Grand Opening Introduces New Equipment, Training Techniques; Hosts U.S. Debut of Professional Arm Wrestling League

LAS VEGAS, June 23, 2009… Fitness and mixed martial arts training fans met the new standard in equipment and training techniques this weekend when the new TapouT Research & Development Training Center held the grand opening of its new 18,000-square-foot facility on Friday, June 19 and Saturday, June 20. The schedule also included the U.S. debut of the Professional Arm Wrestling League. In that competition, John Brzenk, the world’s number one ranked arm wrestler, retained his title with a 5-1 victory over Denis Cyplenkov, the world’s number two ranked arm wrestler.

The two-day event included autograph sessions both days with TapouT’s leading crew, “Punkass” and “Skyskrape,” training exhibitions by Ultimate Fighting Championship top contender Stephan Bonner and exhibitions of kickboxing, judo, arm wrestling, boxing, mma fighting and jiu jitsu. The Professional Arm Wrestling League competition was fought Friday, June 19 and was streamed live on its web site, www.armpower.net.

The TapouT R&D Training Center in Las Vegas is the first of its kind to be built by the company whose brand has become synonymous with the attitude and prominence of mixed martial arts. It already bears the nickname, “The Mad Laboratory,” because of its capability of creating innovations in MMA products and training techniques. On display is the cutting edge equipment produced by 7Base Consulting, for TapouT its exclusive licensed partner, including a 32-foot Octagon Cage, 24-foot steel rope ring, custom built training and cantilever bag racks and custom cage Barrier Walls. The Training Center also will market the latest fight gear and apparel created by TapouT.

The TapouT R&D Training Center not only offers MMA training programs but also a variety of fitness classes that are geared for families, including children, boys and girls, starting at age five. “As mixed martial arts continues its phenomenal growth, TapouT recognized the need for a fitness facility that could offer the dual functionality of MMA and fitness training,” said Dan “Punkass” Caldwell, TapouT co-chief executive officer and co-founder. “The Las Vegas center is the first full-scale training facility of many that we plan to build nationwide with 7Base, our exclusive licensed partner.

7Base is the world’s largest mixed martial arts consulting agency that provides support for all fight sport needs. With over 30 years of combined expertise in both the national and international business communities, 7Base is the premier source of event planning and execution, training center design and build-out, private-label equipment manufacturing, effective business plan development and unique graphic design solutions.

7Base has an exclusive agreement with TapouT to roll out training centers, plus a worldwide agreement to manufacture TapouT’s own line of cage barriers, training, gym and event cages, gym and event MMA/boxing rings and bag racks.

About TapouT

TapouT is the world’s leading mixed-martial arts apparel, gear and lifestyle brand on the market today. TapouT started as a vision by Co-Founder Charles “Mask” Lewis Jr., and has since become a pioneer of the MMA movement and a $100 million empire. Representing some of the biggest MMA superstars including Chuck Liddell, Frank Shamrock, Thiago Alves and Anthony Johnson, TapouT produces the hottest apparel for men, women and children. Their distinctive, authentic logo graces everything from clothing, accessories, and gear, to nutrition products and a magazine. TapouT is also the exclusive apparel sponsor for Spike TV’s “The Ultimate Fighter” through 2011.

For millions of fans worldwide, the TapouT lifestyle inspires those to reach their goals and know that anything is possible if they “Simply Believe.”