Fight Love and Lift: Grand Opening of Thornton Martial Arts & Fitness

Happy Grand Opening to Thornton Martial Arts & Fitness, home of Sityodtong Connecticut!

I would first and foremost like to say that I am so thankful and honored to be a part of such an amazing fight family and team. Ed and Lynda Thornton have done an absolutely amazing job of creating a well rounded, functional, beautiful, and successful gym. They have taken a dream and turned it into reality, truly inspiring.

Me, Kru Ed Thornton & Master Lynda Thornton

In my time working within fitness facilities, I have had the chance to attend and help run many grand opening events, but none quite like this one. The Thornton's have put in countless hours and sleepless nights working their butts off to get their gym up and running, and boy have they done an exceptional job.

Yesterday, May 16th, was the official ribbon cutting ceremony at Thornton Martial Arts and Fitness. Typically ribbon cutting ceremonies are more or less a picture op and a chance to get to meet town officials and chamber of commerce members, nothing too special. But the Thornton's had a much better idea for their ceremony. Ed and Lynda put together a great line up of demonstrations, as well as a list of speakers to help welcome the gym to the town of East Hartford. Students wowed the Mayor and town officials with demonstrations of Muay Thai techniques, Tang Soo Do moves, and board breaking. We were joined by great speakers who welcomed Ed and Lynda to the town of East Hartford with open arms. It was the most energized and exciting ceremony I have ever had the pleasure to be a part of.

Fast forward to today, May 17th. The gym opened up its doors bright and early and started with kids karate classes. 11:00 am rolls around and we had the great pleasure to participate in a 2 hour Muay Thai seminar with Kru Mark Dellagrotte from Sityodtong Boston.

For those of you who are not familiar with Mark, he is a top MMA and Muay Thai trainer having worked with several UFC fighters, movie stars like Kevin James, and top local talent.

The night closed out with a series of Muay Thai and BJJ matches. Connecticut fighters represented their schools while earning experience in the ring. Each match was fought hard and with respect, every competitor walked away having learned something new, and with the ability to call their opponent a friend. More pictures from the grand opening will be up soon. Also, stay tuned for a video interview with Kru Mark Dellagrotte. Sawadee Krap everyone! Train hard, fight easy.