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Testimonials From Shinbudo
& Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Students
   

"As the Training Coordinator for the defensive tactics and use of force for our department, I've encountered dozens of styles and systems of defense. The simple truth is that in police work, as well as your typical bar fight, the altercation ends up on the ground about 70% of the time. These are FBI statistics that remain constant year after year. To survive and overcome a situation like this, you need training that focuses on simplicity, realism, and proven methods. This is the training you will get at the Warrior's Cove. The staff is respectful, helpful and eager to see you make progress. Their system of martial arts cross training is by far the most enlightened I've come across in my 11 years of law enforcement."

Deputy Kent Mueller - Shinbudo & Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Student. 1st Degree Black Belt of Judo. Officer of the Ramsey County Sheriff's Department. Self-Defense Instructor for the Ramsey County Sheriff's Department.

    

"I would recommend Warriors Cove to anyone who wants to learn a very effective system of self defense.  I have over 20 years of Martial Arts training and a black belt in Tae kwon do.  Out of all my years of training I attended many different schools and have had 19 instructors.  Based on my previous experiences I can honestly say that the head instructor of Warriors Cove, David Arnebeck, is not only one of the most skilled martial artists I have trained under, but he is also the best instructor I have ever had.  Mr. Arnebeck is very patient and takes the time to make sure his students understand every technique.  The training environment is safe, clean and there are no attitudes by other students.  My favorite aspect of the school is the training in Brazilian Jujitsu which is a very effective defense and a great workout.  The training is well rounded and includes stand up striking and throws.  I highly recommend this school to both the experienced martial artist and also those with no prior experience."

Sean P. Lissarrague - Shinbudo & Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Student. Black Belt in Tae Kwon Do with over 20 years experience.

  

"At the age of 44, I was severely overweight and developing some very painful arthritis that was limiting my ability to exercise, especially the sport that I loved most, basketball. I decided that I needed to get serious about controlling my weight, and wanted to find an activity that would be challenging and vigorous, without aggravating the damage to my joints. I've found all that and more with the cross training at Warrior's Cove. After a year and a half of training at Warrior's Cove, I've lost about 40 pounds, I'm stronger, more flexible and more energetic. I'm starting to feel like an athlete again! I've also discovered a lifelong pursuit that will continue to challenge and engage me. I highly recommend Warrior's Cove to anyone of any age that's looking for a positive and supportive place to work out and learn new skills."

     UPDATE - "I started training in Eskrima three years ago, in order to round out my training regimen with a weapons - based art.  I have found that Eskrima fits my goals and training style very well. Eskrima is a “soft” art that emphasizes range, timing and technique.  It helps develop finesse, coordination and quick reflexes, and does not require a high level of strength or endurance to perform well.  Its scope is broad, but its characteristics are consistent and complementary. The Inayan Eskrima organization is like an extended family that loves to get together and have fun and share and grow.  Everyone is extremely supportive and friendly, and eager to help each other grow in the art."

Dave Hunter - Shinbudo, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Aerobic Kickboxing & Eskrima student. Warrior's Cove Competition Team Member. Software Engineer with no prior martial arts experience.

  

"Thank you for instructing us at our last training meeting. The skills and techniques you showed were very helpful and well done. I received nothing but positive comments from my fellow instructors. You were informative, professional, and very knowledgeable. Again, thank you from the Ramsey County Sheriff's Training Unit."

Deputy Steve Yochim - Warriors Cove Corporate Training Student. Training Coordinator for the Ramsey County Sheriff's Officer Training Unit.

  

"I began Brazilian Jiu Jitsu training for the challenge.  Period.  As a relatively large individual, BJJ effectively negates many of my genetic advantages.  Better yet, BJJ turns said potentials against me.  Struggling against superiorly skilled opponents has bolstered my confidence, combat mastery, and most importantly, my ability to accept failure positively. I have evolved into a better athlete, fighter, and a more humble, balanced individual.  These progressions have been instrumental in my personal and professional development.  In its totality, I consider BJJ training for life, not merely battle."

Chris Daeger - Shinbudo & Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Student. Former Navy SEAL. Currently a Firefighter for the Minneapolis Fire Dept.

  

"When I moved to the United States from Russia in 1989, I had already trained in the martial arts for 17 years. I started looking for a school with a clean workout area, personalized training, high moral standards, qualified instructors and, most of all, quality people with which to train. However, during my search, I began to wonder if I would find a school I could belong to. Eventually, a friend told me about the Warrior's Cove, and I agreed to go take a look. Twenty minutes into class I was on the edge of my seat trying to see every move and catch every concept! Needless to say, I was a proud member of the best school in the area by the end of the hour!"

Leonard (Dobrovetsky) Goldberg - Shinbudo & Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Student. Former Shotokan and Sambo practitioner. Former Captain of the Moscow Junior Sambo Team.

