Wednesday, December 11, 2013

Spartan Martial Arts Holiday Schedule  
No Martial Arts Fitness Classes any of the posted days.


  • Dec 24th
    • Muay Thai 11-11:45 am
    • BJJ 12-1:00 PM
    • MMA Training 1-2:00 PM

  • Dec 25th
    • Closed ~Merry Christmas!~
  • Dec 31st
    • Muay Thai 11-11:45 am
    • BJJ 12-1:00 PM
    • MMA Training 1-2:00 PM
  • Jan 1st
    • Closed ~Happy New Year!~
Hey Guys and Gals! 

We have a great contest give-a-way that we would love for you to participate in. The rules are easy all you have to do is visit the Spartan Martial Arts Blog and enter your email in the sign up area! It’s that simple
!

The prizes for this contest are as follows
Non members can win a FREE MONTH OF BRAZILIAN JIU JITSU TRAINING!!!
Current and past members can win a FREE T-SHIRT!!!

The contest will run until Dec 31st, 2013 and we’ll pick a winner and post the results on Facebook.

If you have any questions please feel free to ask.

Good luck and thanks for the support!


Monday, December 2, 2013

Mid-West Submission Hunt Dec 8th, 2013

Hey guys, it's that time of year again and we are very excited to be a part of the most recognized grappling event in the state, The Midwest Submission Hunt.  This years winter tournament will be held on Dec 8th, at the Chaplin Park High School.  We are hoping for a great turnout from all the Spartan Martial Arts members to show all of your hard work and skill!  

Here is a link for the tournament website will all the info you need to know.
Submission Hunt

Hope to see you all there!




Ben Locken for the win!

We would like to congratulate Ben Locken on his great performance last week for his Muay Thai kickboxing match against a very tough and seasoned opponent in Ryan Stock.  Ben showed his technical strengths and perseverance in the ring.  He was in great shape and proved it!
Ben is a foundational block to spartan martial arts team and has taken on his own program teaching martial arts fitness, which has been a hit!
Ben is excited about future competitions in the ring and cage.  His next event will be in February in the Twin Cities area so stay tuned! 


Monday, November 4, 2013

MECA 2 RECAP

What an amazing night of Mixed Martial Arts competition last Sat night at Mystic Lake Casino in PRIOR LAKE MN!  S.E.G. (Sterling Entertainment Group) brought the show for the first time to Mystic Lake Casino and they did it well!  The sound and lighting is was really set the stage for the event in the perfect venue, where there wasn't a bad seat to be found.  I can’t say enough good things about the show overall!

The first representative of Spartan Martial Arts was Darrien Mackiel fighting Ed Albrecht. It was a great battle back and forth between both men.  Darrien’s striking looked crisp and creative.  The fight went all three rounds and Albrecht ended with the decision win.  “Darrien has made huge strides forward,” says Spartan head coach, Tom Schmitz.  “He has a ton of heart and constantly get’s better and better. It’s was a hard fought battle on both parts and had the crowd on it’s feet.  The fight was very close and could have gone either way.”

Next up was Karter Holthusen vs. Dale Walters.  This was Karter’s first time fighting in the Twin Cities and the first time fighting under the Spartan Martial Arts flag.  Karter is an interesting fighter, being only 18 years of age, still a high school student at Rosemount High.  He has been training martial arts and wrestling for a very long time, training with Tom Schmitz at Spartan for about a year.  Karter showed no lack of confidence in the fight, which only lasted 1:13 of the very first round!  Karter came out strong looking to strike, then changed his mind and landed a huge takedown that put Walters back on the mat.  From there the fight turned into small transitions on the ground to full mount, where Karter ended the fight with a very tight head and arm choke.  Congrats to Karter for the win and all the hard work he put in at the gym! Coach Tom Schmitz says, “Karter is very young and talented with a very bright future!”

The third fight for the Spartan team was Blake Bilder, who is another recent addition to the Spartan team!  Blake is an extremely driven young man.  He has been training martial arts for a long time in both Minnesota and Georgia.  He has competed in both MMA, boxing and grappling competitions, holding a purple belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.  Blake fought for the first time in Minnesota against a very tough opponent, Doug Deback, a Red Schafer student from Milwaukee, WI.  The fight started out as a striking match but turned into a grappling contest for most of the three rounds.  Bilder was the better grappler, attempting many submissions and staying in control for the majority of the fight.  Bilder did get hit with a big shot seconds into the last round but was able to regain his composure and get the unanimous decision win for the event!  “This is another guy with a ton of talent and a very promising future ahead of him!” said coach, Tom Schmitz.

