STUDENT REVIEWS, COMMENTS, & PICS
From 3 organizations - ESAELD, Applied Fighting Methods, Eclectic Kung-fu Association.
Left to right: - Top- - Clem, Tim, Angelo, Steven, Reiner, - Bottom - - Ron, Sifu, Ira, Ronald - Gary taking picture.
ESAELD Martial Arts Club - - June 2017 - - Gilbert, AZ USA
ESAELD Martial Arts Club - - June 2017 - - Gilbert, AZ USA
ESAELD Martial Arts / 2015-Present
Ron C. - Chandler, AZ - Review at Dojos.info - 2017
Sifu Mike is friendly but a serious instructor and practitioner of his martial art named ESAELD. His hand speed is amazingly quick and to the anatomy of the target he chooses to strike with deadly precision. His movements flow like water but his physical strikes whether it be his hands, elbows, feet, knees or or head; to name a few is more deadlier than the Black Mamba snake venom. He is proficient in his instruction to his students no matter if it's the senior or yellow belt like me. He has the patience and a cornucopia of marital arts knowledge and legal self defense knowledge to make sure we all get the Technics correct at all times. I regard Sifu Mike as my only marital arts instructor for life God willing and a real friend who cares about me and his students.
If your advance student i. e. Black Belt, MMA or whatever martial arts you've practice; Sifu Mike instruction will show you something you didn't know for self defense the streets. ...the "real" world. This ESALED self defense system is NOT for show or for tournaments. This marital arts is for street survival that well save your life when practice by the student or a daily basis. Sifu Mike makes learning his ESALED martial arts fun and we all have BLAST!
Sifu Mike is friendly but a serious instructor and practitioner of his martial art named ESAELD. His hand speed is amazingly quick and to the anatomy of the target he chooses to strike with deadly precision. His movements flow like water but his physical strikes whether it be his hands, elbows, feet, knees or or head; to name a few is more deadlier than the Black Mamba snake venom. He is proficient in his instruction to his students no matter if it's the senior or yellow belt like me. He has the patience and a cornucopia of marital arts knowledge and legal self defense knowledge to make sure we all get the Technics correct at all times. I regard Sifu Mike as my only marital arts instructor for life God willing and a real friend who cares about me and his students.
If your advance student i. e. Black Belt, MMA or whatever martial arts you've practice; Sifu Mike instruction will show you something you didn't know for self defense the streets. ...the "real" world. This ESALED self defense system is NOT for show or for tournaments. This marital arts is for street survival that well save your life when practice by the student or a daily basis. Sifu Mike makes learning his ESALED martial arts fun and we all have BLAST!
Steve C. - Mesa, AZ - Review at Dojos.info - 2016
Joining the ESAELD martial arts club is one of the best things I've ever done. Having researched and participated in various martial arts over the years (BJJ, Boxing, and Wing Chun Kung Fu), I've encountered good gyms as well as gyms that existed for the wrong reasons. Well, I can honestly say that Sifu Mike's ESAELD martial arts club is at the top of the food chain. This place is the antithesis of a McDojo with over-inflated monthly dues and expensive mandatory monthly belt testing or a cardio-kickboxing class that deceives its members into thinking they can really fight.
On the contrary, Sifu Mike teaches reality-based, practical self-defense for the street in a controlled and supportive environment with small class sizes (usually around 4 to 7 students per class). With his vast martial arts experience, he could easily charge the same exorbitant rates of most gyms. However, Sifu Mike truly loves teaching, and as a result, only charges a nominal $30 per month. You can't even take three group lessons/classes at many gyms for that price!
In addition, there is a great group of students here with varying levels of martial arts experience and styles. Despite our differences, all students share the common desire to study practical "real world" self-defense, support the other club members, and to improve with each class.
So if you live anywhere near Gilbert, Arizona and are looking for the best martial arts value around, you owe it to yourself to contact Sifu Mike. You won't regret it!
