Photo: vesti.kz
ASTANA – Qazaq Batyry, Central Asia’s largest martial arts academy, which includes 10 training groups, recently opened in Astana, vesti.kz reported Dec. 19.
“Our [Academy] offers a variety of the most popular martial arts,” said Chairman of the Supervisory Board of the Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) Federation of Kazakhstan Aidar Makhmetov. “We have established an all-purpose academy – that’s what makes us special. There is no need to look for an ‘octagon’ or a boxing ring, no need to feel torn apart. We have punching bags, Cross Fit gear all under one roof. In due time, the academy will become the centre of trainings for professional fighters in order to take part in big competitions of national and international scope. We want to bring up Kazakh champions, batyrs so they would represent our country with dignity. At the same time, we will also set up favourable terms to train youth.”
Photo: vesti.kz
The academy offers training in martial arts, such as grappling, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, boxing, mixed martial arts (MMA), Thai boxing, judo, karate, Cross Fit and yoga and, as the main feature of the 850-square-metre facility, it offers a professional octagon ring for hosting MMA fights.
“We ordered the mats for our octagon and the ring from Europe,” said President of the Academy Kanat Alin. “As for the construction itself – we ordered it in Astana. To lift the interest in our trainings, we are planning to host master classes with world-class fighters.”
The academy plans to introduce yearly and monthly fees starting between 20,000-25,000 tenge (US$59-$72) for adults, depending on the range of services and 18,000 tenge (US$52) for children. The academy’s capacity is 900 pupils per month, operating hours from 7 a.m. until 11 p.m.
