The Pit SLO history
S.L.O. Kickboxing (now The Pit S.L.O.) was opened in 1998, in University
Square of San Luis Obispo, Ca, by Chuck Liddell and Scott Adams. The
two had wrestled together at Cal Poly and found a need to keep their
training going and to teach what they knew to other college students and
locals.
Chuck had an extensive kickboxing and karate background to add to the
curriculum. He had trained at The Pit for a number of years amongst
other places. After opening S.L.O. Kickboxing (now The Pit S.L.O.) ,
Chuck went on to begin his illustrious career as a UFC fighter.
Scott Adams had trained under the infamous Marco Ruas and others
to build his repertoire in the grappling arts. Now a Cal Poly wrestler
and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practitioner, Scott had a vast amount of
knowledge to teach to new members of their gym. Scott went on to
co-found the W.E.C.(World Extreme Cagefighting), that was
eventually sold to The UFC.
After 9 years of different managers and coaches, S.L.O. Kickboxing
(now The Pit S.L.O.) was put into the hands of Scott Lighty and Cruz
Gomez.
Scott Lighty had been training at S.L.O. Kickboxing (now The Pit S.L.O.) since the midde of 1998, strictly learning the art of Hawaiian Kempo Kickboxing. He went on to fight in the big leagues of Kickboxing, namely K-1 Kickboxing. He has recently undertaken the transition in MMA.
Cruz had been training his BJJ under Scott Adams for about a year before becoming the grappling coach for the gym. Cruz joined the Pit Fight team, under John Hackleman in 2001 and began working on his skills to obtain his Hawaiian Kempo Black belt. Cruz also went on to test his skills and knowledge in MMA. After 12 years of coaching and 3 of those years managing the gym, Cruz is now the sole owner of The Pit S.L.O. (SLO Kickboxing).
The Pit S.L.O. is the sister school of John Hackleman's gym. The Pit Fight Team does cross training at both gyms. The Team gets their striking skillset from John and his gym while perfecting their grappling skills at The Pit S.L.O.
We've had a number of famous fighters begin and/or train at The Pit S.L.O. for an extended period of time. Just to name a few. Chuck Liddell, Scott Adams, Tim Kennedy, Gan Mcgee, Jake Shields, Tony DeSouza, Antonio Banuelos and Jason Von Flue.
The Pit history
THE PIT was started in 1985 in Woodland Hills, Ca. John Hackleman started The Pit because he wanted people to learn a no nonsense martial arts and conditioning program. All he asks is that you give Kempo and The Pit the respect and loyalty it gives you. Confidence, loyalty, and humility are what he expects from all Pit Monsters. Some of the world's best fighters have trained at The Pit. John now operates The Pit out of Arroyo Grande, Ca. He stresses mental and physical conditioning, power and discipline. His classes are upbeat and fun, yet very tough. He combines his 25 years of Karate/Kickboxing experience to teach a blend of simple, yet effective fighting and training techniques.
THE PIT is a practical, functional, tested and proven, effective, all-inclusive, always evolving, self -contained, multidisciplinary approach to martial arts and fitness.
THE PIT is "Old School" yet cutting edge. The Pit is simple yet difficult. The Pit is physical yet cerebral. The Pit is always the same yet varied. The pit is always routine yet never boring. The Pit is very serious yet always upbeat and fun. The Pit is traditional yet innovative.
Never be a bully, yet never tolerate being bullied. Always be confident, yet never cocky.
THE PIT's philosophy is simple: Use what works, discard what doesn't. The only way to get into top shape (cardio and strength) is by training very intensely, and leaving your comfort zone often. The only way to improve is through an open mind and countless repetitions.
THE PIT has evolved into one of the world's most famous and respected marital arts and fitness gyms in the world.
