Campuzano Martial Arts is absolutely the best in every way. I grew up with martial arts, and…read morecontinued throughout my 26 years in the Marines. I have multiple black belts, so have a pretty decent eye for what techniques and training might work in real-world situations. When we moved to Texas this past summer, I visited six martial arts schools in the area that I pre-screened before arriving. Within five minutes of walking in the door of Campuzano Martial Arts, I knew it would be perfect for my three young kids. I immediately surrendered my credit card and begged them to charge it. Here is my reasoning:
First, Will and his wife Adi are two of the kindest people you could ever meet. They don't run the gym like a business, they run it like they are training family. They love what they do and are passionate about the development of each student.
Second, they train kids for situations they would run into in the real-world, from a very young age all the way into adulthood. This includes kickboxing and wrestling. What your kids learn now will stick with them via muscle memory throughout their lives.
Third, Will and Bailey are professional fighters and train kids to have that mentality. They are kind and patient, yet are able to push kids past their perceived limits. Will and Bailey are the best I've seen at developing kids to be their best, physically, mentally, and emotionally.
Personal beliefs and experiences played a role in why we chose Campuzano Martial Arts:
From a broad perspective, I always rule out taekwondo and karate type schools. They train in traditional ways of fighting, which are minimally practical in the world today... unless someone wants a role in a Chuck Norris movie. Also, they make money charging for each of numerous belt promotion tests (mostly just a show for the parents), which adds up significantly over time. Jiu-jitsu schools just award the next belt when the kids are ready. Anyone mildly proficient in mixed martial arts (jiu-jitsu, wrestling, boxing, and street fighting techniques) would wipe out a black belt in taekwondo or karate with minimal effort. If you truly care about bully-proofing your kids for a lifetime, Campuzano Martial Arts is the right school.
When we lived in California, to learn all these different fighting techniques (jiu-jitsu, kickboxing, and wrestling primarily), my kids would have had to go to three different training studios, and most don't train kids. Campuzuno Martial Arts is the only school I know of that trains in all three, for kids, and does it exceptionally well.
Why we strongly prefer No-Gi vs Gi jiu-jitsu training (Campuzano trains No-Gi):
Gi: Kimono type uniform (Heavy cotton jacket and pants)
No-Gi: Shirt and shorts
Most big Brazilian jiu-jitsu schools train in Gi exclusively. I believe this is practical for tournament fighting, but impractical in the real-world. The opponents Gi can be used for grips and chokes in tournaments. Since bullies and bad guys outside of tournaments don't wear Gi's on the streets, probably best to train without them.
Adding to the Gi vs No-Gi opinion, my three sons have fought in jiu-jitsu tournaments about every six weeks over this past year. So they can have additional fights (experience) in these tournaments, I always sign them up in both the Gi and No-Gi divisions. I bought generic Gi's off the internet, since we don't train that way at Campuzano Martial Arts. Regardless, my sons almost always beat the Gi only kids, and often in a very big way. The kids they beat come mostly from the large 'brand-name' jiu-jitsu schools and franchises who only send their best. Those kids often leave disappointed. Campuzano training and tough mindset makes all the difference.
Will and Bailey are always there to support kids in the tournaments. They go out of their way to support their fighters. One recent example: I signed my kids up to fight in a tournament in Tulsa, Oklahoma, about a five-hour drive north, not expecting to have any professional coaching support. However, without hesitation, Will cleared his schedule just to make sure he was there. He will always go out of his way to support the families at his school. Will has a big, soft teddy bear heart underneath his tough exterior.
For these reasons, I am so grateful we found Campuzano Martial Arts. It is everything I want my kids to learn, and all in one location. Training from professional fighters in all aspects of self defense, in a loving way. What my three little guys are learning now will serve them for a lifetime... self-confidence, self-control, physical and mental toughness, and emotional calm when life gets challenging.
My kids love coming to Campuzano Martial Arts. I have no doubt your kids will love it too!
