Train like a professional fighter and unleash your frustrations in the gym - it's a great one-two combination fighting fitness

Written by Leigh Savage, Photos by Shane Orr

I went into 9Round as Leigh, mild-mannered writer and slightly stressed mom. But by the time I left, I was ready to take on any challenge - I was "The Savage."

9Round, the Greenville-based brainchild of veteran boxer and kickboxer Shannon "The Cannon" Hudson, prides itself on bringing out the fighter in every participant, offering a fastpaced, boxing-style workout that can be customized to suit any age, size or fitness level. And there's no hitting or being hit - this is "old-school" training that involves jump ropes, punching bags and cardio drills.

"It's fitness with a purpose," says Hudson, who has competed in martial arts, boxing and kickboxing since he was 7 years old. "You get aerobic, anaerobic and resistance training in 30 minutes, and you're training like a pro."

Though workouts like running, biking and weight-lifting will always have their place, local athletes and those looking for a challenge are finding a variety of options that allow them to get fit while also learning new skills.

Hudson and his wife, Heather "Li'l Bomb" Hudson, founded 9Round in July 2008 and now have more than 400 members at their Butler Road location, with a franchise already open in Simpsonville and another slated to open on Augusta Road in early 2010.

The fight names are a way to break the ice with new members, who come up with their alter ego on their first visit.

"People are sometimes a little intimidated when they come in," Hudson says. "Right out of the gate, we want them to know this is different - they will be coached every time they come in, and it

will be fun."

Billy Fletcher, owner of Alliance Jiu-Jitsu/Crossfit Alliance in Greenville, has clients who say they are bored with typical gym workouts and are  looking for something new. His jiu-jitsu classes are designed to teach the art of self-defense, but overall conditioning is a notable side benefit.

"Just running or biking will get people into shape, but it doesn't encompass everything," Fletcher says. "Jiu-jitsu offers everything - strength, flexibility, coordination, cardiovascular conditioning. We don't promote it as a fitness program but people definitely get more fit."

The same is true of the Linic Mixed Martial Arts program at Brit's Brothers in Greenville. "It's for people who want to learn and become fighters," says instructor Cody Freeland. "It's kickboxing, wrestling, and Brazilian jiu-jitsu, mixed into one class."

Freeland, a competitive kickboxer for eight years, says one key benefit of combat-style workouts is that it creates function. "I ask weight-lifters, what's the point of having guns if you don't have the ammo? Why not create functional muscle while learning to defend yourself and improving your fitness?"

For those who are less interested in fighting and more interested in full-body, cardio-based workout, Freeland teaches a fitness kickboxing class that offers a taste of the sport.

Another benefit of adding martial arts or combat-style workouts is that the specific skills are ever-evolving.

"I've been doing jiu-jitsu for 10 years, and I learn something new every day," Fletcher says. "I'm never going to master it; there is always room for improvement. And it combines the mental aspect along with the physical component."

At 9Round, Hudson uses the same equipment pro boxers use to improve accuracy, speed and timing. "You're getting in shape while also learning self-defense moves, learning kicks and punches."

Heather Hudson, a 1st-degree black belt and head trainer at 9Round, says alternate exercises are always available, including easier circuits for beginners as well as more difficult plyometric work for competitive athletes and other ultra-fit members.

The training is organized into nine stations, and participants spend three minutes at each, with "active rest" in between. Shannon Hudson, who has competed in Chuck Norris' World Combat League, modeled the workouts on how he stays fit when he is pressed for time. He focuses on taking his clients to the next level, whether they are new to fitness or experienced triathletes.

Tommy Hood, owner of Carolina Karate & Fitness, also makes sure each of his students gets a customized experience.

"People may be overweight, or injured, or they've had surgery," he says. "Our classes include different types of conditioning, and they are oriented to you and to what you can get out of it. If you can do 20 pushups, do 20. If you can do five, do five, and maybe next time you'll do six."

Like most martial arts programs, Hood's classes aren't promoted as exercise classes and are designed for those wanting to learn karate, but he has many members who sign up for his  Adult Beginner class looking for a new way to get fit.

"The first four months here are oriented to getting in shape, getting into condition to learn the next level of belts," he says. The first months may include push-ups, sit-ups, jump-roping, shuttle sprints and exercises using a ball.

For those already in good shape, the karate classes can boost flexibility, balance, mental strength and control.

"It definitely helps with control of the mind - when you get to the point where you are tired, it will help you know how to push a little more," he says. The full-body workout and the fun of learning new skills make martial arts classes and combat-style training less like exercise and more like an active hobby such as surfing, Hood says. "Surfing is great exercise, but it's never boring and is more like play," he says. "This is really like grown-up playtime."