Joining the ESAELD martial arts club is one of the best things I've ever done. Having researched and participated in various martial arts over the years (BJJ, Boxing, and Wing Chun Kung Fu), I've encountered good gyms as well as gyms that existed for the wrong reasons. Well, I can honestly say that Sifu Mike's ESAELD martial arts club is at the top of the food chain. This place is the antithesis of a McDojo with over-inflated monthly dues and expensive mandatory monthly belt testing or a cardio-kickboxing class that deceives its members into thinking they can really fight.
On the contrary, Sifu Mike teaches reality-based, practical self-defense for the street in a controlled and supportive environment with small class sizes (usually around 4 to 7 students per class). With his vast martial arts experience, he could easily charge the same exorbitant rates of most gyms. However, Sifu Mike truly loves teaching, and as a result, only charges a nominal $30 per month. You can't even take three group lessons/classes at many gyms for that price!
In addition, there is a great group of students here with varying levels of martial arts experience and styles. Despite our differences, all students share the common desire to study practical "real world" self-defense, support the other club members, and to improve with each class.
So if you live anywhere near Gilbert, Arizona and are looking for the best martial arts value around, you owe it to yourself to contact Sifu Mike. You won't regret it!
Angelo K. - Gilbert, AZ - Review at Dojos.info - 2015
You have found and I cannot speak more highly of, the original dojo for E. S. A. E. L. D. Fighting Concepts in Az! The newest, powerful, practical plan is here in Sifu Mike's 'Realistic' Street fighting system. You will only learn it in Gilbert, AZ with Sifu Mike! We practice, plan and explore fighting concepts that are based and inspired by JKD/ Filipino Eskrima and 'close range'-Panuntukin-Silat/ American Boxing/ Maui Tai fighting/ Chinese Wing Chun/ Brazilian Jujitsu and other mixed martial arts flowing forms that work for the street and if you chose. .. much more. Open to all levels of fighting experiences and training. So I say-contact Sifu Mike and begin your personal journey into the 'ESAELD' evolution of mixed martial arts for everyday living. Hope to see you in our next class. . .
You have found and I cannot speak more highly of, the original dojo for E. S. A. E. L. D. Fighting Concepts in Az! The newest, powerful, practical plan is here in Sifu Mike's 'Realistic' Street fighting system. You will only learn it in Gilbert, AZ with Sifu Mike! We practice, plan and explore fighting concepts that are based and inspired by JKD/ Filipino Eskrima and 'close range'-Panuntukin-Silat/ American Boxing/ Maui Tai fighting/ Chinese Wing Chun/ Brazilian Jujitsu and other mixed martial arts flowing forms that work for the street and if you chose. .. much more. Open to all levels of fighting experiences and training. So I say-contact Sifu Mike and begin your personal journey into the 'ESAELD' evolution of mixed martial arts for everyday living. Hope to see you in our next class. . .
Matt F. - Mesa, AZ - Review at Dojos.info - 2015
This Reality based ESAELD- Panuntukan/Jeet Kune Do Concepts training will leave you secure in knowing true Fighting Skills. I Know I am now for the first time in all my years of training! I have been fortunate enough to have been trained by Sifu Mike since early 2013.
In this short time I have been able to utilize all the ranges of combat with complete flowing of techniques. Reacting to and controlling from an endless arsenal like Silat, Muay Thai, Panantukan, Wing Chun, Kali, Boxing and Jui Jutsu. Bring your great attitude to join with this great group of like minded people. Your past techniques or no techniques at all will be sharpened by Sifu Mike and you will the better person for it!
This Reality based ESAELD- Panuntukan/Jeet Kune Do Concepts training will leave you secure in knowing true Fighting Skills. I Know I am now for the first time in all my years of training! I have been fortunate enough to have been trained by Sifu Mike since early 2013.
