighters are able to prepare themselves
physically for whatever they will face in the cage or ring. Sometimes
their mental game needs a little work. (Outside the cage most of them
need a lot of work.) Dr. Curt Lox, sports psychologist, of Lox Training
and Consulting in Edwardsville has helped a HIT Squad fighter get that
mental edge. We would like to thank him and tell him he has earned a
well deserved vacation. You can check out his business at:
www.siue.edu
Movie quote of the week:
"Gladiators... I salute you." -Gladiator, 2000
Todd Laux
General Manager
HIT Squad
24 July 2008
A lot of media coverage took place at the H.I.T. Squad leading up to
Robbie's defense of his title, so I thought I would let some of the
articles do the talking.
"The first rule of Fight Club is - you do not talk about Fight Club. The
second rule of Fight Club is - you DO NOT talk about Fight Club. Third
rule of Fight Club, someone yells Stop!, goes limp, taps out, the fight
is over. Fourth rule, only two guys to a fight. Fifth rule, one fight at
a time, fellas. Sixth rule, no shirt, no shoes. Seventh rule, fights
will go on as long as they have to. And the eighth and final rule, if
this is your first night at Fight Club, you have to fight." -Fight Club
(1999)
Todd Laux
General Manager
HIT Squad
07 July 2008
I hope everyone had a great 4th of July weekend.
Justin Robbins, Matt Veach, Mario Stapel, and Jeremiah Riggs (all HIT
Squad fighters) will be traveling up to Kalamazoo, Michigan to assist
Amir Khillah (HIT Squad fighter) with a MMA and wrestling seminar at his
training facility, Lightning Kicks. The seminars will take place on July
19th. Go to www.lightningkicks.com for more information. Lookout
Michigan. Hide the women and children!!
Pete, who runs our myspace and finished in third place for employee of
the week this week, would like me to remind everyone to check out the
HIT Squad's myspace: www.myspace.com\hughesintensivetraining
If you have any pictures of yourself or anyone else wearing HIT Squad
merchandise please email them to me. I promise not to stick them on a
drill sergeant's body.
The fighter's dorms have turned into quite the melting pot. We have
fighters from South Dakota, Michigan, Missouri, Texas, New Jersey,
Germany, Mississippi, Chicago and all across Illinois just to name a few
places (anyway that is all I can think of right now). We would like to
welcome all the new fighters. We would also like to remind fighters
that are coming here to do our training camp to please notify us ahead
of time of your arrival. This makes things a lot easier.
The HIT Squad would like to thank Talley Chiropractic in Granite City
for always helping out HIT Squad fighters. We bring him in some strange
injuries that chiropractors usually don't get asked to fix and he puts
them back together (sometimes with duct tape if he has to). For more
information on Dr. Talley's office visit www.talleychiro.com. You can
also call them at 618-931-4000. Sarah would be more than happy to answer
your call.
I have been neglecting my GM Corner duties according to the emails I
have been receiving, so I am going to start updating it once a week.
Matt is doing fine after his loss to the larger than life Thiago Alves.
He started rehab on his knee this week and they will determine if he
needs surgery. Matt has been basically injury free his entire career.
So this is pretty new to him. He has always just been able to rub dirt
on it and get back in there. I think the thing that bothers him the most
is that he hasn't been able to join in on elbow tag this week. I think
Matt may petition the Olympic Committee to make elbow tag an Olympic
sport.
We have had an overwhelming response to our 3-month training camp. We
have received emails from all over the country and world including
Ireland, the Netherlands, and Germany. I have had a lot of questions so
I will answer some of them:
Food is not included. There is a fridge, microwave, sink, and stove for
use.
The 3-month camp begins when you sign up. There is no particular start
date.
You can do shorter training camps. The price for the fighter's dorm then
becomes $30 for a night, $100 for a week, $150 for 2 weeks, and $200 for
a month.
The closest airport is Lambert-St. Louis International Airport (STL) in
St. Louis, Missouri. It is 17 miles from the gym.
June 7th two of our amateur HIT Squad fighters fought in Bethalto, IL at
the Battle of the Bend. Blake Shoemaker (HIT Squad employee of the week)
fought for the first time and won by submission in the 2nd round. Liko
Mahoe also won his fight by TKO in the 1st round. It was a well done
event and the HIT Squad would like to thank Adam Marburger for taking
care of everyone from the HIT Squad.
Clay French had an impressive performance on June 14th at the Adrenaline
show in Chicago that was aired on HDNet. He won by submission in the 2nd
round after pounding his opponent for a round and a half. I like to
refer to Clay as "The Tank". That same night the HIT Squad's
heavyweight, Jon Madsen, won by KO in the first minute of the first
round in his hometown of Sioux Fall, South Dakota. Jon has now improved
to 2-0.