Finally, the last Spartan competitor fighting was the co-main event of the night, Kyle “The Spartan” Todd, versus Josh Treseler, from Coon Rapids, MN.  This was for the Driller Promotions 170lbs ammeter title.  Kyle won the Driller 170lbs title back in August of 2013 and this was his first title defense.  The fight started out with both guys “feeling out” the other with measuring jabs and footwork.  Treseler then got aggressive, throwing a 1-2 combo and Todd firing a counter-cross that made contact, making Treseler shoot for a takedown.  Todd defended the takedown and was put into an awkward standing headlock position, staying composed and working Treseler to the ground.  From there, Todd stayed in control on the ground delivering a bit of ground and pound.  The fight then went back to the feet after Todd tried a transition; this was the final seconds of the contest!  After Todd threw a glancing kick that stopped the fight for a quick second, Todd quickly went on the offensive, throwing a 1-2 combo that landed clean, on-the-button, knocking Treseler down to the fence.  Seeing that the referee didn't’ step in to end the fight, Todd then stepped in with another big right hand knocking Treseler to the mat again!  Treseler, again, stood up only to eat more big punches from Todd.  The referee finally stepped in to end the contest at 1:47 of the very first round, giving the KO victory to Kyle Todd!  Coach Tom Schmitz credits Kyle Todd with a “much improved striking game that will continue to become sharper in the future.”  Kyle’s work ethic and commitment are respected and looked up to in the gym by all of his teammates.
Spartan Martial Arts wants to thank S.E.G., Driller Promotions and Mystic Lake for letting us compete in this great event.  We also want to thank all the fans, friends and family for their constant support of the Spartan competitors.  The gym and team is only two years old. We are dedicated to more growth and improvement as a team and we are very excited to see what the future holds!!


Monday, October 14, 2013

Spartan Martial Arts Grand Opening Event!





Coming up this Saturday, October 19 at Spartan Martial-Arts we will be having our grand opening event, at our facility in Oakdale Minnesota.
We Invite everyone to come out to Spartan Martial Arts gym and learn about our classes, coaches and training center!
Grand opening will start at 10 AM and go until, approximately 4:00 PM.  We will have games food and lots of fun.
The main training coach Tom Schmitz will be available for any questions and he'll also be teaching classes throughout the day.
Our children's jiu jitsu coach Chris will be in attendance along with our Martial-Arts fitness coach Ben.
Make sure to make it out to be able to see all of our classes and get a better understanding of both the adults jiujitsu, children's jiujitsu,  Muay Thai kickboxing classes and the Martial-Arts fitness program!

Spartan Martial Art
432 Hayward Ave N
Oakdale, MN 55128
651-210-1631
SMAoakdale@gmail.com

Monday, September 30, 2013


We would like to recognize the Spartan Martial Arts Brazilian Jiu Jitsu practitioners that were promoted this last Sat!  

Ty Bowling - Blue Belt
Kyle Todd - Blue Belt
Ben Locken - Blue Belt
Cameron Gilliam - Blue Belt
Chad Hartman - Blue Belt
John Melsha - Blue Belt
Joe Sokol - Purple Belt

Congratulations guys for your continued hard work and dedication to learning and understanding of the Brazilian Jiu Jitsu art.  We also would like to congratulate the other students that received stripes during the promotion event!  We look forward to the future development of all the BJJ students and Spartan Martial Arts members!  Great Job Guys!!!!!


Monday, September 23, 2013

Spartan Fighters Updates


We would like to congratulate the Spartan warriors from their impressive displays, of their fights this last weekend!


-Chris McAlister fought last Friday night in Rochester, MN for elite Fight Nights Muay Thai event.  Chris won his fight and showed great skill and poise.  This increases Chris win ratio and put him at one of the top Kickboxing competitor in Minnesota!


-Cameron Gilliam fought a very game Lydell Miller at the Caged Chaos at Canterbury III show, in shakopee, MN.  However it was a short night for Miller.  Cameron gilliam was able to finish the fight in the first round by TKO, and continue his reign as the  Driller amateur 155lbs champion.  We expect to see big things in this young man's future!


-Codie Kaler stays undefeated as a professional fighter defeating a very tough Mikey Zimmer in Shakopee, MN.  Codie has recently started training with Tom Schmitz and the Spartan Martial Arts team and it showed Sat night.  The fight was a back and forth in the first round, but Codie was able to secure a tight triangle choke to end Zimmers hopes for the win.  Kaler wins at 1:56 of Rd 2, due to triangle.



-Darrien Mackiel fought on the Caged Chaos at Canterbury III show, in shakopee, MN.  Darrien fought a very talented Sam Nelson and fought a very hard nosed battle!  Both fighters showed tremendous heart and skill in this event, with Nelson getting the node on all 3 judges score cards.  Darrien has come a long way with his martial arts progression and will continue to improve with no doubt!  With some extra concentration to conditioning and diet we expect Darrien to become a huge name in MN MMA!