In this short time I have been able to utilize all the ranges of combat with complete flowing of techniques. Reacting to and controlling from an endless arsenal like Silat, Muay Thai, Panantukan, Wing Chun, Kali, Boxing and Jui Jutsu. Bring your great attitude to join with this great group of like minded people. Your past techniques or no techniques at all will be sharpened by Sifu Mike and you will the better person for it!
Perry P. - Scottsdale, AZ - Review at Dojos.info - 2015
If your looking to train in JKD/Kali in AZ. ..this is the place. I have been training in JKD/Kali since the early 90's and this is the best I've found in the state. The people are great and open-minded and Sifu Mike has tons of real-world experience, which if you have experience in JKD. ..you know is rare. If you really want to learn how to fight. ..really fight. ...come join us and see what you can do. Can't say enough about this training group. ...its the best.
If your looking to train in JKD/Kali in AZ. ..this is the place. I have been training in JKD/Kali since the early 90's and this is the best I've found in the state. The people are great and open-minded and Sifu Mike has tons of real-world experience, which if you have experience in JKD. ..you know is rare. If you really want to learn how to fight. ..really fight. ...come join us and see what you can do. Can't say enough about this training group. ...its the best.
2015-2017 Reviews from the website dojos.info
Johnny H. - Gilbert, AZ - Review at Yelp.com - 2015
If you're looking for a place to learn self defense/real street fighting techniques this is the place to go. I have been training with Sifu Mike since Oct. 2013. He is very passionate about martial arts and it shows through his training/teaching. What I like most about the classes are the techniques that he teaches you are actual ones that would work in a real life situation. He's all about looking for new or improving on the techniques he teaches, which makes the learning process more fun and feels like your own personal style. I find this is why Applied Fighting Methods is better than going to a martial arts school where the instructor just expects you to just follow his or her way, but since everyone is different you need to find what works best for you and your abilities. This is something Bruce Lee conveyed as well.
I had some background in Wushu and I took some classes of jiu jit su, but I never really felt the techniques I learned would be useful to me if I needed to defend myself. Luckily I stumbled on to Sifu Mike's website and decided to apply. It was intimidating when I first started, I felt having a background in JKD or wing chun would have helped me greatly, but if you stick with it and have the willingness to learn it will pay off.
So, if you're looking to new martial arts contact Sifu Mike right away. You will not regret it. All he asks for in return is patience and the dedication to stick with it.
If you're looking for a place to learn self defense/real street fighting techniques this is the place to go. I have been training with Sifu Mike since Oct. 2013. He is very passionate about martial arts and it shows through his training/teaching. What I like most about the classes are the techniques that he teaches you are actual ones that would work in a real life situation. He's all about looking for new or improving on the techniques he teaches, which makes the learning process more fun and feels like your own personal style. I find this is why Applied Fighting Methods is better than going to a martial arts school where the instructor just expects you to just follow his or her way, but since everyone is different you need to find what works best for you and your abilities. This is something Bruce Lee conveyed as well.
I had some background in Wushu and I took some classes of jiu jit su, but I never really felt the techniques I learned would be useful to me if I needed to defend myself. Luckily I stumbled on to Sifu Mike's website and decided to apply. It was intimidating when I first started, I felt having a background in JKD or wing chun would have helped me greatly, but if you stick with it and have the willingness to learn it will pay off.
So, if you're looking to new martial arts contact Sifu Mike right away. You will not regret it. All he asks for in return is patience and the dedication to stick with it.
Applied Fighting Methods / 1996-2014
Angelo K. - Chandler, AZ - Review at Yelp.com - 2014
Just Wow! A must if you have a passion for truth / reality inspired martial arts. Applied Fighting Methods is the JKD/ Martial Arts 'Real Deal' in Gilbert, Arizona. What a life changing honor and privilege to have been accepted as a student during these past months. Sifu/Guru Mike and his students are a reflection of and so much more then the accepted 'JKD' philosophy. They become extended family and friends!
