Press Release – New York, NY (January 31, 2012) – Hayabusa, the world’s leading manufacturer of combat sports equipment, announces the release of its Pro Training Series line of coach’s equipment designed in conjunction with friend and colleague, the late Shawn “The Coach” Tompkins.
Hayabusa began collaborating with Tompkins in 2009 on a series of original design concepts that evolved into the Pro Training Series, a line of pads specifically geared towards the needs of a professional striking coach.
“We were devastated by Shawn’s passing, and we lost a partner, and a dear friend,” said Hayabusa co-founder Craig Clement. “We were very conflicted over how to handle the release of the line and considered possibly scrapping it altogether, but we spoke to Shawn’s wife Emilie, and she encouraged us press forward and release this line of gear designed by and now dedicated to ‘The Coach.’”
The Pro Training Series includes the Pro Body Protector, Pro Micro Mitts focus pads, Pro Curved Thai Pads and Pro Kick Shield.
A portion of the proceeds from all products sold in the Pro Training Series goes directly to the Tompkins family.
“We offer our deepest condolences to Emilie, the Tompkins family, the members of Team Tompkins and all those in the MMA community who had the pleasure to know Shawn,” said Hayabusa co-founder Ken Clement, “We are proud of the designs and we know that Shawn was as well. He worked with us on every facet of the design from prototype to the final products. We hope that the Pro Training Series line will honor his memory.”
Click here to view the Pro Training Series Trailer
To make a donation to the Shawn Tompkins Memorial Fund please contact [email protected].
About Hayabusa
Hayabusa takes its name and logo from the Japanese word for peregrine falcon. A predator renowned for its speed, power and strength, the falcon possesses the same attributes mixed martial artists competing at every level of the sport strive to attain. This “spirit of the fighter” concept inspires the design and construction of every product made; from competition grade performance wear and training equipment to lifestyle apparel. Every product manufactured incorporates the latest advances in material sciences with fighter-tested and approved design. The unique approach of combining an understanding of the warrior spirit with cutting-edge science makes Hayabusa the premier manufacturer of mixed martial arts equipment in the world.
About Shawn “The Coach” Tompkins
Shawn Tompkins, founder of Team Tompkins and one of the premier striking coaches in mixed martial arts, passed away in his sleep August 14 2011. He is survived by his wife, Emilie.