LOCAL BUSINESS
A new, local gym aims to train championship MMA fighters under the supervision of a coach who worked with former Olympic athletes.
San Marcos Academy of Sport and Health offers Mixed Martial Arts training for all ages and all levels, from beginners to professionals. SMASH, located at 1006 TX-Highway 80, is an MMA gym that opened in January.
Although SMASH is a relatively new gym, head coach Cody Hoffstatter is an experienced fighter with an impressive leadership background. Hoffstatter has 17 years of coaching experience and coached fighters for Team USA at The International Mixed Martial Arts Federation.
He also has experience as a pro fighter and history in competing in a variety of martial arts. He’s known in fighting circles as a well-educated and experienced coach.
“We’re trying to get MMA recognized as an Olympic sport, and the Federation is doing a good job of organizing everything,” said Hoffstatter. “So hopefully, one day, this will be bringing Olympic champions back to San Marcos.”
Co-owner Nicholas Aluotto transformed an approximately 1,000 square-foot warehouse on Highway 80 into the gym. Aluotto believes martial arts training can benefit a person in multiple ways, not just physically.
“So somebody’s got some big exam out there, and they’re like, ‘Oh, I’m gonna fail this exam,’” Aluotto said. “I would say MMA would help you improve your grades because it really eliminates excuse-making; and that’s the kind of coaching Cody brings to the table. He doesn’t let you sell out on yourself.”
One of the goals for SMASH is to grow the amateur program and incorporate a pro-athlete program later. Hoffstatter understands the physical, cognitive and emotional benefits of introducing MMA to youth-aged fighters. Hoffstatter hopes to positively impact his students and the San Marcos community by offering MMA as an outlet for stress relief and personal growth.
“I want to take my athletes and compete on an international level,” said Hoffstatter. “I want to show the world that America has the best fighters and the best athletes, and I want to improve the quality of the lives of the people in my community.”
Hoffstatter has brought in fighters to train at SMASH that he helped train for the IMMAF. Among them is Jack Christensen, a fighter who has trained with Hoffstatter for four years. Christensen said the fighters at the gym are dedicated and are excited to train with Hoffstatter. He also acknowledges his role in helping Hoffstatter in mentoring the less experienced fighters.
“I’m kind of fitting in as a big brother sort of figure,” said Christensen. “People see me come and go. They don’t see me here all the time, but they know that I have a certain level of achievement and entertainment in this sport. So they look up to me and want advice.”
On March 15, SMASH and Hoffstatter had their first competition as a team. Some fighters won, some lost, but Hoffstatter sees it as a valuable experience for competing publicly. He plans to have his team compete more to gain the experience needed to be successful at a high level.
Carson Isaac was one of Hoffstatter’s fighters that competed at the event. He has been with the gym ever since it opened in January. Isaac likes the coaching mentality of Hoffstatter, which has taught him how to harness his mental strength for overcoming fear and weakness. He said he has learned how to override his insecurities through logic and determination.
“It wasn’t as scary as I thought it was gonna be,” said Isaac, reflecting on his experience competing. “I’ve been scared in the past, … [but] the experience was … just fun, man. It was just me and all my friends doing what we do.”
Hoffstatter looks to bring his fighters to another competition on April 12 in Houston. He also plans to have his fighters try out for Team USA in late April or early May.
“Come join the gym,” he said. “Come train. Everybody who steps in the door, it’s my purpose to improve their lives. I promise anybody who comes and trains here will leave a better person.”
For more information on SMASH, visit smashtx. team.
Jack Christensen performs a double leg on Carson Isaac during practice at SMASH, located at 1006 TX-Highway 80. Photo courtesy of Matthew DeLeon
