The Scrap Shack is owned and operated by Damian Hall, a skilled martial arts and combat fighter. After the Covid-19 pandemic closed down the gym where he’d been training, he didn’t just wait it out. Frustrated at not being able to stay on his strict training schedule, he decided to find a place at home where he could work out if this should ever occur again.
In September 2020, he began converting an old shed in his parents’ backyard, which became the original “Scrap Shack.” He and his friends used that little gym for about a year and a half before moving into the small garage at his new house in Lyndon. This garage is where the team began to form, growing from three to four participants up to twenty. Again, Damian knew more space was needed, so he purchased a building on Main Street in Lyndon. Always the fighter, he wasn’t discouraged by the poor condition of his new building, which had been significantly damaged in a fire twenty years earlier.
With the help of his friends and some community donations and sponsorships, he began restoring and converting the old feed store into a gym. At this location they incorporated an off season youth wrestling program, which he plans to have running again soon in Prophetstown, with Austin Baldwin coaching. Struggling to attract new members to this very basic, no-frills building, he again looked for a new location that would be more inviting.
The move to Prophetstown in September of 2024 has proven to be a perfect location for the gym. He is excited about the opportunity to bring martial arts to the Prophetstown community and hopes to continue growing and expanding classes at the gym, located at the former Blooms-A-Latte building on Main Street.
Contributing to its growth, The Scrap Shack has an active team working hard to win as many competitions as they can – while also putting a spotlight on the gym and Prophetstown. They’re well on their way in reaching this goal with over 80 medals from regional and national competitions since 2020! With his fight, determination, loyal friends, and following, Damian is sure to accomplish all his goals here.
Starting a new journey in martial arts can feel intimidating; however, the challenge of stepping through the door or making that initial contact should be viewed positively as a life-changing move toward self-improvement. Regardless of your goals, you will find a program at The Scrap Shack that meets your needs. I would encourage you to explore any training that piques your interest. If you have even a slight interest, check it out! Take that first step at The Scrap Shack. Stop in and sign the waiver for a class. The first week of classes is free so you can see if it’s something you will like!
Whether a seasoned athlete or a beginner pursuing personal goals, jiu jitsu is an excellent way to achieve results. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu offers a wide range of benefits for people of all ages, both male and female. It serves not only as a valuable self-defense tool, but also enhances physical health, mental wellness, logical thinking, focus, and flexibility. It can also benefit children with improved physical fitness, self-defense skills, boosted confidence and valuable social and mental development. As a coach, Damian shares the skills and techniques he learned as a fighter as he works alongside his students, allowing him to form a bond with each and every one.
The Scrap Shack is currently holding the following classes:
- Youth Boxing – Tuesday and Wednesday – 4:00-5:00 p.m. – Coach Holden Kessel (typically students start at 8 years old and move up to the adult class at age 14)
- Adult Kickboxing – Tuesday and Thursday – 5:15 p.m. – Coach Damian Hall (open to beginners and experienced fighters)
- Jiu Jitsu – Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday – 6:15 p.m. – Coach Damian Hall
- Jiu Jitsu – Friday – 5:15 p.m. – Coach Damian Hall
- Youth off-season wrestling – Wednesday – 7:30-8:30 p.m. – Coach Austin Baldwin
- MMA Class – Monday – 5 p.m. – Coach Joe Olaughlin.
Current class schedules are always available by simply calling, emailing, or messaging the Facebook page. There’s no women only classes at this time, but he’s planning to make it happen in the future.
Damian Hall – Owner
319 Washington Street, Prophetstown
Text: 815-499-0453
Facebook: The Scrap Shack Jiu Jitsu
Email: damianhall21@gmail.com
