THE GYM – Long before it was popular to cross train in martial arts in the U.S. there existed a unique training facility… familiar only to those in the loop who were dedicated to advancing their knowledge of no-rules fight training. Known only as, “The Gym”, this seemingly low-key facility was the brainchild of Michael Bussey and has been in constant re-invention since its inception in the 1970′s. Bussey is a veteran expert of the fighting arts and has a long and impressive resume spanning over three decades. After first earning black belts in his youth, Michael soon went on to compete in some of the countries earliest full contact tournaments. He ran his own martial arts academy while still in his teens before going on to a successful career in law enforcement. Later, after becoming one of America’s earliest instructors of authentic Ninjutsu, he was instrumental in the development of RBWI, a modern combat organization founded by his brother Robert. RBWI became one of the largest, most respected combat organizations in the world with branches located from Los Angeles to Nassau. Since the 1980′s Michael has conducted numerous seminars and been coaching individuals in no-rules sparring.
Today, along with two of his sons, Thomas and Chris Bussey, he continues his dedication toward the development of well rounded athletes at” The Gym”. This year-round, 30,000 square foot facility is located in Arlington, Texas, and the home to numerous specialized experts. “The Gym” has venues and equipment for boxing, professional championship wrestling, women’s self protection sessions, kick boxing, weight training – body building, and practical hand to hand combat and Mixed Martial Arts training. Best of all, it is open to the public and membership is very reasonably priced.
World Champion & Undefeated Andre Dirrell
The Gym is located in South Arlington, in close proximity to the new Dallas Cowboy’s Stadium. Special events such as “XKO Xtreme Knock Out” mixed martial arts fights” and “Genocide” wrestling have encouraged thousands of spectators and fans to find their way to The Gym. The facility also houses a full television production facility used to film events for DVD and television broadcast. Also the host to the filming of the reality show “The Bussey Bunch” for TLC and Discovery Channel.
“THE BUSSEY BUNCH” Aired on TLC 2008
Watch Episodes One Watch Episode Two
If these walls could talk. Signed posters and photo’s adorn the walls throughout the facility. Exciting personalities have frequented the Gym over the years including dancers, comedians, stunt men and celebrities. Examples include martial arts film legend Bob Wall , country western Grammy winner Collin Raye, Dallas Cowboys Deion Sanders and Miles Austin and UFC Legend Chuck Liddell.
UFC notables have graced the mats including Oleg Taktaroff, Paul Varelens, Dan Severn, Scott Morris, Anthony Macias, Andy Anderson, Trey Tillagman, Guy Metger and Jeremy Horn, just to name a few.
From the world of boxing, former middleweight champion Quincy Taylor, heavyweight Kirk Johnson, James “Pearl” Harbor, USBA champion Sergio Reyes, World Champion Troy Dorsey and Champion brothers Anthony and Andre Dirrell.
Watch Thomas & Chris Bussey on the popular MTV “Room Raiders”
Anthony & Andre Dirrell
Professional wrestlers from around the world have battled at “The Gym” as well, including: Lance Hoyt, Sabu, Paul London, AJ Styles, Christopher Daniels, Charlie Haas, Monty Brown, “Gentleman” Chris Adams, “Dr. Death” Steve Williams, Abyss, Samoa Joe, David Young, Rodney Mack, Jazz, Insane Clown Posse, Shawn Staziak, Skandar Akbar, Killer Tim Brooks, Lord Alfred Hayes, Iceman King Parsons, Red Basteen, and even “Mouth of the South” Jimmy Hart.
Stop by tours are free and available daily. Once inside, it’s easy to recognize what this facility is all about.
Welcome to a friendly, eclectic atmosphere complete with boxing rings, weight equipment and a complete Pro Shop full of merchandise and memorabilia.
In the evenings visitors can witness, first-hand, athletes in training on the floor, sparring in the cage, or working on the various heavy bags located throughout. Between workouts, one can enjoy a sport drink while reading the latest fitness or martial arts magazine.
MMA Mixed Martial Arts has revolutionized combat sports. MMA is the fastest growing sport in America today! THE GYM offers training and hosts the exciting events of XKO.
Muay Thai Kick Boxing Muay Thai is the national sport of Thailand. It employs boxing, knees, elbows, and shin kicks as a very effective form of stand up fighting.
Our veteran coaches assist the students in learning the proper footwork and techniques along with a high degree of fitness.
Professional Championship Wrestling is a premier wrestling organization headed up by brothers Chris and Thomas Bussey with brothers Stephen and Larry.
Boxing Often referred to as the “Sweet Science”, boxing has evolved into a respected sport and reflects the current system of rules employed by professional boxing.
Although many of our members are competitors, others study boxing for physical benefits only.
Our coaches are some of the best in the business and work with individuals at all levels of proficiency.
BUSSEY COMBATIVES – When it comes to reality based defense, we have what you are looking for. Legendary expert Robert Bussey is considered by many to be one of the best hand to hand authorities in the world. He is the subject of a new documentary titled; “King of Combat: Principals and Insights of Robert Bussey”, and offers group and private sessions at “The Gym”. Training covers a variety of realistic fight scenarios from defending against an armed opponent to dealing with multiple assailants.
CLICK HERE for Robert Bussey Website
Weight Training – Body Building For those interested in muscle gains and body building, the Gym has what you need. With a full line of weight equipment, nutritional supplements, and fitness advice, we can help you to develop and maintain a balanced physique.
Watch THE GYM Commercial 2008 Watch THE GYM Commercial 2011
Those of you who don’t know more of the Gym’s history let me tell you that 13 years ago when i first stepped into the “The Gym” when it was in the Six Flags Mall that was the first time i have ever heard of a gym in a mall. I found out real fast that this was the place for me and where i needed to train. I saw that every memeber in the gym was there for one thing, to better them self and to have a positive outlook on the goals they had set for them self. The Gym offered more of a place to body build or train in MMA. When you walked into those doors every day not one person had a attitude that he or she was better then any one else like you tend to see at most gyms. Then again if you did have that attitude chances are you would get knocked out. Mike Bussey has taken the time not only with my self to better my self physically and emotionally but would always take the time out of his day to answer any questions you had and if theres was any thing in the martial arts Mike is the grand Farther of it all when it comes to MMA. The Gym has served not only for MIke to live out a dream of what he knows best put to foward that on to his boy’s and daughter for generation’s to come. The Gym has also given the DF/W area a positive way for kids and the community to come to a place were each person can better them self. The Gym has become a Texas Land Mark in it’s own right and i wish the Bussey family and The Gym much continued success.