Eric Williams
Jun 24, 2025
“I have been training at Sabre since 2017 (or maybe 18…?) since my very first day as a newbie White Belt. I ended my time here as a Purple Belt. I would otherwise plan on staying all the way through until my very last training day, but I am moving and will have to say goodbye to this wonderful community. So much to say about this place! I’ll try to touch all the bases. Instruction Consistent, clear, multifaceted and progressive. After 8-ish years, I am still constantly learning new things. Still seeing new training partners. Still getting new nuggets of wisdom from the various coaches. There is a zoomed out approach and commentary on self-defense, what it’s really like to subdue an unwilling person in the streets, a strong push to be well rounded and not lean on a handful of strengths. Push yourself to grow, get uncomfortable, try new things. There is No-Gi instruction, Gi instruction, Judo, Comp Prep, Wrestling and LEO self defense classes. I think the operate word here is COMPREHENSIVE in approach. Variety Kids, competitors, old guys, young guys, teens, women’s class, wrestling, casual parents (like me) families…everything. I had my kids in some private instruction. It went great. I entered a competition early on in my training. Thank goodness for competition prep! As time went on, I focused mostly on just being consistent – always a friendly training partner to practice technique without blasting it. My wife went to the women’s class – a great way to put a toe in the water. There is a place for everyone here! Community Maybe the most important part? All of the above could be great, but if everyone you hang out with sucks, then it’s never going to last. My happy place for sure! Everyone is just so down to earth and friendly. Hanging out after class just shootin the ish, talking about life. Friday afternoons sipping on a beverage or two, maybe someone brings in some food and people just make an afternoon of it. For everything that I will leave behind in my move, this place I will undoubtedly miss the most – it’s been a huge part of my life!”
