Club Jaguar: Article - CALIFORNIA COMBAT CLUB

ADULT MATERIAL - PLEASE NOTE THAT ALL INDIVIDUALS FEATURED IN THIS CHAPTER WERE OVER THE AGE OF TWENTY ONE YEARS AT THE TIME THAT THE ORIGINAL IMAGES AND TEXT WERE PRODUCED & ALL FIGHTS ARE SIMULATED

Mayan Gold Ornament

Yale University

When Alexander Johnson returned to the US from his seasons of archaeological digging in the Yucatan, and Chiapas - in Mexico - he went back to Yale, in New Haven, USA laden with the spoils of his years of work.

Many of the items that Johnson had found, with the help of his young friend, 'Don Picaro', in the rich soil of Maya ruins, he was able to conceal, and bring to the US - in the first instance to New York.

Later, Johnson, by then being referred to as 'the Boss' because of his suspiciously acquired wealth, again with the assistance of 'Don Picaro', made contact with a mysterious individual from Queens, New York called 'Kurt Neumann', who was to be of invaluable assistance in later setting up and managing the 'California Combat Club'.

Franklin Black

And so Johnson was able to make a considerable profit from the sale of the smaller, and most valuable items that were avidly acquired by wealthy collectors, well-funded museums, and even seats of learning, including his own 'alma mater', Yale University.

With the capital that Alexander Johnson amassed, he was then able to invest, availing himself of the advice of a fellow graduate from Yale - Franklin Black, a deeply autistic mathematical and organizational genius.

Those profits Alexander Johnson was then able to use in order to buy up 'real estate', first in California, and later in Las Vegas, Nevada.

The move to Nevada was a strategy recommended by Franklin as the Nevada legal system would enable 'the Boss', to pursue his plans with little interference from the authorities.

One of Alexander Johnston's first projects involved moving the 'California Combat Club' - a 'pet project' of 'the Boss', from Los Angeles in California, to Paradise, Clark County, Las Vegas.

The facilities at the new 'California Combat Club' in Nevada were remarkable.

There were showers, saunas, massage rooms, medical facilities, weight-training rooms, a photo studio, a couple of practice rings, and for the club members, bars, lounges, a casino, a small restaurant and other facilities.

The California Combat Club - Paradise - Las Vegas - Nevada

There were two reasons why Alexander Johnston ('the Boss') created the California Combat Club.

Practice Bout - 'California Combat Club'

The first was a nostalgic desire to re-create at least some aspects of the ancient Greek 'games', and the ancient Roman 'Ludi' in the 'time and place' in which he found himself, and this may account for the lavish 'classical' design of the 'Combat Club' facilities.

The 'performers' at the California Combat club spent much of their time practicing elaborate 'combat scenarios'.
The 'fights' at the club - referred to technically as 'spectacula' -(Latin for 'performances') are all 'staged events', and not real fights - but that is not to say that real injuries do not occur on occasions.
These 'arranged' fights build up good and/or bad reputations for various participants ('fighters'), in the minds of the 'punters', and thus enable the organizers to 'control' and benefit from the legal betting that is an integral part of the 'Combat Club' experience

However, the other reason for creating the 'Combat Club' was a desire to provide a gambling environment that would attract serious and very wealthy gamblers. - and it should be noted that gambling is legal in Nevada, and the regulation of gambling is considered lax compared to other states in the United States.

It was for this reason that a casino was included in the club - but limited to Baccarat and Roulette - and no 'slot machines' were provided.

'Adult' Entertainment

The main form of gambling at the 'Combat Club', however, was focused on the outcome of various 'combats', and especially a revised version of the ancient form of unarmed combat known as the 'παγκράτιον' (Pankration) or 'Pancratium' in Latin.

The 'Combat Club' was defined as a place for 'adult' entertainment - and in that, it conformed to the the cultural traditions of the ancient Greeks and Romans - and nudity was at times a feature of some of the events that occurred in the 'combat ring'.

In Nevada, USA, full male and female nudity, in privately run and owned 'clubs' (hence 'Combat Club'), is legal as long as alcohol is not consumed where the nudity is displayed - and all those present are over twenty-one years of age.

Membership of the 'California Combat Club' is divided into three groups 'Standard', 'Gold Card' and 'Platinum Card', and demands very high membership fees in each group.

'Standard Membership' allows entry to the training facilities, massage (men only), bars, lounges and restaurant.

'Gold Card Membership' also permits entry to the casino, and the 'Platinum Card Membership' permits entry to the 'Combat Auditorium' for the 'adult orientated' entertainment - known to the ancient world as 'Spectacula'.

