Enumclaw's announced on their Facebook page Friday morning that they will be moving into the former site of just off State Route 410 by the end of the year.
The fitness center which specializes in combat sports and martial arts like Brazilian jiu jitsu and kickboxing, as well as higher intensity bootcamp and fighter fit classes, has simply grown too big for its current location inside an industrial complex on Battersby Avenue, next to , said owner Jeff Hougland.
The existing location can accommodate about 100 people on about 1,800 square feet of mat space, he said.
"We were keeping our eyes open for a good spot, and this was a good opportunity and the place on 410 was just perfect," he said.
The new location provides about twice the space and Hougland is taking advantage of that in broadening his class offerings to include more yoga and Zumba classes as well.
Though nearby recently closed, Hougland said he has not worked out any arrangements with instructors who taught there to teach with him. Rather, his instructors are all professional fighters he trains with. "I don't have anybody teaching from the outside," he said. "All the people I know and who coach, I've been training with them for years."
That's not meant to sound intimidating for anyone who might still be looking for a new home upon EFC's closure, but Hougland cautions his facility carries no standard gym equipment like treadmills and ellipticals and workouts are more intense than some people are used to. "We're a workout gym," he said. "We're punching and kicking stuff and moving around. I have fitness classes but they're a little more heavy-duty. It's something that anybody can do. If they stick it out for a week or two, they'll be fine."
Hougland expects to close the facility on Battersby Avenue for a week around Thanksgiving to complete his move, and the new facility should open at the beginning of December.
Combat Sports & Fitness first opened in Enumclaw in 2008. By sheer determination and hardwork, Hougland has amassed a dedicated group of fighters who train at his facility, many of whom currently fight both .
Hougland in 2011 signed with the UFC to fight in the bantamweight division. His next fight happens November 10 in Macau, China against Takeya Mizugaki. Fans can watch that fight on Fuel TV 6.
