Beau Admire doesn’t think that most traditional styles of martial arts really prepare a person to defend themselves in the real world.
That’s why he created a self-defense system that draws on his background which includes ten years as a professional mixed martial arts fighter.
For three years his classes have gained in popularity in Abingdon, Admire’s hometown.
Classes range from toddler self-defense to adult self-defense, along with women’s cardio kickboxing.
The classes have gotten crowded enough that Admire is moving the gym, Badger Combatives, to downtown Galesburg. In to the space that Alcorn Nelson attorneys at law occupied until recently, at 313 E. Main, on the ground floor of the Bondi Building.
Admire has been involved in traditional martial arts on and off since has 4, and for a decade was a pro-MMA fighter running the O.S.E. Wolfpack team. While a wolfpack gets strength from the group, a badger is tough, independent and most other animals won’t mess with a badger.
Admire says his system combines mixed martial arts and special combative techniques that would help you defend yourself in a real fight, calling it more practical than most traditional martial arts styles.
People taking his classes are looking for a combination of self-defense techniques and a workout. “Self-defense programs that make sure you are you’re actually increasing stamina and getting in shape” Admire tells WGIL. “At the same time learning proper striking, boxing, kickboxing technique and self-defense combat techniques.”
He says some people attend his classes for a vigorous workout, but plenty also come to learn how to protect themselves, something that he says is on people’s minds more than ever. “A lot of those systems that teach traditional martial arts – it’s just that, it’s an art. It’s not really made to fight. Hands are down to their side. Our course is boxing and kickboxing so you’re actually learning how to defend yourself in a real fight. Not just doing the really cool moves that look neat on TV but aren’t really realistic.”
Badger Combatives opens on Feb. 1 and is offering a women’s self-defense seminar on Feb. 9.
Admire tells WGIL that the seminar is nearly full already and says that those enrolled range from a pregnant woman to a lady in her 70’s.
Visit their website or Facebook.com/BadgerCombatives for more information on upcoming classes.
