Image from www.lionsdenaz.com

XFA scouts out the newly opened
Ken Shamrock's Lion's Den Scottsdale
August 1, 2008 – Article
By XFA Staff

The Xtreme Fighting Association (XFA), America's Fast Growing Stand-Up Pro K-1 Style Fight Promotion, visited the Legendary Ken Shamrock's new Lion's Den Scottsdale Training Center, to find out firsthand what all the excitement was about in Arizona.

In the ongoing quest to bring the most exciting non-stop, action-packed fights ever seen, to the American TV viewing public, the XFA Fighter Development Executives scout out new and up and coming fighters at gyms across the country. Word got out that Scottsdale was a literal hotbed, not just because it was over 110 degrees there, but for some reason it had attracted some of the world's top elite stand-up trainers, and would be an ideal place to look for potential XFA fighters.

On hand during our visit to the facility were, Mr. William McFarlane, CEO of Ken Shamrock Companies, Lion's Den Scottsdale partner Jonas Ash, along with the terrific staff and world class trainers including Rick Roufus. The Lion's Den Training Centers have been very successful, leading to their nationwide expansion – so far eight additional new training centers are already in the works. In just the few short months since opening, the Scottsdale training center is such a huge success, negotiations are already taking place to double the space. The new state-of-the-art facility is over 8,000 square feet, including 3,000 square feet of grappling and striking mat space, a full weight and cardio room, professional size boxing ring and a competition cage for Mixed Martial Arts. But more space is already needed. In an important victory for Arizona MMA fans, Ken Shamrock was instrumental in the recent enactment of new laws allowing Professional MMA events in Arizona, which was signed into law by Gov. Janet Napolitano (AZ, HB 2834).

We were honored to meet with the owners and staff at Ken Shamrock's new Lion's Den Scottsdale Training Center, and surprised to discover such an absolutely amazing wealth of stand-up instructors. First, the head instructor, is the six-time world kickboxing and K-1 U.S. Champion and Legend, Rick "The Jet" Roufus, who has a remarkable kickboxing record of 57-7, with 40 KOs! Rick also boxed for a few years, with a record of 13-5-1 and most recently entered the MMA arena where he has a record of 3-1, making him one of the most well-rounded, experienced fighters on the planet! Master Bob Karmel, the Muay Thai Living Legend, who virtually brought Muay Thai to the U.S. in the 1970's, opening the first U.S. Fairtex Training Camp. Muay Thai fighter Tina Goodson, most famous from the "Fight Girls" TV series, along with Muay Thai World Champion Daniel Brandt. And if that wasn't already more than enough top elite trainers, there's also Nick Jeswald and Mr. Chino, advanced level and champion Muay Thai trainers. That's a wealth of incredibly talented and skilled stand up fight trainers to have in one city, let alone one gym! Add to that, UFC veteran and Spike TV's Ultimate Fighter alumni Edwin Dewees, a jujitsu submissions expert, who is the lead MMA trainer, and Chad Ikei, President of Ikei Sports Performance (a world renowned trainer to many NFL stars), who is their head strength and conditioning trainer. Rounding things out is Scott Peters, Lion's Den Scottsdale partner and offensive center for the Arizona Cardinals, to ensure that all Lion's Den members and professional athletes receive the absolute best in their strength and conditioning programs.

XFA fighter development executives briefed the Lion's Den staff on the XFA and while MMA is just beginning to gain a foothold on American TV, with the average MMA event now getting 1 million+ viewers, K-1 events average 40 million viewers. The XFA created an American style K-1 rules promotion, where stand-up fighters can showcase their skills and expect to see a surge in mainstream appeal as TV starts to broadcast the XFA events and fighter content. The XFA is always scouting out new skilled stand-up fighters for upcoming shows, continuing to build a stable of the most exciting and talented stand-up fighters on the planet, and giving the fans what they want, non-stop adrenaline pumping action and KOs!

About Ken Shamrock's Lion's Den Scottsdale

Scottsdale based Lion's Den Mixed Martial Arts Training Center located at 2954 N. Hayden Road in Scottsdale is the only training facility of its kind in Arizona. This state-of-the-art facility has over 8,000 square feet of training area, including 3,000 square feet of grappling and striking mat space, a full weight and cardio room, professional size boxing ring and a competition octagon for mixed martial arts. Lion's Den Scottsdale employs a world renowned team of instructors, hand selected by the legendary Ken Shamrock to ensure that every member exceeds their personal goals in each selected discipline. Programs are offered in Muay Thai/Kickboxing, Jiu Jitzu, Boxing, Grappling, Mixed Martial Arts and Sports Conditioning. Lion's Den also offers the best in child martial arts programs. Classes are set up to accommodate all ages and skill levels, from entry level students to world class athletes. Private lessons are available. At Lion's Den Scottsdale you don't have to be a world Champion to train like one. For more information call 480-941-LION or visit www.lionsdenaz.com

About The Xtreme Fighting Association (XFA)