self defense/martial arts training in Tulsa

[Ipsilateral_7]

Does anyone have any experience with any of the schools in Tulsa? I'm finally back in shape and looking for a good facility that can teach something like a mix of techniques that also covers some grappling. I was looking at Triton since they teach a mixed art with lots of grappling, but i was hoping for any opinions and experiences from those who've tried any of the other places in Tulsa.

thanks

[Michael Brown]

If you're looking for an MMA-based school in Tulsa, you've got essentially Four choices:

1) Triton
2) Mikey's Gym
3) Apollo's but you have to be selective about the classes
4) Adams Muay Thai

I know some of the guys at Triton but have never trained there.

I trained at Mikey's for a few years and have gone to Apollo's to spar.

Mikey Burnett is now teaching at Apollo's and it would seem a good choice.

The group at Mikey's led by Tom Jones and Clay Mars is friendly but the program is highly unorganized and is really only geared toward those who want to fight competitively.

I don't recommend Adams Muay Thai as it seems to be a haven for those who have been booted from other schools.

If you're looking for a reality-based self-defense school, you're largely out of luck in Tulsa. As far as I know, our group is the only one integrating modern weapons with attribute training but we only meet once per month for open to members training and it sounds like you're looking for something more.

One last choice is International Martial Arts of Tulsa (formerly Gibson's). It has a good program but one of the best instructors recently left and I preferred the format they used previously. Its probably the best environment of any school in Tulsa though. A place I wouldn't be afraid to bring my family to. I wouldn't bring family to any of the other schools mentioned with the possible exception of Apollo's.

Just my take.

Michael Brown

[liliysdad]

How does Gibson's stack up?


I went to the Academy with the current owner and manager. he also happens to be a full time TCSO Deputy. I cannot envision a better guy in the world.

[Ipsilateral_7]

If you're looking for an MMA-based school in Tulsa, you've got essentially Four choices:

If you're looking for a reality-based self-defense school, you're largely out of luck in Tulsa. As far as I know, our group is the only one integrating modern weapons with attribute training but we only meet once per month for open to members training and it sounds like you're looking for something more.
Just my take.

Michael Brown

Family oriented is't a problem for me since I've only recently married with no kids, but I have no clue what I'm actually looking for since I've never had any training in any martial arts. I do feel that just strickly martial arts would be counter productive for me since in reality you've got to know how to grapple to, but that's just my thinking. And while i like the sound of what you describe, I should probalby start off with the basics first and work my way there.

Or since I'm a beginner, would you reccomend starting with something like kickboxing or something like akido and then working into a MMA based school?

[Michael Brown]

How does Gibson's stack up?


I went to the Academy with the current owner and manager. he also happens to be a full time TCSO Deputy. I cannot envision a better guy in the world.

Darrien is an outstanding guy and a phenomenal martial artist. I like the atmosphere at his school the best of any. He is also kind enough to let our LEO group train there in the mornings for free since we do our own training.

However the loss of Chris Furley as an instructor was a huge blow to the curriculum in my opinion as she was the one most qualified to teach the topics I was most interested in (i.e. BJJ and CSW).

If I were in Tulsa and brand new to the martial arts, I would go to Gibson's.

Michael Brown

[Michael Brown]

Family oriented is't a problem for me since I've only recently married with no kids, but I have no clue what I'm actually looking for since I've never had any training in any martial arts. I do feel that just strickly martial arts would be counter productive for me since in reality you've got to know how to grapple to, but that's just my thinking. And while i like the sound of what you describe, I should probalby start off with the basics first and work my way there.

Or since I'm a beginner, would you reccomend starting with something like kickboxing or something like akido and then working into a MMA based school?

I think you are looking for the right thing but we are all simply using terminology (i.e. martial arts) that doesn't mean the same thing to everyone. If when you say martial arts you are referring to a cultural-based system that is designed to impart more than the ability to fight, then we aren't on the same page terminology-wise.

Take a look at the hand to hand thread in the firearms training section of this forum and try to see what you're looking for. I posted my opinion of the three basic groups of martial systems popularly taught today.

I'll be better able to answer your question from there.

Michael Brown

[Ipsilateral_7]

I think you are looking for the right thing but we are all simply using terminology (i.e. martial arts) that doesn't mean the same thing to everyone. If when you say martial arts you are referring to a cultural-based system that is designed to impart more than the ability to fight, then we aren't on the same page terminology-wise.

I'll be better able to answer your question from there.

Michael Brown


I believe we’re on the same page. I am talking about as what you describe as Combatives-Oriented fighting, I have no use for the philosophical aspects or the artsy aspects of a traditional martial arts.

