The UFC Gym, a new fitness center that mixed martial artist champion B.J. Penn is opening in the spring, promises to be an all-encompassing training center for aspiring MMA fighters, fitness-conscious families and people seeking self-defense skills.

"We’ve got everything from different kinds of equipment that you won’t see at any other gym, and you’ve got the self-defense (training)," Penn said at a preview for the gym last week. "Parents can come to work out, their children can take self-defense. They got a kid area to take care of them. They really thought about all the stuff that the other gyms don’t have and they put it in this gym."

Penn, 32, said he will be teaching some courses himself on a casual basis. "I guess sometimes we can announce it, but I’m always here on Oahu so there’s no reason for me not to come by to my gym … . (Coaching) is going to be the next transition through my career. I never know (if) I could fight again, but one thing I know for sure is I’ll probably be teaching the rest of my life."

Penn also said he plans to be heavily involved in recruiting trainers for the gym, which is expected to employ a staff of about 100. Asked whether any of the martial arts trainers would have to take him on in the octagon to get a job, he grinned: "We have some pretty good ideas about the people we want to bring in here."

Penn is a signature partner with UFC Gym, a company that runs four other gyms, all in California.

The company is affiliated with the Ultimate Fighting Championship mixed martial arts competitions, but says the initials stand for Ultimate Fitness Center when referring to its fitness centers.

UFC Gyms are intended to provide a unique combination of familiar 24-hour gym programs and the "functional" training that mixed martial artists employ, said Adam Sedlack, senior vice president of UFC Gyms. "‘Functional’ is defined as using every muscle in your body," he said.

The gym, to be located in the former Pipeline Cafe site on Pohukaina Street, will have 37,000 square feet of space dedicated to a variety of fitness technologies, from the latest in exercise machines to an octagon for mixed martial arts sparring.

An onsite cafe, the Arm Bar, will serve up food based on nutritional counseling provided at the gym, Sedlack said.

Memberships, being offered at discount prices, will be on a month-to-month basis, requiring the gym to keep clients interested and motivated, he said.

Penn, who last fought Oct. 29 in a loss to Nick Diaz, looked trim as he greeted well-wishers and new gym members. He said he took two weeks off after the loss and has started jogging again. He left open the possibility he might return to the ring.

"When it comes to fighting, that’s the only thing that can be on your mind," said Penn, whose storied career includes two UFC titles, a Brazilian jiu-jitsu championship and a reputation for taking on the toughest fighters regardless of weight differential.

"If I ever feel like that’s the only thing on my mind, that nothing else matters, then I’ll be back," he said. "If I ever step back into the ring again, you’ll definitely see me training at this UFC Gym."

The UFC Gym showroom is at 660 Ala Moana Blvd. Visit ufcgym.com for information.