I've done martial arts all my life. I came to Mike with one fight under my belt, and since then we have been able to really find my style. I have been able to compete around the world, and win multiple titles. The gym is like my home. I consider every person there my brother (or sister). I train 6 days per week, twice per day in my pursuit of becoming a world class professional fighter.
I've done martial arts all my life. I came to Mike with one fight under my belt, and since then we have been able to really find my style. I have been able to compete around the world, and win multiple titles. The gym is like my home. I consider every person there my brother (or sister). I train 6 days per week, twice per day in my pursuit of becoming a world class professional fighter.
I first got into training at 16 years old in 2020. I took Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu seriously as a competitor, and a student. competing every other weekend, I was awarded my blue belt 1.5 years later. I got into training because I was an overweight teenager at 245 pounds and 6'0 tall. I felt very unmotivated at the regular gym, so I needed something to help me achieve my goal. Training martial arts turned out to be just that. The community was just more accepting, humble and friendly that I could have imagined. The Muay Thai and kickboxing fights didn't start until 3 or 4 years into my journey. I was at a gym where the coaches didn't exactly put any type of effort or thought into me. It made me lose interest in doing striking....until I met Michael Campanella. He helped me achieve not only my weight loss goals, but also showed me the potential I had. He made me realize that I could fight, the belief in my abilities for success, and to be a champion one day.
Coming to Campanella Martial Arts helped me to further my training with more hands on drilling and attention to detail. The coaches and team work together very well to help each other grow, whether it be drills, pad work or sparring.
Joining the gym has really boosted my confidence and shown me that I'm capable of staying dedicated. It's improved my cardio and helped me feel much healthier overall. I love the gym community and have made great friends here—and it's also where I met my wonderful boyfriend, AJ Gilbert!
I started training when I was in high school to get in shape, and started competing shortly after. I've met some of the best people you could know through this sport, and have made friends that will last for life from it.
I've been training at Campanella Martial Arts since the day it opened, and with Mike even before he started the gym. From the beginning, Mike's coaching style stood out. He knows how to push you past your limits, while still meeting you where you are, no matter your skill or experience level. Training at CMA has done far more for me than just improve my technique. It's made me tougher, more disciplined, and more resilient both inside and outside of the gym. The lessons I've learned on the mats about perseverance, patience, and mindset have carried over into every part of my life. Campanella Martial Arts isn't just a gym; it's a community that challenges you to be your best, and supports you every step of the way. I'm proud to be part of it. I can't recommend it highly enough.
One day, I woke up wanting to be a better version of myself and it was in martial arts that I rediscovered the path to becoming my best self. Though it takes time and dedication to rebuild flexibility, agility, and timing, the rewards of this training are unparalleled. The camaraderie and shared commitment to growth within the martial arts community are truly inspiring. As we strive to improve ourselves, we simultaneously uplift one another, fostering a unique bond. In my journey, I have come to appreciate the therapeutic power of movement. Beyond the physical endurance that martial arts training has bestowed upon me, I've also found a newfound stillness and mental clarity. Martial arts, for me, has been a transformative practice, nurturing both body and mind.
I was always a big kid growing up, and I grew up around the karate scene. But, I had stopped doing karate because it wasn't for me. One day, my father took me to a Muay Thai class for the first time. I fell in love with the sport that day. Growing up, I hadn't taken the sport seriously, but around 2018/2019 I decided to take it a bit more seriously. I had once weighed 309 pounds. Today I am proud to say that I am 172 pounds and still on my way down. I started training here at Campanella Martial Arts in May of 2025. I have lost 30 pounds and I am continuing to do lose weight. I love it here! Everyone is supportive, people really just help each other grow. You can just feel it everywhere in the gym. Coach Mike has made me feel like I've made a lot of progress in my training from where I was, and for that I am thankful.
Something in life always made me long for the thrill of combat. But, I never really took the action to train in a gym until last year. Martial arts have not just made me better at fighting, but made me better in almost all aspects of my life. Staying composed, remaining positive in negative situations, and upgrading my swag are all credit to my training. Fighting has helped me read body language, facial expressions, as well as the patterns in nature, more clearly. I can enjoy so much more in life because I am always in a calmer state of mind. It is just the beginning of a crazy journey for me. But, I'm ready for whatever comes!
Training at Campanella Martial Arts has given me so much. It helped me learn how to defend myself, while improving my mental health. It helped me get in shape, and gave me great training partners/friends. Mike is the best at teaching, as well as helping people reach their goals. He truly helps you become part of the team, and making you the best version of yourself.
Training at Campanella Martial Arts has given me so many different positive experiences. It helped me lose over 20lbs, it improved my mental health and surrounded me with an amazing community. Coach Mike has the strongest confidence in those he teaches, and that confidence rubs off on his students in all areas of life.