[Michael Brown]

If you're looking for combatives-based training, you're largely S.O.L. in Tulsa.

Our group and Jerry Van Cook are the only ones that I know of in Oklahoma that do this type of training. Neither of us has a full-time school.

You might consider joining Gibson's or Triton and then cross-training in conbatives with our monthly group. It might give you what you are looking for.

There is also a Krav Maga school at about 46th and Sheridan which seems interesting but Krav Maga is second only to Tae Kwon Do as the most commercialized martial art out there. Thus your chances of finding a good instructor are slim at best.

KM is great if its practised the way it was in Israel but very few instructors here practise that way over here.

I've been meaning to check out that school for a couple years now, but just haven't gotten around to it. Several guys on my department train there and say its great but in my experience most students of any particular school say their school is great.

In my experience, most folks who train in martial arts have no idea what they need. Mostly it is far more important how physically demanding the training is than what style it is.

Michael Brown

[Ipsilateral_7]

If you're looking for combatives-based training, you're largely S.O.L. in Tulsa.

Michael Brown

I had looked into KM, but decided not to go that route in tulsa due to conflicting reports from people who have gone there, on another forum i was told that International Martial Arts of Tulsa also has a MMA program, but anyways, thank you for the advice, I've still got another month before I can start seeing as I'll be in Salisaw for a month.

[okla-lawman]

I used to take lesson from Mike Martin a BAPD officer who I heard has retired
and gone to solely teaching martial arts, He teaches Jeet Kune Do, Koju Kempo and Wing chung. Most of his students are police. Though homestly it is a great Self defense for civilians most can not be used by police. For pure self defense though it rocks. No competition stuff here plain fighting.

The guy that bought gibsons seems like a nice guy, He has been bringing Dan
Insanto in for classes and that is real interesting,. I have taken some of his knife/defense classes and they need to belong in anybody's arsenal of training.

[trade_sniper]

Sounds like there's a niche that needs to be filled? A no-nosense, street combative type training, using a variety of methods and styles. I know I'd be interested. I would like to find the same type of school that you descibe Mike, something not focused on point fighting, which I enjoyed, but I'm looking for something more focused on real life scenarios, both without weapons as well as with the weapons commonly carried concealed daily, including, but not limited to guns. Something to fill the gap of when the firearm is not deployed or when firearm retention is an issue.

[Michael Brown]

There's definitely a niche.

There's just not a market.

Michael Brown

[trade_sniper]

How many students would it take to be worthwhile? Even if the number of students is low, perhaps only train once a week (I'd still want more). As attendance picks up, increase the number of training sessions, say 2-3 per week. The one advantage is that you aren't relying on this as your only source of income, so its not like you must have 50 students every month.

Its hard for me to believe that in an area the size of Tulsa and its surrounding towns, especially the concealed carry folks, that we couldn't get enough interest to fill a regular class. Would LEO's be interested in something like this? Additional training? Could it offer some benefit to them, like adding to their training credits or whatever if it were certified in some way?

I just can't believe that there isn't enough interest in a hard-core, no BS class to teach you how to survive on the street. Even if I didn't carry a gun, I'd still want to be in a class like this. Would it take a little marketing, promotion or some means of spreading the word? Almost definitely, but that should be easy enough. I'd help in any way I could.

[Michael Brown]

How many students would it take to be worthwhile? Even if the number of students is low, perhaps only train once a week (I'd still want more). As attendance picks up, increase the number of training sessions, say 2-3 per week. The one advantage is that you aren't relying on this as your only source of income, so its not like you must have 50 students every month.

Its hard for me to believe that in an area the size of Tulsa and its surrounding towns, especially the concealed carry folks, that we couldn't get enough interest to fill a regular class. Would LEO's be interested in something like this? Additional training? Could it offer some benefit to them, like adding to their training credits or whatever if it were certified in some way?

I just can't believe that there isn't enough interest in a hard-core, no BS class to teach you how to survive on the street. Even if I didn't carry a gun, I'd still want to be in a class like this. Would it take a little marketing, promotion or some means of spreading the word? Almost definitely, but that should be easy enough. I'd help in any way I could.

Believe it.

We have a small group of dedicated students but it is not financially viable. We do it because we love it.

The equipment cost is very high and not one time due to repairs, etc.

A lot of folks SAY they're interested but very few actually write checks. Cops are the worst in this regard.

I wish it were so, but it isn't.

Michael Brown

[tacmedic]

I am new to this forum.

