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

Being a fairly shy person, I was a bit nervous to join a martial arts class. As soon as I contacted Rob, I got a good sense of what he expressed to me, and liked what he described. When I went to watch a class and met Rob, I knew this was the right place for me, and was so excited to start. When I discovered Unbridled Martial Arts, any training of this kind was completely new to me, but that is accepted, even desired here. Rob, and everyone there was so inviting, and made me feel like I was welcome. This is the type of person Rob is, and so naturally these are the kind of people that join and stay. This is Rob’s passion, and he’s looking to share it with anyone and everyone. He’s a great teacher, always ready to work with you on any level. Rob’s teaching always made me feel comfortable. He pushes you to succeed and he believes in you, but never so that you feel forced. It is a completely free, and personable learning experience. Therefore if you’re a complete beginner as I was, he’s ready to bring his knowledge and passion to you. It’s a great place for someone new to martial arts, as well as someone who’s been training for years. I’m forever grateful for what I learned at Unbridled Martial Arts. I now have such a strong passion and desire to continue developing in my newfound love of MMA.

~ ”The other” Brittany Lee

I was nervous the first day of class, however I quickly learned that even though I wasn’t very good, it was okay. With enough practice I soon became just as good as the other students.

~ Sarah McCully, Student

I trained at UMA on and off for several months and really enjoyed the experience. Previously I studied Shotokan karate for ten years in New Orleans and Muay Thai Kickboxing at another Bellingham school for a few months. I really appreciated Rob’s level of knowledge, training, and technical skill, and the way that he seamlessly combines traditional concepts and techniques with newer and less universal techniques. His classes are well-structured and I appreciated knowing how each class would proceed every evening – starting off with intensive conditioning and ending with the application and practice of core martial arts concepts. So in each class I was able to strengthen and condition my body, as well as practice sparring, working on combos, take-downs, etc. The instructor’s many years of experience are evident – he draws from his diversified and extensive experience regularly, exposing students to a wide range of information, resources, and making evident his impressive skill level.
The facilities are extremely clean, a rare thing in MMA gyms and martial arts schools. Everything has its place and is very organized. I was very impressed with the extensive array of equipment that is made available for the students to use.
While the classes are very structured, the environment is laid-back and casual; all are welcome to come and train and you aren’t made to feel inadequate. In fact, Rob customizes the classes to individual ability and levels of training. So while one group of more experienced students is performing a specific exercise, a newer group with less experience can still participate at a modified level.
The cost is unbeatable and only further serves to show the dedication of the instructor; he is doing this solely for his love of martial arts, not for the money. Having worked out at another local MMA gym where I was scammed out of more than $1,000, I really appreciate this about UMA.