Kyle Watson, the HIT Squad's Jiu Jitsu instructor, will be fighting in
the main event this Saturday June 28th in Hammond, Indiana for Total
Fight Challenge. Tickets may be purchased online at
www.totalfightchallenge.com. Good luck "Casanova".
As many of you may know the Ruthless one, Robbie Lawler, got his rematch
with Scott Smith. The fight is scheduled for July 26th in Stockton,
California and will once again be broadcast on CBS. It was rumored that
it was going to be in the HIT Squad's backyard, St. Louis. Everyone here
got very excited but it didn't happen...this time.
The HIT Squad would like to give a shout out to personal
trainer/nutritionist/pastor/ex-professional softball
player/author/motivational speaker/Jiu Jitsu junkie/etc Steve McKinney.
Steve and his son Josh take Jiu Jitsu together at the HIT Squad.
(Steve's wife, Jennifer, also takes boxing.) Steve has been working
with several of our fighters as well as myself on diet plans and putting
us through his intense workouts. Coincidently Steve does the H.I.T.
(High Intensity Training) program. Steve has made all of us stronger and
I personally lost 26 pounds in about 7 1/2 weeks without losing muscle
or strength. (No, this also isn't a paid advertisement.) Steve is a
great guy and very passionate about what he does. He knows how to get
the most out of people. Steve is currently working on a project that
will show Mixed Martial Artists and Grapplers how to apply his H.I.T.
concepts. If you'd like to get on his mailing list just send him an
email Steve@fitnessandmore.net.
Marc Fiore's HIT Squad email address has not been working for a while.
So if you have emailed him and have not heard back, that is the reason
why. We just figured he didn't know how to work it but come to find out
there really is a problem. We have fixed the problem (thanks Nate)
temporarily so email away.
There are memberships still available to train or to just use the
weights and cardio where you get a free fight exhibition every night.
Movie quote of the week:
"Aye, fight and you may die. Run, and you'll
live... at least a while. And dying in your beds, many years from now,
would you be willin' to trade ALL the days, from this day to that, for
one chance, just one chance, to come back here and tell our enemies that
they may take our lives, but they'll never take... OUR FREEDOM!"
---Braveheart 1995
Todd Laux
General Manager
HIT Squad
29 May 2008
Fiore says he never reads the Gm Corner on our website so with that being said I guess he won't know if I post this picture. He comes to the gym dressed like this everyday:
Actually some of our friends at the Army gave me the drill sergeant cardboard cut out and I stuck Fiore's mug on it.
The HIT Squad is very excited about Robbie's fight on CBS this Saturday (May 31st). Robbie is prepared and will put on a great show so try to tune in and watch him represent his gym.
Elite Fighter Magazine is running a story on the HIT Squad gym in their upcoming June issue. You can check it out at www.elitefightermag.com.
Congrats to Jacob Hey who just won the Rocky Mountain World Team Trials Regional Qualifier Tourney in Pueblo, CO, ultimately qualifying him for a spot in the US Grappling World Team Trials to be held in September. He won his weight division by beating a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu black belt. The only belt Jacob has came from the Gap. Good job Jacob.
Our fighter's dorms have just opened up. They are located right across the parking lot from the gym. It is about a 100 yard walk. Each room is like a college dorm except a little bigger and has its own restroom. The floor that the rooms are located on has a tv room, kitchenette (includes stove, microwave, refrigerator, and dining table), and a laundry with washer and dryer. Wireless internet is available for free. If you are interested in training fulltime, coming to the HIT Squad for short time periods, or extended stays, this is the perfect living situation to be serious about training. If you have a fight coming up it is ideal to begin a training camp. It is also a great way to experience how fulltime fighters live and train on a daily basis. The rates are very affordable thanks to our friends at the River's Edge Tri-City Port District. The prices are as follows:
$30 a night.
$100 a week.
$150 for two weeks.
$200 a month.
$150 a month when you sign a 3-month lease.
The three month training camp is very cheap. It is impossible to get lodging for three months at that price let alone world class training on top of it. The fighter dorms are going to fill up quickly.
If anyone has pictures of themselves wearing HIT Squad gear around the country or world please email them to me and I will have Pete post them on our myspace.
I'd like to thank Bob Kunkel from Kunkel's Auto Care in St. Louis. Bob has really helped out many fighters and people from the HIT Squad by giving them good deals on work they have needed performed on their vehicles. He is an honest guy who only does what is needed. I would highly recommend Kunkel's Auto Shop. Just tell him that the HIT Squad sent you. They are located at 1408 North 13th St., St. Louis, MO. 63106. 314-621-6551 (This is not a paid advertisement).
