Ken Shamrock’s World Renowned Lion’s Den Mixed Martial Arts (MMA)

Training Facility to Open in Middletown Connecticut

The Most Comprehensive MMA Training Facility of its Kind in Connecticut

Middletown, CT. - October 9, 2008 - Ken Shamrock’sLion’s Den Middletown, Connecticut’s premier 16,000 square foot Mixed Martial Arts training and fitness center, will be celebrating its grand opening the weekend of November 1st. CEO and President Douglas Cartelli, an Xavier High School alumni, has appointed long time friend and former cruiserweight boxing contender Craig Salamone, who is also an Xavier alumni, as Vice President of Operations and Director of Boxing for the Lion’s Den Training facility. In addition to having the most comprehensive MMA training center in Connecticut, it is their goal to help revive the sport of boxing in the state.

This impressive multi-level state-of-the-art facility has over 14,000 square feet of training space, with top of the line cardio and weight training equipment, over 60 hanging bags for conditioning, two professional boxing rings, a full size competition hexagon for mixed martial arts and two large areas of mat space for grappling and striking, which includes a 1,200 square foot caged in mat area. In addition, Lion’s Den Middletown has unrivalled amenities, such as full locker rooms, a phenomenal pro-shop stacked with name brand training gear and MMA apparel, a juice bar and lounge area in which to re-fuel, as well as a convenient in-house internet café.

According to MMA Legend and Lion’s Den Founder Ken Shamrock, “The Middletown Lion’s Den facility truly defines the ultimate MMA training experience. It is by far the most comprehensive training facility of its kind in North East, hands down. From the top notch equipment to the elite training staff, there isn’t a mixed martial arts training center in this state that can compete with what we have to offer.”

Ken Shamrock’s newest Lion’s Den offers a wide range of classes taught by the best boxing and mixed martial arts instructors in the industry, including former world champions. Each Lion’s Den instructor is an expert in their particular discipline. Classes are set up to accommodate men, women and children of all skill levels, from beginners to professional competitors. Members will have the unique opportunity to train with and along side Lion’s Den elite athletes. The cardio and weight training area are open 7 days a week and classes as well as private training sessions can be booked on-line at file:///E:/www.lionsdenct.com.

Classes offered at Lion’s Den Middletown:

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu - Both Gi (training in the traditional kimono) and no-Gi classes are offered. This program is for men, woman and children of all skill levels.
Muay Thai - A form of martial arts that uses all parts of the body, including the elbows and knees, for both training and competitions
Cardio Boxing and Kickboxing - A full body workout that incorporates martial-arts-style kicks and western-boxing-style strikes
Amateur and Professional BoxingPrograms- Lion’s Den Middleton offers the best in the state when it comes to boxing instruction. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned boxer, we will take you to the next level. Boxing is taught in both group and private sessions.
Grappling - A combination of multiple martial arts with influences from combat submission wrestling and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.
Mixed Martial Arts - MMA classes allow members to put all of their trained disciplines together (Jiu Jitsu, Boxing, Muay Thai, and Grappling). Mixed Martial Arts classes are for advanced students that have acquired skills in each individual discipline.
Martial Arts Programs for Children: The age defined programs include Kick Boxing, Grappling, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Boxing.
Yoga-Lattes: This is an entire workout that will increase your overall strength and flexibility.
Women’s Self Defense: This class will hit on everything you need to protect yourself.
Private Lessons:Private Lessons are offered for Boxing, Kick-boxing and Jiu Jitsu.

For those interested in taking their MMA career to the next level, tryouts for the Lion’s Den Elite team will be held at Lion’s Den Middletown semi-annually. Athletes are required to put all of their MMA training to the test against other competitors in this elimination style format. Members of the Elite team will be chosen by Ken Shamrock himself and will compete professionally, while representing the Lion’s Den. Ken Shamrock’s Lion’s Den is one of the most recognized and respected names in the industry, enabling Elite Team members to benefit from the best sponsorship opportunities available.

The training center is located at 1385 Newfield Street in MiddletownConnecticut. Several exciting events will take place during grand opening week; including submission clinics instructed by the Legend himself, Elite Team tryouts and more.Please call 860-613-2394 or log on to http://www.lionsdenct.com/ for more details and to view current pre-grand opening specials.

About Ken Shamrock’s Lion’s Den

The Lion’s Den, founded in the early 1990s by MMA Legend and UFC Hall of Famer Ken Shamrock, is one of the most recognizable and respected names in Mixed Martial Arts. Each Lion’s Den training facility employs a world renowned team of instructors. Training programs are offered in Muay Thai/Kickboxing, Jiu Jitsu, Boxing, Grappling, Mixed Martial Arts and Sports Conditioning. Classes are set up to accommodate all ages and skill levels, from entry level students to world class athletes

Each Lion’s Den facility is also represented by an elite team of athletes. The Lion’s Den Elite Fight Team is respected worldwide across all MMA organizations and has achieved success in MMA competitions nationally and internationally. Lion’s Den Elite team members are hand picked by Ken Shamrock personally during a grueling tryout process.