A Perfect Fit

Championship MMA offers the Reynolds family a way to give back and look to the future. 

by Kathleen Farrell

In 2023, Robbie and Aimee Reynolds were contemplating a new business opportunity when they were approached about purchasing Yamane Championship Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) in Daphne. Robbie, who had been a member of the gym since 2011, was floored by the offer and its timing. “We were leaning toward buying a fitness gym or a wedding venue to potentially leave to our kids,” Robbie said. “We hadn’t really thought about owning an MMA gym, but it made perfect sense.”

The Reynolds family are good friends of the previous owner, Niall Yamane, a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) black belt and lawyer who opened the gym in 2010 when he moved to Baldwin County with his wife, Layla. After 13 years as owner, Yamane decided to retire from running the gym and return to practicing law. The Reynolds and the Yamanes agreed not to mention the sale to anyone until a decision was made. Robbie and Aimee took time to pray about the choice. When their teenage daughter, Edie, (who was unaware they were considering the transaction) shared that she wanted to earn her black belt and start her own gym someday, they took it as a sign. 

Prior to acquiring the gym in October 2023, Robbie was a videographer, and Aimee still works as a photographer. Robbie had been a member of Championship MMA for more than a decade before becoming its owner. He shared how he became involved:  

“I didn’t start training BJJ until age 49. I was bored with running and lifting weights and needed something to keep me interested. I trained for a week or two before jumping into live rolls (sparring). I was immediately hooked for life after that first roll. As much as I love the athletic challenges and constant learning that comes with BJJ, the bonds and lifelong friendships are my favorite part.”

Even with more than 230 current members, Robbie said he doesn’t know of a single case of discord between any two individuals. He described his gym as a close-knit family, a common theme within the BJJ community. Championship MMA regularly reaches out to the broader public, hosting several women’s self-defense seminars and law enforcement training to equip police officers with the tools to safely control combative subjects. The gym is also in talks with local women’s shelters to teach self-defense classes to abused women. “I can’t image any demographic that could use these skills and techniques more,” Robbie said. “I feel like God put us in this position with the gym for a reason, and I just want to do all that we can to do something good with it.”  

Championship MMA offers a kids/teens MMA program that focuses primarily on BJJ, as well as adult BJJ, Muay Thai and fitness classes led by a team of instructors. Private lessons are available for students who want to progress at a faster pace. “Our ranking BJJ instructor (professor) is Rodney Souza, a fifth-degree black belt,” said Robbie, adding that this rank is rare: “I’m not aware of another within a couple of hours drive.” 

The gym offers 6 a.m., lunch and night classes six days a week. Former professional fighter and former U.S. Army combatives instructor Cole Stringer leads Muay Thai training. Robbie noted that since Stringer was added to the teaching lineup in December, the Muay Thai program has tripled in size. Other instructors include black belt Ken Liao, second-degree black belt and former police officer Gerald Brandon, local musician Shea White and longtime Championship MMA member Jamie Holder. 

Owning this type of business is not without its challenges, including having to say goodbye to members who are unable to continue training due to personal circumstances or life events. “When you train with people day after day, it’s really easy to get attached,” Robbie said. 

Despite this facet of the business and his responsibilities as an owner taking 10 times more work than he initially expected, Robbie said it is the most rewarding and enjoyable job he’s ever had. Edie, who is homeschooled, comes to work with him most days, signing up new members, helping teach kids/teen classes, training and doing her schoolwork in between. Robbie has big aspirations for Championship MMA moving forward: “They are all in the very early stages — let’s just say that I’m really excited about the future for our gym and its members!”