SAN FERNANDO, La Union – The newly renovated Team Lakay San Fernando Gym is teeming with high expectations, grit, and the promise of more championship belts hoping to inspire generations of fighters to come.
With its closure during the pandemic due to restrictions, the Team Lakay gym, located right at the heart of the capital city of La Union reopened to martial artists and health buffs alike on September 10 and hopes to produce another world champion.
Team Lakay honcho Mark Sangiao said the pandemic paved the way for its renovation giving the gym in line with the winning vibe, color and design of its current gym in La Trinidad, Benguet.
Sangiao added that the renovation of Team Lakay San Fernando’s gym went beyond aesthetics and equipment; it was a statement of intent, promising to bring the team’s winning spirit to La Union’s backyard.
Before it’s renovation, at least 10 would-be martial arts fighters honed their skills in grappling, boxing, and kickboxing.
“Since Team Lakay San Fernando was created, we were already molding at least 10 MMA fighters and until now, some have stayed,” Coach Rogelio Capan said.
Capan added that aside from producing a world champion in their gym, the likes of Jay Bayongan, Jezrel Cadiogan, Taro Barrientos, Edson Esteban, Jahn Serbo, John Ira Barrientos, Elvester Gaspar, Devrick Cordero, Eleazar Belgica, Aaron Posawen, Daniel Gwon, Christina Tirso, and Hyeoung Park were among the regulars who trained with the gym.
Capan however said some of them have transferred, while some have already steady jobs but still find ways to support the gym.
The gym’s renovation project aims to create an environment that would not only produce champions but also inspire the next generation of fighters.
And even with the departure of other fighters, Capan said John Ira Barrientos and Elvester Gasar are continuing to pursue their MMA career.
The Team Lakay gym, Capan added, is not exclusive to its fighters but they also welcome walk – ins wanting to train in MMA, boxing, wushu, kickboxing, circuit training and grappling.
Capan mentioned that individuals or groups can access various training schedules, including personal training, MMA, and grappling, from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Interested individuals wanting to avail of their gym services may visit them at P. Burgos Street, San Fernando City, La Union or contact Coach Rogelio Capan at (0998) 578-4639.