What is the cost? And where is the info posted regarding your training group? Times, dates, requirements, etc...

Also what type of equipement are you using or needing?

[F16mickey]

The info on the training group is in the Firearms Training section and the info is stickied.

[tacmedic]

THANKS :thumb:

[Michael Brown]

BTT.

Michael Brown

[Jhamilton]

Does anyone have any experience with any of the schools in Tulsa? I'm finally back in shape and looking for a good facility that can teach something like a mix of techniques that also covers some grappling. I was looking at Triton since they teach a mixed art with lots of grappling, but i was hoping for any opinions and experiences from those who've tried any of the other places in Tulsa.

thanks

I have been to just about every school in the area, I cross train just about everywhere.
I usually do a diffrent gym every month or so....

1. Triton is a great gym, Piet & Summer are both good people, they have a good MMA program...do Muay thai, BJJ, and even have a small crossfit area.
they will get you into shape no doubt.
The prices are oustanding, no B.S. contracts, you just pay and play.
They aren't reallly about using weapons though....

2. Team Nogueira. You wanna learn to grapple? This is the place, pretty much they are mostly a BJJ/Judo school.
They have a full time blackbelt, and the guy is scary good. The guy came from Brazil, so he is still picking up the language...but he is a good teacher.
They also teach a little bit of boxing, Muay thai, and Vale Tudo.
The Owners are great and it really is a pleasent place to train.

IMO.....these are the only two top tier schools in the area. As far as facility, staff, and pool of people and knowledge.
All other schools are mostly small groups, are teach a specific thing.
Thats not bad....in fact I like training at some of the smaller groups from time to time.
I train a pure boxing gyms to when I can.

But those two schools, have large pools of talent.

"Gibsons" was a great school, and Darian is a good guy.....but the school last time I was there it's "Jensens" now. Diffrent animal all together....
I'm catching wind of a few training groups that are in development right now, as in FOF stuff.
Once one starts up I can PM you.
Big problem is getting the equipment needed and money to start it up. Their is an interest there though....so I don't think that finding people will be a problem.

Also...don't let anyone turn you off to place. You check it out for yourself. I had heard negetive things about Triton for years....walked in...they were the nicest folks you can meet.
Judge the places for yourself, and find which one is a good fit for you!
Don't sign any contracts, just try them all. Work with as many people as you can, be a good training partner, and oppurtunities will open up for you.

I'll say this about Adams:
Sam Adams isn't the worst guy I have ever trained with, I haven't spoke with him in a few years but there was a time when he had some personal issues. Who knows though...by a few accounts I have heard that he has grown up a bit, and became a good teacher.
I have met a few of his students and they are all very commited to their art, and are just as compotent as any other guys I have met.
His school has a more heavy focus on Thai from what I gather, so though they teach other things....if that's what you into...try it.
If sombody has never trained at the school, then stories are just stories.
Try them out for yourself, and make up your own mind.

Good luck, and I hope to meet you at one of them sometime.

[Robbo]

Does anyone have any experience with any of the schools in Tulsa? I'm finally back in shape and looking for a good facility that can teach something like a mix of techniques that also covers some grappling. I was looking at Triton since they teach a mixed art with lots of grappling, but i was hoping for any opinions and experiences from those who've tried any of the other places in Tulsa.

thanks

I trained at Jensen's (What used to be Gibson's and may now be something else) for almost a year, and Triton for about 10 months, and a few times at what used to be Mikey's. I now train at Team Nogueira Tulsa. As stated there are several choices you can make and it really depends on what you want the emphasis to be on. (Stand up, Ground/BJJ) because some do one better than others. Those are the only two distinctions I consider in this discussion since as already stated there aren't any schools offering combatives on a regular and often basis (more than once a month).

I chose Team Nogueira because my favorite thing to train is Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and I believe it's the best choice for that, both Gi and No-Gi. Having trained at several places (a few out of town before I moved to Tulsa) and under a range of people from someone with no formal training at all who watched videos and we worked off of that, to a black belt teaching the class I think there is a large benefit to training under a quality black belt. There are so many little details in BJJ that make a world of difference it's best to have that pool of knowledge to draw on. Team Nogueira also has some good stand up instructors (a boxing coach and a Muay Thai coach) but I will differ discussion of those classes to someone else as since they opened I've been trying to go to BJJ as often as I can (often 2 times a day) so I haven't had the energy to get to any other classes haha. You can check the stand up credentials on their webpage.

If I were looking, after training at the places I've been, and rolling with other students from several other schools in town and listening to their feedback about the level of grappling they were used to, I would choose Team Nogueira and if I didn't go there, then Triton.

