Martin Walker, Owner, MMA Instructor The Training Ground is a Mixed Martial Arts School that is designed to accomodate all adults at all levels of competence. It is strictly NO-GI and has no belt ranking system. If you are looking for straight Brazilian Jiu Jitsu or a BJJ affiliated belt ranking school, we can recommend Out of the Box BJJ in Redlands, Ca. or United Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in Riverside, Ca. Both are great schools run by good people.   Training Ground owner and main instructor Martin Walker began training in Mixed Martial Arts in 2000 in Hap Do Sool, which later became WrestleWorks MMA with Robert Dowell, a 5th Degree Black Belt in Hap Do Sool with amateur boxing experience, professional MMA fighter and accomplished kickboxer, in Redlands, Ca.

Robert Dowell

In 2001 Martin began training in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu with BJJ Black Belt Pedro Carvalho, located in Rancho Cucamonga, Ca. After competing in several BJJ tournaments he earned his Blue Belt from Pedro in 2004. Martin continued to train in BJJ with United Brazilian Jiu Jitsu with Rommel Dunbar, a 3X World BJJ Champion and  Black Belt under Pedro Carvalho. It was with Rommel Dunbar Martin also completed some Muay Thai training with Lorenzo Rodriguez. Rommel Dunbar and Martin Walker

Pedro Carvalho and Rommel Dunbar

Martin has competed in many Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Tournaments throughout Southern California, taking first place in the first Pedro Carvalho Inland Empire International BJJ Tournament in 2002 and first place in the Copa Pacifica BJJ Tournament in 2004. He has also fought as an amateur in MMA in October of 2007.

Pictured at left is Martin at a BJJ Tournament in 2004 with Rorian Gracie. Rorian was the person who first started the UFC before it was sold.

Jackson's Mixed Martial Arts

Martin continues his training by working with local pro fighters, attending local MMA, grappling and Muay Thai seminars and workshops and training at other MMA schools whenever possible.

Martin trains at the world famous Jackson's Mixed Martial Arts school in Albuquerque 2 or 3 times a year while visiting his brother, who lives in Alb. Training with Greg Jackson and Michael Winklejohn keeps Martin up on current training methods and cutting edge fight training for MMA, and of course, brings all of the new strategies and submissions back to Redlands to The Training Ground.The most recent trip was late September, 2008. The next trip is planned for February, 2009.

Jackson's is known for training top MMA fighters such as George St. Pierre, Rashad Evans, Keith Jardine, Mike Van Arsdale, Joey Villasenior and many more.

Visit Jackson's MMA when you are in Albuquerque next time! They just bought a brand new ring, www.jacksonsmma.com

Leo "LJ" Landeros, Muay Thai Instructor, Fight Trainer

LJ currently trains, specializes and teaches Muay Thai at The Training Ground. LJ works with students at The Training Ground on their boxing, footwork, striking power, striking speed and cardio to help them prepare for the striking portion of an MMA fight. During classes instructed by LJ, students also work on ab strength and all facets of striking, combinations, setting up kicks, setting up the hands, head movement and ring strategy.

LJ also trains with other students on grappling, wrestling and mixed martial arts.

Andrea Parnell, Muay Thai Instructor, Fight Trainer

Andrea was one of the first female students at The Training Ground and is also a Muay Thai Instructor and specialist. Andrea works with LJ with conditioning, thai pads, focus mitts, combinations, handwork and footwork as well as all aspects of striking for mixed martial arts competition.

Andrea also trains with other students on grappling and MMA, and likes to hit people.

Paul Rice, MMA Instructor, Fight Trainer

Paul Rice has been training in Mixed Martial arts since 2002. Paul has trained in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu with Rommel Dunbar and currently holds a blue belt from Mr. Dunbar. Paul has trained extensively with Lorenzo Rodriguez for his Muay Thai. Paul has competed in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu tournaments throughout Southern California. He has also competed in amateur Muay Thai and Mixed Martial arts. Paul is currently undefeated as an amateur.

Paul has also trained and/or competed in triathlons and cycling competitions.

Paul is also an instuctor at The Training Ground and specializes in all facets of the MMA game; Muay Thai, Kickboxing, Boxing and Grappling.