Athens Fitness and MMA

It is a very special place

When my foreign exchange student said that he wanted to try out MMA I never realized what a big step that would be for me as well. I brought him to SBG on the recommendation of a friend, and as I sat and watched him practice I began to see that I wanted to do it also. Now after just two weeks I'm trying to get my kids interested...it's that good! I'm really sore, but you know what? I'm also looking forward to my next class. Everyone is extremely nice, considerate and helpful, from the coaches all the way to the new students like myself. SBG really does have an atmosphere of respect and family that other gyms should strive for...don't believe me? Come see for yourself!

Hello! My name is Katrina McCranie. I am 37 years old, and I have two small children that I am raising mostly on my own. My younger son Alex has autism, and although he can be the sweetest kid ever, life with him can also be exhausting and stressful. My older son, Marlon, has his own issues; he is a brilliant, outgoing, sweet kid, but he struggles with the fact that his special needs brother requires a lot of extra attention, and he acts out a lot. I originally found SBG while looking for something for Marlon to do during the summer while school was out. I thought martial arts would be a good choice, as the physical activity would be good for him, along with learning good values and hopefully finding some good male role models. We have found all that and more in SBG, and I already see improvements in Marlon since he has started taking classes at the gym. I know he is in the right place. As for me...well, when I walked into the gym for the first time (when I brought Marlon to his trial class), I felt like I had found something I didn't even know I was looking for! I had been interested in learning martial arts myself for years, but time and money requirements held me back. This time though, something clicked, and I decided to do this for myself. I have been a member of SBG for several months now, and have already noticed dramatic changes in my life. Obviously I am already getting in better shape, and my clothes fit noticeably better. I feel stronger and more powerful, and it's a really good feeling. However, the benefits that mean the most to me aren't ones that can be seen from the outside. I feel more confident in myself and my ability to do anything I put my mind to. Since joining SBG, I have taken a leap of faith and quit my job to start my own business in order to be able to financially support my kids. I don't think I would have had the confidence to take this step before I came here. It's not easy, but I know that nothing good ever comes easy...and it makes it all the more worth it to see myself succeeding (however slowly) at getting my life together. Mainly, I have realized that I do not have to settle for anything that doesn't make me happy. I am taking care of two kids on my own and have started a business, all while finding time to get myself and my son to the gym for training; if I can do all that, I can do anything! I feel like nothing can stop me from living a happy and productive life, as long as I am willing to put forth the effort and stay positive even when things are hard. This is the best feeling in the world, and I have SBG to thank for it. I have found that I am very passionate about training, and can't wait to see how far I can go! Also, (and this may be the very best part), I have found a new family at SBG. I know these people will have my back if I need it, and I will do everything I can to return the favor. Just want to say I am grateful that I found this place, and couldn't imagine my life without it now! Change is good!

When my 14 yr old daughter wanted to take MMA classes we searched for the best environment for a young lady to train in. After visiting another gym we found Athens Fitness and MMA. Having spent my teen years in a gym I knew instantly this was the best place for my daughter to train. She is loving her new found sport and I'm at peace knowing she is at the best gym in Athens

It's been a year since I started going to the Hardcore Gym for mixed-martial arts training. I can honestly say, as someone that has never done anything like this before, I will never go back to the way I was before. From day one of starting the free 30 day trial, I knew this would b where I will train till I achieve my goal of a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. I am now in the HAP program and find the new challenges well worth the time and money I have spent so far. I have 2 girls, 7 and 12 years old, that go to the gym as well. As a mother knowing my daughters are being taught safe ways to stay in control of any situation that they may come into, such as bullies, etc. The life skills programs are not just physical lessons, but mental life building skills as well. Knowing that my girls are growing strong, mentally and physically, gives me great pride as a mother, knowing that their coaches are invest as much as a parent would be. That being said, The Hardcore Gym will always be a part of my family. So sorry Hardcore, you are stuck with me and my daughters for a long time. Family, plus three.