Upcoming HIT Squad fights:
May 31: EliteXC (Broadcast on CBS) - Newark, NJ: Robbie Lawler, Justin Robbins June 7th: UFC 85, London, England: Matt Hughes June 7th: Battle at the Bend, KC Hall, Bethalto, IL.: Blake Shoemaker, Jesse Geringer June 14th: Adrenaline MMA, Sears Center, Hoffman Estates (Chicago) Clay French June 14th: Total Fight Challenge, Hammond, IN.: Kyle Watson June 14th: Cage Ink, Sioux Falls, South Dakota.: Jon Madsen
Todd Laux
General Manager
HIT Squad
13 May 2008
The HIT Squad has been very busy lately. Kyle Watson, Jon Madsen, TJ Thomas, Matt Veach, and Amir Khillah all have recorded victories since the last time I wrote. Congratulations to those guys. They have been working hard and it has paid off. Jon's win came on the first night he ever fought. I am sure this will be the beginning of many victories for him. At the gym right now Hughes, Lawler, Clay French, and Justin Robbins are all preparing for big fights. Jeremy Horn and a couple of his fighters have been at the HIT Squad the last couple weeks preparing for Jeremy's UFC fight against Dean Lister on June 21st. The training has been very intense as everyone is gearing up for their upcoming battles. Robbie's fight will be the first time in history that MMA has been broadcast live on primetime on national television.
Upcoming fights: May 31: EliteXC (Broadcast on CBS)- Newark, NJ: Robbie Lawler, Justin Robbins June 7th: UFC, London, England: Matt Hughes June 14st: Adrenaline MMA, Sears Center, Hoffman Estates (Chicago) Clay French June 14th: Total Fight Challenge, Hammond, IN.: Kyle Watson
The HIT Squad has finally hit myspace and facebook. HIT Squad employee of the week, Pete V has asked that everyone check them out. Our myspace address is www.myspace.com\hughesintensivetraining. Our facebook name is The H.I.T. Squad. Please email us any pictures that you have taken at the gym. We would love to see them and possibly post them.
The HIT Squad would like to welcome the Granite City Police and Fire Departments to the gym. We worked out a special deal with both departments as well as with GC city employees and many are now taking of advantage of what the gym has to offer. Chief Miller made us an offer we couldn't refuse.
On behalf of our fighters, the HIT Squad would like to thank the following businesses for sponsoring them during their fights. Their generosity is what makes it possible for our fighters to be able to train full time. (and eat):
Wreckage Clothing
Dale's Harley Davidson in Mt. Vernon
Whatever It Takes Clothing
Fighter's Wrath
Ecko Clothing
It's not too late too sign up for HIT Squad Youth Wrestling that happens every Saturday at 8:30 am.
The gym is still open to the public to join to train or to use the workout facility.
Hope to see you all at the Hughes Intensive Training Squad gym and training center.
Todd Laux
General Manager
HIT Squad
18 April 2008
As you can see the HIT Squad won both of their fights in Pekin, IL. Congrats to CJ and Jacob! The Hive put on a great show and really took care of all the HIT Squad supporters. We would like to thank them. We would also like to thank all the HIT Squad members who showed up to cheer on our fighters like the Kunkel's, Drago, Donnie, Preston (aka Mr. Union), Officer Maguire, John (aka Pujols), UPS, half of Dixon, Illinois, and many others. We appreciate it.
A lot of people ask me if Matt ever shows up at the gym. They assume that he just sold his name to it and that is the only part he plays. This is Matt's gym (along with Robbie, Matt Pena, and Marc Fiore). They all designed the gym. Matt teaches class about three times a week (to the dismay of some of the fighters due to his intensive training sessions). He also periodically stops by to get his 5 finger discount on merchandise, catch up on gym gossip, and to see if someone will buy his lunch. Matt would not have attached his name to the gym if he wasn't able to take a hands-on approach to the training of the fighters that will be representing it. He also knows they are getting trained by and with the best when he is not here and that is Robbie, Pena, and Fiore.
Our youth wrestling just started and has been very well received. It is a great program that will benefit the Southern Illinois area and its wrestlers. I encourage joining the program now while there are still slots open. The cost is $100 per month but we use a punch card system so if there is a Saturday you can’t make it you are not charged. Marc Fiore is a former Olympic wrestling coach and he heads up the training and is assisted by Robbie Lawler.
We have a lot of fighters competing in the couple months. Here is a list of a few:
April 25: Jireh Cycle Fight Series III at Fischers - Belleville, Il: TJ Thomas April 26: Kage One - Carbondale, Il: Kyle Watson, Don Bell May 3: Mercenary Promotions - Effingham, Il: Jon Madsen, Amir Khillah May 31: EliteXC - Newark, NJ: , Robbie Lawler, Justin Robbins
We are still taking memberships for using our health club as well as fight training. Our initial rates that we introduced for our grand opening are still in place.
