AusLeisure

The Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) Zone at the 2013 Australian Fitness & Health Expo is set to give visitors the opportunity to train, practice and be educated by Ultimate Fighting Championship® (UFC®) fighters.

The recent opening of the first international UFC GYM® in Sydney is just one example of the rise in popularity of martial arts, fitness and cross training linked to martial arts and combat sports.

At the same time, professionalism in martial arts and combat sports facilities is growing as operators move away from part-time 'back yard' gyms and community halls and into full-time professionally run dedicated schools, clubs and dojos. (Dojo is the Japanese term for a formal gathering place where martial arts students conduct training, examinations and other related encounters. Currently there are over 2,000 dojos in Australia).

At the Expo, amateur MMA, grappling and wrestling competitions will be organised by the NSW Wrestling Association and will feature divisions including Men's Free Style Wrestling, Women's Wrestling, Grappling, Pankration and Combat Grappling.

The competition will be used as a ranking and qualification tournament for athletes wishing to represent Australia at this year's World Amateur MMA and Grappling Championships to be held in Canada in June.

A highlight of Australasian Leisure Management's exhibit at the Australian Fitness & Health Expo will be the presence of Christian Marchegiani, founder and Managing Director of Thump Boxing and founder of Anti Bullying organisation 'Underdogs'.

Christian, whose cover feature 'Hard Knock: Key Lesson' is in the March/April 2013 issue of Australasian Leisure Management.

Christian will be on stand W69 to answer questions from 10.30 to 11.30 am on Saturday 20th April, following his presentation at the FILEX Fitness Convention.

Christian, who contributed the cover story to the latest issue of Australasian Leisure Management, currently works as the boxing and conditioning coach for the Sydney Swans, the Australian Cricket team and numerous Olympic athletes and has been the Coach on the 9 Network's Excess Baggage TV series as well as hosting ABC Grandstand's Live Fit radio program.

To be held at the Sydney Convention & Exhibition Centre from Friday 19th to Sunday 21st April, the 2013 Australian Fitness & Health Expo is open only to those in the fitness/health trade on Friday 19th April, with general and trade admission on Saturday 20th and Sunday 21st April.

Trade visitors can pre-register online for free entry by clicking here http://bit.ly/XZrCUc

11th March 2013 - FIRST INTERNATIONAL UFC GYM

28th December 2012 - DANCING AND MARTIAL ARTS EXPERIENCE KICK IN POPULARITY

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