Amanda Sanderson, left, tries to keep a straight face while practicing a sparring exercise with her mom, Laura Sanderson, during the mixed martial arts for fitness and self-defense class at the Unbridled Martial Arts studio on Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2009. "We really enjoy beating each other up twice a week," said Laura Sanderson laughing. (ABOVE PHOTO)
Bjorn Whitney, right, prepares to spar with Seth MacDonald. (RIGHT PHOTO)

January 28, 2009

COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT: Martial arts school takes different approach
MICHELLE NOLAN

Rob Eis once said, "Bellingham needs another martial arts school like it needs another Starbucks."

So in 2003 he founded Unbridled Martial Arts - a school that's a little bit different.

"No contracts, no belts, no kids," Eis said. "We have the only non-commercial martial arts studio in the county."

Unbridled's Web site says that by being non-commercial, the curriculum is not pre-packaged or developed by any outside group.

Eis said he does not purchase other companies' programs and spoon-feed them to his students, and he doesn't utilize any revenue-generating schemes or require students to pay for mandatory tests or costly martial arts competitions.

"We're not a place for anyone who wants to brag about getting a black belt," Eis said. "There's no talk of belts in our studio. We're not part of any commercial organization. I don't do gimmicks, special rates, or trials. It's $30 a month, three nights a week."

Eis said that money goes to sustaining the school's operation, not fattening his wallet.

Eis, a 38-year-old graduate of Bellingham High School with 28 years of martial arts experience, is a corrections officer with Whatcom County Juvenile Detention.

In his youth he earned black belts, including numerous state and regional titles highlighted by competition in the Pan American Games, and he still doesn't discourage others who seek that path.

"We actually list all the local martial arts studios on our Web site," he said. "We want people who come to our studio to feel it's the right place for them, and we want to make sure they're comfortable."

Unbridled's members must be at least 16.

Four of Unbridled's members - Bellingham residents Felicia Molano, Seth MacDonald, Manis Pierre and Alec Kirk - said Eis' studio provides a feeling of camaraderie and a special fellowship in the spirit of martial arts.

"It's kind of like a family in some ways," Pierre said. "It's a unit, a body, an organized group of people with similar ambitions. I like to know how to defend myself."

The athletic ability of Eis' pupils varies greatly, from those who are non-athletes to former high school standouts.

"I love (mixed martial arts) and I've always wanted to participate," said MacDonald, who was a former football player at Bellingham High School. "I was hesitant at first to come in about two years ago, because I don't like feeling stupid. But I found that Rob's a great teacher. He puts things in layman's terms, and he has real patience. He doesn't make anyone feel small. I never have a bad day in his MMA classes."

Eis, instructs in a variety of combative systems, including Western Judo [typo: Western Boxing], Muay Thai, kickboxing, street self-defense, Shamrock Submission Fighting, grappling, judo, Brazilian Jujitsu and Escrima (Filipino stick and knife fighting).

Molano, who felt like a non-athlete before entering the program, said her mixed martial arts instruction helped her cope with cancer.

"I've been cancer-free for one year," she said. "I've been with Unbridled for three years, and MMA has helped me become more aware of my body."

Eis said Molano has been "a rock of stability" in his program and a great example for people who weren't high school or college athletes.

Many of Unbridled's students feel that Eis' teach style should be an example for other "commercialized" studios.

"Rob is never demeaning and never talks down to anyone," Pierre said. "I like the discipline and consistency here. I like things I can depend on, and Rob is totally dependable. The snow never keeps him away from our studio."

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ADDITIONAL PHOTOS POSTED ON THE NEWSPAPER'S ON-LINE WEBSITE
ALL PHOTOS TAKEN BY BELLINGHAM HERALD PHOTOGRAPHER: KATIE BARNES

	Rob Eis, right, instructs Alec Kirk how to escape from a guillotine choke hold.
	MMA students learn how to fight back and escape from the unfortunate, yet very real, situation of being taken to the ground.
	Felicia Molano, right, spars with Kari Neumeyer at the MMA class.
	Protective head gear is a must when engaging in a higher level of contact sparring.
	Seth MacDonald is picked up during a demonstration by teacher Rob Eis on how to defend against the guillotine choke hold.
	Manis Pierre sweats during the mixed martial class at UMA.
	Amy Kruckeberg ends up on the floor during a sparring match with Felicia Molano.
	A student rests during the mixed martial arts for fitness and self-defense class at the Unbridled Martial Arts studio on Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2009.
	Manis Pierre, right, applies the submission move of a straight armbar on Ian Chambers.
	Meagan Adolfson, above, practices MMA with Ann Graham, below, at the mixed martial arts for fitness and self-defense class.
	A mixed martial arts student watches as teacher Rob Eis demonstrates a grappling position with Seth MacDonald.
	Felicia Molano watches as her mixed martial arts teacher explains the next move they will practice at the Unbridled Martial Arts studio.
	Unbridled Martial Arts studio instructor, Rob Eis, left, with the aid of his student, Manis Pierre, explains how to avoid getting slammed against the floor by a larger opponent.
	Seth MacDonald picks up gear after the mixed martial arts class.