By Dean Weir
MMA Hit Pit recently paid a visit to Neil Halls recently opened gym in Dewsbury, West Yorkshire.
After climbing the short staircase to the entrance you are greeted with a small reception area consisting of a counter, fridge and a small array of equipment for purchase.
The first thing that hits you when you walk beyond this reception area is the shear size of the gym, a 7,000 sq ft floor.
To the right are the changing rooms, both male and female, along with a large rest area consisting of two settes and a number of tables and chairs.
To the left are four smaller and private changing cubicles. In front is a large open carpeted area and the spacious matted area for BJJ, Striking and general classes. This mat area measures 10m x 15m giving plenty of room, even for the largest of classes.
Beyond this main room is the doorway to, what the fight team have labelled, "The Block". This room is fully kiited out for MMA. It contains a cage, a decent sized mat area, bags and plenty of free weights. At this time there is no cardio equipment, but more equipment is to follow in the near future.
There are a number of classes for both adults and juniors (male and female). These are not purely limited to MMA, as the name suggests, this is a gym for "Martial Arts". There are kickboxing classes, BJJ, Combat Jiu Jitsu and conditioning classes available. Changes, improvements and additional classes will be added as the gym becomes more established.
The gym is the longtime venture and ambition of its proprietor and much respected member of the UK's MMA scene, Neil Hall.
There is already a well established team of professional and semi-professional fighters based at the gym, many of who assist in coaching the many classes.
The list of coaches (at present) is as follows :-
Neil Hall - Head Coach
Richard Couch - BJJ (4 stripe Purple Belt under Braulio)
Josh Harrop - Assistant Coach, Striking & MMA
Danny Brown - Kick Boxing (Fought Thai throughout Europe & Thailand, 2 x British Champion & 2nd Dan Kickboxing)
Dave Hirst - MMA
Mark Aldridge - MMA
Jay Furness - MMA & Combat Conditioning
Graham Thomas - MMA, Boxing & Conditioning
Darren Sheard - MMA, Boxing & Conditioning
Jack Howarth - Combat Jiu Jitsu
Cheryl Flynn - Kids Kickboxing & Junior JJ / MMA
Mick Howe - Junior JJ / MMA
As mentioned earlier, Neil's gym already has an established set of fighters, now named "Team Allegiance". There are a number who are beginning to become prominent names on the UK MMA circuit, such as Jay Furness, who won his first pro MMA bout this past weekend at Strike & Submit, along with Phil Ounsley. Others that are making a name for themselves are Josh Harrop, Mark Aldridge, Oli Earnshaw and Danny Missin
During my visit I was warmly welcomed by Neil along with his wife Kath and a number of the fight team that were present.
The atmosphere was very relaxed and far from intimidating, which can be the case at some other gyms.
In summary, "Neil Hall's Allegiance Martial Arts" is an excellent facility for both experienced Martial Artists and for any beginners, who may want to train in just one discipline, or, make a serious attempt at becoming a full blown competitive Mixed Martial Artist.
I personally would recommend the home of Team Allegiance to anyone, no matter what ability, sex or age. It is ideal for all.
Overall Rating :- 8/10.
Full address :-
UNIT 8
SHARPE STREET
DEWSBURY
WEST YORKSHIRE
WF13 1QZ.
For more details please email Neil at -
neilhall2010@hotmail.co.uk
Website (includes class Timetable) -
http://neilhallallegiance.sports.officelive.com/default.aspx
Facebook -
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=139291386085356&ref=search