Episode 08: Mike Wacker Interview
Welcome to the Blackhole!
When one thinks of a black hole, the first thing that most likely comes to mind is a celestial phenomenon in space that captivates the mind and opens the portals of imagination. Reel Scene Sports Media was able to experience a different kind of black hole phenomenon, albeit here on earth, but still captivated and impressed with its’ inhabitants, nonetheless.
Meet Jiu Jitsu expert Mr. Mike Wacker, owner, and operator of Black Hole Jiu Jitsu, one of New York’s top schools for Jiu Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts. Mike began training in martial arts at the age of seven after being inspired by the popular cartoon at the time, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. After developing a keen interest in martial arts, Mike found Jiu Jitsu at the age of 12 and became completely infatuated with the sport. Several years of training and practicing Jiu Jitsu had passed until Mike decided to begin training his friends in the basement of his home in Wappingers Falls, New York.
The dimly lit makeshift gym built by Mike and his Grandfather soon became known as the “Black Hole”; a place where many hours of Jiu Jitsu training took place, friendships were born, and the love for the art was fostered and developed. While honing in on his coaching skills, Mike began to take on more and more students, and through trial and error was eventually able to open a legitimate school to satisfy the demand. Mike stuck to his roots and affectionately named his school Black Hole. Ironically the very concept of Jiu Jitsu is to take an opponent from an upright position to the ground. Mike did just the opposite with his newly created Jiu Jitsu School. Over the years he has been able to build a program that originated out of his parent’s basement to one that has an impressive five locations. All from the ground up. This accomplished all through sheer determination, hard work, trial and error, the will to succeed, and a deep passion for his art.
Black Hole not only offers Jiu Jitsu training, but also offers Boxing, Aikido, and MMA classes. One of the great aspects of the Black Hole School is that it welcomes all ages from children all the way up to Seniors. In touring his Wappingers Falls location, I had the pleasure of experiencing a very vibrant, energized, and positive atmosphere. Students from all ages entered the gym with a smile on their face and left with a smile on their face. Don’t let the hard work, grunting and mat slapping fool you. This organization truly welcomes their clients in and treats them like family.
The success has not gone to Mike’s head. Mike attributes his success to the team of people (both students and coaches) and the family like environment that has been fostered over the years. Although Coach Wacker has had many personal Jiu Jitsu accomplishments over time, (such as winning the IBG NY Open), he still considers himself to be a coach first and wants his legacy to be “Remember me through my students”. When asked about his opinion on the comparisons of Jiu Jitsu and MMA (Mixed Martial Arts), Mike stated that Jiu Jitsu is the most complete Martial Art in the world, and sees MMA continuing to grow exponentially having limitless potential. Mike looks forward to great things in the future from his Black Hole Team and has vowed to continue to build his program into an internationally known organization. Judging from his current successes, and positive determined mindset, the sky is the limit for Coach Mike Wacker and the infamous Blackhole!