Franchise Talk

United States Mixed Martial Arts: Fighting Spirit

March 5th, 2009 | Author: Jack

For martial arts school owner Tom Hafers, business itself is something of a contact sport, and he’s hitting it with all he’s got.

Hafers is CEO of United States Mixed Martial Arts (incorporated as USMMA LLC), a two-year-old, Bellingham-based training facility that is focused on the popular sport of mixed martial arts.

The sport combines such disciplines as Brazilian jujitsu, Thai boxing, wrestling, kickboxing, judo and boxing.

But it’s not just for fighters: USMMA’s value proposition has been that it provides a fitness alternative for customers who may be looking to change up their usual work-out routine and learn a new skill. USMMA has also developed a healthy clientele for its yoga programs.

“People are getting in shape, and they’re having fun doing it,” Hafers, 40, says of the business.
USMMA’s growth strategy has involved building each customer demographic in phases, starting first with the 18- to 49-year-old market.

“We tried to eliminate a lot of potential competition” with that strategy, says Hafers. “Whatever area you open up in, you’re guaranteed to have a lot of competition. (But) they’re usually focused on getting kids; the adults are a byproduct.” Read more.

Photo: W. Marc Bernsau.