The martial arts guru has run Faiferlick Martial Arts for more than 40 years and Next Edge Performance Gym since 2020 at its current location on South 25th Street. It offers the best of many opportunities that are usually only available in larger localities.

“My wife and I wanted to bring a place to Fort Dodge that would offer cryotherapy, red light therapy, fitness pod, sauna, sensory deprivation chamber with a disembodied float and an oxygen bar.” he said. “When this location first opened, we were just a small business in the La James building right across from Fifth Avenue South.”

“We were all set to go in early 2020, but then COVID hit,” he added. “We used this time to train some workers to be ready to go when we could open. It was a rough start at first, but once we got this new place, things started moving well.”

So much so that the client list peaked in the mid-200s – a strong addition to the martial arts studio.

“The idea from the beginning was to connect both places together,” Faiferlick said. “I didn’t want to have one in one place and one in another. These two businesses really complement each other.”

The only situation that doesn’t factor into the equation is the uphill medical battle facing Faiferlick. He was diagnosed with terminal cancer after some tests found a tumor in his brain. “My family and I take it one day at a time and we enjoy doing it.” he said. “Some lesions are still growing, but overall my cancer is stable. I can live forever in stable condition and plan to fight every day. I am taking treatment, but nothing further can be done. “

“My family and friends are what’s important right now, along with leaving a legacy of grace that includes big Sunday family meals,” the former Air National Guard lieutenant colonel and still grand martial artist said of their time together.

“We want to get rid of stress and burdens, so we decided to sell Next Edge Performance.” he added. “I still think this type of gym can flourish in Fort Dodge now. We know there’s a good fit for someone out there.”

Individuals can contact Faiferlick by email at [email protected] or by phone and text at 515-570-7532.