This new MMA gym in Ames is kicking down records
When it comes to mixed martial arts, “the whole is greater than the sum of its parts,” according to Kyven Gadson.
Gadson, a well-known name in Iowa State Cyclone wrestling, has teamed up with Jake Bower, the owner of Myriad Mixed Martial Arts Academy.
Located at 417 Duff Ave., Myriad is a gym with a multifaceted approach to martial arts and a big emphasis on creating a community for its customers.
Gadson is a two-time All-American, who wrestled for Iowa State University under head coach Kevin Jackson. He was the 2015 national champion at 197 and earned two Academic All-Big 12 mentions. He is co-owner of Myriad MMA Academy alongside Bower.
MMA promotes physical strength and problem-solving
Gadson and Bower both believe that learning self-defense can support character development and can enhance physical prowess as well.
“I think for myself and Jake, when we think about what mixed martial arts has done for us, it’s holistically, from a mind, a spirit and a body standpoint,” Gadson said. “We’ve grown because of these challenges that come from being fans and practitioners of mixed martial arts.”
Discipline and problem-solving are two of the many cerebral benefits of learning mixed martial arts, Bower said.
“It teaches you self-respect and discipline and also respect for other people as well,” he said. “You never know who might have what abilities.”
Myriad offers a variety of training, including grappling, striking and kickboxing. A free, 48-hour pass makes it easy to test out the gym.
Local MMA academy is competitive but also welcoming
The gym has been in its current location for about a year after moving from a basement on the west end of Main Street due to flooding.
Myriad has a vibe that seems to make all of its members feel right at home. It offers a large, bright, high-ceilinged gym connected to a comfortable lounge area.
“It’s an environment that allows us to train competitively while keeping it relaxed enough to always be able to ask questions and discuss different techniques,” said gym member John Runestad. “We leave our egos at the door.”
Bower said that although the gym has a competitive atmosphere, it is also very welcoming.
“We’re always looking to bring the beginners in and make them feel welcome and try to catch them up and get them to where they need to be,” he said. “We have a very strong team vibe where you’ll see the guys and girls supporting each other, whether it’s in practice or competition.”
Mixed martial arts offers myriad benefits
Myriad instructors Joel Dudley and Haris Variz agree with the myriad benefits of mixed martial arts.
Dudley came to Ames from Florida to attend Iowa State. He was already training in jiu-jitsu and wanted to find a gym to continue.
“I’ve trained at a lot of different gyms across other states, and the environment here is really good," Dudley said. "It’s very friendly and very supportive."
Variz, a Ph.D. student at Iowa State, has long been involved in martial arts after quickly falling in love with the sport.
“I always thought self-defense is a basic skill everyone should own,” he said. “It gives you so many benefits — being able to protect not just yourself but everybody around you.”
Being at Myriad feels like a home base to Variz.
“It was always so welcoming here,” he said.
He compares mixed martial arts to chess, but more intense and three-dimensional. The opponent is creating a problem that he has to solve.
“It’s a great place for people to develop themselves, not just in martial arts but I feel like I’ve gained so many skills,” Variz said.
For Dudley, his time at Myriad has provided him with strong role models, something he said was missing in his youth.
“You get people from all different ages, and they’re able to help guide you through situations,” Dudley said. “I’ve had a lot of help navigating life in general. It’s been a great support system.”
Ronna Faaborg covers business and the arts for the Ames Tribune. Reach her at rfaaborg@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Ames Tribune: Former ISU wrestler is a co-owner of this new MMA gym in Ames
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