Train Different: The Multi-Disciplinary Fitness Philosophy of UFC Gym Japan
Getting Fit with UFC Gym and the CKO Mindset
For many people, fitness has become narrowly defined—counting steps, lifting heavier weights, or chasing aesthetic goals. But true fitness, the kind that supports performance, longevity and confidence in life, is far more comprehensive.
At UFC Gym Japan, fitness is not about doing one thing well. It is about developing the whole athlete—physically, mentally and emotionally. That belief is captured in our vision: Train Different. Learn Different. Be Different. And it is powered by a clear mission: to empower the fighting spirit.
The Fighter’s Blueprint Methodology
A professional UFC fighter cannot afford to specialize in only one area. To succeed, they must be proficient—often elite—across a spectrum of multi-disciplinary fitness skills. This includes stand-up striking, wrestling and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, seamlessly integrated with strength, power, speed and endurance. True readiness also demands mobility, flexibility and the mental control to perform under pressure.
This approach is not accidental. It is the most scientifically sound approach to preparing the human body and mind for unpredictable, high-pressure environments. UFC Gym takes this same blueprint and applies it to everyday people. You don’t need to be a professional fighter to train like one. You simply need access to the right methods, the right coaching and the right environment.
Comprehensive Training for Everyday Athletes
UFC Gym has incorporated the training methodologies used by top fighters and elite athletes to create a multi-disciplinary fitness experience that is accessible, scalable and safe for people of all ages and backgrounds.
Members can choose from close to 100 classes per week, creating a training menu that reflects the full spectrum of human performance. Options range from combat-inspired conditioning and technical skills classes such as boxing, kickboxing, wrestling and BJJ (Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu), to HIIT (high-intensity interval training), metabolic conditioning and strength training. To ensure longevity and balance, the schedule also features Pilates, yoga and dedicated stretch, mobility and recovery sessions.
This variety is not random. It is intentional. Research consistently shows that combining multiple training modalities leads to better long-term outcomes than specialization alone. Many of these principles align closely with the science presented in David Epstein’s book Range, which highlights how broad skill development often outperforms narrow specialization—especially over time.
Benefits of Small-Group Coaching
One of the defining features of UFC Gym is its small-group training format, typically limited to eight to 16 people per class. This allows for something increasingly rare in modern fitness: hands-on coaching.
Our highly skilled coaches are not simply class leaders. They are educators, motivators and technicians who correct movement, adapt exercises and help members progress safely and effectively. The result is an experience that combines the energy of group training with the attention of personal coaching.
For most people, achieving this level of training diversity would require memberships at two or three different gyms—one for strength, one for conditioning, one for martial arts, perhaps another for yoga or recovery. At UFC Gym, it all happens under one roof, within a unified philosophy.
Training Ground for Life and Resilience
UFC Gym is not just a place to work out. It is a place where people learn discipline, resilience and self-belief. Families train together. Individuals discover capabilities they didn’t know they had. Members don’t just get fitter—they become more confident in how they approach challenges.
This mindset naturally extends beyond physical training.
From Gym Floor to Boardroom: The CKO Program
The principles that make fighters effective—adaptability, resilience and decision-making under pressure—are the same principles required of leaders in today’s fast-changing business environment. That insight led to the creation of the CKO (Chief Kickboxing Officer) program, a corporate leadership and management training experience powered by UFC Gym.
The CKO program translates the fight mindset into practical business lessons, using physical training as a learning medium. Participants don’t just talk about the principles—they experience it. These programs are led by Harry Hill, UFC Gym Japan owner and serial entrepreneur, alongside Alfonso Asensio, author of Digital Wisdom and former professional kickboxer. Together, they bridge the worlds of physical training, leadership and modern business transformation.
Companies use the CKO program to help managers build resilience in uncertain environments, improve decision-making under pressure, strengthen teamwork and accountability, and develop adaptability in the face of change.
FAQ
Do I need martial arts experience to join UFC Gym?
No. You do not need to be a fighter to train like one. Our multi-disciplinary fitness approach is scalable and safe for people of all ages and backgrounds, regardless of prior experience.
Will I have to fight other members?
No. While we offer technical classes in boxing, wrestling and BJJ, the focus is on skill development and conditioning. You control your training intensity and contact level.
What makes this different from a regular gym?
Most gyms specialize in one area, requiring you to join multiple studios for a complete routine. UFC Gym offers strength, conditioning, martial arts and recovery under one roof with expert hands-on coaching.
Conclusion
At its core, UFC Gym is about preparing people for life—not just workouts. By combining multi-disciplinary training, expert coaching and a philosophy rooted in the fighter’s mindset, UFC Gym offers a fitness experience that is both comprehensive and deeply human.
Through the CKO program, those same principles are helping leaders and organizations become stronger, more adaptable and more resilient. Because whether in the gym, in business or in life, the ability to fight—smartly, sustainably and with purpose—makes all the difference.
Experience the difference today. Visit your nearest UFC Gym Japan location to start your journey.
UFC Gym Japan Locations
- UFC Gym Yōga – Tokyo
- UFC Gym Ogikubo – Tokyo
- UFC Gym Kani – Gifu Prefecture
- UFC Gym Komaki – Coming Soon
About Harry Hill
Harry Hill is the owner of UFC Gym Japan and a serial entrepreneur with decades of experience building and scaling businesses in Japan. He was the master franchiser of UFC Gym in Japan and previously played a key role in shaping the Japanese direct-to-consumer fitness market through products such as Billy’s Boot Camp and Wonder Core during his time as CEO of Oak Lawn Marketing (Shop Japan). Harry is also the author of Fighter: A Guide to Life and Business and co-creator of the CKO program, where he applies the fighter’s mindset to leadership, resilience and organizational performance.
About Alfonso Asensio
Alfonso Asensio is a former professional kickboxer, business strategist and author of Digital Wisdom. With a career spanning technology, digital transformation and leadership development, Alfonso specializes in helping executives navigate complexity, change and disruption. As co-creator of the CKO program, he bridges physical training and strategic thinking, using lessons from combat sports to teach adaptability, decision-making under pressure and modern leadership in an AI-driven world.
If you enjoyed this article, please let us know and share your thoughts at hello@goconnect.jp.