Whether you want to learn to defend yourself in the street or compete in the ring, it is necessary to train in the Three Ranges of Fighting: Standup, Clinch and Ground. We do not like to think in terms of techniques so much as what will work best at any given moment at any of the aforementioned ranges. As Krishnamurti often said... "The word is not the thing!" A punch is a punch, a kick a kick, an elbow an elbow, a knee a knee, a choke a choke, a throw a throw, an armlock an armlock. It does not matter where it originated from and what fancy name it has been given.

It is important to note that The HardCore Gym does not have any "street fighters". The gym has combat athletes concerned with being able to defend themselves in the street. A byproduct of that training is sometimes the desire and ability of its athletes to compete in NHB, Muay Thai, BJJ or submission wrestling competitions. It is training in an "alive" manner that will better prepare gym members to be successful in whatever endeavors they choose. If you don't spar, if your training is not "alive" but instead a series of dead patterns, and "flow drills", then what you do will not translate into what is actual fighting.

The vast majority of the members at THCG train exclusively for fitness and fun, which translates to stress release and a sense of well being. Drilling and sparring for sport translates to the most intensive, challenging and safe way to build the necessary attributes for self-defense as well as build overall fitness.

The range in which both combatants are on their feet. Fighting in this range pulls extensively from Boxing and Muay Thai Kickboxing. Students will learn how to properly throw the jab, cross, hook and uppercut (and some others).In addition, proper fighting stance, defense and head movement are stressed throughout. In addition to learning the basics of boxing, which only utilizes the hands, students will learn how to kick, knee and elbow as well.

The range in which both combatants are in physical contact. Fighting in this range pulls extensively from Greco Roman and Free Style Wrestling as well as Muay Thai Kickboxing. Students will learn basic takedowns like double legs, single legs, body locks and throws (and some others). This range also incorporates the neck clinch, commonly referred to as the Muay Thai Plum. In addition, proper head position, posture and stance are stressed throughout.

Oddly enough this is the range in which both combatants are on the ground. Fighting in this range pulls almost entirely from Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Whether with a gi or without, BJJ is by far the most effective art for fighting on the ground. Students will learn the basics of the guard, cross-side, half-guard, rear-guard and mount. This will include learning how to control, escape and submitt their opponents from all those positions.

On the other hand; if you have no desire to "get your hands dirty" then The HardCore Gym is pleased to offer Fitness Kickboxing, For years The HardCore Gym has taught Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts to everyBODY and anyBODY. We have lawyers training alongside college students training alongside teachers. We have changed lives through the vehicle of combat sports. With our new Fitness Kickboxing program you can still get the same amazing workout but without the contact. This is a total body workout performed on your own heavybag. Although you will work along side others in these classes, kicking, punching, kneeing and generally beating up your heavybag, the bag does not hit back :). During these classes you will learn the basics of kickboxing while getting an amazing and fast paced workout. Classes will also include exercises for strengthening the upper and lower body as well as core strength and abdominals.

Our instructors are professional fighters with the knowledge of how to train like a fighter and train you to get the same intense workout without any contact.

You don't have to be a fighter to look like a fighter but shouldn't you at least be trained by a fighter and not some aerobics instructor? What does an aerobics instructor know about proper punching and kicking technique? I'll tell you, absolutely nothing. That's not completely true. They do know how to make sure you get hurt. Don't be fooled by snake oil claims and ridiculous pricing. There is a reason we have been in the Martial Arts business for over ten years.

Our Fitness Kickboxing program is the culmination of over 50 years experience in Martial Arts including but not limited to: Boxing, Muay Thai Kickboxing, Dutch Style Kickboxing, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Wrestling. We have the only program in Athens designed to get you the most intense workout because we have the only fighters in Athens that can put you through it. Don't take my word for it. Here are just a few testimonials from some of our very satisfied customers.

