Ever have dreams of being the next George St. Pierre? If so, you’ll be happy to hear that a mixed-martial arts (MMA) club will be starting up in Jasper, hopefully sooner than later.

Local bylaw officer and MMA enthusiast Greg Ricker is looking to start a not-for-profit club for people wanting to learn and practise their mixed martial arts skills. “It’s a place to come and train, vent your frustration, get your energy flowing and learn a mixed martial art,” said Ricker.  

Ricker, who’s competed in MMA events, will act as the instructor for the club, but he is hoping to bring in some professional trainers from Edson and Edmonton for seminar work and is also looking into affiliating with the Canadian Combat Club in Edson.  

The community has shown lots of interest, said Ricker. “It’s become such a popular sport and so many people like it ... that people want to do it themselves. They’re just looking for a place to vent that energy and what I want to do is provide a place for that,” he said.  

“The greatest thing about it is that it’s going to be a community thing,” he said and “it’s going to give somebody an option, a different kind of exercise.”

The club will focus on grappling based on Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Judo, although much of the work will be on calisthenics. “This is not for the faint of heart,” said Ricker, “you’ve got to be strong physically and mentally.”

Even though MMA is perceived as an out-of-control bone-crushing violent sport, Ricker emphasized that “this club in Jasper is not going to be a blood sport.” He is looking for the Jasper club to be a professional outfit, requiring membership fees for space rentals and equipment purchases.  

Ricker also was quick to say that if people come to train and take the knowledge gained from class and apply it in real life situations, they’ll be banned from the club. It’s for self-defence, not self-offence.  

Initially, Ricker would like to see the club meet once a week, but move up to three days a week, depending on interest. It is for people 18 and older. Women are also encouraged to participate.  For more information, call Greg Ricker at 780-883-9455.