Iron Warriors Gym | Warriors With A Fighting Spirit
By CORINN GUEMMER | Photos by BRIAN PETERS
In Thailand, Danny Harris fought five Muay Thai matches in six months. After each fight, he would share drinks with his opponent and their family. The tradition emphasized respect and community over competition.
“You fight, you show respect and you build relationships,” Danny said. “That’s the philosophy we brought back to Iron Warriors.”
Danny and his partner Erin Wilson train students in Muy Thai, fitness and discipline at Iron Warriors Gym in Topeka. Both have competed in martial arts, and both understand what it takes to overcome challenges — including Erin’s eight-year break from the sport to fight cancer.
FORGED IN FIRE
Erin started as a bodybuilder and later moved into mixed martial arts (MMA), eventually competing as an MMA fighter. Her training was intense, combining strength, endurance and technical skill.
“I always enjoyed training, but I also liked helping people get stronger,” Erin said.
Her path was not without challenges. In her early 20s, Erin was diagnosed with cancer and stepped away from martial arts for eight years. She spent the first year solely focused on treatments and recovery, navigating a difficult and uncertain journey. The experience is one she says she’s still recovering from, but it’s given her a deeper appreciation and understanding of resilience.
Throughout that period, Danny was a constant source of support and encouragement. The two were already dating, and facing such a significant challenge together strengthened their bond and trust in one another.
Danny stayed by Erin’s side throughout her cancer battle, helping her maintain focus and determination even on the toughest days. Their relationship and shared passion for martial arts eventually led to opening Iron Warriors Gym together.
Danny’s martial arts story began when he was diagnosed with Attentive Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and started Taekwondo at age seven. Martial arts became his outlet, teaching him focus, discipline and self-control. Later, wrestling and football offered more opportunities to channel his energy, but injuries and school challenges tested his determination.
After Danny discovered MMA, he trained in gyms across Arkansas, Thailand and Australia. He also experienced periods of hardship, living out of his car while training before joining the military for seven years.
Danny met Erin through the martial arts community. He was cornering her during one of her early fights, and as their relationship deepened, the two began talking about opening their own gym.
IRONING OUT THE DETAILS
Erin brought business and marketing knowledge while Danny provided technical expertise and international fight experience. Mentors like Bryan Carroll in Kansas City and Owners Rico Steele and Donald Holliday of Rico Steele’s Martial Arts Academy helped them with business planning.
Rising rent at their first Topeka location forced them to move, but Erin’s tattoo artist Jennifer Bohlander at Matryoshka Tattoo, connected them to a space in the North Topeka Arts District (NOTO), known for its vibrant local arts scene and community events.
Renovations began in March of 2024 and were completed in July. The gym has dedicated areas for Muay Thai, kids’ classes, yoga and adult fitness.
Erin describes the move as transformative. “The neighborhood is supportive, and the community engagement has been amazing,” she said.
Iron Warriors offers several programs. Adult Muay Thai classes focus on technique, conditioning and mental toughness. Women’s-only fitness classes provide a supportive environment for strength, flexibility and overall wellness. The kids and teen programs teach martial arts fundamentals, self-defense and discipline, giving young people a positive outlet for energy.
“Our kids’ class has definitely grown and is something we are very passionate about,” Danny said. “Down the road, we want to do more events for kids to develop their skills and confidence. We know firsthand that martial arts is about more than fighting. It’s about learning focus, discipline and respect.”
Yoga is also part of their program. Instructor Katy, a recent graduate, helps students with stretching, recovery and flexibility, complementing the high-intensity training of Muay Thai and strength classes. Erin says that mentoring instructors like Katy reflects how she and Danny were mentored themselves.
“It’s exciting to bring someone new in and help them grow. That’s how we were taught, and now we get to do the same,” she said.
Daily classes begin with warm-ups and drills, followed by bag work, partner exercises or sparring. Classes emphasize proper technique and safety. Erin and Danny participate in training alongside students to demonstrate their commitment and reinforce their culture of accountability.
FIGHTING FOR COMMUNITY
Since Muay Thai is not commissioned in Kansas, Danny and members of the gym travel to nearby states for fights, which provides experience and exposure. Erin and Danny hope to host smaller, in-house competitions in the future, giving students additional opportunities to practice in a competitive yet supportive environment.
The gym also participates in First Friday art walks, engages with local schools and partners with charitable organizations.
“We want people to know we’re part of this neighborhood,” Erin said. “We love making new connections here just as much as helping people get fit.”
Danny’s personal experiences with ADHD inform his approach to youth programs, he says. He understands the challenges young people face and wants to create a structured environment where they can channel their energy and develop confidence.
“I know what it’s like to have a lot of energy and not know where to put it. We want kids to leave here feeling capable and disciplined,” he said, adding that over the last year and a half, he’s seen many students at Iron Warriors improve their skills, focus and confidence. Even older fighters report that training has helped them become better students, family members and friends.
Danny balances a full-time job while continuing to compete, coach and manage the gym, and Erin helps her family’s business while using her personal trainer experience to support members with weight management, nutrition and strength training. Her programs focus on healthy, consistent progress rather than extreme dieting.
Members of all ages and abilities are welcome at Iron Warriors, and classes are tailored to individual skill levels — whether someone is stepping onto a mat for the first time or preparing for a competition.
“Everyone who walks in our door becomes family,” Danny said.