"Movement is universal, no one single style or system has it all." -Sijo Bruce Lee
My martial arts journey began in Torrance California in the mid 90's. It was then when I joined IMB Academy (International Martial Arts and Kick Boxing) that was originally formed as: Inosanato, Martinez & Bastillo- three of Bruce Lee's original Jun Fan Jeet Kune Do students. Sigungs' Bustillo and Inosanto are largely credited for their perpetuation of Bruce Lee's Jeet Kune Do, or "The Way of the Intercepting Fist." and in bringing the Filipino martial arts tradition to the United States. IMB offered training seminars that allows students to experience Gracie, Machado Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Methods, and GM Ciriaco "Cacoy" Canete, of the respected Doce Pares System of Kali / Eskrima from Cebu City, Philippines, plus many other qualified guest Gurus and Grand Masters.
Sifu Mike also studied JKD at IMB and through the years with other acclaimed Martial Art Gurus in California, Arizona, and Virginia. He has applied this vast training, and his passion in a multitude of fighting arts (Jeet Kune Do, Panantukan, Jun Fan Gungfu, Wing Chun, Dumog, Kali-Silat, Chinese Kenpo, Muay Thai) to his present truth-inspired, practical/ street, real / world fighting philosophy. I consider his methods and teachings as uniquely qualified to the above mentioned and renowned Gurus' fighting practices.
"...It's a lifestyle, it's something you do the rest of your life. "You just do it." -Sifu Mike
In our weekly training, Sifu Mike seems humble and unassuming-yet demonstrates in class a precise and freeing fluidity of motion within a focused / rock solid strength once engaged in committed fighting. If you are fortunate enough to be invited to train, remember these basic agreements he requires of all his students: exhibit true personal commitment by your attendance, embrace mutual respect and honesty!
"...Live safe, Train hard, Be like water my friend!" - Sigung Richard Bastillo
Call or write Sifu Mike for an interview, whether you're a beginner, intermediate or multiple black belt/ disciplined martial artist. My hope is that you also will be inspired by talking with him and decide to share your martial art experiences and skills with us.
Just Wow! A must if you have a passion for truth / reality inspired martial arts. Applied Fighting Methods is the JKD/ Martial Arts 'Real Deal' in Gilbert, Arizona. What a life changing honor and privilege to have been accepted as a student during these past months. Sifu/Guru Mike and his students are a reflection of and so much more then the accepted 'JKD' philosophy. They become extended family and friends!
"Movement is universal, no one single style or system has it all." -Sijo Bruce Lee
My martial arts journey began in Torrance California in the mid 90's. It was then when I joined IMB Academy (International Martial Arts and Kick Boxing) that was originally formed as: Inosanato, Martinez & Bastillo- three of Bruce Lee's original Jun Fan Jeet Kune Do students. Sigungs' Bustillo and Inosanto are largely credited for their perpetuation of Bruce Lee's Jeet Kune Do, or "The Way of the Intercepting Fist." and in bringing the Filipino martial arts tradition to the United States. IMB offered training seminars that allows students to experience Gracie, Machado Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Methods, and GM Ciriaco "Cacoy" Canete, of the respected Doce Pares System of Kali / Eskrima from Cebu City, Philippines, plus many other qualified guest Gurus and Grand Masters.
Sifu Mike also studied JKD at IMB and through the years with other acclaimed Martial Art Gurus in California, Arizona, and Virginia. He has applied this vast training, and his passion in a multitude of fighting arts (Jeet Kune Do, Panantukan, Jun Fan Gungfu, Wing Chun, Dumog, Kali-Silat, Chinese Kenpo, Muay Thai) to his present truth-inspired, practical/ street, real / world fighting philosophy. I consider his methods and teachings as uniquely qualified to the above mentioned and renowned Gurus' fighting practices.
"...It's a lifestyle, it's something you do the rest of your life. "You just do it." -Sifu Mike
In our weekly training, Sifu Mike seems humble and unassuming-yet demonstrates in class a precise and freeing fluidity of motion within a focused / rock solid strength once engaged in committed fighting. If you are fortunate enough to be invited to train, remember these basic agreements he requires of all his students: exhibit true personal commitment by your attendance, embrace mutual respect and honesty!
