Background

Brandon, MB is home to the Brandon Academy of Mixed Martial Arts (BAMMA). Lead instructor, Chris Kading, teaches kids Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Muay Thai Kickboxing, wrestling or a combination of the three which is called Mixed Martial Arts.  Jiu Jitsui is a Japanese Martial Art which channels your opponents’ force against him rather than using one’s own force.  Jiu Jitsu uses pins, joint locks and throws to take opponents to the ground and neutralize them. Muay Thai Kickboxing uses stand-up striking.

Not sure what Mixed Martial Arts looks like?  Check out the following Youtube video:

Kids Program 

BAMMA offers a Kids Program designed to give kids a plan or strategy to deal with bullies.  The program is a combination of Jiu Jitsu and wrestling designed to increase the kids’ fitness level, provide discipline and teach self-defense.  Kids and parents can try a class for free with no commitment.

Age

Kids ages 6 to 12 can participate in the program.

Where 

Classes are offered at the Ki-Rin TaeKwon-Do gym located at 126 – 10th street, Brandon, Manitoba, R7A 4A3.  Here is a map:

When

Classes are offered twice per week:

• Wednesday:  4:30pm to 5:30pm
• Sunday:  1:00pm to 2:00pm

Classes run all year round.

Cost 

$75 per month

Equipment 

Participants wear bare feet and either shorts or sweats instead of traditional uniforms.  However, the kids do wear their belts to class as a “badge of honour” but leave them on the side of the gym while they are training.  In Jiu Jitsu, belts come in five colours:

1. White

2. Blue

3. Purple

4. Brown

5. Black

In order to move to next level, the students must earn 4 stripes on each coloured belt.  So, a four stripe white belt would then transition to a Blue belt with no stripes.

Instructor

Chris Kading has 15 years experience in martial arts training.  He has a purple belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu under instructor Curtis Brigham (a two stripe black belt) of the Winnipeg Academy of Mixed Martial Arts.  In Muay Thai Kickboxing, Chris has a 7 win and 3 loss record.

Competitions

Manitoba hosts amateur Jiu Jitsu competitions and amateur Muay Thai Kickboxing competitions.  However, Manitoba does not host amateur Mixed Martial Arts competitions.  Students wanting to compete in a Mixed Martial Art competitions at an amateur level can do so in Saskatchewan.

Children as young as six can compete in amateur Jiu Jitsu competitions.

Professional Mixed Martial Arts is governed by the Manitoba Combative Sports Association.

For More Information

Contact Chris Kading for more information.  You can also check out their website and Facebook page.