In 2007 and 2008 I used to attend Capitol City Cage Fights (CCCF) in Salem as a spectator, and then later as an announcer for a few fights, which featured mostly amateur MMA fights with the occasional pro fight.
It soon became apparent from watching the fights and interacting my with the fighters during the CCCF bouts, the technical skills of the Impact fighters (from various Oregon Impact locations) were a standout amongst the other gyms that had fighters competing. Their averages for wins were above the rest. I also never observed an Impact fighter show up ill-prepared or overweight. Impact's professionalism and discipline was apparent; and their fighters were great ambassadors for their brand and the sport. I haven't kept up with the Oregon fight scene in a long time. A lot has happened over the years including the successful spreading of Impact gyms down from Portland to Sherwood, Newberg, Salem, and McMinnville.
In 08 I became a dad & money/time became extremely tight as I sought other entrepreneurial ventures. I trained occasional with friends or my bro-in-law when I had a chance but never Impact.
Years later around 2017, still a cop, I started at the Impact location in Salem training off-and-on always having phenomenal experiences. I would also train BJJ separately with some of my cop buddies. Fast fwd to today. I haven't trained with Impact in a couple of years (not Impact's fault), but I continued to train with weights and work on the heavy bag to keep up some level of grappling conditioning in view of Impact training sessions at the Courthouse gym they operated out of.
I will say this about Nic Gilardi (Salem owner). He is dedicated to his coaches, students, and their betterment. I've seen how the children's, women's, Muay Thai, boxing, BJJ, and MMA specific classes are all run. What I have seen consists of good folks all working together to get better where egos are expected to be checked when one steps on the matts (read the signs they have posted). It's also worth noting Nic Gilardi (Salem Impact owner) has also devoted his own personal time to training law enforcement officers. For those that don't know, as a former 'defensive tactics' (title for law enforcement's version of martial arts, so to speak) instructor (which doesn't make me anything special by the way), when the public sees what they deem as excessive force, it's generally a result of a poorly trained cop who panics and use poor techniques when faced with a physical fight or resistance out of their comfort zone. Good training like what Nic offers for cops to take part in during their off time directly results in more cool-headed confident cops, who can more efficiently and safely take a resisting subject into custody, vital for the wellbeing of the public especially in the bipolar political environment that at times can be at odds with law enforcement.
I digress.. but will say one more thing. Some people gripe about the price BJJ gyms, but I will say Nic is a self made guy who scrapped his way up to earn and continue to earn his BJJ black belt plus a few stripes while dealing with all the trials and tribulations of being a business owner including during COVID. Salem Impact continues to help people become better people. Current estimates are that only .0006 % of the world (maybe 50,0000 out 8.1 billion people) walk this earth that have a legit black belt in BJJ. His instructors have put more time into gaining their ranks than it takes to get a bachelor's degree, with a few who have more time in than it would take to get a PHD, with 3 black belts having been created in the under Nic. For those who don't know who are used to seeing 10+ black belts walking around in kata-based 'traditional' martial arts dojos, developing 3 BJJ practitioners (all of whom have humbled me on the mats in a way where no ego was involved that made me better) is a huge feat which contributes to the Salem-Keizer community as whole. Their presence quietly and humbling walking amongst us makes our community safer.
The level of expertise offered is at bargain compared to other specialized trainings found in the professional or corporate world. Training in BJJ or any worthwhile martial arts that includes sparring made up of more than just katas (not talking trash on katas) makes better humans and is a great antidote to the Victim mentality that has become a cancer in today's society(my views do not necessarily reflect Impact:).
It's import to note, I have no dog in the fight in regard to Impact. I have not talked to Nic in a couple of years. I also have nothing financially to gain by this post. Whether it's with Impact or somewhere else... Get your kids and yourself signed up. OSS! read more