"...Live safe, Train hard, Be like water my friend!" - Sigung Richard Bastillo
Call or write Sifu Mike for an interview, whether you're a beginner, intermediate or multiple black belt/ disciplined martial artist. My hope is that you also will be inspired by talking with him and decide to share your martial art experiences and skills with us.
Lance G. - Mesa, AZ - Review at Yelp.com - 2013
I just recently began training with applied fighting methods and Sifu Mike. From the very first class I knew this was exactly what I wanted and needed to continue my martial arts training. Sifu Mike is incredibly knowledgable in many disciplines and also very practical in his methods staying true to Bruce Lee's ever evolving philosophy. The other students I train with are also good people with good character and no egos to get in the way or cause disharmony. I have studied many arts for over a decade but books, DVDs and wooden dummies can only take you so far. I have learned they lack the reality and feel of a true teacher. Many mistakes are being corrected and my cup is consistently emptied every time I enter the door but It only excites and encourages me to see and learn what Sifu Mike has to teach me. I highly recommend this class and Sifu Mike to anyone who wants to begin or continue their training and knowledge of martial arts. I wanted to thank you again for allowing me to train with you Sifu.
I just recently began training with applied fighting methods and Sifu Mike. From the very first class I knew this was exactly what I wanted and needed to continue my martial arts training. Sifu Mike is incredibly knowledgable in many disciplines and also very practical in his methods staying true to Bruce Lee's ever evolving philosophy. The other students I train with are also good people with good character and no egos to get in the way or cause disharmony. I have studied many arts for over a decade but books, DVDs and wooden dummies can only take you so far. I have learned they lack the reality and feel of a true teacher. Many mistakes are being corrected and my cup is consistently emptied every time I enter the door but It only excites and encourages me to see and learn what Sifu Mike has to teach me. I highly recommend this class and Sifu Mike to anyone who wants to begin or continue their training and knowledge of martial arts. I wanted to thank you again for allowing me to train with you Sifu.
Steve M. - Florence, AZ - Review at Yelp.com - 2013
I have been training with Applied Fighting Methods for only a couple months. But what a great 2 months it's been. Sifu Mike is very knowledgable and explains the training in a very effective way. The group of students I train with are fabulous and help with getting down the fundamentals. I always wanted to learn JKD and extremely glad I reached out to Sifu. I cannot wait to learn more as my training progresses. If you want to learn practical self defense skills, this is the place to come!
I have been training with Applied Fighting Methods for only a couple months. But what a great 2 months it's been. Sifu Mike is very knowledgable and explains the training in a very effective way. The group of students I train with are fabulous and help with getting down the fundamentals. I always wanted to learn JKD and extremely glad I reached out to Sifu. I cannot wait to learn more as my training progresses. If you want to learn practical self defense skills, this is the place to come!
Matt M. - Apache Junction, AZ - Review at Yelp.com - 2013
I have been training at Applied Fighting Methods with Sifu Mike for about 4-5 months and the experience has been invaluable. I didn't have any martial arts training prior to joining and Sifu Mike has helped to make the transition as smooth as possible. If you are feeling apprehensive, don't. It is natural and I certainly felt the same way, but believe me, this is one of the best decisions I have ever made. I am extremely happy that I followed through and joined this group. The camaraderie has been amazing with Sifu Mike and the rest of the students. We are all very respectful of each other. That culture is maintained by Sifu Mike and it makes the learning process extremely enjoyable.