Most places will let you take a class for free. Triton will, and I know at Team Nogueira they will let you take one of each of their classes for free (Muay Thai, Boxing, BJJ, No-Gi) before you decide. I think that is your best bet because the training atmosphere is another thing that varies largely in some of these places and it will impact your enjoyment of the training greatly. You can only experience that by going in and paying attention. Some places are full of testosterone and some are more mellow. Some have a higher intensity atmosphere. For example, at Trition you're GOING to get yelled and cursed at. Peit and Summer used to be Marine drill instructors and they like to yell :D. I have heard from people that it bothered them. It never really bothered me. It's not personal, it's just their style. Those are the kinds of things you need to experience first hand to know what style fits you best.

As Mike said, if you are looking for a whole package your options are one of the schools and then to supplement that with his monthly club. I have heard from the same person John has about another group of guys wanting to start something combatives related up so I'd say definitely get with John and give him your info if you want to know if that develops.

Anyway, as John said, the best thing to do is go try for yourself and don't listen to anyone else's opinion of a place. I stayed away from Triton for a year because someone told me "The people running that place are a bunch of d*cks" and I took them for their word. Then I went there and found out that it wasn't the case at all. I was made to feel welcome from the moment I started.

So.... go try them all out. PM me if you come to Team Nogueira and I'll be sure to meet you up there that day. :thumb:

Rob

[Robbo]

blah blah blah, on and on because I don't read post dates very closely.

Rob

:rollingla Just realized the dates on those first posts. So did you end up training somewhere since your question was posted?

Rob

[Jhamilton]

:rollingla Just realized the dates on those first posts. So did you end up training somewhere since your question was posted?

Rob

:laughup:

Necro-Thread!

http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll231/Jhamilton_album/thread_necro.jpg

:oops3: ......

[MaddSkillz]

I train at Team Nogueira Tulsa with Robbo. For grappling, it's the best thing in the Tulsa area.

[Senator]

Oklahoma Fight Club. Mikey's new and proprietary gym.

I trained at Triton for a year or so, then split from them to TTT for only a few sessions before my friend quit instructing.

If you guys are serious about your Jitz, come on over to Mikey's Submission Tournament.

[Michael Brown]

Oklahoma Fight Club. Mikey's new and proprietary gym.


Many of the area's most successful fighters train at OFC.

There are day and evening classes and the instruction doesn't get any better in the area.

Tulsadave and I train there primarily.

Michael Brown

[Senator]

Many of the area's most successful fighters train at OFC.

There are day and evening classes and the instruction doesn't get any better in the area.

Tulsadave and I train there primarily.

Michael Brown

Who are ya?? I'm the crazy looking guy.... the blonde/reddish haired dude... Let me know when you go next.. I might have already talked to you without knowing..

--Josh

[Michael Brown]

Who are ya?? I'm the crazy looking guy.... the blonde/reddish haired dude... Let me know when you go next.. I might have already talked to you without knowing..

--Josh

Uh yeah.

You have.:slap:

Michael Brown

[Senator]

lol.....

I should have put the USSA hat and wrist band together eh???

You going in today at noon?? I might try but my sternum is still sore.

[MaddSkillz]

Can anyone show me how to break the bottom brick?

kthxbye!

[TulsaDave]

lol.....

I should have put the USSA hat and wrist band together eh???

You going in today at noon?? I might try but my sternum is still sore.

No, the hat and wristband is me.

[Jhamilton]

Can anyone show me how to break the bottom brick?

kthxbye!

http://i260.photobucket.com/albums/ii6/legshot420/e1faf4a5bd3a7c54293746f9c8cca545.gif

Cause he can.....

[Jhamilton]

I trained at Jensen's (What used to be Gibson's and may now be something else) for almost a year, and Triton for about 10 months, and a few times at what used to be Mikey's. I now train at Team Nogueira Tulsa.

Which one are you again? :scratch:

[purplehaze]

Oklahoma Fight Club. Mikey's new and proprietary gym.

I trained at Triton for a year or so, then split from them to TTT for only a few sessions before my friend quit instructing.

If you guys are serious about your Jitz, come on over to Mikey's Submission Tournament.

are thee senator on mma.tv? i am ttc or also known as terrible todd cole... how is beau is doing? i asked him last weekend where he was watching the ufc at... he said he had the baby.. do you have any idea where lester is teaching now?

[MaddSkillz]

Yeah, he's the same senator on MMA.TV.

Gotta love the OMA threads there.