Testimonials

“I love Bob's mission statement and how everyone at every level of fitness is made to feel welcome. In less than 6 months I had lost over 20 lbs and 4% of my body fat. What I've gained is self discipline, confidence & self defense skills that will last a lifetime. I finally found a form of exercise that I can really get into and stick with” - Nikki
“I've attended a wide variety of martial arts schools all across the country but SIMA is a class above the rest. The breadth of curriculum, a friendly no ego atmosphere, and the patient teaching staff are unmatched. Whether you are a beginner or seasoned practitioner there are classes for you. I've found more than a great martial arts school. I've found a family of enthusiastic people and a great set of friends.” - Eric K.
"A little over a year, I was the heaviest I've ever been, out of shape and low energy. I started taking classes at SIMA, and since then, I've dropped twenty pounds and improved my flexibility, core strength, balance, and endurance. The gym has a great sense of community, with people eager to help each other improve in a friendly and low-stress environment. Oh, and now I can choke you out with your own t-shirt. That's pretty cool!" - Trevor
 “Bob is an incredible teacher! Over the last 2 and a half years of training with him, he has challenged me both physically and mentally in ways that are nothing short of inspiring. His passion and commitment to the arts carry with him in every aspect of his teaching. Before I joined SIMA, I never knew how important martial arts would be to my life. After just one class with Bob, I was hooked! His classes are so much more than just the combinations and workouts. His deep respect for tradition and fundamentals help me understand what and why we do what we do. There is not a day that goes by that I do not think of something he has taught me. He is respectful, patient, kind and awesome! I am so thankful I have found his school and can be a part of the bigger picture he is creating.” - Lucy Damkohler
"I've been training IMA/Kali and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu at SIMA since August 2012 as a way to get back into shape and to establish self-discipline. Martial arts has helped me become more flexible and is helping me learn to discard what is unnecessary and focus more on what is necessary to accomplish my goals. It is more to me than a sport and I enjoy learning something new every day and the encouragement to push my limits that I receive from others. I can see it in everyone's faces at SIMA that whether they come to a guest night once out of curiosity, or they sign up for membership, they had a great time by the end of the class." - Patrick Savell
“Bob's classes, showcasing his considerable talents and skills, are always enjoyable as is his teaching and caretaking style, encouraging the respect and mutual safety of and for our training partners.  Consequently, our classes generate positive and fun experiences and the learning of complex techniques.  The camaraderie of my student cohorts is a singular joy to be part of as is our shared responsibility to help one another as we can or ask for help when we make mistakes.  I joined the school at the ripe age of 70 and come to as many classes as my "still maturing" body allows almost 2 years later.  Bob is always ready with a kind word, a gentle correction or change in a movement, helping his students to have a variety of positive learning experiences in our training.  I look forward to every day that I can attend, for the feelings of pride and accomplishment and for the experiences of learning with other students under Bob's leadership.  As I continue my journey, there are many successes that I can look back on as well as look forward to.  S.I.M.A. is a joyous and friendly place.” -Dr. Alex Szabo    
I have been honored to work with Bob and his staff at SIMA for 90 days now at Muay Thai. I am really loving the mental and physical benefits. What I love most about martial arts is that I have been more at peace with my life ever since I have started. Also it has taught me to be more confident and to believe in myself, and relax in heated situations. I really appreciate Bobs patience and kindness in teaching me and he always answers any questions that I have. I really hope that my body allows me to continue doing this for a long time! - Naomi Benson
I really appreciate the mental focus and physical workouts. My stress goes away when I'm training, and I truly do love it!  I am also more confident should a situation ever arise where I needed to defend myself. - Santi Permpool
Martial arts has always been part of my life, i grew up practicing different styles such as traditional karate, kyokushin karate, taekwondo and viet vo dao. Practicing martial arts gives me a way to relieve stress after a Iong day of work and to stay healthy. It has also taught me discipline, perseverence and hardwork. I have been training Muay Thai with Bob for 2years now and absolutely love it. His teaching style perfectly combines techniques and conditioning. He spends a lot of time focusing on the basics to make sure all his students have a solid foundation but can increase the level of difficutlty and intensity for his advanced students. He is a also great person; very humble and passionate about what he does and his sense of humour makes a hard workout enjoyable for all levels.” 
- Kim Nguyen
SIMA has a really great atmosphere. On a regular night you can find music playing with kickboxing lessons on one side of the gym and BJJ on the other side. It's just a great place to walk into and see lots of different types of people working on the different arts, training and evolving together. Everyone is a student at SIMA and Bob is probably the biggest student of all. His unassuming, down to earth style permeates down through the gym, its instructors and students making SIMA the unique place it is. I'd train every day if I could.   - Wayne Laybourn