From rink to ring

Times Reporter  

 

When Justin Schmit retired as a professional hockey player, he could not decide what he wanted to do – until he chose to open Apex Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) gym in Strathmore this past summer.

The transition from the rink to the ring was a seamless one as he missed the competiveness of sports.

“When I retired from playing professional hockey I missed competing so much and MMA was becoming more of a mainstream sport and gyms started to pop up. I boxed for a long time and did various martial arts,” said Schmit. “I immediately wanted to compete and started training. That was in 2007 and I started fighting professionally in 2012 and haven’t looked back.”

The intention of Apex MMA is to have everyone that is interested participate, but doing so in a comfortable environment where everyone can come.

“It’s a super family friendly environment,” said Schmit. “Kids can take a class and parents can be on the other side working out or doing a boot camp.”

As an instructor he always wants to teach the students the basics and make sure they do the MMA techniques properly, and he also wants to help the individual build self-confidence.

“Everybody comes here with different goals in mind. As far as the little kids go, I really like to increase their confidence,” said Schmit. “We really like to promote anti-bullying here and we want them to stand up for themselves and others. That does not necessarily mean you have to get in a physical conflict with them, I just like promoting self-confidence.”

Whether someone is young or a grown-up, Schmidt teaches the classes no differently to one group over the other.

“The things I teach the kids – a lot of the times I like to teach the grown-ups and it’s good for myself and other guys who have a little more experience – (is) to go back to the basics because a lot of things you overlook,” said Schmit. “When you are forced to teach them to somebody you are learning a lot of stuff as well.” 

The gym has gained positive vibes around town.

“It’s been awesome, we kind of expected a slow summer. We have a strong nucleus of members and clients and it’s like a big family here,” said Schmit.

Apex MMA has a variety of instructors with experience and they are willing to help out people that are new the sport.

Programs offered are: MMA, boxing, jiu jitsu, muay thai, military boot camps and kids summer camps.  They are offered throughout the week, and more information can be found at www.apex-mma.com or by calling 403-934-9958. 

Schmit’s next MMA fight will be on Oct. 3 at COP in Calgary.