The CrossFit community you’ve been looking for in Madison
Our interest in Functional Fitness/HIIT started back around 2005, when Twisted Fitness was a small Madison community of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practitioners, Muay Thai Kickboxers, and MMA fighters. Workout ideas such as CrossFit gained popularity through the athletes in these sports, who touted the benefits of this style of training. It was not uncommon for us to make a run down to the closest park for a workout. We’d use the playground equipment that was available, or run to the gym to get a WOD (Workout of the Day) in.
Fast forward to 2016, as our love of these workouts still continued, and Twisted Fitness began to outgrow our space. The universe gave us the push we needed and opportunities presented themselves. One of the things that we love about Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is the strong community that it builds. Which coincidentally is also one of the things that we love about Fitness Classes. Muay Thai, powerlifting, strongman, marathon running, bodybuilding, etc. all also build their own strong communities. What we also appreciate, is that they are all groups of individuals showing up, working hard, trying to stay active and healthy as they work to be the best version of themselves that they can be.
Our vision was to build a world class facility that allowed all of these communities to exist and grow in one space, create a supportive environment of hard work and fun, and build a larger community of people that support everyone on their individual adventure to greatness. We may not all have the same passion or interest, and our paths may be different and unique, but we can all appreciate and support the adventure each of us is on.
In this spirit, we started Mata Leão Athletics. What does the name mean? Mata Leão is a Portuguese word that translates to “Lion Killer”. Mythology tells stories of those that have shown courage and strength in the face of fear. Perhaps one of the most famous is Hercules, who, through success in seemingly impossible tasks and adventures, is considered the greatest of all the Greek mythological heroes. One of his most famous adventures was taking on the feared Nemean Lion and choking it with his bare hands.
In Brazilian Jiu-jitsu, Mata Leão is the name of a choke. We chose the name as a way to bring together the Jiu-Jitsu and Strength training/Fitness communities, and to embrace the idea of showing strength and courage in the face of fear, whatever that fear may be. Some days it may just be getting through a difficult day at work, or even facing some difficult life choices or events. Some days it may be getting yourself to the gym, or sticking to the healthier eating goals you have set. Or bringing yourself to finally try something new.
We all have our own fears and our own struggles. They feel a little less daunting when you have a supportive community that is always there for you. The great thing about Mata Leao Athletics, much like all the other programs that are offered inside Twisted Fitness, is that it is for everyone. You don’t have to be an athlete, experienced, or meet anyone’s definition of “fit” to do our classes. As a matter of fact, our experienced coaches are here to help, and their job is to make sure you are successful! We believe in you, and we want to be a part of YOUR adventure. Welcome home to Mata Leao Athletics and to Twisted Fitness.