 

"I am very happy with my membership and training.  I have been most impressed by the people there and how friendly, helpful and approachable everyone is.  And this goes from the top down and includes instructors as well as other class members.  Having no prior martial arts training, I was a little concerned when my boyfriend convinced me to join that there would be a lot of hard core, militant types in the class that would be intimidating to a small woman like me.  On the contrary, I’ve found everyone to be friendly and approachable and easy to work with.  I am sure that attitude is instilled from the top down (meaning you) because your class members want to emulate you.  So they take cues from you and when they see that you are respectful of everyone and friendly and approachable in your training style, they act the same way.  So please don’t change a thing about that…because I continue to be impressed every class by how wonderful the people are!"

Robin Osborne - Shinbudo & Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Student. No Previous Martial Art Training.

 

"If you are a small man or are a woman and want the skills to fight off an attacker, my testimonial is a must read. I'm 5'7" and weigh 140 pounds. I'm a small guy. In fact, my frame is very similar in size or smaller than many women. The beauty of Shinbudo and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is that size doesn't matter. I can defend myself in stand up punching and kicking situations, and take the fight to my opponent if needed. I now know that Judo throws and takedowns are easier for a shorter person because your center of gravity is lower and you can get under your opponent easier. If things go to the ground, I can submit or choke out an opponent who has 100+ pound weight advantage. Once on the ground everything equals out, and with training, you have a huge advantage. Your opponent will be a fish out of water. How can this be? Shinbudo and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) aren't dependent on athleticism, strength or fitness. You use your brain, not brawn, and the laws of physics (leverage) to defeat your opponent."

"In my opinion, real self-defense is more of a mental match up then a physical size match up. Mr. Arnebeck is a unique teacher. I have found him to be very open minded to new ideas and he realizes the only constant is change. I see him as student as well as a teacher and he is constantly adding to his resume and skills by continuing his education. He has been a student of Rickson Gracie (7th degree black belt BJJ) since 1996, and brings in Rodrigo Vaghi (3rd degree black belt BJJ) and Tom Crone (highest ranking Judo Master In MN) to the Warriors Cove for seminars. Its important to me that he continue to provide me with up to date information."

"Mr. Arnebeck will spar or grapple with me any time I ask. This is important to me, it shows he is the real deal. If I have a new technique to try or if I don't think a technique is good, he will work though it with me on the mat and explain verbally why it will or won't work. Mr. Arnebeck is not afraid to be tested by me on a weekly basis and realizes that I won't learn as much if he uses all of his abilities against me while sparring or grappling. By allowing the playing field to be more even, I learn faster. He does this by allowing me to achieve a position, a hold, a sweep etc, that I normally wouldn't be able to achieve, so I can improve. If I have technique questions, he will answer them and probably ask me to try it on him several times so he is sure I understand it. He also knows that everyone is unique physically and mentally and shouldn't be forced into the same mold. He has always told me to use the tools he has given me but to develop my own individual style of BJJ." 

"I have visited several schools around the county Neto Jiu Jitsu and City Boxing in San Diego, CA; Renzo Gracie Association School in New Haven, CT and Royce Gracie Association School in Norwich, CT. But I'm always excited to return home to "The Cove" for the quality, integrity, and fun."

Scott Sjoquist - Shinbudo & Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Student. Warrior's Cove Competition Team Captain. No previous Martial Art Training. Currently Working in Research & Development for Boston Scientific Corporation. Former United States Air Force Officer in Europe.

  

"To me the Warriors Cove is much more than a martial arts school.  I came to the Warriors Cove 4 years ago.  I was very out of shape and weak.  I struggled at first against bigger and stronger opponents.  But I fell in love with the game, and stuck with it.  Shinbudo, for me is the only physical activity that has ever been able to hold my interest.  I know if it wasn't for finding the Warriors Cove, I would still be weak and out of shape."

"The physical benefits, which are great, for me pale in comparison to the great mental & emotional benefits I have received in the 4 years since I started training at the Warriors Cove.  I am much more confident in myself.  I have a greater sense of peace.  My mind feels much sharper, and I am a much happier person now.  I generally feel much more capable of dealing with whatever life throws at me. My day to day anxiety level is also much less.  I couldn't imagine my life without the Warriors Cove, and I am eternally grateful that Mr. Arnebeck started this school."

"The friendship and camaraderie among the students is one of the greatest benefits of the school.  It makes it easy to make it to class when you know there are so many great people there.  I look forward to seeing all my friends at the school, as much as I look forward to training."

Joshua Lebsock - Shinbudo & Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Student. Warrior's Cove Competition Team Member. Previous training includes Judo.

   

NEW! - "Sir, just wanted to say Thank You for providing such an awesome place to train. I am greatly impressed with your level of skill mixed with your humility and professionalism. YOU, personally make the Cove special. Thanks again."

Richard "Dicky" Goben - Shinbudo & Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Student. Warrior's Cove Competition Team Member. Previous training includes Japanese Jiu Jitsu.

