The Pit is a professional mixed martial arts association and training camp with locations in Arroyo Grande, California, Henderson, Nevada, and affiliate schools throughout the United States. Founded in 1986 by John Hackleman, The Pit fighters have competed in various promotions such as the UFC, WEC and DREAM. This article delves into the origins, evolution, and impact of The Pit on the world of martial arts.
The Early Years: From Kajukenbo to Hawaiian Kempo
In 1986, The Pit was founded in Woodland Hills, California, as a training gym teaching the art of Kajukenbo, which is now known as Hawaiian Kempo. Founder John Hackleman started the school as a means to teach a more straightforward, no-nonsense approach to martial arts. Initially, The Pit was intended for training serious fighters only and employed a logo depicting a Grim Reaper-like fighter.
When The Pit opened to the general public, Hackleman renamed the school "KuZen" in order to attract kids and families. In 1985, Hackleman moved from Hawaii to California and renamed his martial arts style, Hawaiian Kempo. The Pit is the only Hawaiian Kempo school that uses the Ke-m-po spelling, instead of the more commonly used Ke-n-po. Hackleman describes his style as more hardcore than other Hawaiian Kenpo schools.
Hawaiian Kempo (a.k.a. Kajukenbo) blends kenpo, karate, judo, jiu-jitsu, boxing, and wrestling. The core curriculum at The Pit centers on Hawaiian Kempo, a martial arts system developed by founder John Hackleman that serves as the foundation for mixed martial arts (MMA) and self-defense training. Practicality and usability are emphasized in the areas of striking and grappling.
Practical techniques form the backbone of the curriculum, focusing on striking methods such as punches, kicks, knees, and elbows, alongside grappling skills like throws, takedowns, and submissions, with dedicated ground fighting components.
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The "Pit Method" and Training Philosophy
The distinctive training methodology at The Pit, often referred to as the "Pit Method," involves rigorous, no-nonsense sparring and repetitive drilling to replicate the chaos of real fights, directly informed by Hackleman's decades of coaching UFC champions and his own competitive experience. Since the school began accepting non-fighters, they train students from ages three years and up. Training adaptations vary by age group to ensure accessibility and progression.
The Pit places a heavy emphasis on "CrossPit": The Pit's specialty strength and conditioning fitness program developed in the vein of CrossFit. In order to add more time for a fitness-oriented curriculum aimed at producing well-conditioned athletes, training katas were eliminated from the original KaJuKenBo formula.
Scientific Training Principles for Strength & Conditioning
Innovations and Global Influence
Innovations emerging from The Pit extended its influence beyond physical training facilities. The Pit provides online belt testing through video submission assessments and virtual fitness challenges, enabling affiliates worldwide to receive personalized feedback from instructors and participate in remote progressions toward black belt certification, culminating in optional in-person awards in Honolulu.
The gym's contributions were amplified through its alumni, whose successes in major promotions validated and popularized The Pit's model on a global stage.
Notable Fighters from The Pit
Glover Teixeira, another key figure who trained extensively at The Pit throughout his career, became the UFC light heavyweight champion in October 2021 by submitting Jan Blachowicz at UFC 267, marking him as the second-oldest titleholder in UFC history at age 41.
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Here is a table highlighting some of the key aspects of The Pit's history and training approach:
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Founding Year | 1986 |
| Founder | John Hackleman |
| Initial Location | Woodland Hills, California |
| Current Location | Arroyo Grande, California |
| Core Style | Hawaiian Kempo (blending kenpo, karate, judo, jiu-jitsu, boxing, wrestling) |
| Training Emphasis | Practicality, usability, rigorous sparring, repetitive drilling |
| Special Program | CrossPit (strength and conditioning) |
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