Constantino (C) has been working hard on developing his team (Maggie Krol/MMADieHards.com)
American Martial Arts Fight Club has emerging stars like Jim Miller and Charlie Brenneman, but owner Mike Constantino is quick to point out that you cannot sleep on anyone in his gym.
Constantino opened the Whippany, N.J. facility’s doors some seven years ago, and though he has endured growing pains throughout this endeavor, he is happy with the success of his gym. His enterprise began with a vast knowledge of martial arts but few fighters. However, before long Constantino had the ball rolling.
“When I first started I was fighting for myself at the time,” Constantino told MMADieHards.com. ”I also had Chris Volo and the Miller brothers (Dan and Jim). It started very quick and it all happened pretty quick, so I had trainers and other fighters with me in no time.”
There were setbacks off the mats. Like many business ventures, Constantino’s experienced financial woes and sour deals. This did not come as a surprise to the former bodyguard, but he admitted it was not easy.
“That’s expected,” Constantino said. “The business part is probably the hardest part of everything.”
Business aside, sparring with some of the gym’s elite combatants isn’t exactly simple, either. Constantino has built a system in which the martial artists under him are there to not only improve their game, but also assist each other when needed. He tries to set a vibe that incorporates a strong work ethic with a little fun, but when it’s time to be serious he expects his team to buckle down.
“I like to keep a hard-working team atmosphere,” Constantino explained. “I like to keep it light but serious at the same time. We like to have fun, but we train hard. The guys know when it’s time to joke and when it’s time to work, so I’d say it’s a good atmosphere here.”
The feel of the gym must be working because AMA now has a stable of competitors, most of whom he also manages, that are making a statement in their respective divisions. Jim Miller and Brenneman are the two most squarely in the spotlight.
Miller is set to face Ben Henderson at UFC Live on Versus 5 on Aug. 14. A victory might be the final step to a lightweight title shot. Brenneman is coming off a Rocky-esque victory over Rick Story and is scheduled to jump back in the Octagon on Oct. 1 against highly regarded Anthony Johnson at UFC Live on Versus 6.
Constantino is proud of both of them, but not overly surprised at their progression.
(Dan Rod/MMAPhotoNews.com photo)
“Jim is at the top, he’s one fight away from a championship,” Constantino said. “Charlie has a tough fight coming up against Johnson, and he’s coming off that big victory. They’re both right there.
“Both of those guys are good. I never doubted either one of them from the beginning. I knew Jim had the talent from the minute I met him. I never have to worry about him, no matter who they put him up against. I know he’s going to perform to the best of his ability and he will be physically ready.”
While Constantino praises those two, he is adamant that the fighters in his gym hold no ranking. Much like a good parent, he treats everyone the same and voices equal appreciation to all.
“The whole team is great, here,” Constantino stated. “In addition to those guys we got Rafaello Oliveira, Dan Miller, Ricardo Romero, Mike Massenzio, Amanda Nunes, Adlan Amagov, Sean Santella, Andy Main, and so many more good fighters. Right there is a bunch of talented fighters. They all help each other and it’s just a good, hard-working gym. Everyone here works hard and I thank them for that.”
With the growing staff of superior athletes that are under Constantino, he was forced to expand and open more facilities.
Constantino’s expansions are staying in his home state of New Jersey. Now the owner of a second gym, in Pompton Lakes, with a third on the horizon, Constantino intends to grow as much as possible.
“We just opened (Pompton Lakes) … and the third one is in negotiations now, so I want to check out a few places,” Constantino said. ”We’ll see what happens from there.”
Since the day AMA opened its doors the theme has remained constant: progression and success. Now having two gyms that are loaded with talent, and on the verge of launching his third, Constantino is succeeding with his initial goal of owning a world-class training facility in the sport of MMA.
“I’m proud of the gym and all of the guys in it,” Constantino said. “This was one of my goals and we’re still trying to improve it every day. This is what I set out to do and I’m happy to accomplish it.”
With the packed house of lethal mixed martial artists at Whippany and the growing number at Pompton Lakes, it’s an easy assumption there is some unknown on the rise who will gain notice in a cage near you very soon.
Nevertheless, Constantino makes it simple as to who you can expect big things from coming out of AMA in the future.
“You should watch out for all of them” he said. “All of our guys work hard. So, fear all of them.”
VERY NICE MY TEAM AMA FIGHT CLUB LOVE MIKE CONSTANTINO TOGETHER