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Ok, so let me start out by saying I have been to SEVERAL martial arts gyms. Some were awesome some just...not. This gym is awesome! I've been training with Coach Darby for a couple years now and he is everything you look for in a coach. He's very understanding, patient, helpful, knowledgeable, trust worthy, and very well qualified. Classes with him are fun and enjoyable...and so are the people! I have been to gyms where the people were so awful I just could not bring myself to go back. But with Team Haanpaa it's not just people it's family. I always leave smiling and laughing because it's just a blast. As a coach he's A+. He breaks down moves for you so they are easier to understand. However, if you still don't quite have the hang of it he will break it down even more! It's amazing...and not only is HE very helpful but the students are too, they never act like a bunch ok know it all jerks. Everyone there is super respectful.
The last thing I'd like to say is that if you are a woman please don't be afraid to try classes. Normally, classes like these are male dominated but please do not let that deter you from trying it out. Everyone there is very respectful of each other and very respectful of feelings. This is a close contact sport and I think that it keeps a lot of women from trying it out, but it shouldn't because it's so much fun and VERY helpful in self defense situations! There are other girls there but partners get switched and some women get scared. But I promise you there is nothing to be scared about! No one is there to be mean or creepy, it's all about learning!
So come try it out..whether it's for fun, general exercise, learning, self defense, or for competition I promise you won't regret it. It's a blast!!
Andrew Wikel
Great place to train. I really look forward to the days that I can get out to the gym and get rolling (or striking for boxing/muay thai). This is where I started my martial arts training, and is still my favorite place to go. I've been to gyms across the states and across the world, but this place is still family. The Brazilian Jiu Jitsu program is second to none, and Muay Thai is incredible.
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Team Haanpaa genuinely care about your personal fitness and bring the best options to you for the most effective and safe way to reach your goal. They helped me lose weight when I needed that extra push to break through when my weight loss had become stagnant.
Darby and Amanda sincerely care about the health of each person that comes to them.
Some of the best coaches I know in the Rockford IL, area!
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My 8 year old son has been going go Team Haanpaa for almost a year now and still looks forward to training every week. Since he's been training with Coach Darby, we've seen improvement in not only his confidence in everyday life, but also improvement with his concentration on tasks at home.
We also referred our 12 year old nephew, who has been attending for 6+ months now and have seen the same excitement in him. As parents we've been impressed with the leadership at Team Haanpaa and with their unique ability to get kids excited while learning this useful skill.
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Team Haanpaa Martial Arts is a spectacular gym that truly has something for everyone! Their available Brazilian Ju Jitsu, Muay Thai, and new Women's self defense classes/Kick Boxing classes all offer exemplary training and such a friendly, supportive environment. Team Haanpaa Martial Arts has always given me the opportunity to meet awesome people that have the same interests as i do. I highly recommend them to anybody in the Rockford area looking for a gym to help them learn and thrive in martial arts.