SBGi vs. NW Fighting Arts

[Aikiguy]

Similarities? Differences?

I'd appreciate some opinions, that's all. I'd like to start MA training again for self defense / fitness purposes (don't care about MMA tourneys) and I'd like to do it right this time.

The two gyms *look* similar on the surface, but I don't know if folks on this forum have had a good deal of experience with either one to suggest one over the other, or if both are fine and it's just a matter of personal preference.

I suppose I could just *go* to both of them and get a feeling for it myself, but hey, no harm in asking around . Besides, with the amount of "experience" I have it might help to have a few people with a little more under their belts to weigh in, no pun intended.

Thanks!

[doubleouch]

You're in luck. I've trained a few years at both gyms. NW fighting has very good standup game focussing on boxing and fillipino arts mainly with some other stuff thrown in (jkd,wing chun, thai boxing etc.) Jeff is also a very good ti chi instructor.The training can be very vigerous. The ground grappling is no gi only. It is a little more of an innosanto type of jkd curriculum than SBG. SBG has a more advanced ground grappling game. The standup is very boxing influenced with some modifications. SBG does very little to no weapons training. NW fighting trains stick and knife with filipino kali. I don't remember the exact system. If you want to learn some traditional arts like kali, thai boxing, ti chi then NW fighting is for you. If you are interested only in performance and don't care to learn traditional arts then SBG is the best choice. Both instructors are great guys. I currently train at SBG and love it.

[Aikiguy]

... NW fighting has very good standup game focussing on boxing and fillipino arts mainly with some other stuff thrown in ... The ground grappling is no gi only ... SBG has a more advanced ground grappling game ... SBG does very little to no weapons training. NW fighting trains stick and knife with filipino kali ... If you want to learn some traditional arts like kali, thai boxing, ti chi then NW fighting is for you. If you are interested only in performance and don't care to learn traditional arts then SBG is the best choice.

Thanks for the quick reply. Put simply, I want to learn something that I know is going to work. From the styles you mentioned, both programs seem pretty thorough and performance-based. Is there something with the traditional program of NW that makes it ... I don't know ... less performance oriented?

As far as the ground game goes, I want to know enough to generally be able to avoid getting taken down, and handle myself competently if I do.

'Course, I could do what you did, and just get a bit of both

[doubleouch]

Well, I think if you are going strictly on performance then SBG has the edge. They don't really address weapons though. There are a few things that they train at NW that are less than preformance oreinted to my thinking. Both places would be good though.

[Aaron Little]

I am biased but I cast my vote for Matt and the SBG

[doubleouch]

Aaron,
I'm with you, but I'm trying to be fair to the other guy

[Aaron Little]

doubleouch,
Do you train with Matt?

[vincechoo]

SBGi gets tagged for another vote

[doubleouch]

Aaron,
I've been with Matt for a couple of years. Wouldn't be anywhere else right now.

[Aikiguy]

Thanks for all the input, guys.

Though I am interested in some weapons training, I suppose I can find that somewhere else if SBG has such a good reputation for everything else.

[tekshow]

and look how late i am on the reply,


have you seen this fellow yet, Cain?


i'd check out both, you never know. I train at NW Fighting Arts and it's been efficient for me. well at least Jeff has brought me up to the level where i feel pretty confident at any and all ranges, from weapons to ground. and that's been tested from the variety of people there, and moreso from the people who randomly walk through the door.

While everyone knows Matt thorton as the expert he is, i think a little credit should be given to Jeff for continuing his education. He hasn't stopped grappling and trains with multiple people in town to improve his game.



but say, i've been meaning to check out SBG for a while, and my knee is feeling better, can anyone reccomend a class time when I can check out the bjj?


in all fairness, you really can't go wrong studying at either school, they both trump pretty much everything else out their in the portland area imho.



peace,
joe

[doubleouch]

Right on Tekshow. I agree with everything you said about Jeff. He's a good guy. Come by SBG Tue or Thur 6-8 for BJJ.Although a new schedule is coming out soon I think most class times will be the same. If you come by on Tuesday Look for me (Cane)
Good Training!

[J Rockwell]

Actually, SBG does train weapons, with the same performance-based attitude they train everything else. I believe some gyms focus on it more than others, though. Karl Tanswell's STAB program and Jerry Wetzel's Red Line are two cutting edge knife defense programs. SBG also adopted much of Burton Richardson's weapons programs for their training. Recently, I think Matt has come out with his own stickfighting system called SMAC. I can't remember what that stands for right now. So to reiterate, SBG definitely trains weapons, but some gyms just prefer to emphasize other things.

Best,

Jeff

[doubleouch]

Thanks Jeff, I was reffering to the portland gym. I've been there a couple of years and haven't seen it. I think it happens in the ICC course but I haven't seen it in the regular classes. Doesn't mean it doesn't happen, just that I haven't seen it. We don't have any weapons classes as such as NW fighting does. I don't think it is a defficiency of the gym by the way, just a realization of the reality of weapons.

[chalambok]

I have had considerable experience with both schools and instructors, and definitely if you wish to learn muay Thai neither is worth your time.