Spartan Martial Arts Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Belt 
Promotion/Testing Event!



Hey Guys just a couple of days away from the belt testing/promotion event at SMA! We hope you all can make it

12:00-2:00 Adult Belt testing
1:00-2:00 Kids/Teens Belt testing
2:00 Team Picture
2:00-4:00 Pot Luck, pizza, party/yard games

If you can bring in some fun yard games or actives that would be awesome!



Friday, September 6, 2013

This is the time to check out why everyone is practicing Brazilian Jiu Jitsu!
Spartan Martial Arts is excited to announce a brand-new class:
Martial Arts Fitness!


ABOUT THE CLASS:
Martial Arts Fitness is different from any other fitness training program. Focusing on specific techniques that aid in body efficiency in movement, stability, strength and endurance, this class is designed to produce results!  


You will develop skills in basic kickboxing, traditional strength training and work with equipment such as ropes,  dumbbells, kettlebells and bands, in addition to using your body weight.  


Finally, M.A.F. is a class in which your individual needs will be met through an initial evaluation, continuous coaching, support and encouragement.


WHO IS THE CLASS FOR?
M.A.F. will cater to all people with a full spectrum of fitness capabilities.  Anyone looking to advance their fitness or health goals from getting fit, to losing weight to fine-tuning your skills and strength.


ABOUT THE COACH:
M.A.F. is being spearheaded by Coach, Ben Locken, who, by working in industry for the past five years, has helped clients from high school athletes to MMA professionals, reach their goals.  Ben has also successfully worked with disabled peoples and individuals with no exercise experience previously.


Ben Locken:
  • Certified Personal Trainer
  • Performance Enhancement Specialist
  • Corrective Exercise Specialist


Past clients include-

  • Sean Sherk (UFC Lightweight Champion)
  • Professional NFL Players
  • High School Athletes
  • College Athletes
  • People with disabilities
  • White collar professionals
Here
here

Sunday, August 25, 2013

Sept BJJ Promotion!

We want to thank everyone that supports Spartan Martial Arts!  

Through the month of September we are offering a great deal on Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu lesson/Classes!  
Learn one of the most popular martial arts, from the best in Minnesota!!!

$129 a month!

With NO START UP FEE!!!


This promotion is only good for the month of Sept, so make sure you get in and sign up while it lasts!


Spartan Martial Arts is Moving/Expanding!!!

It has been only a short time since the beginning of Spartan Marital Arts in 2011. It has grown very fast since then and now Spartan MA will be moving to a new, larger location that will be available to the public starting next month, September 2013! The current location is roughly 3000 square ft, and the new gym will be over 7000 square ft. That is a huge amount of training space that will be able to accommodate more than one class going on at the same time!


The gym layout is two training rooms, both, covering 2500 square ft. of mat space, will have brand new strength and conditioning equipment along with heavy bag stations. One room will be dedicated as the home for a new class called Martial Arts Fitness!


Martial Arts Fitness is exactly what it sounds like, a fitness class that will be quick-paced and more exciting then the typical aerobics/weight training that most people are used to. Martial Arts Fitness class is designed to be changeling and a class in which anyone can do, not just an elite MMA fighter. We will teach basic marital arts-type techniques with a unique mix of fitness exercises.


Another great addition to Spartan Marital Arts will be it's very own Nurtrashop located right inside the gym! This will allow for members to purchase all their supplement needs at the gym where they are working out! We will provide educated assessments to your health/fitness goals to help you choose and decide what products are right for you.

Besides the two giant training areas and the new Nutrashop, the new gym location will feature a locker room, children's play area, wi-fi internet access, brand new equipment and provide a convenient location, right off 694 in Oakdale, MN!


We are very excited for the move and we hope you are too! Make sure to stay updated on our grand opening by checking our Facebook page, YouTube and by frequently checking our blog!


We are excited for the changes coming up in the next couple of months and appreciate you being part of this new step on our journey together!

Below you'll find some photos of the moving process to our new location!

Tuesday, August 6, 2013

Why martial arts is a great way to become more active for high school students.  


We interviewed one of Spartan Martial Arts Brazilian JiuJitsu Students Josh Corcoran about why he believes are the benefits of martial arts.

Q What advice do you have for someone who is interested in joining martial arts?
A Be prepared to work hard and don't expect to be the best person in the gym right away. Give yourself time to learn and get the experience from others.
Q What do you like most about Spartan martial arts?
A I like that there's people of all skill levels. There are a lot of people that can help you out and there are also new people that you can work with. Also, everybody at spartan is so humble, even if someone is better or more skilled than you, you're not going to get beat on.
Q What made you want to try Brazilian JiuJitus?
A Brazilian jiu Jitsu was something I always wanted to try because training would help me get healthier and stronger. I heard about Spartan Martial Arts and decided to come in and give it a try!

