Prepare yourself for Storm Front One, Goulburn’s first dedicated mixed martial arts (MMA) tournament taking place at the Workers Club tomorrow night.

For the uninitiated, MMA is caged fighting – a sport that pits anyone with a martial arts back ground whether it be boxing, karate or even wrestling against each other in a steel octagon. But it’s not as barbaric as it sounds.

Bouts are three, five minute rounds officiated by a referee and much like traditional boxing, the winner is decided by points or by knockout.

Ryan Green, the driving force behind bringing Storm Front to Goulburn says the event is the like of which the city has never seen before.

He keenly points that the sport has been surging in popularity through the hugely supported UFC events. But he admits it’s brutal.

The crazy part for Green though is he’s also set to be the first to fight, when he lines up against Moss Vale’s Sam Giles.

“I’ve busted my ass to get this going,” the 34-year-old said.

“I wanted to be the first Goulburn bloke to do it, and if I can get a win as well then I’d be pumped.”

Green explains his interest sparked when he attended an MMA tournament in Canberra last year.

“I realised they were people I wanted to be involved with and literally the week after I started training.

“Now 12 months later I’m about to make my debut on a Storm Damage card.”

Green joins 14 fighters from the ACT, NSW and QLD, and three local fighters, all of whom are train under the tutelage of well-known Goulburn Taekwondo champion Craig Harmer.

There’s Ben Metcalf, a 34- year-old security guard / cake maker who like Green, has only been fighting for a year.

28-year-old Jimmy Gill is making his octagon debut on less than a weeks notice. Regardless he’s full of confidence. “I’m not scared, I’m just going to do my best and see what happens,” he told the Post.

Then there’s George Martin. The 23-year-old builder and rugby player’s bout against the Highland’s JK Kornoff is set to be the night’s main event.

“I’m confident; it should be a good fight. I’ve worked hard for it,” Martin said.

Their trainer Craig Harmer expects his fighters to lift with the roaring home crowd support. “I expect them all to win,” he said.

“I expect these guys to take it to the ground, get dominant position, and hopefully finish the fight.

“They’re predominantly grapplers come MMA fighters, except Jimmy, he’s a stand up guy first, he comes from a karate background. He’s a striker come grappler so to speak.”

Harmer explains that all four men have been training six times a week, sometimes twice a day at Goulburn’s PCYC in preparation for tomorrow’s fight night.

He says 14-months ago he didn’t know the men. But it’s been a rewarding journey.

“I’ve coached World Championships in Taekwondo myself but to coach these guys and to see them progress and moving on, hopefully as a professional fighter, is pleasing for me as a coach to be able to assist them in their goals.”

Storm Front One is set for a sell out with only $40 standing room tickets remaining.

Doors open at 6.30pm with the first fight at 7pm.