Mixed Martial Arts at the Heart of Ambition Training Academy

Mark Dale has always been fascinated by mixed martial arts.

That love is part of the reason why Dale co-founded in Eagan—a training gym that offers mixed martial arts and tae kwon do training for beginners and professionals alike. Professional MMA competitors hold memberships to Ambition and former Vikings defensive lineman Ray Edwards has boxed there.

The patronage of such high profile clients may be due to the range of training options Ambition offers. Unlike most MMA gyms, Ambition includes a weight room, as well as a strength and conditioning space. A large turf area is the site of circuit training sessions.

But Ambition is much more than an MMA training facility, according to Dale. The gym includes a full aerobics studio, where zumba, yoga, TRX, cardio, kickboxing and pole fitness classes are frequently held.

Dale and his wife, Teri, both have backgrounds in personal training. Joey Clark, who co-founded Ambition with the Dales, is a former Marine Corps wrestler and has fought professionally 30 times, including pay-per-view MMA fights and cage fights.

“We’re highly effective in helping people meet their physical fitness goals,” said Dale.

However, Dale had to cut the fat from his business in order to reach his goals.

When Ambition opened three years ago, the gym included several services it no longer offers, such as chiropractic services, a hockey division and personal training, all of which fell out within four months of opening.

The business has since been streamlined to focus more specifically on mixed martial arts training, while still maintaining a wide range of programming to cater to its diverse clientele.

Ambition also offers several programs and events that cater specifically to female clients, such as the annual “B-Fit” challenge, where clients take part in a five-month weight loss competition for cash prizes. Ambition also hosts a biannual ladies night, during which local vendors temporarily set up shop in the gym and clients partake in an evening of shopping and free classes.

Ambition client Ann Neibuhr lost 20 pounds participating in the “B-Fit” challenge and has trained there ever since.

“It’s no joke,” said Neibuhr. “They push you.”

Dale made it clear that Ambition’s 120 members are highly valued. He writes a handwritten thank you note to everyone who joins and noted that most of the gym’s business comes through referrals.

“It’s just really a positive place,” said Neibuhr. “The people really know you.”

Clark stated that there’s nothing more rewarding than seeing clients improve and succeed.

“It’s awesome,” he said.