California Combat Club Platinum Card

The California Combat Club
Alexander Johnston
'Many years ago Alexander Johnson - an eminent archaeologist, historian and philanthropist - conceived the idea of revving the 'Pankration' as a homage to the Ancient Greek concept of physical excellence, and founded in California a 'Club' where young men could train their bodies, and compete in the classical arts o f unarmed combat.'
"Now how's that for a start ?", Teddy asked.
"Excellent, Teddy.. so how does it go on ?", Ethan responded.
"Like this...
'Later the 'California Combat club, as it was known, was moved from Los Angeles, in California, to Las Vegas, where Alexander Johnson had his business headquarters.
California Combat Club
Unfortunately Mr Johnson is no longer with us, but his adopted heir, James Johnson still is.
Although the 'Club' is no longer under the late Mr Johnson's direct control, the management of the 'Club' continues to look to James Johnson for guidance and inspiration.
Because the Club is a 'living monument' to Ancient Greek and Roman culture, the building that houses the 'California Combat Cub' is designed in the most refined an correct Neo-Classical style, using the finest and costliest materials, and executed by the most skilled craftsmen, with no expense spared.

Fly 'AirWest' to Las Vegas
Today, with the growing the expansion of tourism in Las Vegas, combined with the recently developed international air-links that have been established by 'AirWest', and the many upgraded Hotels (Casinos and Resorts) now linked with 'AirWest' as luxury vacation packages - the 'Combat Club & Health Spa' has become an increasingly popular attraction with discerning visitors to Nevada..

Be taken from your door, by an 'Athena Limousine', to your nearest international air-port in the US, and then fly direct to 'Vegas and your luxury 'Athena Hotel', where you will be able to enjoy all the attractions offered by the 'California Health Spa' and the associated thrills of the 'California Combat Club'.

Brody Harrison is one of Alexander Johnston's most significant 'discoveries'.
Alexander Johnston Coaching Brody
Brody was first spotted working out by one of Alexander Johnston's associates - and was subsequently given an audition and 'photo-shoot'.
His exceptional physique, good looks and wrestling skill immediately guaranteed him a place in the 'Combat Club' team.
'Brody Wrestling at the California Combat Club'
Brody is a local, 'Vegas boy, and over time has become one of the most popular fighters to appear at the 'Combat Club'.
While Brody does not win all his fights - he always provides an exceptionally exciting performance in the true spirit of the Classical Pankration.
Remember - in Las Vegas it's easy to find the latest show starring Brody.
Just go to any 'Athena' hotel, casino, restraint, spa or gym, where you will find posters advertising Brody's upcoming appearances
Then ask the friendly reception staff, who will help you to obtain a 'Platinum Combat Club Card'
The card will give you access to the 'Combat Club Auditorium' where the wrestling extravaganzas are held - (cards are not issued without the presentation and details of a valid credit card)

'Paco'
The latest addition to the 'California Combat Club' is a young Mexican called Francisco Valiente - generally known as 'Paco'.
'Paco' has experience of wrestling in his home state of Chiapas, in Mexico, and is advising us about a Mexican style of wrestling, known as 'Lucha Libre', that we hope to introduce in the 'Combat Club during this coming quarter.

Brody and Paco in the 'Combat Club' Ring

The First Appearance of 'Paco' in the 'Combat Club' Ring

© copyright 'California Combat Club' / 'Athena Corporation' / 'AirWest'

PLEASE NOTE: INDIVIDUALS FEATURED IN THE GALLERYWERE OVER THE AGE OF TWENTY ONE YEARS AT THE TIME THAT THE ORIGINAL IMAGES AND TEXT WERE PRODUCED

'Brody Harrison' - Publicity Photo

ALL wrestling scenes feature SIMULATED 'fights'

Brody is a teenage 'wanna be' wrestler, first appearing in Chapter 12 - 'Reflections and New Ventures', who is eager to 'make it big' by obtaining a contract with the 'California Combat Club', based in Nevada (LA) and California (Vegas).

This is a franchise, overseen by Marty - who later gets dropped in favour of Kurt.

Kurt is intending to create a lucrative betting 'scam' by using the talents of this very tough young fighter.

In addition, the undoubted good looks, and all to obvious undercurrent of sexual allure and seeming vulnerability - an attraction affecting both sexes - makes Brody an asset to the business.

Brody also assists Faunus (somewhat unwillingly) on some of Faunus' rather odd exploits.

Later, Brody attached himself to the 'club mascot', Tripp.

'Johnathan Kent' - Publicity Photo

Johnathan Kent is a 'farm-boy' from Hutchinson, Kansas.

First spotted by 'the Boss' in the media as a one time 'star' High School Wrestler, no the orders of 'the Boss' he is tracked down by Jim and Ethan.

After prolonged negotiations with Martha Kent, Johnathan's mother, and generous financial inducements, Johnathan finally decide to move to Las Vegas, and trains as a wrestler at the California Combat Club.

Once at the 'Club', Johnathan trains hard - 'learns the ropes' - and makes an unlikely partnership with Brody.

Johnathan later become the co-equal star with Brody, and a major asset to the club.