Greenlake Martial Arts School

I have been a student at Greenlake Martial Arts School for many years. I joined there having researched other schools in the area. The atmosphere is safe and respectful. No Egos allowed. The system is designed for maximum fighting efficiency and focuses on what actually works in the street. The fees are normal for the martial arts community and, for what they teach, are a real bargain. Training includes weapons, grappling and stand up. In my opinion, it is a near perfect distillation of the best of each style available. Requirements are documented but the student is encouraged to advance at her/his own pace. To the person interested in learning this style the benefits include good conditioning, rock solid martial arts skills, self confidence and mutual respect. I am not an owner or teacher at the school; just someone who knows a good thing when he sees it!

PROS: Overwhelming attack and defense skills.
CONS:

I admit I am no expert at martial arts schools. I took a few classes here because I thought it might be a good way to keep in shape and learn some basic self-defense. Nevertheless, I felt it was run more like a business than a martial arts school. First, youre required to buy their uniform and belt and gloves, and then when you think youre ready, you ask to be evaluated to move up to the next belt, which you also buy from them. The requirements seemed somewhat arbitrary, and everyone I knew moved up when they requested evaluation. Moreover, at one point they offered a special workshop for women, and when I expressed interest in taking it, they tried to dissuade me, saying Id already be learning all the skills in the class (in other words, it was really a student recruiting event). I persisted, took the class, and none of the skills they taught there had been covered. This might be an ok place to go for exercise, but I would hope a real martial arts school would emphasize the philosophy more than this one does.