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Red Mill Grand Opening

The most highly respected and quality martial arts academy in the Hampton Roads area has officially launched its second location. On February 20, 2010, LINXX Academy of Martial Arts opened the doors to its highly anticipated Red Mill facility, located on the corner of General Booth Boulevard and Nimmo Parkway in the new Red Mill Landing complex. LINXX academy students will now be able to train at both facilities. The new 6,200 square-foot facility boasts top-of-the-line training equipment, including 10 heavy bags, a half cage with glide box, high quality Swain mats, and a regulation-size boxing ring. The boxing ring and mat area are set up with a video system that provides students the ability to review their training sessions.

The building was packed 30 minutes before the seminars began as students, parents, and guests eagerly prepared for a promising day. Mixed martial arts (MMA) enthusiasts and professionals from all over the east coast geared up to participate in workshops taught by prominent figures of the industry. The excitement began with the arrival of Pedro Sauer, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu guru and professor of LINXX academy’s own Frank Cucci, Sr. Jeff “Big Frog” Curran, World Extreme Cagefighting (WEC) superstar and former LINXX student, joined the gathering followed by Greg Nelson, owner of Minnesota Martial Arts Academy and coach of MMA stars Brock Lesner and Sean Sherk. Sean “The Muscle Shark” Sherk, former Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) lightweight champion, completed the collection of world class talent on the guest instructor list. “The roster of individuals getting ready to train under this roof at this very moment is truly incredible,” remarked parents as everyone gathered to begin the festivities.

Opening remarks were made by founder and head instructor Frank Cucci, Sr., highlighting LINXX Academy’s heritage and mission. The Academy has proudly served the Hampton Roads community since 1992 and remains committed to the task of providing students with the most practical and effective self defense skills, rooted in the principles of ethical-moral development. The Academy is proud to maintain black belt ready instructors and a top notch staff. Mr. Cucci humbly thanked the community and his staff for their support throughout the years, took the time to appreciate the attractive facility, and proudly introduced the guest instructors of the day, kicking off an exceptional set of workshops and seminars.

Professor Pedro Sauer was the morning’s first instructor. Mr. Sauer is a certified 7th degree red/black belt Jiu-Jitsu instructor and is one of the most highly sought after instructors in the nation. For most, this was the chance of a lifetime. Students diligently listened to each instruction as Mr. Sauer discussed Gi Jiu-Jitsu techniques. After each technique was demonstrated, students proceeded to practice on the mat under the supervision of the acclaimed instructors. Mr. Sauer’s sincere personality earned him much admiration throughout the day from everyone in attendance. Professor Sauer currently resides in northern Virginia where he instructs at One Spirit Martial Arts and Jeff Gordon’s Self Defense Academy in Gaithersburg, Maryland.

Greg Nelson was next on the fascinating line-up. Mr. Nelson is known as one of the top cornermen/coaches in MMA and Muay Thai and has worked with a number of champions. In 2002, he was awarded his black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under Professor Pedro Sauer and during the same year began his battle with non-hodgkins lymphoma; ultimately beating cancer twice after being diagnosed with a rare form of nerve cancer called neurolymphomatosis. Nelson has developed several fighters that hold title belts from the UFC, CMTF, USMTA, IKF, ISKA, WKA, NAGA, and a Bronze Medal in the 1996 Muay Thai World Championships. The valiant Mr. Nelson instructed the students at LINXX Academy on different variations of Muay Thai Clinch techniques. Greg Nelson is the owner and head instructor of the Minnesota Martial Arts Academy in Brooklyn Center, Minnesota.

Then came Jeff “Big Frog” Curran. Curran earned his black belt under Professor Pedro Sauer and is a former student of Frank Cucci, Sr. at LINXX Academy. At the age of 33, Curran has over 60 victories and a range of MMA experiences from around the world that make the WEC contender and UFC veteran a force to be reckoned with in the ring. The Strikeforce superstar eagerly assisted students around the room on No-Gi grappling techniques that have helped him gain recognition in the MMA community. Curran is a technical pioneer and students were provided the privilege to learn several submission wrestling moves under his supervision. Jeff Curran established the Curran Martial Arts Academy in Crystal Lake, Illinois and continues to be one the most active and promising contenders in the game.

Last but far from least, it was Sean “The Muscle Shark” Sherk’s turn to share his expertise. As a former UFC lightweight champion, Sherk has become a well-respected name in the business. Fans from around the world remember the “Muscle Shark” from his appearances at Extreme Challenge, King of the Cage, Pancrase, TKO, Extreme Challenge, The Ultimate Fighting Championship, and Pride Bushido. Even though most students in attendance had been in training for over five hours at this point, there was no sign of weariness as the crowd gathered to take a lesson from the Shark. The opportunity to work with the renowned fighter was too great to miss. Sherk quietly moved around the room observing and offering tips to students on MMA submission moves that have forged him into a champion. Sean Sherk continues to train at the Minnesota Martial Arts Academy under Coach Greg Nelson and looks forward to reinforcing his name as a MMA forerunner.

As masters of the martial arts industry graced the mats of the new LINXX Academy facility, spectators were joined by Shelley of FM 99. The radio station broadcasted on-site and hosted a UFC Unleashed video game competition. Ryan B, Mark A, and Lauren S’s knockout moves in the game ring earned him/her two tickets each to the Nickelback concert with Breaking Benjamin at the Hampton Coliseum on April 14, 2010.

As the day came to an end it was clear that the opening day festivities had sparked fire into the LINXX community. Practice continued for a number of students, inquiries for enrollments were addressed by LINXX staff throughout the day, and everyone involved hesitated to leave the engaging event. Guest instructors were available for pictures and attendees took advantage of the chance to ask for all types of advice, from fighting techniques to diet regimens. Mr. Cucci and his staff facilitated finishing touches to the new location’s schedule and appeal. To everyone involved, the event was a smashing success and a bright beginning for LINXX Academy of Martial Arts in Red Mill.