Setting up an MMA gym

UKMMA
By UKMMA

Hi All,
I currently run a small risk management company in the UK. On various occasions I have found myself having dealings with people from Arab states and can confidently say that Qataris have been the most friendly.

One of my other hobbies/ passions is Combat sports, indeed I founded one of the UK's top MMA gyms and have had fighters fighting in all of the worlds top fight tournaments, Pride, UFC, K1 the list goes on. My son is currently a two time world champion in MMA and a black belt in BJJ and is regarded very highly in the MMA world.

We are both interested in a change and are considering opening an MMA gym in another country; Qatar being top of the list.

Can any one tell me if there would be a call for an MMA gym with international level coaches and if so how difficult would be such a venture be to set up? I would appreciate any advice, thank you!

By anonymous• 14 Jun 2011 12:08
anonymous

Please get in touch with us at [email protected] as we are developing a gym/fitness centre here and by we would love to offer this sort of thing too. By sharing resources we could develop something much larger as there would be no need to duplicate fixed costs.

By hpm1974• 4 Jun 2011 12:54
hpm1974

That would be excellent. I would def join.

By peteremil• 27 May 2011 06:07
peteremil

I'd be very interested in learning some different fighting styles. Would it also be available for teenagers? Im 15 years old, moving to Qatar this August. Anyways, a great idea to open a gym!

By mugen33• 23 May 2011 10:19
mugen33

If u will be having a MMA gym here(hope so), i am interested.

By frenchieman• 15 May 2011 07:02
frenchieman

UKMMA--Just ignore Rizzo. Everyone else does, as he's just stirring in attempts for attention.

Good luck with your project. I agree with DohaBrit about he potential.

By UKMMA• 15 May 2011 04:09
UKMMA

Thank you very much to those of you that were kind enough to send me emails I very much appreciate your thoughtful advice.

Rizzo I have to say I am lost with your post, but I hope me asking for help hasn't caused you any offence as that was not my intent.

I do love combat sports/martial arts and would like to think that as a sport it transcends some of the political nonsense that goes on. I for one would hold my English brothers in as much esteem as my qatari brothers. I would hope 'inshallah' not to be drawn into any situation were I would have to negatively conflict with some one else, this is neither constructive neither is it me. Once again if my request for information has caused you any offence I sincerely apologise.

By DohaBrit2011• 14 May 2011 22:04
Rating: 4/5
DohaBrit2011

Great potential if set up properly. The locals love their MMA and now's a great time for something a bit different in Qatar. Good sized ex-pat population, who'd also be good clients without a doubt.

I work for a 100% Qatari owned, British run company, specializing in setting up new companies in Qatar and becoming their 51% partner. We'd be happy to talk you through the intricacies of setting up and what you need to expect. For any advice, feel free to get in touch.(I'll PM more details)

By anonymous• 14 May 2011 21:54
anonymous

Why don't you put you tin hat on and go to combat in afganistan with your warmonger mates. One humungous gym for you

By anonymous• 14 May 2011 21:48
Rating: 2/5
anonymous

Well its a great thought. The main part is getting a local Qatari partner. You can either pay them a sponsor fee and set this up or have them as a business partner. Anyways around 51% should be shown as their share in the venture. I do know some influential groups and individuals who just might be interested. If you want to discuss it further drop me a mail on [email protected] .

Cheers,

Steve

+974 66863752

By topnotch• 14 May 2011 21:07
Rating: 3/5
topnotch

There would definitely be lots of demand for it. Start up costs would set you back around 10,000-15,000 pounds I reckon (legal fees etc..), maybe a little more, and you would need around 40,000 pounds in a bank account for a month as proof of capital, there are companies that specialise in doing all that for you, other than that a Qatari must have a controlling stake (51%) of the company. If your interested I have some Qatari friends that may very well interested in such a venture. If you need any more info let me know.

By topnotch• 14 May 2011 21:03
topnotch

*

By masterchief• 14 May 2011 20:27
Rating: 4/5
masterchief

Just my cents; Martial arts are pretty much in demand, I tried kick boxing and muay thai gyms and they both run full classes multiple times a day.

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