I have studied martial arts for several years, under many different instructors in a number of styles. The common threads I’ve found in quality training have always been a focus on progression in a supportive and open atmosphere, not an obsession with egos, domination or ranks. Meaningless goals like belt levels tend to force students to stay fixed on a destination, while missing the journey. Competitiveness usually only alienates people from the true purpose of martial arts – to learn valuable skills and techniques that can protect self and others, while achieving new levels of physical fitness and cultivating higher mental discipline. Rob’s teaching embodies the best philosophies and concepts in a training program that can be beneficial for everyone. UMA‘s curriculum is truly rewarding for those who put their full effort into it. We train hard, sometimes go at it with as much realism as possible (without resulting in serious injury) and keep it all tempered with positive martial philosophy and the freedom to adapt the technique to work for us, instead of following some prescribed regimen in verbatim. UMA is the highest example of a martial arts school where quality training and learning override business and status and I am very lucky to be a student here.