Elite Mixed Martial Arts - Houston

Reviews 3

AP

April Ewing

I dont think that I can truly put into words why Elite means so much to me. I initially looked into Elite just over two years ago. I had been assaulted and was told by police there was nothing they could or would do about it. I decided to look into self-defense classes. Most "classes" have you sit down in a lecture setting, so they can tell you to be vigilant, have your keys in your hands before you get to your car, etc. Elite had classes where you could learn techniques to decrease your chance of being attacked along with what to do in case you are still attacked. I made the phone call to try to get pricing, and they asked me to come in, have a free evaluation class, and then they would get me a quote. It was so worth it! John did my initial evaluation and worked with me regarding my specific problems, including how my attacker approached me as well as physical weakness and my balance issues. Financially, I could not commit at that time, and I was up front about that. Then Dave contacted me to let me know that John had recommended me for a special deal. My husband and I werent certain that we could make it work, but we decided I should make the commitment. The first class I went to was a Tier 1 BJJ class, and, despite the fact that I had already started trying to get fit the year previous, I was not physically or mentally ready for this class. When other reviewers comment about the care of the coaches and how they watch the students in class, I feel like I lived a prime example that first day. Cruz pulled me a few other newer students aside and had us work at an appropriate level for me to help with my confidence. I slowly built up my conditioning, my confidence and my balance, and the coaches all cheered me along the way, even for something as simple as a backward roll or the technical stand-up. And, yes, somehow, despite how huge the academy is, they learn our names quickly! If theres a secret to how they do it, they should share! ;-) I have seen a few reviewers report that they had difficulties with the year contract. I just cant believe that they made a true effort to talk to the owners or the manager. Since I started, I have had two severe medical issues, both of which limited my ability to take part in classes. In both cases, they very kindly offered to put my contract on hold. No pressure, just gave them a time frame for when I believed I would be ready to return. I was diagnosed with breast cancer just about a year ago, and not only did they put my membership on hold, but they kept up with, checking in to see if they could help more than they already had, they allowed me to take part before I could fully return to paying (cancer is expensive!), and they have cheered me along on that journey as well. There were times that I was struggling with my treatment, emotionally, mentally and physically, and just showing up to watch a class would build me back up again. It gave me a goal to aim for, and all of the coaches and many of the Elite family (classmates can become family quickly) would come over and talk with me and boost my spirits. When active treatment was over, there was a celebration for me. I still get tears in my eyes when I remember the moment of seeing so many wonderful, strong people stand up and applaud me, it was a humbling moment. Learning BJJ is a personal journey, and the instructors and the Elite family will remind you of that when it is time for belt tests, and more importantly, when you are struggling with where your technique is, especially as others grow around you. I love the fact that the instructors will call to check in if you miss a bunch of classes, but I also appreciated that when I knew I couldnt make classes during treatment, I was able to have them stop. I truly believe that my training at Elite helped me with my journey through cancer treatment, and now on the other side!

EL

Elizabeth Allen

I signed up for Jiu Jitsu classes back in February 2015 to get back into something I used to enjoy in college. But I got a lot more than a hobby from this place. I havent really explained this story to my teachers. I dont think they know yet how much this community has done for me. Around May I was dealing with a break up and stress from moving and figuring out my life. For the past two years, Id been recovering/relapsing from eating disorders- both purging and restricting. I never had much of a reason to recover- I just needed to be barely functional enough to get through my job. Thats what I thought at the time. I had maybe enough energy to take a couple classes every two days. Some time in July and August, I had relapsed really bad. I just had enough energy to get through work, and taking just one kickboxing class was torture. Thats when I started bruising bad just from kicking the bag a couple times. I realized I had to make a decision. If Im going to eat like this, and live like this, then I wont be able to train in Jiu Jitsu. I was struggling to find some kind of compromise in this. I started eating a bit more to make a few more classes a week. I was still bruising a lot, but I was making some classes. Then we had the announcements for the September belt test. Of course, I didnt make it. I missed way too many classes from relapsing. But my friends that I trained with made it, newer members who were once behind me were now ahead. And it was that week I had been able to truly commit to recovery. For the past two weeks, Ive been able to make 2-4 classes each weekday. Im not scared to eat when Im hungry. Im not worried about eating out once in a while. I dont throw up half my meals. I think before, my recoveries had been a half-assed attempt. Id recover enough for some event, Id recover enough to avoid some major health issue, Id recover a little because my weight plateaued. But now, Im not even thinking about my health and my ED in terms of recovery. I need to be able to train and catch up to my friends. I take care of myself because I can do better, my teachers know I can do better. And the Elite MMA community has really pushed me past that mental block in my disorder. They had given me more than a short term reason to recover, but optimism for what my body is capable of. Ive heard some of my friends outside of this gym complain about the pricing, but if you truly commit yourself to taking as many classes as possible, to training as much as possible, the cost easily breaks down to being just a few dollars per class, with the bonus of having a community of people to train with and compete with. Just the way that this place has changed my outlook on my health and capabilities is priceless.

BR

Brian Serafine

What sets this organization apart from the myriad other competitors in the martial arts industry? Allow me to convince you; 1) CURRICULUM; No other school in its class---ZERO--- offers 6am Jiu-Jitsu training. Once I became married with a daytime job, this was a deal maker. But it goes far beyond that; the magnitude of the courses & times & styles is positively awe inspiring. Want to focus on cardio? Theres a martial art class for that. All about learning fundamental technique? Theres a martial art class for that. Nighttime is prime time with so many options, but the lunch classes are legendary for the serious student with high caliber talent to learn from & work with. The 6am classes with Kubes will teach you how to handle opponents who are much larger than you, with an atmosphere of relaxed learning while challenging you to your limits. 2) INSTRUCTORS; Eric & Hai are proven world class competitors but their enthusiasm for entry level students is contagious! Lucho trains the weekend childrens classes where I am honored to have my stepson train. In the last 9 months, my 13 year old has increased in confidence, socialization, and an unquenchable thirst for knowledge that has translated into success in his middle school pursuits. The peer coaching that the kids do (several late teens help facilitate) is really fulfilling to observe when I sneak in to see how hes doing every now and then. A side note about Hai Nguyen---after my ACL replacement surgery, when I doubted if I could come back as a 40 something year old, he spent time with me to show me ways to compensate / adjust my game to keep growing my skills. He had the exact same surgery and was able to teach me exactly what I could do differently so I could keep enjoying my passion of jiu-jitsu. I could have been just a number of the many loyal students of Elite MMA, but that wasnt the case here. He treated me as if I was his first student. Inspirational. 3) STUDENTS; Several of the students I spar with share the same sentiment; We teach each other and always promote a sense of mutually beneficial learning. Check your ego at the door; all students are equals at Elite. Students like Lance & Matt exemplify the peer support network Elite has to offer. This school is very female friendly, gender is invisible here. The front office of Gabi & David stay in constant communication with the students. Erics wife Janel is firmly engaged with making sure everyones membership is honored to the fullest degree. The legacy this school has perpetuated itself well enough to allow its expansion to Baytown and Greenway markets, which while I havent frequented, I still would trust that they carry the torch of ideals that the Westchase center has.

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