Back in 2001, I, Abdullah Orozco noticed that there was only one semi-functioning martial arts club on campus. However, I knew several people that wanted to practice their art on a regular basis. So, Dr. Frehill and I, in addition to a few other people, got together and formed the NMSU Mixed Martial Arts Alliance (NMSU MMA Alliance). In the beginning, the Alliance had various instructors teaching judo, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ), wrestling, and various forms of kung-fu throughout the week. Unfortunately, that did not last more than a semester. The other instructors found it difficult to teach on a regular basis, so I began teaching all of the classes.
I have strived to make a connection between no-gi grappling, judo/bjj, and the striking aspects of fighting. The students of the MMA Alliance have enjoyed my classes, so I have continued to keep up the training regimen I have been working with these last three years.
Other martial artist are more than welcome to teach classes, and some have made inquires. But, none of them wanted to put in the time and effort it takes to teach.
You can teach at the MMA Alliance, provided you apply to the MMA Alliance Executive Board. Some of the forms needed to become an instructor are:
A certificate of your rank.
Two (2) Letters of recommendation. These are usually required from your instructors. However, some people have only trained at one school under one instructor. Exceptions may be made in those cases.
Teaching credentials.
A syllabus may also be asked for.
Once all of this paperwork has been given to the Executive Board, the candidacy of the instructor needs to voted on by the Executive Board. Instructors who are approved must work with the Executive Board to establish a Letter of Agreement.
A Letter of Agreement is a document between the instructor and the students stipulating the rights, responsibilities, and expectations of both the instructor and the students. This can cover anything from hygiene and etiquette to techniques and belt requirements.
After everything has been approved, a class time needs to be established.
Yes you can! Beginning and advanced martial artists are all welcome.
Advanced students: If you are learning a new art, it is proper etiquette to wear a white belt since you are learning something new and are a beginner once again.
It is the belief of the MMA Alliance that the best way to prepare for self-defense is via sport competition. While sport competitions (i.e., Judo, BJJ, Vale tudo matches) have rules agreed upon before hand, your opponent is as equally trained as you are. The MMA Alliance feels that applying techniques against an aggressive, resisting opponent will provide the best foundation for preparing one's self for any unwanted aggression out in the real world.
No, the MMA Alliance does not have a rank system. However, students may test for rank in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and/or Judo. Contact Abdullah Orozco for more information.
Tuition costs $40/semester for students and $20/month for non-students. Non-students will also have to purchase an Activity Pass from the Activity Center for $20/semester.