JANUARY 2012 MMA STUDENT OF THE MONTH
MARK CARDARELLI
Before I joined USMMA I was fighting a disease the Doctors could not explain. I went through years of tests and suffered extreme pain with continuous cortisone shots in my shoulders and feet. When I was at rock bottom (a day I will never forget). My doctor diagnosed me with Rheumatoid Arthritis and I started treatment right away. So needless to say I was in the worst shape of my entire life and I needed to get back on track.
My son and I went out researching various gyms. Of course I was unable to join a gym that would be too stressful on my joints and my son wanted a place where he could learn boxing and self
defense. After months of searching the internet, newspapers and local yellow pages, we ended up at the USMMA doorstep.
Upon arrival the owner Tom Hafers greeted us and he gave us a tour of his facility. This was nothing like I had ever seen before. It’s a completely
different approach to the boring gym routine. For us this was perfect. Padded mats throughout the gym so no stress on the joints. There is a wide
selection of various workout classes and enough cardio for a race horse. But the main thing that separates them from all others is the people. The talent and knowledge of the Owner, Instructors, Professional Fighters and Students is phenomenal. They have the ability to articulate instructions so every student can properly learn. The results are proof of that.
Where am I today you might ask? Well I lost 50 lbs and I am high school skinny. My cholesterol levels are perfect. I have not been healthier in over 20 years.
My son and I both won our Amateur debut MMA fights to be the first father and son listed on the same fight card in Massachusetts. Yes you read that correctly. I competed in a mixed martial arts competition, as well as several submission tournaments in which I placed 1st. USMMA has changed my life and for that I am eternally grateful.
“If that’s what they have done for me, just imagine what they can do for you!”
