Chute Boxe partner Tobin Dorn sets the record straight regarding the reasons behind the departure of Wanderlei Silva, Mauricio Rua and Murilo Rua. Check out what he had to say as he discusses the future plans of the academy, including franchising opportunities, an official Chute Boxe US Academy and more.
TN: What's your position at Chute Boxe?
TD: I was recently invited by Rafael Cordeiro to be his business partner at the Chute Boxe academy in Curitiba. My responsibilities will be to deliver creative and dynamic marketing and branding strategies for the academy. I have been training at Chute Boxe since 2004 and am excited to be in a position now that will allow me to grow the academy and the brand.
TN: What were the reasons behind Ninja and Shogun's departure?
TD: Ninja and Shogun felt that it was their time to build on their names as 'individuals' and to create their own academy. They are both excellent fighters and are prime examples of what results from the Chute Boxe training program.
TN: Can you let our readers know why Wanderlei Silva decided to leave Chute Boxe after so many successful years?
TD: Wanderlei Silva decided to leave Chute Boxe as it was always his dream to live with his family in the United States. He decided that now was the time to make that move and Chute Boxe supports his decision 100% and values the friendship that they still have.
TN: With such high profile fighters having recently left the team, how's everything going over there?
TD: Things are great here right now! We're training hard and are super positive about some big events coming up and expect to be victorious. In every successful academy, you will find that some fighters have different paths they eventually want to follow. This is not ideal for the team, but is a fact of life. Chute Boxe is a team and a family. We train together, fight together, celebrate together and suffer together. The team is bigger and can achieve more success than any one individual.
TN: What are Chute Boxe's plans for the future?
TD: Chute Boxe has plans to establish an official Chute Boxe training center in the USA and will create an international pro team. We are always looking for new talent and welcome serious inquiries.
TN: Is there now, or has there ever been, an authorized Chute Boxe academy in the US?
TD: No, there has never been an official Chute Boxe academy in the US. We plan on establishing one in the near future that will be headed by Rafael Cordeiro.
TN: With so many MMA gym franchises, such as Extreme Couture and The Boxing Club, having success in the US, is this a market Chute Boxe plans on moving into?
TD: Absolutely. We plan on offering franchise opportunities in the USA. With the growing popularity of MMA and so many well-trained fighters out there today, we see that this market has tremendous resources and opportunities.
TN: Can you give us some information on some of the up-and-coming talent from Chute Boxe?
TD: We have some super talented fighters that will debut this year, such as Fabricio Werdum, Evangelista 'Cyborg' Santos, Cris 'Cyborg', Fernando Bettega, Luis 'Sorriso', Marcio 'Gracinha' and Michael Costa, just to name a few. Our fighters are conditioned to exhibit the qualities of the Chute Boxe training program, both in striking and on the ground.
TN: The Chute Boxe team is known for its very aggressive style. How did this originate? Who teaches the standup at Chute Boxe and who teaches the ground game at Chute Boxe?
TD: Chute Boxe is known the world over for its extremely aggressive style of Vale Tudo and show-stopping performances. We have produced MMA champions such as Wanderlei Silva, Mauricio Shogun, Luiz Azeredo, Daniel Acasio and Anderson Silva to name a few. Technique, conditioning, determination and a 'do or die' mentality all contribute to our training program that delivers results. With two of the top Muay Thai coaches in the world, Rudimar Fredrigo and Rafael Cordeiro, and 2nd degree black belt in Gracie Jiu Jitsu, Cristiano Marcello, Chute Boxe is a team that produces world champions.
TN: Anything you'd like to say to Chute Boxe fans around the world?
TD: Stay tuned to see what Chute Boxe has in store for 2008! An official Chute Boxe USA academy, franchise opportunities and our 'Fighter Talent Search' are all coming your way. Please contact us at tobin@newleveldesign.com.br if you have interest in fighting for Chute Boxe or if you would like to open a Chute Boxe franchise. We would like to thank all of the fans for their support.