From lecture halls to fight gyms: Welcome to Sacramento State’s Combat U

Combat U: Sacramento State's Groundbreaking Fusion of Collegiate Education and Martial Arts Mastery

In the dynamic landscape of higher education, Sacramento State University has forged a unique and inspiring path, seamlessly blending academic pursuits with the rigorous discipline of combat sports.

This innovative initiative, known as Combat U, offers students an unparalleled opportunity to hone their skills in various martial arts disciplines while simultaneously pursuing a college degree.

For many students, the allure of professional athletic careers or personal development through combat sports was once a distant dream, seemingly incompatible with the demands of university life.

Combat U, however, is actively dismantling these perceived barriers, creating a vibrant ecosystem where ambition, education, and athletic excellence converge.

This program is not just about training; it's about fostering holistic growth, opening doors, and empowering students from diverse backgrounds to envision themselves as capable scholars and formidable athletes.

The Genesis of Combat U: A Vision for Holistic Student Development

The inception of Combat U stems from a profound understanding of the untapped potential within individuals who might not traditionally see themselves as "college material." Sacramento State President Luke Wood, an avid amateur boxer and a genuine enthusiast of mixed martial arts, recognized a significant segment of the population drawn to the physical and mental fortitude cultivated in combat sports gyms.

These individuals often possessed a strong drive for self-improvement but lacked a clear pathway to integrate their passion with higher education.

President Wood's vision was to construct a comprehensive framework that would allow aspiring professional mixed martial arts (MMA) fighters, and indeed any student interested in combat disciplines, to receive elite coaching and a quality college education concurrently.

This forward-thinking approach aims to democratize higher learning, making it accessible and relevant to a broader spectrum of students, including those from Sacramento and beyond, who might have previously felt excluded from the traditional academic environment.

Bridging the Gap: From Gym Floors to Lecture Halls

Studies indicate that the discipline, resilience, and strategic thinking honed through martial arts training can significantly benefit academic performance.

Combat U directly addresses this synergy, providing a structured environment where students can excel in both arenas.

Traven “Baba” Wailehua, a third-year kinesiology major, exemplifies this success.

Initially contemplating leaving Wartburg College in Iowa, Wailehua found his calling at Sacramento State after learning about Combat U. "I decided to transfer, and it’s been two years now and I love it here," he shared, highlighting the transformative impact of the program.

Wailehua’s journey underscores the program's ability to attract and retain students by offering a compelling blend of passion and academic rigor.

His experience, which includes receiving a scholarship funded by private donors and becoming the first Sacramento State student to achieve victory at the amateur series "Battle at the Hive," demonstrates the tangible achievements possible within Combat U.

He further elaborated, "College is college to me.

I get to do what I love to do.

I train here at Sac State, and then I train with the professionals down at Team Alpha Male." This sentiment resonates deeply, illustrating how Combat U transforms the perception of college from a mere academic pursuit to a holistic life experience.

Combat U: Structure, Partnerships, and Inclusivity

Operating under the umbrella of Sacramento State’s athletics department, Combat U functions as a dedicated club sport, fostering a unique collaborative model.

This initiative is a testament to effective partnerships, joining forces with two esteemed private gyms: Ultimate Fighting Championship Hall of Famer Urijah Faber’s Ultimate Fitness and former professional boxer Brandon Gonzales’ Flawless Boxing & Fitness.

This strategic alliance ensures that students have access to world-class training facilities and coaching expertise, extending beyond the university campus.

The club is intentionally designed to be inclusive, welcoming individuals at every stage of their martial arts journey.

Whether a student is an experienced fighter aiming for professional recognition or someone seeking the physical and mental benefits of recreational practice, Combat U provides a supportive and structured environment.

Many of the coaches and staff associated with Combat U are deeply connected to Ultimate Fitness and its renowned MMA organization, Team Alpha Male, bringing a wealth of professional experience to the student body.

The Role of Student Leadership in Shaping Combat U

The development of Combat U was significantly influenced by student advocacy and leadership.

Aranjot Kaur, a third-year business operations major and the current president of Associated Students, played a pivotal role in bringing the concept to fruition.

Kaur, who has dedicated seven years to training in MMA, approached President Wood with the idea of establishing an MMA club at the university.

Her personal connection to the sport and her existing training at Faber’s gym provided the impetus for this discussion. "I have been training MMA for seven years now," Kaur stated. "When I enrolled in Sacramento State, it was because it was so close to Faber’s gym, and I was training there.

That gave me the idea of talking to President Wood about an MMA club." Her proactive engagement highlights the power of student initiative in shaping university offerings and creating opportunities that resonate with the student community.

Kaur now serves as the president of the MMA club, further solidifying the student voice within Combat U's governance.

A Comprehensive curriculum: Disciplines and skill development

Officially launched in the fall of 2024, Combat U offers a diverse array of disciplines, catering to a wide range of interests within the combat sports spectrum.

Students can enroll in specialized training for boxing, jiu jitsu, kickboxing, MMA, and wrestling.

Each of these disciplines operates with its own dedicated president and officer structure, mirroring the organizational framework of other established sports clubs at the university.

The wrestling club, which existed prior to the formation of Combat U, has been integrated into this broader initiative, allowing for enhanced resources and expanded opportunities.

