I’ve known Ed for 8 years. He helped me get signed with American Top Team. He is one of the most well rounded MMA Trainers I know. Consider this, Ed Clay could compete at a professional level in ANY of the sports that are needed to be an MMA fighter. He's a black belt in BJJ, pro level Thai Boxer, college level wrestler, and most people don't know this, but his boxing is probably his biggest strength. His dedication to his students is admirable and his no nonsense, no BS approach to training has made him highly respected nationwide. I would recommend anyone to train at Nashville MMA as I have done a number of times over the years!
Jeff “The Snowman” Monson UFC & Pride Veteran Abu Dhabi World Champion
If you want to train real Mixed Martial Arts in the Nashville area, you
might as well train with one of the best trainers in the country. He has
been a part of my training camps over the years and I can tell you that Ed
Clay is one of the most well rounded MMA trainers around. Whether you want
to train BJJ, Muay Thai, Boxing, or wrestling, Ed has extensive background
in everything. Ed was doing real MMA before people knew what real MMA was!
I can't imagine living in Nashville and not training with him...There is
no other choice but Nashville MMA!
Brandon “The Truth” Vera UFC Heavyweight Contender
Thank you everyone for coming out to our second
in house Thai boxing Smoker and Bjj Tourney. We had
a great turn out as Nemisis and Guardian brought out
students to participate. This thing will only get
bigger and better. We had over 150 spectators and
participants this past Saturday. We will be throwing
our next one in October so get ready and have some
fun. Below you will find the results. Once again
thanks for supporting the sport!!!!!!!!!!
White Belt: 145 and under
1st place: Dustin Ortiz
2nd place: Lee Gasser
White belt: 146 to 165
1st place: Ray Taslimi
2nd place: John Hoskins
3rd place: Willy Johnson
White Belt: 166 to 185
1st place: Kevin Patterson
2nd Place: Austin Russel
3rd Place: Arne Grays
Kids bracket:
1st place: Jake
2nd place: Calvin
3rd place: Taj
Blue belt:
1st place: Drew Dixon
2nd Place: Floyd Naughton
Thai Boxing smoker:
Justin Vs. Colton winner Justin
Kenny Vs. Stephen winner Kenny
D-Bow Vs. Jesse winner D-bow
Kendal vs. Ande draw.
6/9/08
Nashville MMA in cooperation with the Nashville Alcohol and Drug council hosted a training event for Camp Summer Sign, which is a part of the Brentwood Baptist Deaf Church.
During the fun filled two our event, children learned take downs, sparred with UFC Veteran Josh Shockman in the boxing ring, and then sat in the cage for a question and answer period.
“Thanks again for doing this,” said Laura Lekowicz who arranged the event.
This was the third time the kids came for training and they hope to be back later this summer.
5/20/08:
The Tennessee Legislature approved a bill legalizing Mixed Martial Arts today. The bill passed with overwhelming support in both houses. The Senate approved a modified version of the bill with a vote of 30-0. The House voted 91-0 to adopt the final bill.
Legislators hope that bringing the sport to Tennessee will generate significant tax revenue for the state. Senator Doug Jackson stated on the Senate floor, “Passing this bill means a potential 100 million dollars in economic impact for our state.”
The sport of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) is the fastest growing sport in the nation. The sport made popular by the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) in the 1990’s has grown into a booming industry. The first major network television broadcast of a MMA event is scheduled for May 31, on CBS.
The House Sponsor of the bill, Curry Todd (D) Nashville, was a key player in making Mixed Martial Arts a reality in Tennessee. Passage of the bill was in danger Tuesday morning when the Senators began fighting over who would receive the proceeds from the tax revenue. Todd and Jackson were able to broker a deal with Senate Republicans and the bill passed in the final hours of this year’s legislative session.
“I’m relieved, happy, and exited!” said Ed Clay, owner of the Nashville Mixed Martial Arts Academy (NMMA). “It means so much for our fighters to be able to fight in front of their home crowd.”
NMMA students were in force with signs early Tuesday morning at the Legislative Plaza. When passage became questionable, the call was made and more students came to the State Capital.
“Thank you for being here to show your support,” Rep. Todd told Clay.
A new State Athletic Commission must be formed before the fights can take place. The first Gameness Fighting Championships should begin in August.
May 10th:
Congratulations to our kids team which won the NAGA Nationals Team Trophy. Our kids won 12 gold medals, 7 silver medals, and 5 bronze medals. A special thanks to coaches Floyd and Marc for leading our team to victory.
