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 The University of Hard Knocks is a Las Vegas-based, elite, non-profit gym. Other gyms throw around "elite" and "non-profit" but elite usually means less than elite and packed, while non-profit means way less than elite and way over packed. UHK offers guaranteed SMALL classes (no more than 2 per session) with one-on-one sessions available by arrangement. University of Hard Knocks is a new concept in Tycoon gyms. Owner Abe Eaton designed the gym to be an ideal place to train his fighters and other fighters in an efficient manner. "I wasn't satisfied with the progress of training I was seeing at other gyms, even elite gyms, and I was tired of watching my fighters struggle, so I made this a special place," said Eaton at a recent presser.
UHK consists of three "Colleges," the School of Grappling, the School of Striking, and Boot Camp. With two elite trainers in grappling, striking, and an elite conditioning coach, UHK plans to add a boxing specialist to the mix and possibly one more striking/conditioning floater to the mix to round out the gym, based on fighter input. "We're at 4 coaches now, and plan to end with 5 to 7 coaches," said Eaton. What really makes University of Hard Knocks different is that it truly is non-profit. "I'm trying to train my guys, and to do that and break even, I need to help other managers train their fighters," Eaton said. The University offers scholarships up to $6,000 for promising fighters and is highly selective. "We only admit fighters that are going to be a good mix for our gym, valuable in sparing, and with experienced or at least coachable managers. We seek those who will bring the most to our operation and will also benefit the most."
The University has big things planned, including a sauna and a potential vending machine deal in the works. The University will also pay any gym champion $6,000 every time they win a title plus up to $25,000 for a post-fight mention from them in the custom comments after a victory. "That's like a 31 week scholarship, right there." UHK also has financial aid for those who qualify. The University of Hard Knocks is looking for serious managers and fighters. After being open a week, the gym has become invite only. Managers may apply by messaging Abe Eaton directly with subject "Invite Request." If you are seeking a scholarship please indicate that as well. Managers must write a paragraph or two stating why their fighter belongs with the gym, how that fighter can benefit, and anything else they feel the need to express. Scholarships are based on need and merit - both a fighter and manager's means will be evaluated. The idea is to give a newer or less experienced manager the ability to benefit from a truly elite gym until they can get established.
The fighters receive an Associate of Science Degree in Basic Mixed Martial Arts Combat after 3 months of training full-time; a Bachelor of Science in Unarmed Combat after 9 months of training full-time, a Masters of Fighting after 15 months of full-time training, and a Doctorate of Fighting (fdD) degree after two years of full-time training. All time is based on real time, not in game time. Fighters who reach the Masters or Doctorate level become eligible for lifetime gym membership free of charge (gym lifetime) and their managers are eligible for co-ownership and other interests in the gym, including the Board of Trustees.
The University of Hard Knocks is currently enrolling up to 15 additional students. Applications are being accepted on a rolling basis. Scholarships are first come, first served, up to a gym maximum of 5 fighters at this time. Fighters may apply to
Abe Eaton (85551) .
UHK wishes everyone the best of luck. Let's grow someplace together.
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