Mixed martial arts and kickboxing are some of the toughest sports out there, and TRIBE Gym & Martial Arts in Camden is at the forefront of activity, having produced several regional champions.
On Feb. 4, seven members and students of Geoff Triaollini, owner/head coach of the TRIBE Gym & Martial Arts, competed in the Real Deal Championship in El Dorado. All seven won their events, a monumental moment for the gym as it strives to show how serious it, and kickboxing and MMA, are.
Joseph Smith won his kickboxing exhibition event with no problem. Jose Acuna and Grayden Ramsay won in their MMA debuts in the first round with a technical knockout and submission, respectively. Thomas Finney won his kickboxing debut in a first round TKO. Kurt Clowers won by unanimous decision through three rounds in his MMA fight.
Two TRIBE Gym members participated in championship events in kickboxing: Joshua Fitzgerald and former Camden Fairview football star Trey Frazier. Fitzgerald defeated his opponent in the third round by submission to claim the regional championship title in the 125-pound division. Frazier took down his opponent via decision after five big rounds as he defended his 175-pound division title.
TRIBE Gym is preparing for another big tournament in Hot Springs on Saturday, April 8. Smith and Fitzgerald are each preparing for another big kickboxing fight while Frazier is preparing his professional MMA debut.
These fighters focus on discipline, attention to detail and execution, but most of all, the friendship and bond between themselves as members of TRIBE Gym. Triaollini said he's made developing bonds with other members a critical key to winning tournament events or even just overcoming obstacles.
"I've been to a lot of gyms, probably pushing close to 100 of them across the country," Finney said, "but honestly, nothing comes to Tribe. Everyone is a family. Everyone takes care of everyone and coach is our leader."
One example of a member of TRIBE Gym overcoming personal obstacles is Smith, who was 65 pounds heavier before participating in kickboxing classes. He changed his diet and began weight training, dropping the weight within a year. Now he competes in kickboxing tournaments, including one scheduled in April.
Frazier had his kickboxing debut June 18, 2022, winning the match through TKO. He continues to develop himself and will also compete again in April.
Photo By: Michael Hanich
Joseph Smith participating in kickboxing drills at TRIBE Gym.
Photo By: Michael
Joshua Fitzgerald participating in kickboxing drills at TRIBE Gym.