"I'm going to go ahead and rave about The HardCore Gym. First of all, their fitness Kickboxing class is the only group exercise class I've taken that keeps me coming back. I've taken many classes at several different gyms around town: step, body pump, "kickboxing," butts and g uts, etc. You name it, I've taken it. Although those classes were fun, I barely sweat and wasn't seeing results. That's when I Googled "kickboxing" in Athens and found The HardCore Gym. Unlike a kickboxing class at a "typical" gym in which you punch and kick the air, The HardCore Gym class requires you to wear boxing gloves while punching and kicking a bag. When you're resting you're doing "active rests": push-ups, sit-ups, squat thrusts, etc. For the first time in years I'm actually seeing and feeling results. Did I mention that the instructors are awesome and will give you one on one attention during the class if you need it? Also, that you have full access to their weights and cardio machines? In short; The HardCore Gym rocks! That's all there is to it and anyone who really wants to get into shape needs to check it out!" -Caroline Monroe 29/production technical assistant specialist at Merial limited/musician

"I have know the owners of The HardCore Gym for several years prior to me joining the gym, I belonged to another huge corporate gym for a year, was very committed to my routines and then I got bored, I came to a plateau on my fitness that I couldn't figure out what to do, finally I went to a REAL kickboxing class at HardCore and I knew this is what I needed for my fitness blahs I was having. The instructors KNOW what they are talking about and they guide you according to your own individual level. The whole facility is small enough that when I do weights and Im not doing it right- you better believe one of the many MMA/ fighters/ instructors will correct me and help me. I absolutely enjoy the gym to the fullest." -Mosita Osita 46/Concert Manager- Ashford Manager/Forensic Interviewer

"The HardCore Gym's fitness kickboxing classes are an incredible full -body workout. Along with my husband, I started doing the Tuesday and Thursday 4:30 classes in the same time slot as our kids' jiu-jitsu classes at The HardCore Gym. We started in January of this year. As a busy mom, I appreciate the efficiency of getting an excellent workout for myself, and high-quality jiu-jitsu instruction for my kids at the same time. As a lawyer in my former life (before I had kids!), I was more familiar with hitting the books than hitting a heavybag, and I was a little nervous about starting the class, but I was quickly put at ease. I like that we punch and kick our own individual heavybags, not each other. The instructors are great - George or Lawson usually teach in this time slot. They both are actual fighters, and have a great sense of humor and make it fun, but they actually care about teaching you the proper technique. They keep everyone moving, alternating kickboxing with body-strengthening exercises. It keeps your heart rate up, and keeps things interesting. They are great at giving tips to improve your movement, but encouraging as well. The people who take the class are a lot of fun, too. I always feel great after kickboxing, and since you can attend as many classes as you want, it's an unbeatable value. Sign up, you won't be sorry!" -Betsy Mayer Riser

"Thanks to The HardCore Gym's fitness kickboxing program, I'm stronger, better conditioned, and I've lost 30 pounds and still counting. The highly-skilled, patient instructors are great with beginners. The HardCore Gym's fitness kickboxing program even inspired me, at age 44, to prepare to start amateur boxing. My private boxing lessons with Rory are hard work, but a lot of fun, and I'm looking forward to the payoff in the ring." -Chris Riser

We offer a variety of services as seen below:

Whether you are working out alone or with a partner(s), our coaches will teach you the exercises and take you through your workouts. We will carefully supervise throughout your entire workout and help to motivate you along the way. Whatever your goals may be, we can help you to achieve them.

Do you keep hearing about the latest trends in fitness? Have you wondered what Kettle Bell, Battle Rope and Sled training is all about? Are you looking to add some new training tools into your workout toolbox? Let us teach you all about these new innovations in strength and conditioning as well as Olympic lifting, power lifting and strongman training. We have it all here at The HardCore Gym.

Do you already know how to lift but just don't know how to put it all together? Have you struggled to meet you personal goals even though you have a suitable working knowledge about strength and conditioning? If this is the case, let us design a program to meet you specific needs and goals, whatever they may be.