Ron Smith
Age: 39
Jeet Kune Do

This is my first experience in Martial Arts. After 8 months I'm begining to absorb it and it's truly a great experience Here are just a few good things THE BLAST has done for me.

Megan Sharrow
Age: 21
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Muay Thai Kickboxing, Jeet Kune Do

The first time I walked into THE BLAST, I was nervous and a little scared. My first class was Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and even though my big brother was there with me, the thought of rolling around on the ground with strange men was unnerving at best. Throughout the first week of class, Mike did an amazing job of making me feel comfortable and encouraging me. If he saw a hint of discomfort in my face, he would remind me that I should only do what I was comfortable with and that it was ok if I needed to take a break. The discomfort I felt during those first classes quickly faded as I got to know Mike and his team members.

For all the smack these tough guys like to talk, they're all just abunch of big brothers at heart. Everyone loves to challenge you and encourage you and help you become a better martial artist as long as you're willing to get in there and give it a try. I have a lot of love for the people I have met at THE BLAST. They have taught me about humility, pride, and respect. I am an all around better person thanks to them.

Since joining THE BLAST I have become stronger, quicker, more confident, and thicker skinned. I have more energy, I have a better body image and the little things don't bother me so much anymore. Now I just sweat them out in practice and turn all that tension into consumable energy.

 

 

Adam Sounders
Age: 21
Jeet Kune Do

I am a student of Mike's and I have really enjoyed the past 2 years training and hanging out with the people at THE BLAST. I am on TEAM BLAST and have had 1 kickboxing match that I have won, and I plan on doing another one later this year. I partake in all of Mike's classes. I enjoy learning about every aspect of Jeet Kune Do and I also like to compete in fight competitions.

I have seen the school go through a lot of changes since I have been there and they are all for the better. Where we are at now is a million miles from where we started back at Heroes Gym. I would recommend THE BLAST to anyone [since] there are all kinds of different classes for people to take. I am in the best shape of my life and I owe all of it to THE BLAST, because I love to go and work out and enjoy the company of the people around me. The training is second to none and I will never go anywhere else.

 

 

Demian "Coroner" Decorah
Professional Mixed Martial Arts Fighter

THE BLAST Functional Martial Arts Academy is AWESOME! I have my own team, but when I have a fight coming up, TEAM BLAST is where I go to supplement my training. Mike Vaughn is a very knowledgeable instructor. He is also a good teacher and motivator! All skill levels will feel welcome and able to learn something. There is a good team/family atmosphere at the academy.

 

 

Joe D.
Wauwatosa, WI

For those interested in learning a fun and practical form of self-defense, I highly recommend THE BLAST Functional Martial Arts and Fitness. Mike Vaughn, Owner and Head Instructor is talented and a motivated Martial Artist who works with each and every student to accommodate their needs. His teaching skills enable students to walk away even after their first lesson with useful abilities to handle situations where a person may need to use self-defense.

I highly recommend his Personal Protecton Program (PPP) for college age students (especially young women) who are learning to cope on their own for the first time. Self-defense provides not only personal satisfaction and the knowledge that you don't have to be a victim, but is an excellent source for a cardio work-out. Check out all the programs that Mike and THE BLAST have to offer, I'm sure there is one that will suit you.

 

 

Steve M.
Marshall, WI

WOW! I learned more in 6 weeks and gained more confidence at THE BLAST than I did in 6 months at other so called "Karate" Schools. I've always had a passion for the Martial Arts all throughout my life, but I could not find a school that specialized in real world scenarios such as getting attacked in a parking lot, or having 3 opponents trying to attack you etc.

 

While growing up, I've always wondered why I was being taught to do a "spinning backwards crescent rear butterfly kick" on an attacker. That stuff is fun to learn, but are you going to be able to pull that odd when your knees are shaking in fear of the 300lb attacker rushing you? I have seen instructional videos that taught the more "down to earth" methods that I was searching for but never thought there was a school that taught real world situations. So I had to settle by attending mainstream karate schools.

Last year after class at the "school" I was attending, I asked one of my instructors why he doesn't teach the use of elbows and knees as self-defense weapons? He told me that he doesn't teach that because they are "too lethal". I felt saddened inside to know that my "instructor" wasn't teaching me the skills that would save my life in a real life or death situation.

I expressed my frustrations to a fellow student who told me I should check out THE BLAST on Cottage Grove Rd. He stated that they taught reality based, real world self defense. I was shocked and had to find out for myself since I didn't think those schools existed. That same night, I ran out of the school I was at and headed immediately to THE BLAST. Upon entering, I was [amazed] at the training that was going on. I was warmly greeted by the head instructor, Mike Vaughn, and after a tour, I realized that this was the school for me.

Here's what separates THE BLAST from other schools I have attended

You have an obligation and duty to be able to protect yourself, your family and loved ones especially today with violent crime increasing everywhere.

©2008 THE BLAST Functional Martial Arts and Fitness | 4555 Helgesen Dr., Madison, WI 53718 | (608) 445-6176