Martial arts Tampa: How To Fight Your Way Out of a Paper Bag

TAMPA, Fla. - Nov. 29, 2013 - PRLog -- Martial arts Tampa is an oasis in the most blistering of sports deserts. The USF Bulls are sitting on a 2-6 record, hanging on to 6th place in the humble American Athletic Conference. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are doing even worse a ghastly record of 1-8. Luckily for disenchanted Bucs fans, however, Hillsborough Country offers some of the best opportunities in the nation to connect with that exciting, fast-paced phenomenon known as of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA).

To some, martial arts Tampa’s rise to prominence among traditional sports fans may come as a surprise. Bucs aficionados after all pride themselves in their loyalty to their team. This could have been a successful season, seeing how the team traded for top-notch players cornerback Darrelle Revis and guard Carl Nicks. Free safety Dashon Goldson, wide receiver Vincent Young, and even first-year running back Doug Martin seemed like they could hang with the best. Team owners and boosters saw a Super Bowl in 2013 while the most pessimistic armchair quarterbacks expected at the very least a winning season.

Things fell apart quickly. Buccaneers coach Greg Schiano’s old-fashioned playmaking is responsible for keeping the team winless until yesterday. Yet it was his general lack of interpersonal skills and puzzling antics that turned him into a persona non grata. Nobody can forget September of last year when Schiano inexplicably ordered his team to rush the opposing New York Giants while they were taking a knee with only a few seconds left. It was quite possibly the most reckless and dirty bid to force a turnover ever, and it embarrassed Tampa supporters to no end.

The Bucs only caused more heart-break in the following fifteen months. According to Bucs Nation, a blog devoted to the team, a whopping 94% of poll respondents believe that Schiano should be fired immediately or by the end of the year. Long-suffering fans consider the recent rumor that he’ll stay on through 2014 a personal affront to their loyalty. Many have sworn that they will give up their season tickets and otherwise boycott the franchise if there’s any truth to it.

Martial arts in the Tampa area is on a completely different track than the city’s NFL franchise. MMA appeals to a broad audience that includes Bucs fans in distress because it’s modern, fast-paced, and thrilling. There are plenty of amateur and pro fighters worth rooting for. Martial arts Tampa also boasts some of its very own MMA luminaries. Take for example Rob Kahn of Gracie Tampa. Kahn earned his black belt under Brazilian Jiu Jitsu legend Royce Gracie and helped pioneer no gi grappling. His protege Matt Arroyo of Gracie Tampa South has also become something of a superstar thanks to his turn on the reality show The Ultimate Fighter and his impressive performance in professional fights. Despite its size, Tampa is deeply connected to the soul of American MMA.

It’s a sign of martial arts Tampa’s maturation that sports pubs such as The Press Box, Prime Time Sports Grill, and Gators Dockside have started showing UFC fights. A more social and likely less expensive option compared to paying for Pay-Per-View at home, the rambunctious bars filled to the seams on fight night bear no resemblance to the sad smattering of people covering their faces with paper bags at Raymond James Stadium.

Tampa martial arts fans also have the option of watching amateur fights in person. The World Class Fight League hosts events in Tampa, Ft. Lauderdale, and Orlando, and specializes in introducing the public to aspiring fighters hoping to sign soon as professionals. The Night of Champions event on 10/12 drew every type of fight spectator and introduced many people to the thrill of the sport for the first time.

Be that as it may, the most thrilling way to becoming involved in martial arts Tampa is to start training yourself. Kahn, Arroyo, and a few others run gyms that offer instruction in a specific martial art such as boxing as well as complete curriculum of striking, grappling, and comprehensive mental toughness. As a teacher Matt Arroyo strives to help his students achieve any level they set their minds to, whether it be just getting into shape or turning pro themselves . Joining a martial arts gym could easily be a positive lifestyle change for sports aficionados consider flipping between different football games a workout. The healthy lifestyle promoted by fighters, the no-workout workout, and the supportive camaraderie and of martial arts gyms in Tampa are all major aspects of MMA’s charm.

So chin up, Buccaneers fans! If the boycott of your NFL team is really going down there will be plenty to keep you buzzing. You’re in luck because you live in a place like Tampa that’s swarming with other opportunities.

To train MMA in Tampa, FL, please visit http://www.gracietampasouth.com