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

Coming from a long traditional martial arts background I was nervous going to my first MMA class. I was expecting to be surrounded by sweaty guys looking to make it to the UFC by using me as a kicking bag to get there. I was afraid that people training MMA would be animals who were there just because they wanted to hurt people. But what I found at UMA was much different and superbly better than anything I could have imagined. I found a group of down-to-earth people that were looking to have fun, learn a new skill and stay healthy. As time went by I found myself leaving each class more and more excited to come to the next. I became friends with my peers and had a great time getting in shape and learning self-defense techniques that actually would work! Not some silly knife hand techniques that only work if you can stop time and position your opponent’s body in the perfect manner, but techniques that would work if you really were in a dangerous situation. I loved this about UMA. I also love that while I was being taught these effective self-defense techniques I was also being taught how to apply them in the sport scene (both stand up and Jiu-Jitsu/ ground game). I highly recommend Unbridled Martial Arts for those people who are looking to try MMA for the first time, particularly the people who have been disappointed by the traditional martial arts scene and are ready to experience something vastly better.

~ Boris Ilic, WWU graduate and current Grad student at Montana State University

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.

~ Dane Kim, Student/Barista

Thank you Unbridled Martial Arts. Attending Rob’s class has enabled me to reopen a door in my life that has been closed for far too long. I have always been a fierce competitor but over the years I lost my focus and forgot how much I loved challenging myself mentally and physically. I absolutely love this training. It’s been a long time since I felt this good. What a difference. Rob is not only a great instructor, he is an asset to our community. Very few people take the time to share what they believe is of value with others the way Rob does. I look forward to class every week and am thrilled to have the opportunity to train in this non-commercial setting.