Forgive my phrasing...
For the record, I would LOVE to train with Dean Lessei. I'd be lucky to gain a fraction of his knowledge and skill. Short of Rick Faye and maybe a couple people I can’t even think of around Chicago, he’s the number one guy in the heartland.
I only had a couple trial classes over a decade ago with Mr. Lessei. That certainly does not give me any right to say anything negative about him or his school, so please, forgive me for sounding critical. Earning minimum wage at the time and driving two hours each way to get to his school, regular training there was not a possibility. I used to work out with a former student of his, a guy who had only a couple months’ worth of experience under Mr. Lessei, and I soaked up every kick, defense, lock, and deflection. That student was nevertheless a cocky jerk who only put down his past teacher, along with everyone else.
I live literally a thousand miles away now but would love to visit his gym again someday. The material is exactly what I’m interested in and the mix is also ideal in my mind. Mr. Lessei once gave me a handout on his school listing sample level requirements, and I still use that as my guideline in what little training I do any more. His curriculum, in fact, is to what I compare all other schools.
Matt
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