American Kickboxing Academy. Xtreme Coture. Team Quest. Jackson’s Submission Fighting. All are well known mixed martial arts camps. But how recognized is American Martial Arts, headquartered in Whippany, NJ? Recently, Mike Constantino, owner of AMA and MVC Sports Management, took the time to provide information on the origin of both operations.

Constantino was raised in Clifton, NJ and began training in martial arts at seven years old. He also participated in sports common to American youths such as football, basketball, and baseball. Although Mike has trained in a variety of martial arts, he specifically mentions Hom Do, Jiu Jitsu and Muay Thai. In 2005, Master Kumron Vaitayanon awarded Constantino an Instructor ranking in Muay Thai. Additionally, he holds a black belt in Hom Do under Tom Patire. Prior to AMA, Constantino served as a bodyguard and a tactical instructor working with The U.S. Postal Service and Morris County SERT teams, New Jersey State Police, and the U.S. Marshal Service among others.

AMA was created because of Constantino’s love of teaching. As he puts it, “I enjoyed teaching so much that I went for it.” Couple that with observing peers achieving success in opening schools, 2004 became the inaugural year for American Martial Arts.

To build AMA from the ground up, Constantino enlisted the help of martial arts business professionals and it all came “smoothly because I was prepared and coached from the best” he states. Having a strong foundation laid out, the next step was to align himself with a core group of instructors. This is where Jamie Cruz, John Finn, Tony Valera, and Christina Donofiro enter the picture. Cruz, a Renzo Gracie Black Belt and “the best available Brazilian Jiu Jitsu guy in the area” also brought along his student, Finn to AMA. Valera and Donofiro began their training in AMA and thereafter became instructors. The former also had previous gym ownership experience and specializes in Muay Thai instruction.

Of course, no camp is complete without a stellar stable of fighters. Using referrals and his own recruiting system, Constantino acquires individuals that have amateur and professional experience. Currently, four of AMA’s fighters compete in the UFC; the Miller brothers Jim and Dan, Charlie Brenneman, and Rafaello Oliveira.

One of the ways AMA’s fighters reach the professional ranks is through Lou Negila’s Ring of Combat, also based in New Jersey. “Lou is hands down the #1 promoter in NJ… and has produced so much talent” says Constantino. Needless to say, their relationship has benefited all parties involved.

So far, we’ve covered the fighting and training point of view of AMA. But how does AMA supplement fighters in the business sense? That is where MVC Sports Management comes into play. MVC Sports Management (named after Constantino’s initials) provides fighters with career advice, financial planning, sponsorship agreements and wellness treatment, among others. Constantino created this sector so his fighters “only focus on training and fighting.” “I handle the rest.”

And don’t worry if you’re not a fighter in the AMA camp. MVC also represents fighters outside of the organization as well.

As the interview with Constantino wrapped up, I had one final question for Mike. ‘What is your vision for AMA and MVC as a whole?’ To this he responded, “I want anyone to be able to come to AMA and have a program for their individual specific needs.” As it pertains to MVC, “I want to be able to provide for an athlete so they can concentrate on the training and fighting and I will handle all things business.” So far, Constantino’s efforts are churning up quite a success.

For more information about fighters, Mike Constantino, picture galleries and all things AMA, be sure to visit www.amafightclub.com. There, you will find AMA’s sponsors, bios, class schedules, and much more.