Kristina Wilkerson, Contributing Writer
Have you ever wanted to learn how to throw someone over your shoulder like they do in action movies? Or, maybe you were thinking about learning self-defense skills in case you get into a sticky situation?
The Mixed Martial Arts Club, or MMA, might be the place for you. Anyone can join.There are several amazing instructors including Tommy Swartz (C ’28), Leonardo Wang (C ’25), and Stephen Matthys (C ’25). Swartz mainly teaches judo and wrestling techniques but has a background in jiu jitsu as well as training experience in Thailand. Wang focuses on jiu jitsu and grappling while Matthys teaches boxing and muay thai. As Swartz humorously expressed, “Stephen is an encyclopedia of muay thai.”
For anyone wanting to contribute their skills and knowledge, Wang and Matthys have both that their “management, organization, communication, and teaching skills” have improved after joining the club, as well as their own martial art. Leo is enthusiastic about spreading the word for this club, saying he “wants to be able to continue managing this club and support its growth for other people that want a place to start but don’t have the resources.” Swartz agreed, stating: “my goal is to adapt my teaching styles according to the people I work with because I want to create a fun environment where beginners are not embarrassed…I’ve been in the same spot as them too.”
The MMA club meets five days a week, with one-hour-long sessions starting at either 5 or 5:30 p.m., typically held in the rock climbing room in Fowler. Students are updated via GroupMe on who will be running the sessions each night and informed of open mat opportunities to test their skills through sparring.
On some nights, Matthys will instruct high intensity boxing and muay thai combinations using gloves and pads, with a strong emphasis on protection, form, and footwork. On other nights Swartz will teach strong take downs including leg sweeps and throws, incorporating defensive skills such as sprawling. Finally, Wang will teach both takedowns as well as how to safely do armbars. He also specializes in the triangle and regular choke holds.
If enough people are interested, there might also be an opportunity this semester to gain free access, for any student, to tenacity boxing sessions. These will be led by Alex, a professional boxer, at 6pm on Friday evenings. Carpooling will be supplied if any students do not have access to a vehicle on campus.
My personal experience while training MMA has been nothing less than welcoming, informative, energetic, and supportive. While new to this sport, I was able to easily learn many skills in a short amount of time. I have gained confidence in my ability to defend myself, and have also had the honor of sharing this fun with new friends. The sessions are always full of laughter and smiles, no matter the intensity of the skill being taught.
The goal of this club is not pain or violence, but to help give you “more of a chance against the big guys,” according to Wang. Both Tommy and Wang have learned that they “love to win, but it’s not about success. It’s about composure…people won’t fight you if you have confidence and show that you know how to.” Wang has also found that, through the club, he grew as a mixed martial arts teacher: “I was able to act on instinct… I didn’t even think when the guy tried to tackle me, and I managed to immobilize him.”
Last but certainly not least, there are a couple of upcoming events this Easter semester. The MMA club will be hosting their first ever women’s tournament in March and a barbeque cookout a few weeks before finals. Whether after a long day of school, or during a free evening, coming to the MMA club is a great choice to clear your head and socialize with other students who have an interest in learning mixed martial arts. The MMA club is a stress and judgement-free environment and is always excited to see new faces. If this is a club you would be interested in joining, feel free to reach out to either Swartz or Wang!
Tommy: Swarttf0@sewanee.edu
Leo: wangly0@sewanee.edu