Photo by Shaheli Smith

Keith Johnson and Randall Phillips recently opened Auburn Mixed Martial Arts.

The only Mixed Martial Arts training facility in the area has just opened. Randall Phillips, Keith Johnson, and Mark Longworth are martial arts teachers that offer a variety of martial arts styles at the new Auburn Mixed Martial Arts. Inspired by the expansion of the Ultimate Fighting Champions (UFC), these three gentlemen decided to get a place where they could teach this sport to everyone.

“Our focus is martial arts, getting in shape happens in the process.,” Phillips said. “We provide a full body work out with real martial arts teachers and not aerobic or cardio instructors.”

Randall Phillips began training in Brazil with trainer Reylson Gracie (whom specializes in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu) at the age of 14.  He came to America when he was 18-years-old only to find that Brazilian Jiu Jitsu was a foreign martial arts style to America.  He hooked up with Jacacre, a martial arts fighter and they trained together.  Since then, Phillips has been in several small events as oppose to the UFC. 

Keith Johnson is from Birmingham, Ala., and has wrestled since he was age 12. He holds a professional record of 5-2; moreover, he is the 2001 State Champion and fought in the Main Event II.

Mark Longworth is a marine core martial arts instructor; his technique is slightly different from the other types of martial arts. He teaches Muai Thai which originated in Thailand.

Mixed Martial Arts is the only place that offers the teaching of martial arts in the entire Auburn/ Opelika area.  There are several classes that are offered through out the week: Fitness Kickboxing, Mixed Martial Arts, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Submission Wrestling. 

They also offer classes for beginners and advanced martial arts students as well as kids. 

“I would like for many of the students to leave here educated,” Johnson said.

Randall added that kickboxing is a new technique; it is not as savage a sport as most people think it is. It is a much respected sport that requires a lot of discipline. 

“If my students leave exhausted, excited about coming back, and not hurt, I know that we have done our job and, for me, that is a great feeling,” Phillips said.

Mixed Martial Arts will participate in The Main Event III at the Best Western hotel off South College Street on Aug. 23. The event is sponsored by DJ Holleywood. Fighters are in the process of training. For more information, or to participate, contact Phillips at 256- 896-2110, Johnson at 334-319-0590, or Longworth at 205-966-2707. 

The school opened on April 15th and is open for ages 5 and up, men and women. It is located on South College in the Winn-Dixie shopping center.

“You will use muscles you didn’t even know you had!” Johnson said.