I had a chance to talk with Dan “The Beast” Severn at his training facility in Coldwater, Michigan. We’ve all heard Dan’s reputation for being very friendly and approachable off the mat and of course we’ve all seen him flip the switch and turn into “The Beast” when it’s time to fight. I can tell you first hand that Dan is every bit as pleasant as his reputation states.
It would be easy to go on and on about Dan’s Championships, etc. but that’s common knowledge. Instead, what I want to do is focus on the tremendous business that Dan has developed right here in the small town of Coldwater, Michigan at the “Michigan Sports Camps Training Facility.”
Michigan Sports Camps
Dan has developed a complete training facility for the mixed martial artist. The facility offers 2 boxing rings, a wrestling room, rows of heavy bags, a complete weight training facility, and several stationary bikes. Additionally, there is an attached dormitory that can house up to 38 people for camps. In Dan’s facility you will also find a commercial grade kitchen and dining facilities that can accommodate the 38 camp attendees. Before I jump into the MMA portion of Dan’s business I would like to give you a complete list of all the training programs Dan offers:
• Mixed Martial Arts
• Wrestling as applied in MMA
• Amateur tournament wrestling
• Professional wrestling
• Jiu-Jitsu as applied in MMA
• Tournament Jiu-Jitsu
• Boxing
• Kickboxing
• Various kids and adult classes
• Defensive tactics
Great knowledge coupled with the ability to communicate his thoughts is what makes Dan a great teacher and coach. He maintains a straightforward approach to dealing with people. The students respect Dan equally for his unmatched accomplishments on the mat, his ability to communicate, and the fact he is a friendly, approachable person. Dan’s training center is flourishing because of who he is and what he represents.
MMA Camps
Now let’s talk about the MMA components of Dan’s business. He offers live-in MMA camps where the participants train MMA for several hours each day. The weight room and heavy bag rooms are open 24 hours a day as well. Dan personally heads up the expert instruction to the participants. A well-rounded training experience is in store for all.
MMA Seminars
Dan crisscrosses the country doing seminars by request.
MMA Fighters
Dan trains and manages a group of very successful highly skilled MMA fighters. The group ranges from experienced well-established fighters to up-and-comers that we may all be hearing about one day soon.
“Danger Zone”
This is a defensive tactics program offering 8-hour “end user” certification courses and 2-day instructor certification courses in a ground defense and escapes program. This program targets individuals involved in the law enforcement, corrections, military, air marshall, and security industries. The program is in its 6th year and has been fantastically well received. Instruction focuses on how to escape from positions of disadvantage on the ground. Techniques are based upon gross motor skill movements and are simple, extremely effective, and easy to remember.
After accomplishing everything imaginable in the world of MMA and wrestling, I asked Dan what his personal goals were from a competition standpoint. He indicated to me that he wants to fight at least through 2008 so he can reach the 200 match mark. He said he plans to continue to fight at least 10 times a year until then. Driving back to my office after the interview with Dan I remember thinking how refreshing it is to have a World Class, Hall of Fame athlete be every bit as nice as the guy next door. Dan Severn truly sets the bar in personal conduct, performance, and work ethic for professional athletes of all sports.
For more information about Dan Severn training programs please call (517) 278 4908 or email mark@dansevern.com
©2008 Martial Arts Way Magazine, LLC