Wednesday, July 17, 2013

Childrens Brazilian Jiu Jitsu at Spartan Martial Arts



I have been working with Tom Schmitz for a little over a year now and just love the atmosphere at Spartan Martial Arts. I really enjoy the training and work out that Brazilian Jiu Jitsu brings to me.  It's a martial art that really improves understanding of how the body works and how to use it to your advantage. 
Last week I was a little early for class so I walked in, not thinking too much of it.  Little did I know that Tom, the instructor, had started a children's Brazilian Jiu Jitsu class for 7-13 years of age.  I sat down and started watching Tom teach the class.  He had the kids doing different exercises, games and technical drills that really keep their attention.  I thought having a childrens BJJ (Brazilian Jiu Jitsu) class was a great idea because it isn’t a striking style art, it’s a grappling-based martial art and that makes it great for kids!  The class was only about 45 min and Tom had the kids exercising, laughing and learning the entire time.  The parents were also really enjoying themselves watching their young ones having fun!
I'd say the kids class at Spartan Martial Arts is a really cool class and wish I would've had the opportunity to attend something like it growing up!



GymSMA.com

Wednesday, July 10, 2013

Very interesting and insightful interview from a Spartan Martial Arts member and business professional John Melsha.


Name: John Melsha
Age: 32
Location: Woodbury, MN
Married with a Son.



What is your occupation?

"I am a Director of Sales and Operations for a Human Capital Solutions Company, I manage our operations in Minneapolis, Rochester, & Mankato.  We partner with many Fortune 100 & 500 Companies to help them analyze, and develop a strategic staffing augmentation model."

How long have you been doing Jiu Jitsu?

"About 3 years, with my position I have to travel quite often so in the past it made training difficult. The great thing about Spartan Martial Arts is that they have a ton of different BJJ classes, it allows me to still be able to make it a few times a week as my schedule dictates."

What attracted you to Jiu Jitsu?

"How long do you have, there are so many reasons.  First and foremost, this sport is without a doubt one of the best ways to stay in shape.  In a single workout you an burn 800-1000 calories, how long does it take to do that on a treadmill.  Secondly, it is an amazing team atmosphere, you have so many people supporting you to help you hit your goals.  If that goal is to compete or if you are just simply looking to lose weight, self defense, add confidence, there is just a multitude of benefits to Jiu Jitsu."

There are so many Gyms in the Twin Cities, why Spartan Martial Arts?

"Your right there are many gyms in the cities, even in just Woodbury where I live there are 4-5.  I am originally from Green Bay, WI so when I moved here a few years ago I visited many of the gyms in the local area.  Some of them were good gyms with good people; however, from the first time I went to Spartan I knew that was where I wanted to be.  I came in and was greeted by BJJ Black Belt Tom Schmitz, wasn't used to that.  Tom made me feel welcome immediately, every other person in the room came up and introduced themselves to me right away as we'll.  Most gyms you walk into and you feel like you are getting measured up by everyone the moment you walk in, not Tom's gym.  Frankly, Tom doesn't put up with anyone that doesn't carry the same team values that everyone else in the gym does, which in my opinion is Hard Work, Dedication, & Humility. As I mentioned I work in a white collar business setting, I could never go to a gym where I thought I would get intentionally hurt.  The real world doesn't work like "Fight Club" where I can show up in a suit with black eyes and a busted nose. We have a amazing Black Belt Instructor in Tom, he is extremely talented and technical, he is also patient due to the fact everyone develops at different speeds.  Plus, you get to train alongside 2 Black Belts, a few Brown Belts, as well as a ton of Purple, Blue, & White Belts, not many gyms around here that have a stable of talent like that."

Did you compete in any tournaments this year?

"Yes, I actually just competed in two tournaments this year and finished 1st in one, and 2nd in the other.  I competed for many years in wrestling so it is nice to get to compete again.  There are a ton of great guys at our school to test yourself with; however, it is always nice to compete against someone that you don't know each others game."

What's your Jiu Jitsu aspirations?

"A year ago I would have said Blue Belt but I feel like I am close to that so I have set my sights on a Purple Belt.  Long term goal is hopefully a Black Belt, but just as importantly having fun and staying in shape along the way."

What advice do you have for anyone looking to join Martial Arts?

"Honestly, it will change your life.  You get to stay in shape while developing great relationships with people on your team.  I think a lot of people are intimidated to try a Martial Art because of the fear of getting hurt or embarrassed, that doesn't happen here.  You can train as hard as you want to, everyone is there to encourage and teach you so you can achieve your goals whatever they maybe.  You don't need to be fit when you come here either, you will get fit from coming here though I can assure you of that.  Martial Arts is like a family, especially here at Spartan."