SBGi vs. NW Fighting Arts

[doubleouch]

SBG doesn't teach muay thai, nor do they claim to.I find what SBG teaches to be better suited to MMA and self defense than muay thai.They've really evolved beyond it. I won't speak for NW fighting. Chamblock, what is your experience with both places? and where are you now?

[chalambok]

I taught muay Thai at SBG in the 90s. They took pictures of my class, used them for advertising their kickboxing classes, and asked me to not come back. I have known Jeff Patterson for a long time. The funny thing is, I actually kind of like both Matt Thornton and Jeff Patterson, and agree they fill what is essentially a vacuum here in Portland. I just don't agree with their business practices, or the way they both started with dubious certification (I also know their former instructors). Matt has since gone on to success of some kind. We will see about Jeff.

[gregimotis]

Chalambok - do you run, or can you recommend Muay Thai schools in the Portland area other than those mentioned - T.B.A. particularly?

[doubleouch]

Chamblock, sounds like a little bad blood. I'm not very interested in my instructors certs. I think neither Matt or Jeff have ever misled about their certification or lack thereof. I don't think Matt would even wipe his A$$ with a JKD cert. Sorry you had a bad experience with SBG. Sounds like you may be the go to guy in the portland area for thai boxing. I haven't heard of anyone else.

[chalambok]

Not me, unless you want private lessons only. There is a good muay Thai class at A Place To Shoot in Delta Park, taught by Khru Jeremy Wijers, who is an Associate Instructor under Master Chai. As far as having certs goes, Bruce Lee had none either, and he turned out quite well :-), but being a good businessman does not always translate into being a good martial arts instructor. Just as being a good fighter does not always translate into being a good instructor. Conversely, one of the greatest boxing managers/coaches of all time never boxed, and he had 14 world champions. I am talking about Angelo Dundee, of course. So there are plenty of arguments on both sides of the fence. Bad blood, nope. Circumstances control all of our lives. I could have done more to help myself with both Matt Thornton and Jeff Patterson, but I have a different mandate as given to me by the Royal Kingdom of Thailand, and am bound both legally and morally to promote and teach the Thai National Martial Arts as directed by the ministry of education, the late Ajarn Samai Masamarn, Grandmaster Surachai Sirisute and Ajarn Daniel Orca Inosanto. I envy both Matt and Jeff their freedom of action, but because I chose this responsibility, I am willing to accept it. And believe me, it is not as bad as I seem to have made it sound...lol

[del_capo]

What is good school in Portland (east side) that teaches standup fighting (kickboxing or MT)? I checked NW fighting but they are kind of expensive.
Has anyone trained with Tony at 9 dragons?

[doubleouch]

Most places are going to be in that price range. If money is tight try a boxing gym. Come by straight blast and check us out.

[jitzmandala]

east side

I know Floyd Wills trains out of 'Minden Training Hall' on the east side. I think they moved up to the the mall 205 area. He has a strong stand up game that is very Thai boxing influenced, and has very good grappling skills as well.

Beaverton SBG also has has plenty of standup classes. I know Tom Oberhue or Michael Chapman will let people train for a week for free, no worries. Those classes are most definatly functionality based.

There is also a lot of BJJ players at the beaverton club with plenty of guys versed in gi and no-gi technique. Portland and Beaverton members seem to travel between clubs a lot.

I have no experience with Jeff Patterson. I have trained with Sean Hailey which I believe used to be a part of NW Fighting Arts in some way. Sean is good people.

Dave Copeland