Topic: Lost my gym again

[Chris Ⓐ LeRoux]

Well, we got kicked out of the MMA facility now. The head coach is out of town for work, happens occasionally for periods of time, and the 2nd coach is just a real power hungry jerk. They are having a grappling tournament in the gym this weekend and thus wanted the weightlifting equipment out of the way. No problem but when we talked about it we said we would leave the platforms and people would just walk over them. I was going to try and get a tarp to cover them. But, this coach came in yesterday and said we had to get it out right then. I tried to talk to him man to man and say we could stack them both in the corner but had nowhere to move them on such short notice. I tried to explain that some notice to his fellow coach would be proper respect after he claimed he told one of my MMA fighters instead of me. At that point, he claimed to be the owner (which he is not) and told us to leave. Of course, the two platforms (minus the rubber I took) is still there as I have nowhere to put it.

The owner, manager, and the fighters I train are trying to intervene and resolve the matter but there were complaints that what we do is dangerous (are you kidding me coming from MMA fighters?) and issues of space which we had resolved that day by buying and building a second platform, moving the refrigerator out of the walkway, laying down red tape to show where it was safe to walk, etc. Unfortunately, they never got to see the effect of the space improvements I made. So, I'm guessing its a done deal. Most of the gym doesn't understand what we do of course, even though two of their best fighters are swearing by the training and one just annihlated his last opponent (picking him up from bad position and slamming him to end match no less).

One of my lifters trains in Tampa, I guess an hour away. So, I may go there but I am bound to lose some of my lifters that can't drive 2 hours a day on top of work and other training and may not even be able to get over there enough myself.

So, pretty much just normal obstacles for out sport.     

[Andy Dick]

WOW, looks like I am not the only one dealing with this sort of thing.  I did get a good laugh when they said it was too dangerous though.  Chris, just keep fighting it, it worked for me hopefully it can work for you too.  I would try to get a hold of the main coach that is gone a lot and get him to help your case.

[Chuck Lopez]

lots of fighters are idiots when it comes to lifting weights; I train karate with weightlifting and unless they've done weightlifting before like in high school for wrestling or something along those lines many have the weightlifting knowledge of your typical gym goer so that WL = dangerous comment doesn't suprise me.

[Chris Ⓐ LeRoux]

I've lost count of how many times I have been kicked out of gyms. It really is the worst aspect of our sport, worse than doping, lack of money, lack of television coverage, etc. We are the Rodney Dangerfield of the strength/power sports.

[Erik Blekeberg]

What's even harder is sometimes finding a gym to lift at. I know Burgner's is over an hour away from me now and even then I can't fit going up there and lifting into my schedule. I am fortunate that during school I can train in the strength and conditioning facility at SDSU but, that is only when I am volunteering there and not during the summer. I have to find a decent platform area over the summer or at least find some studio space to build a platform...

we do pay some heavy prices to do this. I feel for you Chris.

[Chris Ⓐ LeRoux]

There is no doubt. This is the worst week of my life.

[Jack]

Chris, what a misfortune to walk into that ***hole. Even after the trouble you took sorting out every far-fetched complaint, and kept open communications.   

Sjaak

[Chris Ⓐ LeRoux]

Yea, I don't think anyone likes this guy. He has chased many people away from the gym. I was warned about him before I ever started training there, which is why I didn't train or coach on Tuesday or Thursday. Those were his days. Now that the real coach left, this guy has been on fire, obsessed with his new status as the "gym leader" bragging about being the best fighter, being in charge, and coming in 6 days a week. He came in looking for a fight, determined to assert his authority. I feel sorry for him to tell you the truth. He pisses people off just with his presence. Funny enough, he says himself that he is a terrible coach yet still is obsessed with running the gym now that Shane is gone for a while. I guess it takes all kinds.

I'm sure something will work out eventually- always does. This has just been a horrible, horrible week or two for several reasons.

Thanks for the support!