One of the things I really enjoy about the classes is the variety of styles taught (JKD, Wing Chun, etc.). In addition, Sifu Mike has a unique way of describing what we are doing and what it would be useful for as well as transitions to other techniques and styles. He gives demonstrations on how to properly perform the technique in order for it to be most effective and precise. He also constantly switches up the lessons, which makes them more interesting and fun to be involved with. Sifu Mike is a very patient teacher as well, while at the same time he pushes you to get better. He understands that yelling at someone will not necessarily help them understand better. I have never heard him raise his voice. Sifu Mike is a wealth of knowledge and as long as you approach class/training with an open mind and are willing to learn as well as show up regularly, he will take the extra time to make sure you are getting the support you need. The fact that the class sizes are kept small also ensure the effectiveness of the teachings as you get very hands on (almost private) instruction. I also value that Sifu Mike takes safety very seriously and he is constantly showing us how to remain safe throughout our drills.
The only thing needed to validate his knowledge is to spend a couple minutes talking with him. You will be impressed, as I certainly was, when I first spoke with him.
Sifu Mike is selfless in his teachings as evidenced by the fact that he provides his home and equipment for us all to use 4 days a week. The fact that his instruction is FREE is unbelievable. It is truly apparent that he is a teacher at heart and sincerely wants to help others succeed while continuing to develop his already tremendous skills.
Consider yourself lucky that you found this opportunity and if you are thinking this is too good to be true, you are right, but it is still TRUE. This is the first time I have engaged in something where there wasn't a ulterior motive involved by the person running it.
I know I have a lot of work left to achieve my goal of being proficient at these styles, but with Sifu Mike's help, there isn't a doubt in my mind that I will be successful.
Thank You Sifu Mike for everything you do.
I have been training at Applied Fighting Methods with Sifu Mike for about 4-5 months and the experience has been invaluable. I didn't have any martial arts training prior to joining and Sifu Mike has helped to make the transition as smooth as possible. If you are feeling apprehensive, don't. It is natural and I certainly felt the same way, but believe me, this is one of the best decisions I have ever made. I am extremely happy that I followed through and joined this group. The camaraderie has been amazing with Sifu Mike and the rest of the students. We are all very respectful of each other. That culture is maintained by Sifu Mike and it makes the learning process extremely enjoyable.
One of the things I really enjoy about the classes is the variety of styles taught (JKD, Wing Chun, etc.). In addition, Sifu Mike has a unique way of describing what we are doing and what it would be useful for as well as transitions to other techniques and styles. He gives demonstrations on how to properly perform the technique in order for it to be most effective and precise. He also constantly switches up the lessons, which makes them more interesting and fun to be involved with. Sifu Mike is a very patient teacher as well, while at the same time he pushes you to get better. He understands that yelling at someone will not necessarily help them understand better. I have never heard him raise his voice. Sifu Mike is a wealth of knowledge and as long as you approach class/training with an open mind and are willing to learn as well as show up regularly, he will take the extra time to make sure you are getting the support you need. The fact that the class sizes are kept small also ensure the effectiveness of the teachings as you get very hands on (almost private) instruction. I also value that Sifu Mike takes safety very seriously and he is constantly showing us how to remain safe throughout our drills.
The only thing needed to validate his knowledge is to spend a couple minutes talking with him. You will be impressed, as I certainly was, when I first spoke with him.
Sifu Mike is selfless in his teachings as evidenced by the fact that he provides his home and equipment for us all to use 4 days a week. The fact that his instruction is FREE is unbelievable. It is truly apparent that he is a teacher at heart and sincerely wants to help others succeed while continuing to develop his already tremendous skills.
Consider yourself lucky that you found this opportunity and if you are thinking this is too good to be true, you are right, but it is still TRUE. This is the first time I have engaged in something where there wasn't a ulterior motive involved by the person running it.
I know I have a lot of work left to achieve my goal of being proficient at these styles, but with Sifu Mike's help, there isn't a doubt in my mind that I will be successful.
Thank You Sifu Mike for everything you do.
