photo credit to Joe Nuelle
Jesse Finney had this to say, ““We are very excited about working with Matt Hughes, Marc Fiore, and Kyle Watson. The H.I.T. Squad (now Finney’s HIT Squad) is already considered one of the top MMA gyms in the world. Our goal is to make it THE top MMA gym. We have already begun making improvements to both training facilities, improvements that will ultimately generate bigger and better opportunities for our fighters as we evolve.”
A full size competition cage has been installed in Finney’s HIT Squad facility as a result of the new ownership, and they have already begun implementing the Shamrock Fighter Development System (SDS). The system mirrors that of Major League Baseball, where players start out in a development league and work their way up based on their skills and performance. Amateur fighters start out competing for credible local promotions such as Shamrock MMA. If you’re a top-level professional fighter, Finney’s has affiliations with nationally recognized promotions such as Shark Fights, Bellator, Strikeforce and the UFC.
Although ownership has changed hands, UFC Hall of Famer Matt Hughes will continue to train at the facility and the gyms well-established coaching staff will remain intact. According to H.I.T. Squad coach Marc Fiore, “I fully support the change in ownership and look forward to working with Finney and his team. This is a positive change that will generate new opportunities for the gym and make the HIT Squad brand even stronger. The new build out has added value to the facility and our stable of fighters has already increased from 40 to 80. We are all very excited about the direction the gym is going.”
Finney’s MMA and Finney’s HIT Squad collectively offer one of the most comprehensive, well-rounded, training programs in the industry. Fighters at both amateur and professional levels have access to everything they need to advance their careers, from top-of-the-line equipment and unparalleled training, to housing and fight management. Both facilities offer on-site and off -site housing for members of the fight team, a highly sought after amenity that most MMA gyms do not offer. Fighters associated with the gyms also receive top-level representation through Elite MMA Management.
Both 20,000 square foot state-of-the-art facilities cater to professional fighters, as well as the general public. The superior instructors, all experts in their respective disciplines, teach men, women and children of all skill levels. The combined coaching staff has more name recognition and experience than any other team assembled in the Midwest. Classes are offered in boxing, kickboxing, muay thai, jiu-jitsu, mixed martial arts, wrestling, and sports conditioning. Whether a member joins to increase their fitness level, learn self-defense, or to hone their fighting skills, both Finney’s MMA and Finney’s HIT Squad offer superior instruction.
About H.I.T Squad (Now Finney’s HIT Squad):
Finney’s HIT Squad, based out of Granit City, IL, is a world-class training center designed to enhance the physical, mental, and spiritual well-being of its members. The State-of-the-art training facility features a boxing ring, 3,000 square feet of Hammer Strength weight lifting and fitness equipment, 5,000 square feet of matted wrestling/grappling area surrounded by octagon fencing, and a 1,000 square foot cardio area with top-of-the-line equipment. The HIT Squad facility also features men’s and women’s locker rooms and a member’s lounge. Classes are offered in boxing, kickboxing, muay thai, jiu-jitsu, mixed martial arts, wrestling and sports conditioning. In addition to daily classes, members can participate in bi-monthly seminars and camps offered at the facility. For more information, visit www.thehitsquad.com or call 618-452-8561.
About Finney’s MMA:
Finney’s MMA, based out of St. Louis, Missouri, is the Midwest’s premier sports training center. The dynamic 20,000 square foot state-of-the-art facility features everything from free weights and top of the line cardiovascular equipment, to group fitness classes, personal training, and mixed martial arts instruction. Finney’s also boasts an in-house sports rehab facility complete with massage, ultrasound, and chiropractic services. Members also have access to separate men’s and women’s locker rooms, a fully stocked pro shop, and free daycare. Finney’s employs a world renowned team of instructors all experts in their individual disciplines. Classes are offered in boxing, kickboxing, jiu-jitsu, and mixed martial arts, and sports conditioning. Classes are set up to accommodate all ages and skill levels, from the individual fighter to every member of the family. For more information please visit www.Finneyskickboxing.com or call 314-821-1144.
