‘Red’ Schafer’s First Week at New MMA School
MMA veteran Eric “Red” Schafer looks forward to resuming his MMA career in 2011, but is now focused on ending the year on a high note with his new gym. Red Schafer’s MMA gym in Milwaukee, Wisconsin has been open for one week now, and we recently caught up with Red to discuss the new adventure.
The first week of a new gym can be an uneasy time with a high level of stress and anxiety — but Schafer’s first week went well.
“We had some very good-sized classes at the night classes, and a few people in the morning sessions,” Schafer told MMA Opinion. “The early classes will obviously be smaller to start, but there are some good students to start building around!”
In addition to the size of the classes, the overall experience also has been an early surprise to Schafer and those involved in the gym.
“It was great. I was surprised at the high level of talent already at the gym. Some very skilled guys signed up that I wasn’t expecting, so there are already some great sparring sessions going on. December is a tough time to spend money, but we were very happy with the amount of enrollments.”
The gym will be expanded “up to 4 times its current size! We already have plans on increased mat space as well as adding some heavy bags, a weight/training area, changing rooms, and much more. It was always in the plans to expand, but this will get us one of the top MMA facilities within months of opening.”
After the holidays, Schafer will begin a larger advertising push to bring attention to the gym. The Midwest grappling scene is especially busy during the winter, so Schafer also hopes to quickly form a grappling team. In the future, Red Schafer MMA plans to work with Neutral Ground and Pura Vida Jiu-Jitsu to help all participating gyms reach a new training level.