June was an incredible and BUSY month for our competition team here at The Cellar Gym! Read on for a few major highlights of our big wins throughout the month.

2024 TBA Classic

We brought our biggest team ever to the 2024 TBA Classic Muay Thai tournament in Des Moines, Iowa. With 30 fighters – 16 adults and 14 youth – this was a record-breaking team for both our gym and the tournament itself. Here’s just a few of our accomplishments of the weekend:

• All together, our team participated in an impressive total of 48 fights.
• Our team achieved a commendable record of 28 wins and 20 losses, translating to a solid 58% win rate.
• Securing 10 belts, we celebrated a remarkable 30% win rate in winning championship belts.
• We were this year’s overall team points champions for the second consecutive year.
• Congratulations to Sam Bailey for earning “fighter of the tournament” honors for the second time!
• We also want to specially acknowledge Linda Gosslin. Linda stepped into the ring for her first ever Muay Thai fight at the age of 60, and brought home the belt! Congratulations, Linda!

This success goes beyond victories in the ring; it reflects the strength of our team spirit and unity. Throughout the weekend, our fighters supported each other like family, embodying teamwork at its finest. Many doubted our decision to bring 30 fighters, but with the unwavering support of our coaches, teammates, and families, we not only pulled it off but kicked butt!

We extend heartfelt thanks to our team parents for their organization, snacks, and unwavering support. To our coaches, whose dedication and preparation were instrumental. And to the teammates who traveled long distances to cheer, warm up, and celebrate together—your commitment is invaluable.

Together, we’ve proven that with determination, teamwork, and community support, anything is possible. Here’s to more victories, growth, and camaraderie in the future!

2024 American National IBJJF Jiu-Jitsu Championship

Cellar BJJ athletes Abdulmouhsen Alfulaij, Tara Mitchell, Kenzie Swartz, and Professor Dave Margraf traveled to Las Vegas, Nevada for the IBJJF 2024 American Nationals. Tara Mitchell had a dominant performance through the weekend, capturing Gold in the Women’s Masters 1 Blue Belt Division. We are so incredibly proud of our BJJ team and of Tara, the Cellar’s latest national champion!

Ignite Fights Mecca XXII

To finish off a very successful month, Muay Thai fighters Katie Locken and Taylor Meyers fought at Ignite Fights’ Mecca XXII Muay Thai event on June 29th at Canterbury Park.

Taylor Meyers fought a great fight landing explosive right hands as well as some solid knees and elbows in the clinch. She got to showcase all her weapons and she won her fight by unanimous decision. Congratulations Taylor!

In a fight for the Ignite Women’s Muay Thai title, Katie began the fight by establishing her jab and low kick. She landed several damaging low kicks throughout the fight, but her best moments came in the 4th and 5th rounds. Katie was able to drive the fight to the cage wall and land vicious knees and elbows in the clinch. She won by unanimous decision to capture the title. Congratulations Coach Katie!