Unbridled Martial Arts | MMA for Fitness & Self-Defense in Bellingham WA

Rob Eis: School Organizer & Instructor

For 40 years, Rob Eis has been dedicated to the practice of martial arts. Inspired by live action Japanese superheroes he watched as a child on TV growing up in Hawaii, Rob’s martial arts career began with the study of traditional Shito-ryu and Goju-ryu Karate at the age of 10. By age 15 he was competing internationally and that year he was the youngest member on the U.S. Junior National Karate Team. Since then, he has studied a multitude of styles that he now teaches to others, including Doce Pares Escrima, Shamrock Submission Fighting, Judo, Western Boxing, Brazilian Jiu-jitsu, JKD concepts, and Muay Thai kickboxing. Learn more

Student Testimonials

Getting in shape has been a battle for me most of my life. I have gone through spurts of regular jogging, lifting, and trying to eat healthier, but it always seemed to taper off at some point, due to an illness or some other stress in my life, and I found myself back at square one, back in my old eating habits and sedentary lifestyle. After a few weeks of class at UMA, I noticed that not only did I feel healthier and in better shape, I was actually looking forward to going to class and working out. Learning about self-defense has made getting in shape a secondary outcome, and my newfound optimism about working out doesn’t come from looking healthier, but from the fact that I know I’m developing toughness, mental discipline, and valuable skills.

~ Noel Abbott, Web Developer

Every Tuesday and Thursday night for the past six months, I have attended martial arts classes with Rob Eis at Unbridled Martial Arts. As an active community member, parent and small business owner, finding the time to attend class isn’t always easy, but it is always worth the effort. Unbridled Martial Arts has had a very positive affect on the way I approach physical fitness and life in general. Having never participated in martial arts during my youth, I was reluctant to begin a program as an adult. I have several friends who participate in traditional martial arts programs, and have witnessed their training sessions as well. I knew that the traditional approach was not for me. Unbridled Martial Arts offers an informal, yet well-orchestrated learning environment for adults whose primary goal is to learn technique, effective stretching methods, and self-defense strategies. Rob Eis uses a blend of styles to achieve those goals. From the first night of class I was learning the proper fighting stance. I was throwing punches, executing kicks and using knees. Instead of throwing punches into the air, I was paired with a partner who provided me sensory feedback by holding pads for me to land my blows. In addition to immediately learning new skills, I was getting a good workout and having fun while I was at it. Rob has proven to be a humble and competent teacher. He works well with students of all abilities, taking time to make sure each individual executes each technique properly. I have never left class feeling as though I didn’t learn something new. I look forward to the next six months of instruction from Rob at Unbridled Martial Arts!

~ Jon McGrath

I must admit that I joined UMA due to the low enrollment fees. $30.00 monthly for three classes a week is a steal of a deal! I’m a full time student working less than part time, so it’s very encouraging to be able to participate in a training program without worrying about affording it. Some might equate the low cost with lack of quality, but I would strongly disagree. The low cost seems like more of an invitation to share in a group activity that combines art, fitness and practical self-defense.
What I enjoy about the class most, though, is the friendly and laid back atmosphere (this isn’t to say that we don’t work hard). My experiences in previous martial arts schools have been of varying levels of skills and accompanying ego- a form of competition that is discouraging for those who aren’t wanting to dedicate their lives to martial art, but would rather have fun and learn a new skill. As Rob’s flyer says: “no masters*. Just competent fighters.” Sure, I might not be prepped to be a professional fighter, but I maintain confidence and sense of assertiveness in knowing that I’m capable of defending myself and being more in touch with the physics of body. Overall, the lack of “cult-like” atmosphere and the down to earth attitude takes away the stressors that usually come with a martial arts class/school. It’s given me the motivation and drive to better maintain my fitness level as well. I have and will continue to recommend Rob’s class to those who are looking for a martial arts class for fitness and fun.