Hope to see everyone soon at the HIT Squad Gym and Training Center.
Todd Laux
General Manager
HIT Squad
18 February 2008
The HIT Squad grand opening was a big HIT! It was estimated that 2,000-3,000 people attended the event. Everyone we talked to was very impressed with the facility and had a great time. We would like to thank everyone for coming out and showing their support.
The gym got into full swing this past week. The MMA, Jiu Jitsu, and boxing classes that are all being taught by Fiore, Watson, and Pena got started with a lot of great training. The classes are starting to really fill up fast. Lots of people took advantage of the health club portion of the training center.
Congrats to Matt (Hughes) for being inducted into the Illinois Wrestling Hall of Fame. Camera crews for the event were sent down to the gym this week to film Matt as he taught one of the classes that day.
We have been told by some members that before they got to the HIT Squad they were a little intimidated to walk through the doors. They thought it was a gym just for fighters. That's not the case. We have a state of the art fitness gym that anyone is welcome to come in and use. Our members keep telling us how motivating it is to workout while world class athletes like Robbie Lawler are training just a few feet away. We have also been told how comfortable people are made to feel when they walk through door and that is our goal. So come in and see me and I will give you a free day pass to workout with our weights and cardio equipment.
One thing we do at the HIT Squad is instead of giving our members regular membership cards when they sign up for a year, we give them dog tags. We emboss members first and last name, member number, the name of the package they purchased, and the HIT Squad name right on the authentic dog tag. We have the machine right in our office and it is made as soon as you sign up. It fits our military theme and is a unique souvenir.
We look forward to seeing everyone down at the HIT Squad Gym and Training Center soon.
Todd Laux
General Manager
HIT Squad
02 February 2008
I'd like to thank everyone for stopping by and checking out The HIT Squad's website.
We are very excited for the opening of Matt Hughes' new gym and training center, The HIT Squad. A lot of people have worked very hard at making this a world class facility. We think that everyone that walks through the HIT Squad doors will be impressed by what has been accomplished and more importantly what our members can accomplish by training here.
I have had a lot of questions about who will be allowed to utilize the facility. The HIT Squad Gym and Training Center will be open to the public. We will have training programs at all levels, from beginner to world class. Whether you are just starting out to try to stay in shape and learn some self-defense or you are a professional fighter wanting to take your game to the next level. All will be welcome at the HIT Squad.
We are very excited about our upcoming grand opening. We have many things planned for that day. Besides some of the things are mentioned on the website here are some other things that will be taking place that day:
KFNS 590 AM The Fan will be broadcasting live from the gym. They will also be doing giveaways.
Dollamur Mats will be present and raffling off a 5 foot by 10 foot camo home grappling mat like the one used at the HIT Squad. This raffle will be free.
Hammer Strength/Life Fitness will be present with giveaways and answering any questions about the workout equipment.
Ringside Boxing and Combat Sports International will be present with giveaways and answering any questions regarding the training equipment.
One More Round will be on hand with free giveaways.
The Big Brothers/Big Sisters will be present and will be raffling off an autographed Matt Hughes book and autographed HIT Squad t-shirt. The cost is only $5 and all proceeds go to The Big Brothers/Big Sisters.
Ford and Chevy will be here displaying some of their new '08 models.
The United States Army will be giving away souvenirs. They will have a football toss game set up and, weather permitting, a rock climbing wall. (The temperature has to be above 50 degrees.) The Army has also been generous enough to provide military vehicles, with HIT Squad banners on them, to point the way to the gym; so finding the HIT Squad from Route 3 should be easy.
DPMS rifles will be doing a free raffle of two of their rifles.
2nd Wind Exercise equipment will be present and will have giveaways.
The Hit Squad will be giving away decals and doing a free raffle for a one year membership. We will also be selling the latest HIT Squad gear. (T-shirts, sweatshirts, hats, water bottles, towels, dog tags, etc)
Matt Hughes' UFC hummer, which he received after the The Ultimate Fighter 2 reality show, will be parked out front and on display.
Matt's autobiography, Made in America, will also be on sale.
The first month's membership will be free if you sign up that day for a 1 year membership. It is a reward for becoming a founding member.
The HIT Squad team will be doing demonstrations all day. Matt will be doing demonstrations at 1 and 3 pm.
Their will be a ribbon cutting ceremony at 11am.
This is just a little of what will be happening on February 9th. It will be a fun day for everyone. We hope that everyone can come out and see this first class training center that we are so proud of.
(Pictured Brian Foster, Matt Veach, K-9 Officer Maue, Detective Parkinson, Cortez Coleman, Mario Stapel)
