Rob Eis: Unbridled Martial Arts School Organizer & Instructor
I have been a resident of Bellingham since 1979, and I began my martial arts training at the age of 10.
My teaching experience in the martial arts is extensive. For well over twenty-five years I have taught both women and men from as young as 5 to as old as 75. I am skilled at structuring classes that accommodate & engage both genders of all ages.
My belief is that a solid foundation in basic practice is paramount for a student’s growth and incremental progression. Dedication to the fundamentals is crucial because that is the platform from which the student later propels himself or herself. Ever try jumping from an unsturdy surface? Then you get my point… In time the student achieves the ability in adapting to the continually changing conditions of combat. Hence, practice does not make perfect. Perfect practice makes perfect.
Sensibility and practicality are essential to my curriculum. My training methods can be defined as less “ritualistic” and more “realistic.” My ambition for the growth of martial arts in the community is similar to those views of two legendary pioneers in the art of Japanese Karate; Gichin Funakoshi and Mas Oyama.
Funakoshi, the founder of Modern Karate, felt everyone should study martial arts and in the 1920’s he became something of a karate ambassador. He believed the practice of his martial art cultivated a spirit of humility while developing the whole body as an instrument of self-defense. Through strong, disciplined training, he saw that it strengthened people mentally and physically so that a better harmony among people could be realized. His goal was to popularize his art to the Japanese and ultimately internationalize karate.
Oyama, the founder of Kyokushin karate, was an enigmatic man whose legendary exploits ranged from killing a bull with his bare hands to accepting challenges that totaled over 270 undefeated fights in one year’s time. Throughout his life he rose to any occasion that helped demonstrate his powerful art. Overall, he believed the ultimate goal of martial arts was world peace–that it could make a practitioner a better person and in turn make the world a better place.
It is my hope that the people I teach progress from enjoying the positive effects that their training has on their own life, to recognizing the positive influence they can have on the lives of others.
Compared to Funakoshi and Oyama, my dreams for the positive influence of martial arts are on a much smaller scale. Theirs was a global ambition whereas mine is focused on a small community.
Simply put, I believe Martial arts can first and foremost teach a student how to keep their “cool”. If, through arduous practice, you develop a sense of calm in the heart of chaos and you learn you can weather any storm, then your compassion increases as you discover there is always potential to cause harm and how easily it can happen. As it influences your every day endeavors, you find you remain cool in traffic jams and exhibit patience when waiting in line. Thus, you exude a peace that may influence others. If not, at least YOU’RE cool. It all starts with you.
Instructor’s Background:
- 42 years of martial arts experience.
- Began Traditional Karate in 1981: Shito-Ryu & Goju Ryu.
- 1st Degree Blackbelt in Shito-Ryu Karate granted by Dr. Julius Thiry (President of USA National Karate Federation and founder of Washington Karate Association).
- 2nd Degree Blackbelt granted by Kenzo Mabuni (youngest son of Kenwa Mabuni, the founder of Shito-Ryu Karate-Do).
- 5th Degree Blackbelt granted by the Filipino Martial Arts Academy under Chris Petrilli.
- 6th Degree Blackbelt granted by the Filipino Martial Arts Association / Eastern Arts Alliance under 9th Degree GM Instructor Tom Weissmuller.
- Former Assistant Instructor for Pacific Martial Arts.
- International competitor -Competed on US Junior National Karate Team in the Pan-American Games at the age of 15.
- USANKF* State and Regional Champion in point-fighting, forms, and weapons.
- Formerly Certified US State Judge/ Referee in Sport Karate.
- 1st Grade Black Belt in Doce Pares Eskrima granted by Grand Master Ciriaco “Cacoy” Canete (12th-degree black belt and last surviving, highest ranking member of the famed Doce Pares Eskrima Club, founded in 1932).
- Certified Level 2 Instructor in Shamrock Submission Fighting (by Frank Shamrock -UFC World Champion, King of Pancrase, two-time Hall Of Fame Inductee, & Guinness Book of World Record Holder for “fastest championship victory in full contact fighting.”)
- Received personal training in authentic Muay Thai (Thai Boxing) at the world famous Fairtex Training Camp in Thailand (2005).
- Level I Control Tactics Instructor certified by the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission (WSCJTC*).
- Level II Defensive Tactics Instructor certified by the WSCJTC.
- HIGH GEAR™ Scenario Instructor Level 1 Certification from Blauer Tactical Systems.
- Certified Shocknife™ Safety Monitor (Shocknife™ is a revolutionary training knife for developing real world self-defense skills against an edged weapon attack.) More info: click here.
- Certified Crossfit Kettlebell Instructor.
- Certified TRX Instructor.
- Certified Progressive Fighting Systems (PFS) Apprentice Instructor by PFS founder, Paul Vunak.
- Certified PFS Edged Weapons Defensive Tactics Instructor by Paul Vunak.
- Experienced in Muay Thai Kickboxing, Western Boxing, Judo, Brazilian Jiu-jitsu, Kobudo (Traditional Okinawan weaponry), Escrima, as well as Filipino and Indonesian empty hand systems.
- Instructor for Western Washington University’s three Marital Arts related courses: Beginning Martial Arts / Self-Defense / Kickboxing -offered Fall, Winter, Spring, and Summer quarter. (1-credit for Elective Special Interest or Kinesiology Majors requirement)
- Self-Defense Fitness Instructor for Western Washington University’s Faculty & Staff Wellness program.
- From 2003 to 2019, Instructor of an adaptive Martial Arts program for developmentally disabled adults; The Max Higbee Recreational Center, Bellingham, WA.
*United States of America National Karate-do Federation (USANKF) is the U.S. Olympic committee governing body for sport karate. www.usankf.org
*WSCJTC provides training for law enforcement, corrections and other public safety professionals in Washington State.