Bert Lightle -
Owner
Instructor
2001 was the year my interest was sparked by the world of Mixed Martial Arts. Learning Jiu Jitsu by way of Army Combatives. Two hours, a bloody nose, and several bruises later, I was hooked. While deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, I had to opportunity to hone my Jiu Jitsu skills, as well as learn disciplines in Boxing, Kick Boxing, Muay Thai, and Krav Maga. I continued my studies and training, moving on to become a combatives instructor for my National Guard unit. In March of 2007, I was approached by a friend of mine that had decided to take an amateur fight. After finding out that we had well under 24 hours to prepare, we spent about 4 and a half hours in my garage, with little more than two tumbling mats, I taught him the basics of survival in Jiu Jitsu, and some basic Kick Boxing skills. He went on to win not only his first fight in the second round by TKO, but also his next six, leading him to take the Elite Fight League's Welterweight Title. Since that night, HammerFist MMA has gone on to become one of the top MMA training centers and fight teams in the Midwest.
Women's Fitness and Self Defense Class - This is NOT your average cardio boxing/kickboxing or self defense class!!! This class was designed specifically with women in mind. Using important aspects of self defense, we take a unique approach to fitness. Not only will you get a phenomenal core and cardio workout, you will learn techniques that are valuable to defending yourself. Not only does this class serve multiple purposes, but is a great way to have some fun and burn off some steam after a long day! THIS IS A NO CONTACT CLASS! This class is intended for those ages 14 and up.
Cost: For members of Vaughan's, this class is provided free of charge. For non members, class will be $20 per month.
MMA- This class is not just for those interested in competing, but also for those that are interested in personal fitness, weight loss, or self defense. Utilizing the Modern Combative System, you will learn the techniques used by today's Mixed Martial Artists. From Boxing to Muay Thai to Jiu Jitsu, plus hardcore cardio and core conditioning, you'll learn to be fighting fit!! THIS IS A CONTACT CLASS! This class is intended for those 12 and up.
Cost: This class requires a membership to Vaughan's. You will receive a special rate for your membership, and there is an additional $25 per month fee for this class.
Created in 2009, the Modern Combative System was designed specifically with Mixed Martial Arts in mind. It has elements derived from traditional Martial Arts, blended together to create a no nonsense system that works. As with traditional Martial Arts, The MCS has it's own belt system, from white to black. It is a 7 level system, that was designed for a student to master within 3 years time (with consistent training). While it has been proven effective in the Mixed Martial Arts arena, it is also very much applicable to self defense. Utilizing techniques from Boxing, Kick Boxing, Muay Thai, Krav Maga, Wrestling, and Jiu Jitsu, the MCS is a very well rounded style.
In the realm of self defense, it is important to know how to defend yourself on your feet. Although you can learn these tactics from most traditional Martial Arts, statistics show that approximately 85% of all physical encounters end up on the ground. If you don't have those crucial ground skills, you'll be a fish out of water, and very potentially, a victim. DON'T BE A VICTIM!