Matt F. - Mesa, AZ - Review at Yelp.com - 2013
Best training I have ever received! Sifu Mike is a truly gifted Martial Artist and one of the finer people I have had the pleasure to meet. I have now been training with him for a little over 4 months now. I have trained in the past with Wun Hop Kuen Do, Hapkido, Wu Ying Tao and Kuntaw/Silat all of which were good but truly for the first time in my life I have also gotten better with my hands and knife training skills. The total package of true street self defence is what Sifu Mike teaches us and OH yeah it is for FREE!!! At 51 years old I have been given a new lease on life with the generous amount of time and training that the Sifu has dedicated to us all in his classes. The people that all train here are from varied training back grounds and I enjoy training with them all. No pumped up attitudes or egos there, just good people! Contact Sifu Mike and dedicate your time seriously to his program and you will be another one of the lucky recipients of his vast experience he has to teach you.
Best training I have ever received! Sifu Mike is a truly gifted Martial Artist and one of the finer people I have had the pleasure to meet. I have now been training with him for a little over 4 months now. I have trained in the past with Wun Hop Kuen Do, Hapkido, Wu Ying Tao and Kuntaw/Silat all of which were good but truly for the first time in my life I have also gotten better with my hands and knife training skills. The total package of true street self defence is what Sifu Mike teaches us and OH yeah it is for FREE!!! At 51 years old I have been given a new lease on life with the generous amount of time and training that the Sifu has dedicated to us all in his classes. The people that all train here are from varied training back grounds and I enjoy training with them all. No pumped up attitudes or egos there, just good people! Contact Sifu Mike and dedicate your time seriously to his program and you will be another one of the lucky recipients of his vast experience he has to teach you.
Eric K. - Gilbert, AZ - Review at Yelp.com - 2013
I have been training with Sifu Mike for about a year. I cannot say enough good things about Sifu, his classes, my training buddies, or the benefits I have realized from attending regularly. Sifu Mike is an exceptionally talented martial artist and instructor with a very extensive and diverse background. His classes are structured in an interesting and effective way. We always focus on what is useful and practical. Techniques are taught always in relation to the principles they express, so we always keep "the big picture" in the forefront. He is patient and encourages us always and his explanations are very clear.
Classes are free! Yes that's right. It's hard to believe it but Sifu Mike shares his knowledge openly and and generously with us without any payment. He does this because he loves to train, loves to teach, and loves the art. That kind of commitment is very rare. His only requirement is that he expects us to attend class on a regular basis and follow the class rules. The idea is that if Sifu is willing to train us for free, then in return we have to maintain a reasonable level of dedication as well. Very fair and very reasonable.
The group I train with is very unique, in that there are no egos, no attitudes, and only healthy competition. We all work to help each other become better martial artists. Egos and attitudes are not tolerated. Everyone there is very cool and very dedicated, and those are the kinds of people that make me want to come to class and train at 100%.
I came to Applied Fighting Methods after many years in Tae Kwon Do - 2nd Black Belt, with some Kickboxing and American Kenpo experience as well. I felt I had a fairly wide range of fighting experience but what Sifu Mike taught me was eye opening. I realized that I only had experience in one or maybe two ranges of combat. Sifu Mike teaches ALL ranges of combat...kicking, punching, trapping, and grappling. We study knife combat and stick fighting as well, and how they also relate directly to open hand techniques.
I have been training with Sifu Mike for about a year. I cannot say enough good things about Sifu, his classes, my training buddies, or the benefits I have realized from attending regularly. Sifu Mike is an exceptionally talented martial artist and instructor with a very extensive and diverse background. His classes are structured in an interesting and effective way. We always focus on what is useful and practical. Techniques are taught always in relation to the principles they express, so we always keep "the big picture" in the forefront. He is patient and encourages us always and his explanations are very clear.
Classes are free! Yes that's right. It's hard to believe it but Sifu Mike shares his knowledge openly and and generously with us without any payment. He does this because he loves to train, loves to teach, and loves the art. That kind of commitment is very rare. His only requirement is that he expects us to attend class on a regular basis and follow the class rules. The idea is that if Sifu is willing to train us for free, then in return we have to maintain a reasonable level of dedication as well. Very fair and very reasonable.
