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

I first heard about this class from my husband. He had been going to this class for some time and recommended it highly. I wanted a class that would teach me self-defense and give me a good workout at the same time. This turned out to be the class. The instructor is very skilled in teaching self-defense. He teaches techniques that are easily adapted to real life, and is so well organized that he finds time to fit in a great workout. I didn’t have any martial arts experience so I was a little nervous before my first class. Five minutes into the class and that nervousness was put to rest. It is a very friendly atmosphere and geared toward all levels of experience, or non-experience, as in my case. I find the pace very comfortable with lots of encouragement. I feel confident about the skills I’m learning, my fitness level is increasing, and I feel invigorated after each class. This is definitely a class worth recommending.

~ Margie Miller

Training at the Unbridled Martial Arts studio is a unique experience. Whether you have been training for years or you just decided to start something new, UMA accommodates all levels of MMA. Rob brings decades of experience and insight into his training. He isn’t there to make money, but to bring the sport of MMA to the community and anyone who has interest in it. He opened my eyes and heart to what MMA can do for you not only physically, but mentally. He is constantly pushing and encouraging each student to surpass their own level and ability. The open and friendly environment makes it easy to establish great friendships. Everyone in the studio is motivating, caring, and interested in helping others. I give UMA the highest recommendation there is. I wish other studios like UMA were south of Bellingham. If you’re looking for a memorable and challenging experience, this is the place for you!

~ Teila Evans, Project Manager at Educational Systemics

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.