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Only Local "MMA" Class (fishy)

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Yellow Belt
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Hey, guys.

So I live in a small town (7,500 people) and there are only a few options for where to train. I've been doing MT at a place that's being rented out (a couple people with a legit instructor + pads, no bags). Only other options for stand-up are Karate, TKD, and Kung Fu... so I'm sticking with the MT. That covers my stand-up, so I need some type of ground game (there's no BJJ classes around here).

But at this place called Patenaude Kung Fu (read that it's all a bullsh*t moneygrab type deal) they are offering "MMA" and a couple people I know are taking it or thinking of taking it. Now these people aren't educated as much as I am about this kind of stuff and neither of them is a Sherdogger, so I can't get any advice on the class. But you can't have MMA without some ground game, so I'm kind of interested.

The odd thing I've heard about the class is that it's run by a Sifu.. which I am pretty sure is the title of a TMA instructor.. kinda fishy, no?

What do you guys think I should do with this?
 
Sifu (or shifu) is what they call the instructor in most Chinese TMA's. It's getting popular to say your gym is "MMA" right now.

On the other hand, maybe this guy loves his Kung Fu, but has legit instruction in BJJ or Judo, he just likes his TMA more. The worst that can happen is you go check it out and you walk out shaking your head.
 
Sifu (or shifu) is what they call the instructor in most Chinese TMA's. It's getting popular to say your gym is "MMA" right now.

On the other hand, maybe this guy loves his Kung Fu, but has legit instruction in BJJ or Judo, he just likes his TMA more. The worst that can happen is you go check it out and you walk out shaking your head.

THis is true. I know a few people like that. Hell even if he is only a blue belt level, he can teach you the basics.
 
Sifu (or shifu) is what they call the instructor in most Chinese TMA's. It's getting popular to say your gym is "MMA" right now.

On the other hand, maybe this guy loves his Kung Fu, but has legit instruction in BJJ or Judo, he just likes his TMA more. The worst that can happen is you go check it out and you walk out shaking your head.

Isn't that the name of the mouse thingy from kung fu panda?







Not that I watch disney cartoons or anything :icon_lol:
 
Isn't that the name of the mouse thingy from kung fu panda?

Not that I watch disney cartoons or anything :icon_lol:

He WILL make you the Dragon Warrior!!! :icon_chee

Shifu.jpg
 
It doesn't sound too promising, but it can't hurt to check into it to see there's a free introductory class or something.
 
Hey, guys.

So I live in a small town (7,500 people) and there are only a few options for where to train. I've been doing MT at a place that's being rented out (a couple people with a legit instructor + pads, no bags). Only other options for stand-up are Karate, TKD, and Kung Fu... so I'm sticking with the MT. That covers my stand-up, so I need some type of ground game (there's no BJJ classes around here).

But at this place called Patenaude Kung Fu (read that it's all a bullsh*t moneygrab type deal) they are offering "MMA" and a couple people I know are taking it or thinking of taking it. Now these people aren't educated as much as I am about this kind of stuff and neither of them is a Sherdogger, so I can't get any advice on the class. But you can't have MMA without some ground game, so I'm kind of interested.

The odd thing I've heard about the class is that it's run by a Sifu.. which I am pretty sure is the title of a TMA instructor.. kinda fishy, no?

What do you guys think I should do with this?

Sifu is just the instructor title in a number of Eastern martial arts, notably Kung Fu. If they place is a Kung Fu school primarily, it's not fishy that the instructor uses that title. My instructor trained Muay Thai, Kung Fu, and Filipino martial arts under an instructor who used the title Sifu, and the man happened to also be a black belt in judo, and a highly accomplished kickboxer.

What I'm saying is, find out the guy's credentials. Yes, if it's an MMA class there should be a significant grappling component. So find out the instructor's grappling credentials, rather than judging it based on the guy's title. Just because someone is trained in traditional martial arts doesn't mean they're a fraud.
 
Give it a shot. What's the worst that can happen from it? You not liking it.
 
Thanks for the replies, guys.

I did some research and just found out that their name was changed to "Mixed Martial Arts and Fitness Academy". I looked around on their website (feel free to, yourself: Mixed Martial Arts & Fitness Academy, Kanata, ONTARIO), and found nothing very helpful and things like "20 years of Martial Arts experience" rather than specific belts or which MAs.

And stuff like this:

"D’Amour has earned his certification with American Top Team, and stands as the only Canadian to achieve such status. D’Amour’s experience, talent and visionary leadership have led to the creation of MMAFA. Being the first and only Canadian to be certified Level 1 MMA Instructor by the ATT, D’Amour provides a level of training that is without equal on the Canadian marital arts landscape."
 
In my experience don't waste your time with these TMA schools turned MMA academies or running their own MMA class. Especially if you plan on fighting, the level of instruction will not be up to par and often it's only a few classes a week to supplement their TMA curriculum or draw in new students looking to train "UFC".

My first MMA gym was ran by a Kenpo Karate black belt. In BJJ and MMA class he wore his Kenpo black belt which he said was allowed by the person we were affiliated with (Eric Paulson, I believe). It took years to break the bad habits I formed.
 
Interesting. Does anyone here know about the the affiliate programs that are being run from The Pit and ATT? Here's the whole of their MMA qualifications-

In pursuit of both personal and professional performance, Sifu Stephane D'Amour, Owner/Head Instructor of MMAFA, has endured the gruelling training programs designed by Ricardo Liborio, co-owner of the American Top Team and inductee in the NAGA Grappling Hall of Fame. Through Liborio, D’Amour has earned his certification with American Top Team, and stands as the only Canadian to achieve such status. Being the first Canadian to be certified Level 1 MMA Instructor by the ATT, D’Amour provides a level of training that is without equal on the Canadian marital arts landscape.

Through Hackleman, D'Amour trained and became the first and only Canadian "PIT" affiliate at the one and only "PIT" cage nestled in the lush rolling hills of Arroyo Grande. The "PIT" Training facility has been featured on SPIKE TV, ESPN, TAPOUT reality show, and SPORTS Illustrated.
 
In my experience don't waste your time with these TMA schools turned MMA academies or running their own MMA class. Especially if you plan on fighting, the level of instruction will not be up to par and often it's only a few classes a week to supplement their TMA curriculum or draw in new students looking to train "UFC".

My first MMA gym was ran by a Kenpo Karate black belt. In BJJ and MMA class he wore his Kenpo black belt which he said was allowed by the person we were affiliated with (Eric Paulson, I believe). It took years to break the bad habits I formed.

Who and where was this?
 
Are you in arnprior or kanata?

a lot of people commute ~1 hour to train, why not consider the drive into ottawa?
 
Are you in arnprior or kanata?

a lot of people commute ~1 hour to train, why not consider the drive into ottawa?

I'm in Arnprior. I would consider the commute but I am currently in school and the fully loaded timetable and extra courses leaves little time to commute.
 
Isn't that the name of the mouse thingy from kung fu panda?







Not that I watch disney cartoons or anything :icon_lol:

My nephew has seen that movie a 1,000 times. Shamefully, I know the answer to this: Yes.
 
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