Empire Academy of Combat Sports and Fitness

About Empire Academy of Combat Sports and Fitness

Empire Academy of Combat Sports and Fitness, located in Rochester, New York, stands as a premier training center for individuals seeking to excel in MMA, No-Gi Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Muay Thai, and various other combat disciplines. Catering to a broad spectrum of skill levels, from absolute beginners to seasoned experts, and welcoming both adults and younger students, the academy provides a comprehensive and supportive environment for martial arts enthusiasts.

The gym's address is University Building Center, 1150 University Ave #5, in the vibrant Neighborhood of the Arts, Rochester, New York. This central location offers accessibility to students from across the Rochester metropolitan area and beyond. Situated within the University Building Center, Empire Academy of Combat Sports and Fitness provides a dedicated space for focused training. Its strategic placement within the Neighborhood of the Arts adds to the gym's appeal, making it a convenient and inspiring location for martial arts training.

Empire Academy of Combat Sports and Fitness offers a wide range of programs designed to cater to diverse interests and goals within the combat sports and fitness arena. The core programs include:

• Grappling: Encompassing 10th Planet Jiu Jitsu, No-Gi Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, No-Gi Judo & Sambo, and Wrestling, this program focuses on developing a strong foundation in grappling techniques and strategies.
• Empire Muay Thai: This program emphasizes the Dutch Muay Thai training method, known for its dynamic movement, precise footwork, effective combinations, and powerful counter-strikes.
• Mixed Martial Arts (MMA): The MMA program integrates striking, grappling, and clinch work, providing students with a well-rounded skill set for competitive fighting or self-defense.
• Combat Conditioning: Designed to enhance overall athleticism, this program focuses on building strength, speed, coordination, balance, endurance, accuracy, power, and flexibility through a variety of training methods.

The Grappling program offers a diversified approach to ground fighting. Students can explore the innovative techniques of 10th Planet Jiu Jitsu, the traditional principles of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu without the Gi, and the grappling aspects of Judo and Sambo. Wrestling techniques are also integrated to ensure a comprehensive understanding of takedowns and ground control.

The Empire Muay Thai program is rooted in the Dutch style, which is celebrated for its aggressive and effective striking. Students engage in drills that emphasize movement, footwork, and combination striking. Pad work, mitt work, heavy bag work, and sparring drills are all incorporated to refine technique and build conditioning. The program also includes bodyweight exercises and "Holland drills" designed to improve agility and speed.

The Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) program seamlessly blends striking and grappling techniques, allowing students to transition smoothly between stand-up and ground fighting. The program incorporates technical skills, drills, conditioning exercises, and sparring sessions to prepare students for both competition and self-defense situations. Emphasis is placed on developing finishing holds and control techniques to maximize effectiveness in MMA bouts.

The Combat Conditioning program, under the guidance of Coach Rodney Hohenstein, aims to improve overall athletic performance. Through old-school training methods, students work to enhance their strength, speed, coordination, balance, endurance, accuracy, power, and flexibility. This program is designed to complement the other combat sports programs, providing a strong physical foundation for martial arts training.

The team at Empire Academy of Combat Sports and Fitness is led by Director and Head Coach Chris "ZOG" Herzog, a highly experienced martial artist with over 30 years of training. Coach Herzog's extensive background includes competitive experience at the national and international levels in Submission Grappling, Judo, Sambo, and Combat Sambo. He holds multiple black belts, including the only 10th Planet Jiu Jitsu Black Belt on the East Coast awarded by Eddie Bravo, a 4th Degree Black Belt in Judo, and certifications in Kickboxing and Russian Sambo. Coach Herzog also brings his expertise to MMA, Boxing, and BANG Muay Thai.

Wally "The Weapon" MacDonald heads the Muay Thai program, bringing with him over 22 years of experience in martial arts. He holds black belts in Bang Muay Thai, Kickboxing, and Tae Kwon Do, and brown belts in Judo and 10th Planet Jiu Jitsu. His expertise in striking and grappling provides students with a well-rounded approach to Muay Thai training.

Empire Academy of Combat Sports and Fitness promotes a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere where students of all backgrounds and skill levels can thrive. The academy's structured curriculum ensures that students progress systematically, building a solid foundation in the fundamentals while also exploring advanced techniques. The experienced and dedicated instructors provide personalized attention, helping each student achieve their individual goals.

Pricing options at Empire Academy of Combat Sports and Fitness include introductory packages for adults and kids/teens, offering a cost-effective way to try out the various programs. Trial months are also available in specific programs, allowing students to immerse themselves in a particular discipline before committing to a longer-term membership. Regular rates and private lessons are offered to cater to different training preferences and budgets.

The class schedule at Empire Academy of Combat Sports and Fitness features multiple sessions throughout the week for Grappling, Muay Thai, Combat Conditioning, and Junior programs. This flexible schedule allows students to find classes that fit their busy lifestyles, ensuring that they can consistently pursue their martial arts training goals. The comprehensive offerings, combined with the expert instruction and supportive environment, make Empire Academy of Combat Sports and Fitness a leading destination for martial arts enthusiasts in Rochester, New York.

The gym’s operational hours are as follows: Monday from 9AM to 8:30PM, Tuesday from 9AM to 9PM, Wednesday from 9AM to 8:30PM, Thursday from 9AM to 9PM, Friday from 5PM to 7PM, and Saturday from 10:30AM to 2:30PM. The gym is closed on Sundays, allowing for rest and recovery.