As a mom, I feel deeply disappointed and misled by Cage Combat Academy. When we joined, we were…read moremade to believe in many opportunities for our kids to compete in tournaments and grow in their jiujitsu journey. My children waited patiently for years--FOUR years--holding onto those promises, but they turned out to be empty.
The owner, Alex, is a gifted coach on the mat. But unfortunately, he was the very person who made false promises about growth and competition opportunities. When I showed up to one of these "intended" opportunities (that never materialized), he spoke to me in an aggressive and disrespectful way right in front of my children. I was shaken, I had respected him and the gym so much. I seen him hurt other families but I never thought he would come for us since we were so freaking loyal. My husband went back two days later to address it directly. He told Alex clearly: (1) Do not ever speak to my wife like that again, and (2) We finally see that the opportunities we were promised will never come, so after years of loyalty, we are leaving. Alex seemed way more respectful to my husband and even wanted to work things out.
The reality is that Cage Combat only participates in a handful of very small tournaments each year--sometimes just 4 total--and most often there wasn't even competition in my kids' brackets because they were tiny unworthy tournaments. My children were ready for more, eager to grow, and deserved the chance to test themselves, but it was simply not allowed.
After my husband spoke up, I had a meeting with Rosalie. That three-hour conversation was one of the most uncomfortable experiences of my life. She dominated the entire discussion with negativity, spoke poorly about nearly every one of my friends / members from the gym, and even made disparaging remarks about my daughter exploring another gym. Worst of all, after we decided to move on, she spread rumors about my 14-year-old daughter (and other teens) a girl who had given her whole heart, sweat, and loyalty to this gym. To hear from at least 20 different people that she was the subject of Rosalies gossip was beyond disgusting. I think she did it to try and save face& blame us for the falling out. But those that took a peak in to the truth seen through her scandalous ways.
I texted Rosalie directly, asking her not to ever speak about my family again, but she continued and even escalated to salacious slander about other members!!!! It was beyond disgusting what she said and I wont dare mention it on the internet. I consulted an attorney over the situation and they agreed that Rosalie& Alex plus some of their staff (Jacky according to Rosalies statements) were in fact committing defamation. Ultimately, I chose to move forward and not look back at their cowardice ways. I enrolled my children at a new gym across the bridge. Since leaving, the opportunities have been absolutely incredible--far beyond what we were told was possible. I thank God for lifting the veil so my kids could have the opportunities and support they have now.
Looking back, I realize I stayed too long because of misplaced loyalty and because I wanted to believe in them. But the truth is, this gym operates with a cult-like manipulation that blinds you until you finally step away. I can go on for hours of the many many incidences but I will just end saying to look at the facts; both Alex and Rosalie have very volatile relationships or zero relationships with our local likeminded community and their own families!
I am writing this months later because I believe it may answer some questions that other members may be dealing with themselves. If that is you, you are not crazy and I hope this helps!!! My advice to other parents: if your children want real opportunities to grow, compete, and be supported in a healthy environment, look elsewhere.
