I’d been seeing signs for Bigner Combat Academy scattered throughout Pike County for a while, advertising boxing and mixed martial arts classes. When my 12-year-old daughter asked if she could start taking boxing lessons, I decided to give them a call.
What I didn’t expect was to find a place that would have me signing up for classes myself.
One thing that stood out to me when we walked in was how everyone seemed to know one another. There was a genuine sense of belonging among the students and instructors, and after talking with Sonny, I realized that’s exactly the kind of environment he’s trying to create.
Bigner’s interest in martial arts began when he was a child, inspired by Bruce Lee. He started training around eight years old, began formal instruction at 12, and earned his first black belt in Shotokan karate at 18. That same year, he began teaching.
Today, Bigner holds the title of Sifu in Jeet Kune Do (JKD), the martial arts system developed by Bruce Lee, and is a NESTA certified MMA Strength and Conditioning Coach. He also holds the title of Sensei in Shotokan karate, although his focus has since shifted toward mixed martial arts and conditioning.
Years later, his son’s interest in martial arts inspired him to return to teaching more actively. What began with a homemade training area in the backyard eventually grew into a renovated church building where Bigner trained his son and other aspiring fighters.
Over the years, he has coached students in boxing, kickboxing, and mixed martial arts, including competitors who have participated in sanctioned events.
When I asked Bigner what he hoped his students would gain from training, his answer was one of my favorite parts of our conversation.
Rather than focusing on producing champions or reaching certain competitive milestones, he explained that every student comes through his doors with different needs, and his hope is to help each of them find whatever it is they’re looking for.
“There’s something that each one of them needs,” Bigner explained. “What this offers to a lot, especially young fighters, is a family.”
I appreciated that answer because it reflected something I’d already noticed about the academy. Success looks different for everyone, and Bigner seems to understand that.
Another thing that stood out to me was how inclusive the academy is. Students of different ages, genders, backgrounds, and abilities train alongside one another. Everyone is expected to participate and challenged to improve, with individual guidance when needed.
Bigner has worked with students with autism, ADHD, and other learning differences, including one longtime student who went on to compete for an amateur championship.
He also understands that trying something new can be intimidating. Students may feel awkward or self-conscious when they’re first learning a skill, but that discomfort is part of the process. As they continue showing up, learning, and pushing themselves, they begin to build confidence in what they’re capable of doing.
It’s an approach that encourages students to focus less on how they might look to others and more on their own progress.
That welcoming atmosphere extends beyond the training mats. Near the entrance, two chessboards sit ready for students to play between classes. Bigner encourages the kids to use them and even took time recently to sit down with my daughter and me to explain the game.
It’s a small detail, but one that says quite a bit about the environment he’s building.
While I originally walked through the doors to get my daughter involved in boxing, I unexpectedly found myself participating in a cardio kickboxing class. I enjoyed it enough that I signed up for a membership of my own.
Bigner hopes to continue expanding the academy with additional fitness programs, boxing instruction, wrestling, nutrition guidance, and Zumba classes. His goal is to create a facility offering a variety of training opportunities while keeping membership affordable.
He also emphasizes respect and sportsmanship, with his competitive fighters participating in sanctioned events rather than unsanctioned challenges or backyard fights.
“We don’t do politics here,” Bigner said, explaining that people from all walks of life are welcome regardless of their personal beliefs or differences.
“Guys from every walk, every background leave here hugging each other. It’s beautiful. I absolutely love being here.”
And I think that sums up Bigner Combat Academy better than anything else.
It’s a place where people come to learn how to fight, but leave with something much more valuable: confidence, friendships, and a sense of belonging.
