Which classes can I take upon enrolling?

Any: you have access to Skills & Drills, CombatReady Conditioning, Open Gym and Hybrid classes.

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What skill level is required?

None, this system accommodates beginners to experts. All are welcome, come as you are.

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What age group do you accept for training?

Generally, students are 18 and up due to the training methodology and curriculum. Exceptions have been made, please inquire for a case by case basis. Too old? No such thing. I have had students who are in their sixties. Age is irrelevant - an indomitable will eclipses all obstacles.

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How long are classes?

Skills & Drills, CombatReady Conditioning and PL/SD Hybrid classes are 90 minutes, this has proven to be the optimal amount of time to balance training benefits against fatigue. Open Gym classes are 60 minutes each.

 

Stretching, warm ups and when should I arrive?

Group stretching and warmups take place half way through Open Gym: Monday-Thursday at 4:30pm and Saturdays at 11:30am. Stretching and warmups are not part of the scheduled class time for Skills & Drills, Conditioning or PL/SD Hybrid classes, it is recommended to arrive 20+ minutes early if possible in order to go through your stretching and warmup routine before class to minimize the chances of training related injuries. Those with tight schedules may stretch and warm up during class time as a worst case scenario.

 

Do I have to participate in specific classes?

No. You set your own schedule and take the classes you want. Via De Custos consists of two distinct elements of training: the MMA/Modern Combatives component referred to as "Skills & Drills", and the functional strength training component "CombatReady". They were forged to compliment each other, however, either can be used as a stand alone program.

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Are separate classes for beginner, intermediate or advanced?

No, classes are not broken down based on skill. It is beneficial for all skill levels to intermix and train together. This yields faster learning curves, a wide range of training partners and realistic feedback, beginners get up to speed faster than when classes are partitioned - this also benefits those with experience, untrained individuals are unpredictable. Steel sharpens steel.

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Can I participate in just the strength training component?

Yes, for anyone who is just interested in physical fitness: CombatReady is a fully self contained, stand alone, adaptive fitness program for all skill and experience levels. Participation in Skills & Drills, the combat arts component of Via De Custos is not required.

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Can I participate in just the MMA/combat arts component?

Yes, all skill levels are welcome to participate in Skills & Drills. Participation in the Functional Strength Training component of Via De Custos is not required.

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Who can train in CombatReady?

Anyone. Individuals ranging from beginners to seasoned athletes, young and old, male and female, the intensity and challenge is adaptive to the fitness level of the end user. Anyone with the drive to become stronger, healthier or more ready for the uncertainties life presents, possess the qualities needed to participate in CombatReady. The industry disclaimer: experts recommend speaking with your Doctor before starting any new workout program.

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Will I benefit from CombatReady?

Fitness is a cornerstone to a healthy life, in body, mind and spirit. CombatReady is a unique, challenging and fun, team based fitness program that strengthens the body for movements and patterns experienced throughout daily life. Teamwork and expert programming keeps the training engaging, and builds camaraderie. Benefits include improved flexibility, endurance, balance, cardiovascular health and enhanced strength. Young and old alike, fitness plays a pivotal role in your confidence, health and happiness.

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What is OCR and how does it relate to CombatReady?

Obstacle Course Racing (OCR) "is a sport in which a competitor, traveling on foot, must overcome various physical challenges in the form of obstacles" - CombatReady, due to its programming and training methodology, incorporates physical fitness elements that carry directly over into OCR.

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What should I bring for conditioning?

Electrolyte enhanced beverages and a clean towel, be prepared to sweat.

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Is there a women's only program?

No, reality drives the training methodology. If you are looking for self defense, you will most likely need it against a physically larger threat. If you are looking to prepare for combat sports, training with a wide range of partners including those who are bigger, faster or stronger is advantageous.

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How do I pay for tuition or end service?

My job is to instruct, not collect tuition: I use a membership management service that provides students full control of their membership and payment processing. I believe no one should be stuck in a contract for months, or even years, if they do not have the desire to be training (plus, people move). So a simple solution: I use an application that gives the student full control over their membership, the payment information, and can cancel at anytime. No contracts, no hidden fees, no gimmicks. I have great success in keeping students for the long run. I do request a 7-day notice prior to ending enrollment, that however works on the honor system.

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I'm looking for self defense, why is grappling required?

Not always, but too frequently, self defense systems omit grappling technique. Citing that submissions and ground fighting during a violent encounter are to be avoided at all cost. I agree, avoid grappling during a violent encounter as much as possible: that is why expertise in grappling is critical for self defense. In a violent situation, it is easier to mitigate someone trying to grapple (i.e. throws, takedowns, submissions etc) when you have a solid understanding of what the opponent is attempting to do. Having well rounded skills in striking and grappling give you an upper hand.

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What protective equipment do I need for sparring or drills?

For sparring, grappling and some drills: a mouth guard, 4 ounce MMA gloves, 16 ounce boxing gloves, groin protection and/or shin guards may be required.

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When do I get to spar?

Unlike most systems, you generally get to spar starting the first week of training. The contact level is moderated and placement with seasoned students provides a safe environment for novices. It is an excellent benchmark for determining a beginners current skill in striking and grappling, this also allows the individual to easily observe their progress.

 

Many martial arts make you train long before sparring, why?

It is common practice for many martial arts to spend large sums of time, often a year or more, grooming an individual to spar in a homogenous manner - this creates a predictable opponent, and thus less likely to embarrass "trained" practitioners. The problem: you do not get to dictate how a real opponent will fight, either in a violent situation or in combat sports. Good curriculum and training will forge a skilled fighter that will not be caught flat footed by an unpredictable opponent. Requiring the opposition to fight predictably in order for you to be successful, does not replicate what will be experienced in the real world.