The group I train with is very unique, in that there are no egos, no attitudes, and only healthy competition. We all work to help each other become better martial artists. Egos and attitudes are not tolerated. Everyone there is very cool and very dedicated, and those are the kinds of people that make me want to come to class and train at 100%.
I came to Applied Fighting Methods after many years in Tae Kwon Do - 2nd Black Belt, with some Kickboxing and American Kenpo experience as well. I felt I had a fairly wide range of fighting experience but what Sifu Mike taught me was eye opening. I realized that I only had experience in one or maybe two ranges of combat. Sifu Mike teaches ALL ranges of combat...kicking, punching, trapping, and grappling. We study knife combat and stick fighting as well, and how they also relate directly to open hand techniques.
Note: Classes were free at one time if you met a strict attendance requirement. There is no longer free dues, monthly club dues are $40.00.
Anthony M. - Scottsdale, AZ - Review at Yelp.com - 2013
I started training with Applied Fighting Methods about 3 months ago, and have learned so many new things. I have studied several martial arts systems over the years, and Sifu Mike has taught me how to improve on what I already know, and how to incorporate additional techniques in order to be more effective. He maintains small group classes 4 days a week, and only asks for a serious commitment from students. Since I was accepted to train with him, I have gotten to know the other students, and there is a great sense of cohesion in the class. It's a great group of guys, and is the best training I've found over the years
I started training with Applied Fighting Methods about 3 months ago, and have learned so many new things. I have studied several martial arts systems over the years, and Sifu Mike has taught me how to improve on what I already know, and how to incorporate additional techniques in order to be more effective. He maintains small group classes 4 days a week, and only asks for a serious commitment from students. Since I was accepted to train with him, I have gotten to know the other students, and there is a great sense of cohesion in the class. It's a great group of guys, and is the best training I've found over the years
Julius A. - Scottsdale, AZ - Review at Yelp.com - 2013
This an awesome class!!! Sifu Mike is passionate about the arts. It shows in his teaching method and appreciated by his students. It's practical for the street and it's free! It's a combination of JKD, Wing Chun, Eskrima, and Jiu Jit Su, in that order. You just need to show up with an empty cup and leave your ego at home. Call him, get interviewed and accepted. You won't regret it. Semper Fi.
This an awesome class!!! Sifu Mike is passionate about the arts. It shows in his teaching method and appreciated by his students. It's practical for the street and it's free! It's a combination of JKD, Wing Chun, Eskrima, and Jiu Jit Su, in that order. You just need to show up with an empty cup and leave your ego at home. Call him, get interviewed and accepted. You won't regret it. Semper Fi.
Eclectic Kung-Fu Association / 1989-1995 / Oxnard, CA
Michael H. - Oxnard, CA - Review at Yelp.com - 2017
Guru/Sifu Mike is one of thee best martial arts instructors I have had the pleasure and honor of training under. I was honored to earn my black sash under Sifu Mike with his first group Eclectic Kung Fu Association. He teaches/trains for the love of the art and not for money, fame or notoriety. When you can find a teacher like this, you need to jump at the opportunity to train and learn from him! I warn you he is strict on attendance and attitude, as he should be. If you are reading this and are looking for a quality martial arts instructor Sifu Mike is one of thee best around. Not only will you learn martial arts, he will also teach you many life lessons. It becomes more of a family environment. I highly recommend training/learning from him if you can!
Guru/Sifu Mike is one of thee best martial arts instructors I have had the pleasure and honor of training under. I was honored to earn my black sash under Sifu Mike with his first group Eclectic Kung Fu Association. He teaches/trains for the love of the art and not for money, fame or notoriety. When you can find a teacher like this, you need to jump at the opportunity to train and learn from him! I warn you he is strict on attendance and attitude, as he should be. If you are reading this and are looking for a quality martial arts instructor Sifu Mike is one of thee best around. Not only will you learn martial arts, he will also teach you many life lessons. It becomes more of a family environment. I highly recommend training/learning from him if you can!