Baldwin County’s largest Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) and Tae Kwon Do school has unveiled a 20'

International Competition Cage. The state-of-the-art octagonal fighting enclosure was a $10,000

investment by Tomaso's Martial Arts Academy in Fairhope, Alabama. Sturdy steel tube construction

with heavy-duty vinyl coated chain link, full top and bottom rail covers and extra-wide (16") corner

cushions add to the safety and professional appearance of the cage.

MMA is a full contact combat sport that was pioneered by Bruce Lee in the late 1960s and has been

popularized by Spike TV. The MMA competition emerged in popular culture in 1993 with the founding

of the Ultimate Fighting Championship. Cage fighting is considered to be the fastest growing sport in

the world with pay per view reach rivaling boxing and professional wrestling.

The techniques utilized in MMA competition generally fall into two categories: striking techniques

(such as kicks, knees and punches) and grappling techniques (such as clinch holds, pinning holds,

submission holds, sweeps, takedowns and throws). Tomaso's emphasizes safety, technique and

teaching in a welcoming -–not intimidating – atmosphere. Instructors are careful how they match

people in the cage; amateurs train separate from professional fighters.

People of all ages have discovered cage fighting to be the ultimate in cardio training. In addition to

the MMA Cage, there are heavy bags, weight training, treadmill, and elliptical machines. Tomaso's

teaches an ecclectic blend of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai KickBoxing, wrestling, karate, and TaeKwon Do.

The public is invited Tuesdays at 6:30pm to observe cage fighting or to have their first lesson free.

Tomaso's Martial Arts Academy was founded in 1999 and is a Pro-Elite Certified School. Last August

they relocated to their brand-new, 8000' facility at 925 Nichols Avenue Extension in Fairhope (1 blocksoutheast of Thomas Hospital).

If you're interested in group, semi-private or private lessons, call Mike Tomaso at 251-928-0984 or

email tkd1@bellsouth.net. Visit http://tomasomartialarts.com for details on the upcoming cagefighting “Smoker”.