CUKI Alvarez said Trench Tech, which currently offers Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Kickboxing classes, will conduct Mixed Martial Arts training for children starting Saturday, April 3.
“There’s interest among the parents whose children are attending our BJJ kids’ program every Tuesday and Thursday,” Alvarez said. “At the same time, we offer adult Kickboxing classes and a lot of the parents were also asking about a kids’ Kickboxing class, so we decided to cater to the demand and give it a try so that kids can learn both ground- and stand-up fighting, and what better way to do so than teaching MMA which originally was Trench Tech’s base training since we first started.”
The founder of Trench Tech, Alvarez said the kids’ MMA classes will be held every Saturday, beginning on April 3, from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. The classes are for children 6 to 12 years old.
The monthly fee is $40 a month, but Trench Tech also has a package deal for the kids’ BJJ and MMA classes for $65 per month.
“As with any Martial Art, the first thing we will teach the children is discipline and respect along with the basics: fundamental movements, footwork and coordination drills that come with training for any sport,” Alvarez said.
Although MMA practitioners could be prone to injuries, Alvarez has confidence in Trench Tech’s instructors.
“As with all sports, the potential for danger always exists,” he said. “Injuries can and will occur if you do it long enough. It’s only a matter of time. But of course, at Trench Tech, our experienced instructors will guide the kids and coach them diligently in both the physical and mental aspects of the Art. We will mainly be focusing on teaching kids striking drills with the punching bags and will do partner wrestling and grappling drills and techniques that will enhance their skills such as hand-eye coordination, balance and strength and conditioning.”
Alvarez also wants the public to know that the kids will not be influenced to promote violence, but rather, its exact opposite.
“We’ll train them to understand that the skills they learn can be harmful to others if used irresponsibly. If they use it any other way other than for self-defense or in a promotional sporting fight event, then they’re doing it all wrong. We will work closely with the parents of all the children and promote honor, respect and humility. MMA is a sport and not a ruthless Martial Art and should be handled accordingly with discipline and discretion.”
Alvarez said the class may also provide opportunity for children interested in pursuing an MMA career.
He noted that Ultimate Fighting Championship fighter Frank “The Crank” Camacho trained with Trench Tech for 16 years before becoming a professional fighter.
“That’s what we aspire to teach kids and assist them in striving — to be the best they can be, not only in MMA and BJJ, but in life!” Alvarez said.
For more information, call Cuki Alvarez at 783-4662.
A student, standing, asks instructor Cuki Alvarez a question during a kids BJJ class at the Trench Tech gym.
Photo by James F. Sablan Jr.