 

NEW! - "Thank you for your great school. Not only is the instruction great but the entire atmosphere is warm, professional and energizing. I am now living in Orange County (South of L.A) and I am preparing for law school entrance tests. I really miss the Warrior's Cove! Although I had no prior instruction in martial arts, I felt that your school was first class. My belief was confirmed as I tried to find a school to train at here in California. There are many good schools in the area but I wish one of them was yours. I realize now how important it is to learn good positional control skills first, and I appreciate the fact that you hold off on submissions until a degree of skill & experience has been achieved. Those I have talked to here are unfamiliar with such restrictions, and I think It has definitely been to my advantage. We are planning on moving back to MN after a few years out here, and I hope you are still instructing. Sorry the letter is so long, but I wanted to thank you. Take care."

David O'Brien - Shinbudo & Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Student. Law School Student. No Previous Martial Arts Training.

 

NEW! - "Everything has been AWESOME so far….best Martial Arts work out EVER….change NOTHING. WOW…is all that I can say about EVERYONE I have come into contact with….from Mr. Arnebeck to Bob P. to Randy and Josh L….great instructors who take the time to go over techniques with everyone in class and answer any questions…knowing my wrestling background they have all tried to teach me moves that would be suited to a grappler. I have recommended it a ton of people…..I am an assistant wrestling coach at the local high school and I have recommended that all my kids try it. I have done a wide variety of different martial arts-(Wu Shu Kung-Fu {2^nd degree green}, boxing{6-2 4kos}, all types of amateur wrestling-{state champion freestyle and Greco-roman} and some Sambo/Judo) and I can say that without a doubt the Warriors Cove is what I have been searching for.  From the great class environment to the instructors everything I have encountered has been great."

         UPDATE - "Jiu-Jitsu and Shinbudo have had such a tremendous affect on my life in so many ways….I eat better…I don’t abuse my body...I treat people with more respect...and I have newfound appreciation of the world around me…..I used to have a kind of tough-guy complex…or so I have been told ….but my training at the Cove has been humbling in a sense that guys much smaller in stature and strength… can tap me out if I make a mistake and try to pour in on with just power and aggressiveness….thank you so much for the opportunities to improve myself and others at the Cove"

Shane Dezee - Shinbudo & Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Student. Current High School Wrestling Coach. Former State Wrestling Champion. Former Training Includes Kung Fu, Judo, Sambo, Boxing & Wrestling.

 

NEW! - "I am very excited to begin the advanced training program at the Warrior's Cove. From day one, I have appreciated all of the instruction that you have provided, and I'm very excited to take it to the next level. I doubt that I could find a better MMA instructor anywhere in the United States, much less the Twin City area."

Kelly Fitzgerald - Shinbudo & Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Student (21 Months). Attorney. No Previous Martial Art Training.

 

NEW! - "I am a huge fan of BJJ and MMA so this chance for me to learn what I have seen is very very cool. It is an honor to be taught by you after learning so much about your martial arts history and your practice under Rickson. The Warrior's Cove is, in my opinion, the only place to go for martial arts training. Everything is very practical due to it being based on real life scenarios. I have learned so much in just the 4 weeks I have been there. I have a very demanding job (Senior Loan Officer) and I am almost always able to work around my schedule because of the class availability. I think whether you are a beginner looking for self defense skills or you want to expand on past martial art experiences, the Warrior's Cove has what you are looking for. Thank you Dave for everything! I look forward to my future with the Cove and getting a Black Belt from you or Rickson himself!"

Josh Boege - Shinbudo & Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Student. Senior Loan Officer: Pillar Mortgage Services.

 

NEW! - "I enjoyed every class I went to and learned a lot. I will be recommending the class to my friends. I really liked the training because it is useful in real situations."

Eric Stafford - Shinbudo & Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Student.

 

NEW! - "I enjoy Warrior's Cove in all aspects of the training. This cannot be emphasized enough!! Thank you again, as well as the other instructors
for all the help!"

Ryan Wichmann - Shinbudo, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu & Eskrima Student.

 

NEW! - "Warriors Cove provides people with the ultimate opportunity to learn the best martial arts training available. The instructors have exceeded my expectations, which were already high because my instructors in my last martial art were fantastic. The environment is safe and friendly. Students care about each others safety and want to help each other learn. My son goes to Warriors Cove with me and LOVES IT! If you want to learn a martial art, you would be doing yourself a huge disservice to not give Warriors Cove a try."

R.J. Nord - Family Shinbudo & Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Student. 3 years of Tai Chi and Kung Fu experience. Assistant Vice President in sales for one of the biggest banks in the world. Graduated number one in his class in the Navy while studying in the Intelligence Field. Served in Desert Shield and Desert Storm. Graduated from Bethel University with a 4.0 GPA with a Bachelors of Arts in Organizational Leadership. Happily married for eight years with one son and daughter."

 

NEW! - "I like the format of the classes, and the open gym time afterwards. Everyone has been helpful and approachable, and the atmosphere feels good. For someone who has had no background, Warrior's Cove has been a great way to get started. From the moment I walked in, I feel like I'm being encouraged to do my best without being pressured to do more than I am able. In addition to learning self-defense, I have also seen improvements in muscle tone and my heart rate."

David Doyle - Shinbudo & Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Student. No Previous martial arts experience. Computer programmer with a Master's Degree.

  

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