MMA Ushered Into AZ With Opening of Newest Lion’s Den Facility

Posted on | May 15, 2008 | No Comments

By: Holli Yargo Hearne

So supportive was Ken Shamrock of Arizona as a viable market for mixed martial arts, he not only assisted Representative Jonathan Paton in his efforts to sanction the sport in the state but is also opening his newest Lion’s Den facility there, as well. The new Den, at over 8,000 sq feet, is set to open on May 30. The legendary fighter is planning no ordinary grand-opening party, either. This grand opening is going to happen in grand style – with an infamous Lion’s Den tryout.

With respect to the new Den, the World’s Most Dangerous Man and his AZ staff have devised an all-new format for choosing their Scottsdale Lion’s Den Elite Team. Historically, Den tryouts were notoriously savage and not at all for the casual athlete; testing a hopeful’s stamina, heart, and tolerance for prolonged punishment. What the new format may lack in shear brutality will be more than made up for in fierce intensity. This time, candidates must have more than heart. With only 12 spots available for the new team, these candidates will have to prove they also have skills.

Those choosing to compete for one of the highly coveted spots had better come prepared. Skills and conditioning will be tested in a series of challenging drills that Shamrock has designed to pinpoint the very best. To ensure only the highest quality performers, the new format will be conducted elimination-style and promises to be extremely competitive.

The athletes with enough talent to earn a place on the elite team will have the chance to put their skills and training to the test in nationwide events against other top fighters. They will also enjoy training with expert coaches who are proven champions in their own right.

“The Lion’s Den is one of the most respected MMA fighting team organizations in the world. Fighters chosen for the Lion’s Den Elite Team will train with world renowned coaches, all champions and proven experts in their discipline,” says Scott Peters, Lion’s Den Partner and offensive center for the Arizona Cardinals. “Lion’s Den Scottsdale’s elite coaching staff includes Ken Shamrock, Bob Karmel, Rick “the Jet” Roufus, Edwin “Bam Bam” Dewees” and Chad Ikei, from Ikei Sports Performance.”

With a lengthy history of cultivating champions like Guy Mezger, Jerry Bohlander, Pete Williams, Mikey Burnett, Joe Hurley, and Vernon White, Shamrock is confident his new elite team will continue the Den legacy of winners.

“Lion’s Den Scottsdale fighters will have the best training, representation, and sponsorship opportunities available,” Shamrock explained. “We will also be holding our own Ken Shamrock Production (KSP) professional MMA events nationwide which provide the athlete the opportunity to put their skills and training to the test in premier MMA promotions. No MMA training center in Arizona can bring this caliber of training and exposure to their professional athletes.”

The Lion’s Den tryouts will be held June 1, at Lion’s Den Mixed Martial Arts Training Center located at 2954 N. Hayden Road in Scottsdale. For more information about the Lion’s Den Elite Team tryouts, contact the Elite Team recruiter, Lance Foreman, at lforeman@kshamrockprod.com or call (530) 252-8071.