Photo Provided LEFT: Josh Baker, CEO and head coach of the Appalachia Martial Arts Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, based at the Bullpen Fight Club which is located inside East Wheeling’s Nelson Jordan Center, demonstrates a technique during a weekly class.

WHEELING — Josh Baker is grateful that he got into Mixed Martial Arts when he did. Now, he’s hoping the experience he has grown to love will trickle down to the youth in the Ohio Valley.

Baker is the CEO and head coach at the Appalachia Martial Arts Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, based at the Bullpen Fight Club which is located inside East Wheeling’s Nelson Jordan Center.

“We were established in 2023 and began by offering a free weekly boxing/conditioning class. Since then, we’ve grown to offer six free weekly classes to kids ages 6–18, including Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and boxing/conditioning. In addition to that, we also host free strength training and nutrition seminars, wrestling seminars, and more.”

One of Baker’s goals is to be able to get the youth involved.

“One of our biggest goals moving forward is to bring free Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu classes to local schools as part of an after-school program — giving kids access to martial arts as a sport they can participate in right on campus,” he added. “Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is similar to wrestling. I tell people all the time that if your school has a wrestling program, your school has a martial arts program,” Baker said. “We want to teach kids self defense. Jiu-Jitsu is one of the most practical forms of self defense.”

Baker has trained daily since 2007. He posted an impressive 8-0 record as a 10-year MMA fighter before retiring. He was also 5-1 as a professional boxer, winning the Appalachia Boxing Association Welterweight Championship, and a 1-0 professional kickboxer.

“I’m also a second-degree Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt, having earned my black belt in 2016 after nine years of training,” he explained. “I was the No.1-ranked fighter, pound-for-pound-in West Virginia from 2012-2017.”

The Bullpen Fight Club has a long history of excellence, both in boxing and MMA.

“We have classes five days a week,” Baker continued. “We have been offering some classes in Bellaire at the high school fieldhouse and, hopefully, we will be offering classes in Moundsville.

“We’re looking to focus more on the high school and junior high kids … just trying to make it a sport with a championship at the end of the season,” he said. “Jiu-Jitsu, like wrestling, helps with discipline, self confidence and a variety of other things.”

He said the public response has been great.

“We have to have more than 100 kids enrolled. We get a more consistent turnout with the younger kids,” he added. “Most of the junior high or high school kids are also involved in sports at their schools, which limits their time. We don’t just want kids to excel in Jiu-Jitsu, but in all sports”

Baker is not alone in his venture.

“I’m fortunate to be joined by some incredible instructors,” he stressed.

“Todd Bevan was my main training partner during my pro career. He is also a retired professional fighter and second-degree BJJ black belt. After his fighting career, he joined the military and became an Army Combatives coach. In 2024, he led his team to win the All-Army Championships.

“Josh Flowers is a BJJ brown belt with over a decade of experience. Josh has also competed in boxing, kickboxing, and MMA.

“Damon Rouse is an English teacher at Wheeling Country Day School, a BJJ blue belt with experience competing in boxing and kickboxing. He teaches kickboxing at WCDS, as well.

“I can confidently say that not only are these kids learning effective martial arts at no cost, but they’re learning from the most qualified coaches in the region.”