Matt Sly - Police Officer, Ground Control Instructor, Formerly US Air Force - Boise, ID
"I began training at The Academy of Martial Arts in Oct of 2006, and it was the best thing I have ever done for myself. I found that Jiu-jitsu is a lifestyle. It's about family. It's about challenging yourself on every level. And it's about 'your journey.'
"Jiu-jitsu is definitely applicable to my career as a Law Enforcement Officer because it not only allows me to be able to handle many situations as a patrol officer, but also as a trainer of ground fighting, it allows me to teach techniques that keep officers safe and also teach the philosophies behind the principles. At the Academy of Martial Arts I found a family of friends that I can train with. Jared Emfield is a great instructor and mentor because he believes in being very detailed when teaching techniques, which I feel has carried out the traditions of Gracie Jiu-jitsu and the principles of Professor Pedro Sauer.
"At The Academy you will not only learn the techniques of Jiu-jitsu, but you will also learn to learn look at things in a different way. Jiu-jitsu is about finding a way around your opposition using the least amount of strength. For example, when you come up against an obstacle in life, instead of beating your head against a wall and going about things the hard way, applying Jiu-jitsu helps you find different angles to overcome challenges. You find yourself applying these principles to your life, and to your relationships with family and friends that make you become an even better person."
"Jiu-jitsu is definitely applicable to my career as a Law Enforcement Officer because it not only allows me to be able to handle many situations as a patrol officer, but also as a trainer of ground fighting, it allows me to teach techniques that keep officers safe and also teach the philosophies behind the principles. At the Academy of Martial Arts I found a family of friends that I can train with. Jared Emfield is a great instructor and mentor because he believes in being very detailed when teaching techniques, which I feel has carried out the traditions of Gracie Jiu-jitsu and the principles of Professor Pedro Sauer.
"At The Academy you will not only learn the techniques of Jiu-jitsu, but you will also learn to learn look at things in a different way. Jiu-jitsu is about finding a way around your opposition using the least amount of strength. For example, when you come up against an obstacle in life, instead of beating your head against a wall and going about things the hard way, applying Jiu-jitsu helps you find different angles to overcome challenges. You find yourself applying these principles to your life, and to your relationships with family and friends that make you become an even better person."
Josh Holverson - US Army, Iraq War Veteran, Father - Ammon, ID
"When I returned from Iraq my VA counselor suggested I find an outlet. Something that I could focus on and that would help me get some exercise to relieve stress.
"My son said was interested in taking karate. I decided to check out several places to compare. As soon as we walked through the door I knew this was the place my son would train. I immediately felt like I was in a family friendly environment. Mr. Emfield has a gift with children and it shows through his students. Now we have three family members that enjoy the benefits of Martial Arts training here at The Academy. It has done wonders for all of us.
"I liked the Kenpo program that my son was involved with so I asked if I could come to an adult class. I was welcomed with open arms. Everyone was extremely helpful. I was impressed with the atmosphere of The Academy. The classes are intense but at the same time it is a relaxed environment. Being a disabled Vet with a bad back and bad knees I was worried that I wouldn’t be able to keep up. What I like about training at The Academy is that even though I am pushed to improve myself, I am never pushed past what I can physically handle. . ."
"My son said was interested in taking karate. I decided to check out several places to compare. As soon as we walked through the door I knew this was the place my son would train. I immediately felt like I was in a family friendly environment. Mr. Emfield has a gift with children and it shows through his students. Now we have three family members that enjoy the benefits of Martial Arts training here at The Academy. It has done wonders for all of us.
"I liked the Kenpo program that my son was involved with so I asked if I could come to an adult class. I was welcomed with open arms. Everyone was extremely helpful. I was impressed with the atmosphere of The Academy. The classes are intense but at the same time it is a relaxed environment. Being a disabled Vet with a bad back and bad knees I was worried that I wouldn’t be able to keep up. What I like about training at The Academy is that even though I am pushed to improve myself, I am never pushed past what I can physically handle. . ."
Jessica Thon-Ralph - Photographer, Jiu-Jitsu Instructor - Pocatello, ID
"I have been training at the Academy of Martial arts for over three years and I don't see myself ever changing that. I started my jiu jitsu training strictly for exercise, but I found so much more. Jared Emfield is such a patient and talented instructor. He has a great understanding of martial arts and can explain himself very clearly. Unlike some instructors, Jared is open to new ideas and suggestions from anyone.
"You can see Jared loves what he does by his attitude both in class and outside of class. His enthusiasm for learning and teaching jiu jitsu is contagious. He can make every student in the room excited to be training. One of the many things that makes the Academy of Martial Arts so special is that the students are just as helpful and positive as the instructors. I came into the class with no martial arts experience, but it didn't really matter. I was treated with respect by everyone. We, as Academy students, don't just learn how to defend ourselves, we learn to be better human beings. I found a new lifestyle and an extended family training jiu jitsu and I owe it all to the Academy of Martial Arts and to Jared Emfield."
"You can see Jared loves what he does by his attitude both in class and outside of class. His enthusiasm for learning and teaching jiu jitsu is contagious. He can make every student in the room excited to be training. One of the many things that makes the Academy of Martial Arts so special is that the students are just as helpful and positive as the instructors. I came into the class with no martial arts experience, but it didn't really matter. I was treated with respect by everyone. We, as Academy students, don't just learn how to defend ourselves, we learn to be better human beings. I found a new lifestyle and an extended family training jiu jitsu and I owe it all to the Academy of Martial Arts and to Jared Emfield."
Grant Hunsaker - US Army Combat Engineers, Iraq and Afghanistan Veteran - Rigby, ID
"I have been practicing jiujitsu for almost a year now and I really enjoy it. The best part about the Academy is the quality of people it attracts, Learning there is fun because of the people you learn with and from. Jiujitsu is also great because everything that is taught in class can be tested in open mats so you will know how to apply it if you ever need to defend yourself.
"Bottom line is Jiujitsu works and is worth the time put into it."
"Bottom line is Jiujitsu works and is worth the time put into it."
Daniel Henry - Federal Law Enforcement, Defensive Tactics Instructor - Idaho Falls, ID
"My initial exposure and experience with Brazilian Jiu Jitusu has been excellent. I first came to the The Academy about one year ago. To cite an over used metaphor, Jiu Jitsu is like chess…and on my first day I felt like I had three pawns and my opponent was playing with sixteen queens. What this showed me was the depth and breadth of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Something that still amazes me today. My background is in boxing and karate, which are stand-up arts. Fighting with your back on the ground with someone on top of you was a different experience for me. As a Federal Law Enforcement Agent learning to defend yourself in all situations is of vital importance.
"The instruction provided at The Academy is top notch. Instructors are expert practitioners who present techniques in a concise, detail oriented manner which is easy to understand and retain. Having trained previously at various gyms in Chicago, the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center, and the National Firearms Tactics and Training Unit, I can say with confidence that the instruction provided by the The Academy of Marital Arts in Idaho Falls is some of the best that I have received."
"The instruction provided at The Academy is top notch. Instructors are expert practitioners who present techniques in a concise, detail oriented manner which is easy to understand and retain. Having trained previously at various gyms in Chicago, the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center, and the National Firearms Tactics and Training Unit, I can say with confidence that the instruction provided by the The Academy of Marital Arts in Idaho Falls is some of the best that I have received."