When martial arts trainer Henry Cortez sees anyone enter his gym, he makes sure they stay.
The energy of the man who runs Fighterz Corner, 473 Front St., is contagious and entertaining. It also serves a purpose.
“Most gyms are run like a business. I understand that and I’m not talking bad about them,” Cortez said, “but I wanted this to just be a club. This is a passion of mine and I want to open it up to everyone that walks through the door.
“I want to help them. This is a family environment and it’s not one of those places that look differently at new people.”
Cortez, a Salinas native, used martial arts and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu to help get himself on the right track.
“I remember watching a VHS tape of a UFC fight and saying, ‘I could do that,’ ” Cortez said.
Like the motto of his club, which says “Don’t talk about it, be about it,” Cortez sought out martial arts. He began training and sparring at Warren’s Family Martial Arts in Salinas. After that he turned to Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and taking part in competitions.
Two years after opening up Fighterz Corner, he continues to give people from his community that same outlet he found.
He recalls a number of firsthand examples of young children who were struggling with school and hanging out with disreputable crowds transform into better students and more confident individuals through training.
“It’s great to see these young kids change,” Cortez said. “That’s why I do this. That’s the pay off for me.”
Cortez said between 50 and 60 people regularly train at the gym, which also includes cardio kickboxing. Eight months ago, Cortez moved the gym to its larger, current location.
On July 9, three MMA amateur fighters from Fighterz Corner are scheduled to compete on the Central Coast Throwdown’s SuperBrawl card at Sherwood Hall. It’s the first time the gym has had fighters compete in the local event. The card, which is scheduled to have 15 bouts, will also include fighters from Kugtar Mixed Martial Arts Academy — also located in Salinas.
Central Coast Throwdown, operated by Salinas promoter Michael MacNeill, returns to Salinas after four sold-out amateur mixed martial arts shows in 2010. This is the first time one of his events has been held at Sherwood Hall.
Those scheduled to compete from Fighterz Corner include Salinas natives Lee Roy Castro, Samson Castillo and Oscar Loya.
“I’ve always really been into sports and once I found this I fell in love with it,” Castillo said. “It’s kept me out of a lot of trouble — I don’t have time for trouble. I’m in the gym every day keeping my head focused. I know I can’t get in trouble out there otherwise it will affect me in here. It’s been a good outlet.”
ª Staff reporter Conner Jay contributed to this report.
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