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

Tired of the monotony of the treadmill at the gym, I decided to attend a kickboxing class, Unbridled Martial Arts, taught by Rob Eis. Not knowing what to expect, I prepared for an uncomfortable experience, with a lot of yelling, sweating, and confusing maneuvers. What I found was a small, friendly group of people of all different fitness levels, learning side by side. I wasn’t the only new person. Rob took the time to teach us the basic techniques with concise directions, allowing us to go at our own pace until we felt comfortable enough to try more advanced routines. As the month went on, I began to look forward to the one-hour classes, knowing Rob would have a new exciting sequence for us to learn, accompanied with excellent warm-up stretches and light cardio exercises. Few classes offer the personalized and individual attention that Rob’s class does. I would recommend the class to anyone interested in breaking out of a workout rut. In addition to achieving a healthier lifestyle, participants will learn to appreciate the unique strengths of their bodies, and improve upon their weaknesses, in a non-judgmental atmosphere. And chances are, some great friends will be made in the process.

~ Allison Schneider, Newsroom Assistant/ Staff Writer

I had taken a basic self-defense class a few years before coming to Unbridled, and had always wanted to learn more. My friend wanted to try it too so we started training together, which was great because we could partner together for drills and be at the same knowledge level.
I am a very visual learner, and Rob’s teaching style works very well for me. At the start of each training there is some cardio and strength warm-up, which can be challenging, but you can always go at your own pace until you adjust to the routine. Rob explains new skills to the group and then often demonstrates them before having students try them out. Each lesson builds logically on past material. As a new student you get a lot of one-on-one teaching to help you master the basics first before you get thrown into drills.
The atmosphere at Unbridled is serious, but more casual and fun than the regimented environment at traditional martial arts studios might be. Rob is always happy to answer questions that come up during training or help if you can’t quite get a skill, as are students who have been around for a while. I joined wanting to build the skills to defend myself and those around me (I swear by being prepared for anything!) and in just a couple of months I felt much closer to that goal. Training is physically challenging and will make you stronger and more fit as well. Unbridled Martial Arts is an AMAZING value, if you’re on the fence about trying it, do it!

~ Hanifah McGovern, Executive Assistant

This is the best, most realistic as well as safest training I’ve ever received in a civilian class. I’ve attended 6 different martial arts classes as a civilian and sat in on dozens of other classes and this is the most realistic training I’ve received outside of the military. It teaches almost all of the same skills as military combatives while being geared toward civilians. It is a very well organized class which teaches a good blend of hand to hand, grappling, and weapons fighting realistically. Because of this I was able to improve on all of the skills I learned while being deployed in Europe for a year. The real tragedy of the class is that so few people seem to realize how great it is.