Bill Luff has been a professional Mixed Martial Arts fighter for several years. Originally trained in Kung Fu he began practicing Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, which led to fighting professionally. He later discovered Mixed Martial Arts, a form of combat fighting that combines Jiu-Jitsu with Muay Thai kickboxing and boxing as well as other forms of modern martial arts, and includes a variety of fighting techniques including striking and grappling.
Luff took his love for the sport and began building a career around it. He initially opened the Central Mass Fight Club in a small space he rented out in a larger boxing gym. Because it was rented space there were time constraints and limited space for growth. It has been about five years since he began his career as a gym owner and instructor, and he now co-owns the largest Mixed Martial Arts facility in New England. He also coaches and conditions students, and instructs classes, along with performing the everyday operations of the gym along with his two co-owners.
Luff works a six day work week, the only day the gym is closed is Sunday. Currently he opens the gym at 8 a. m. and begins the day by washing the mats, cleaning up, and reading and sending emails and making phone calls. He then teaches a women’s Muay Thai class at 10 a. m. After the morning class he usually works with students who have dropped in for there workouts, or if it is a slow day he continues do more emailing and calling on the business end. He generally leaves the gym at noon, at which point one of his two co-owners takes over. He returns at 5 p. m. to help the night-time instructor sign up new students, to teach private lessons, or to sign up new students. At about 9-9:30 p. m. he closes the gym for the evening.
The Mixed Martial Arts Training Center trains anyone from beginners to professional fighters. The 5,000 square foot gym has over 1,500 square feet of open mat space, and MMA training cage, a boxing center with a complete boxing ring and a section of numerous heavy bags, as well as a full pro shop featuring some of the best fight gear available. There is also a small weight room and a member lounge area. The courses offered at the gym include Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai Kickboxing, boxing, and women’s self defense. There is also open mat time for workout and practices. Their instructors are some of the most prestigious coaches in the area, including co-owner Matt Lee, a well-known Mixed Martial Arts fighter, as well as the previous amateur boxing star, and local boxing coach Rocky Gonzalez.
“We wanted to make Mixed Martial Arts available to the average person,” Luff said. “It’s the fastest growing sport in the world right now. It is more popular than boxing, pro wrestling, and even baseball. Until now, most gyms catered only to those who actually wanted to fight. We believed there was a market for the casual fan who wanted to just train. Whether it was for fitness, self defense, or just for fun, we wanted to make it available to them.”
Luff’s advice to those looking to open their own gym is to invest in your business. “As you grow, invest in yourself,” he said. “Instead of blowing your profits on yourself, buy new equipment, move to a larger place, etc. Try to steadily grow. Remember, you are either growing, or dying. Business does not stand still. Also, advertise, advertise, advertise. Get your name out there.”