Joseph Jimenez, a third-year kinesiology major and the current president of the wrestling club, expressed his enthusiasm for the integration. "We’re making the wrestling club into something greater," Jimenez remarked, attributing some of the club’s improvements to the guidance of Combat U's director of operations, Hector Fajardo.

He further emphasized the added value for students, noting, "We get CPR training and certification, student safety — we get educated on those types of things." This focus on safety and professional development underscores Combat U's commitment to nurturing well-rounded individuals.

Cultivating Talent: From Recreational Enthusiasts to Aspiring Professionals

Combat U currently boasts an impressive enrollment of approximately 500 students per semester, a testament to the program's widespread appeal.

The coaching staff is adept at instructing students across all levels of experience, ensuring that both recreational practitioners and aspiring competitors receive tailored guidance.

While all students train within the same campus facilities, those with a more competitive drive have access to additional practice sessions at the off-campus partner gyms.

Cody Linton, who coaches Sacramento State’s wrestling team and also trains professional MMA fighters, shared insights into the unique challenges and rewards of coaching at Combat U. "The club’s role is to get everyone involved in martial arts.

Even if you’re a competitor, our main goal is to have fun," Linton stated.

He elaborated on the pedagogical shift required: "I’ve had to learn how to read the room. … Trying to find out how to bring out the best in a person is completely different from coaching a high-level athlete." This adaptability in coaching methodology is crucial for fostering a positive and effective learning environment for every student.

Showcasing Talent: Combat U's Event Landscape

Combat U has actively engaged its student body and the wider community through organized events.

In the past year, the program has successfully hosted two significant competitions: the boxing-focused Causeway Classic and the grappling and MMA showdown, Battle at the Hive.

As a club sport, the events organized by Combat U are distinct from the traditional NCAA matchups that typically occur between collegiate institutions.

While many colleges offer wrestling and boxing clubs, the landscape for other combat sports disciplines at the collegiate level is considerably less developed.

Hector Fajardo, a professional MMA fighter and Combat U's director of operations, explained the complexities of organizing these events. "When it comes to these matches, it’s more of a case-by-case level," Fajardo said. "The grappling matches are a bit easier … but kickboxing and MMA are much more difficult because collegiate kickboxing is nonexistent, collegiate MMA is nonexistent." This highlights the pioneering nature of Combat U in establishing competitive platforms for these less common collegiate sports.

Navigating the Collegiate Combat Sports Frontier

The challenge of finding suitable opponents for collegiate kickboxing and MMA competitions is significant.

Fajardo recounted the efforts involved in sourcing participants for events like the Battle at the Hive: "I had a fighter that was from San Jose State, another one from Fresno State, a (San Francisco State) alumni — it’s a matter of literally going out and looking for these people." This hands-on approach to competitor recruitment underscores the nascent stage of these disciplines within the collegiate sports framework and the proactive role Combat U plays in their development.

The program is actively working to build a network of student athletes from various institutions, fostering a sense of community and competition across California and potentially beyond.

The Future of Combat U: Academic Integration and Professional Pathways

While Combat U currently does not offer academic credits directly for its martial arts training, the program is in its nascent stages, and future developments are anticipated. "This is a brand new organization; there is no college in the world that has something like this, so we are doing something completely new, and we are learning as we’re going," explained Kaur.

This pioneering spirit is a hallmark of the program, positioning Sacramento State at the forefront of collegiate combat sports education.

Fajardo highlighted the burgeoning internship opportunities within Combat U, noting the presence of a student assistant and a social media intern.

He anticipates that as the program hosts more events, there will be an expansion of internship roles, particularly in event coordination.

Expanding Horizons: Beyond Club Sports

Looking ahead, Fajardo expressed ambitious plans for the academic integration of Combat U. "On the academic side," he added, "we plan on having a self-defense class … we have a lot of big plans outside of the club format down the line." These initiatives suggest a future where Combat U could offer more formalized academic components, further enriching the student experience and providing tangible educational benefits.

Despite President Wood's initial vision of creating a direct pipeline for Combat U students into the professional fighting scene, Fajardo clarified the program's overarching objective. "The point of this program is not to create UFC fighters.

If they become one, that’s great, but for me, it’s to open up doors for students to find their way in life," he stated.

This emphasis on life skills, personal growth, and career exploration, rather than solely focusing on professional athletic success, defines the true value of Combat U.

The program aims to equip students with transferable skills, resilience, and a strong sense of self-efficacy, preparing them for success in any field they choose to pursue.

Conclusion: A New Paradigm in Collegiate Learning

Sacramento State's Combat U represents a revolutionary approach to higher education, demonstrating that academic excellence and athletic prowess can not only coexist but mutually reinforce each other.

By fostering a supportive and inclusive environment, forging strategic partnerships, and offering a diverse range of combat sports disciplines, Combat U is empowering students from all walks of life.

The program's commitment to holistic development, evident in its focus on student leadership, safety, and future academic integration, positions it as a model for other institutions seeking to innovate and broaden their educational offerings.

Combat U is more than just a club sport; it is a vibrant community that cultivates discipline, resilience, and a profound sense of purpose, preparing students not just for the ring or the mat, but for a lifetime of achievement.