Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) is a centuries-old full contact combat sport that has evolved into one of the hottest sports of the modern era. It allows the use of both striking and grappling techniques, both standing and on the ground, culled from a variety of other combat sports. San Pedro Town is not immune to the draw of the MMA, and with the help of 32-year-old San Pedro resident Martin Dawson, the sport is coming to town. With experience in the disciplines of Taekwondo, Shotokan Karate, Jujitsu, Metcombaint-do, Wushu Kung Fu and MMA, Dawson’s studies could certainly be an exciting new addition to the island sports.
Dawson was introduced to martial arts when he travelled to Chetumal to study to become a veterinarian at the age of 18, and he never looked back. He trains at the Centro National de Kickboxing in Chetumal, Quintana Roo, Mexico, where he recently qualified in Level Two (out of Seven) in his on-going quest to become an MMA master. Dawson has also competed in various Taekwondo tournaments in Chetumal, and has participated in a full combat tournament in Cancun, Mexico.
Even as he trains and accomplishes various levels of expertise, Dawson wants to share his knowledge of MMA with the community. He is doing so by offering classes to those interested in learning, with courses running from 8PM – 9:30PM on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Dawson’s Fighters courses will explore all aspects of MMA, including warm-ups, stretches, tactics and techniques on ground and fighting skills. All those taking the classes will also have a chance to get certified and earn their ranks in the MMA circuit. “MMA is a sport that requires much disciple. It also requires endurance, so whoever practices MMA seriously will need to be physically fit,” says Dawson. Of course, enthusiasm and a love for the sport is practically a guarantee that the classes will be enjoyable.
Dawson hopes that by creating a school for MMA on the island (where he lives and works), more Belizeans will get involved in the sport and in the future Belize will have a team to compete in semi-professional and professional competitions. Even as a hobby, MMA promotes health and self-defense.
We wish Martin the best of luck as he heads to compete a Wushu Kung Fu tournament in Puerto Morelos, Mexico on November 9th. He has been training intensely, and even so, has been training two advanced students, Angel and Ramon. ____ will be fighting in a tournament in Orange Walk Town on December 14th, representing Dawson’s Fighters (and of course, Belize). MMA fans can also look forward to an event to be held in San Pedro on January 25, 2014. A professor of Taekwondo and MMA from Chetumal will be in attendance, and two trainees will be representing.
To get more information on the budding program, or to sponsor the 2014 event, kindly contact Martin Dawson at 605-2110 or email him at wushu_ [email protected].
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