UMA Defined

What is UMA?

Unbridled Martial Arts fills a void in the martial arts community of Bellingham & Whatcom County. It provides a solid, sensible, broad based foundation in martial training that is easily accessible to the everyday student.

“Why call your school Unbridled Martial Arts? Does that have some violent connotation? I thought Martial Artists were supposed to be reserved. Why apply a word like `Unbridled’ to it?”

Well, the name is not a description for some WILD form of “unrestrained” fighting. It accurately describes UMA’s attitude and approach to training: that nothing should hold you back. There are no imposed boundaries to our study of the arts. You are free from restrictions. The only one that will hold you back from excelling in your martial studies will be yourself.

Why is UMA a non-commercial school?

While many Martial Arts schools in general have to cater to the commercial needs of sustaining a full-time school, Unbridled Martial Arts, by design has little overhead. This allows its program to wholeheartedly focus its energy on teaching and training.

We do not have to conduct promotions in order to generate revenue. We do not have to devote classtime to un-interested teens and children whose parents enroll them and they may not really want to be there. We do not require the purchase of specialized uniforms. Nor do we obligate students to compete in tournaments or require students to enroll in the added expense of attending seminars.

While many commercial schools that practice close-contact martial arts either waive or ignore the necessity of covid vaccinations, UMA is vocally vaccination-friendly, and for the health and safety of our clients, students, staff and training environment we require that all participants are up-to-date on their seasonal shots and boosters. You can train confidently knowing every training partner and every instructor working in your proximity has your health and safety in highest regard and each person has taken the actionable steps to ensure that is true.

Unbridled Martial Arts is a professionally organized school founded on the desire to expose and educate people from all walks of life to the benefits and applicability of martial arts. We accommodate the serious-minded martial artists as well as the recreational martial artist.

What style of Martial Arts does UMA teach?

UMA is not governed by any affiliation or style. Frankly, martial art systems have a great deal of boundaries, barriers, restrictions, and traditions that are sometimes unnecessary and often serve to complicate the learning process. UMA likes to keep it simple. While respecting the value of all kinds of martial systems, we are not “married” to one single way. If something works, use it. If it doesn’t, don’t waste time with it. Thereby, nothing needs to be rigid. We are not frozen in time. Innovation is not frowned upon, it is invited. If a new training aid or concept comes about that may not have historical ties to martial arts, we do not let the opportunity to learn from it pass us by. If it helps, we take it. If it hinders, we sidestep it.

Learn more about UMA:

Instructor Facility Program Common Questions Enrollment

Stay far from timid. Only make moves when your heart’s in it. And live the phrase: Sky’s The Limit.

Christopher Wallace
Testimonial

My doctor told me I need to lose weight or I was on the fast track to Diabetes. Knowing my habits and family health history I knew that was true. I went to UMAwith a goal of two classes a week on the first month. That was it. I’m on my 3rd month and I have lost 15 lbs. The incentive to make back $5 a week from the dues just by coming twice a week did keep me motivated. That’s when I realized that I can fit two classes a week in my schedule. Let’s face it, everyone now needs gas money. With that goal accomplished, I noticed after my 2nd month in UMA a bonus improvement that I didn’t take account of in the beginning. My stress levels have lowered and my stamina has increased. What can I say about the classes that you haven’t already read in the other reviews…no ranks, no rituals, a well-rounded Martial Arts program, patient, motivated instructor, great class environment. I am 40 years old and I am able to touch my toes without bending my knees for the first time in years. My back feels great after losing all that weight and gaining a better shape. My hand-eye coordination improved with the bag drills. My reflexes are more attuned from the live grappling and Escrima stick training. I am studying a skill set that will improve my confidence, reduce my stress and keep me active. There are also supplemental classes on Saturdays for strength training. Let’s face it, finding time for physical activities on anybody’s schedule is sparse and consuming. I have an hour and a half commute to work 6 days a week and my day starts at 3 in the morning. Work takes a toll on your mind and your body. I needed to take back control of my physical and mental health or my doctor’s prediction would come true. I use to be an XXL now I am working on that L shirt.
Goals change and then I realized it’s a lifestyle. Looking forward to the next class.

~ Jayson Nazareno, maker of planes, Boeing, Everett, WA

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