In a groundbreaking move, higher education and combat sports are set to converge this fall with the launch of Combat Sports and Martial Arts University (Combat U). UFC Hall of Famer Urijah Faber and Sacramento State have partnered to establish what is believed to be the first-ever university-backed combat sports development program. This innovative initiative, overseen by the Sacramento State athletic department and in collaboration with Faber’s Team Alpha Male, aims to provide a unique opportunity for students to pursue world-class combat sports training while furthering their education. With scholarship funds made available, the program strives to break barriers and empower individuals from all backgrounds to realize their dreams of earning a college degree.
Combat U, set to commence in the fall semester of 2024, will offer club sports in various disciplines including boxing, wrestling, Muay Thai, and jiu-jitsu. These clubs will serve as the foundation for a pro prep class in Mixed Martial Arts (MMA), facilitated by Urijah Faber’s Ultimate Fitness. While the program will not be supported by the NCAA, it is anticipated that more programs like Combat U will emerge in the future, potentially paving the way for MMA and other martial arts to become NCAA sports. Wrestling already enjoys NCAA support, indicating the evolving perception of combat sports within the athletic landscape.
One of the driving forces behind Combat U is the mission to reach out to individuals who may have never considered college as a pathway to their dreams. By offering a platform for comprehensive combat sports training alongside higher education, the program seeks to break down socioeconomic barriers. Sacramento State President J. Luke Wood envisions Combat U as an opportunity to provide a college experience for individuals from lower-income backgrounds who may be first-generation students, thereby creating a transformative possibility for them to pursue a college degree. Combat U aims to serve as a gateway to education and dreams that were once deemed unattainable.
As the executive coach of Combat U, Urijah Faber will bring his valuable expertise and experience to guide students on their martial arts journey. Faber, a pioneer in MMA for the lighter weight classes, understands the challenges faced by fighters who often prioritize their dreams over their education. With Combat U, fighters now have the opportunity to pursue both their passion for combat sports and their academic advancement simultaneously. This landmark program aims to nurture talented individuals and demonstrate that the pursuit of education does not have to be sacrificed for the pursuit of athletic excellence.
Although Combat U will not fall under the purview of the NCAA, its establishment marks a significant step forward in the recognition and acceptance of combat sports within the realm of higher education. As the sport of MMA continues to mature, the prospects for MMA and other martial arts to be recognized as NCAA sports are indeed feasible. The program’s founders, Urijah Faber and J. Luke Wood, anticipate that Combat U will serve as a catalyst for the establishment of similar programs in the future. By seizing this opportunity to combine education and combat sports, Combat U aims to provide deserving individuals with opportunities that were previously elusive.
The launch of Combat Sports and Martial Arts University signifies a pivotal moment in the convergence of higher education and combat sports. Combat U’s commitment to breaking barriers, offering scholarships, and providing comprehensive combat sports training opens doors for individuals to not only pursue their dreams in the world of combat sports but also obtain a college education. This groundbreaking program, overseen by the Sacramento State athletic department, in collaboration with Urijah Faber’s Team Alpha Male, promises to unlock the potential of students who possess discipline and talent, transcending geographical boundaries in the quest to unearth global combat sports talent. Combat U paves the way for a future where aspirations are no longer limited by societal constructs, and education becomes a springboard to success, both inside and outside the combat sports arena.
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