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REFERENCES |
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I am most pleased to write a character
reference for my coach, Gary Hoyd. I have known Gary as a Mixed Martial Arts instructor for almost a year, and my experience under his instruction has been nothing but positive. Gary's teaching has so far given me a 6-1 amateur record with 4 wins without ever even being hit! Through Gary's instruction, I bring to the cage, an incredible sense of confidence that I have trained with the best. Anyone wishing to better themselves in MMA should seek Gary out for instruction. - Luis "The Gorilla" Gonzales |
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First and foremost, I just want to say that Gary, his curriculum, and
the atmosphere of his gym has changed my life permanently. I don't
promise that it can change anyone else's life, but I can assure you that
everything he teaches is effective and efficient! Everything that Gary
teaches, has a practical reason. I have never asked him a question when
I did not receive a real answer. There are times where he doesn't hand
his students the answer but guides them to it. It's mind blowing
looking at footage of my fights and seeing how much I have learned in
just a year. I have personally seen progress in every person who
steps in that gym and participates. I strongly believe that Gary
and his gym offers many things other gym's don't or can't.
Elite Cage Fighting is definitely going to be one of the top gym's for
training martial arts one day so get in while you can! - Lance Greenberg - (Went on to become the Elite Cage Fighting Welterweight Champion on January 29, 2007) |
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Gary has truly been one of the best
influences in my life to date. He is not only intelligent but also
understanding. His ability to separate the effective and the
theoretically effective is the best I’ve seen. His methods are
unique and creative, but most importantly, Simple and direct. The study of martial art is not
just a hobby, but a way of life, and I think Gary is an amazing
example of that. His teaching methods are clear and easy to
understand, Gary has been my friend, but more importantly my teacher, and has my undying gratitude. - James Ward |
When I first showed up at the gym with a couple buddies of mine, I saw a couple of guys inside training, one with the Elite symbol on his shirt, it was Gary, I had no idea he was the instructor. Due to his small size my first impression was that he was just an assistant or some type of help. When I saw him giving instruction to the class I figured out he was the trainer. I almost thought about leaving right then. How could this guy be a cage fighting instructor? I will never underestimate a smaller person again in my life. It took about 2 seconds of tossing me around and then an arm bar for me to realize, I had been totally ignorant, this guy was no joke, he knew what he was doing… My buddies just laughed as I tapped out frantically, but I was hooked. The first thing Gary teaches his students is to leave their ego at the door, which I have come to realize, is one of the most important things when it comes to training and being trained. Well, once again, at Elite, the ego stays at the door, that way everyone can have an enjoyable training environment, and we can all benefit from it. I have been there for about five months now, and have a 3-0 record in cage fighting and possibly a future in the upcoming sport. I can honestly say that Gary has given me not only confidence and skill in the cage,
but in the world as well. I feel coming to this school of martial arts is one of the best
decisions I have been able to make in my lifetime, it has already carried me through
tough times, and it has made me an all around better person, and you can’t put a
price on that! - Nicholas Wakley |
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Gary
Hoyd is one of the best all around teachers I have ever learned
from. He has a great mind for detail, and is able to pin-point
specific needs in all levels of learning. - Matt Orcutt |
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Whether you're young, older, male, female, an experienced
martial artist, or a beginner (like myself), Gary Hoyd and JKD are
poised to make you more skilled and confident. His class structure is
informal yet always meaningful. No belt system or gi here...practicality
is at the forefront! His knowledge of martial arts history and enthusiasm
about JKD are truly contagious, and you leave every session with something
useful. In addition to increasing your awareness, tactile sensitivity, and
response capability, the techniques he teaches are, indeed, simple,
direct, and THE most practical for the 'street situation' one might
typically encounter. He's quite open-minded to different martial arts
systems, but he's also careful to differentiate what JKD is and is not. If
you're looking for a classical martial art to study and progress through a
series of 'ranks' or to eventually compete within the confines of a given
system, I wish you luck and success. But if you're looking for something
non-classical, efficient AND effective for use in the every-day
world....come sit-in on one of Gary's classes. ...He won't mind! - Tim Lawhorn |
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I see Gary as an intelligent, competent mind. He
is always thinking. He is not pushy. He is courteous, but he
is persistent to make sure you understand what is going on. He is
very open to questions, and ideas. If you are doing something the
wrong way, he will let you know and show you the correct way without being
pushy or rude. He has good control of himself even when others don't
(LOL, still feel bad about that). I feel he has traveled
the road a long way but because of his constantly working mind, and I
think he has a lot more road to travel. He is someone I look up to,
and right now only dream that I could be a little more like him and fear
that I never will be. - Tony Bowman |
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Gary is truly a dynamic instructor. He is
knowledgeable, talented, and insightful, without being condescending or
cocky. He simultaneously challenges you mentally and physically
while allowing you to experiment and ask questions. The detail of
his teaching is profound and still manages to be grounded in
reality. One would do well to be under his tutelage. - Bill Shepherd |
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Gary is a great motivator and
communicator. He genuinely wants his students to become the best
fighters they can be. During class, Gary doesn't just teach a
movement then go on to the next. He takes the time to make sure the
students understand it, completely. - Creyton Thomas |
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I would recommend to anyone
who wants to advance their ground game to talk to Gary. He gives a
top-notch seminar with proven material... he understands the science
behind what he does, and expresses it clearly and with confidence.
His presentation is lively and entertaining, and he fielded as many
questions as we could muster, always providing informed and complete
answers.
Dave Shostal |
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Gary: I just wanted to take the
time to let you know I thoroughly enjoyed your Essentials of Ground
Fighting seminar. You made complex maneuvers easy and fun to
learn in a professional, yet casual manner. If ever given the
opportunity, I would jump at the chance to train with and learn from
you. I can't thank you enough!
- Doug Rice |
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I would highly recommend taking part
in the Elite Cage Fighting seminar instructed by Mr. Gary Hoyd.
He is very skilled and are very meticulous in teaching the various
tactics, holds and moves. I'm just starting my training in JDK,
and feel very fortunate to come into this at such an opportune time
that allowed me to attend the seminar. The knowledge gained
coming out from the seminar is invaluable.
- Adam Hamilton |
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l would just like to say how impressed l was with your seminar. Your ability to break down the mechanical principles of ground fighting into simple and understandable segments in real time allowed everybody to get a good understanding of the moves. l personally feel much more comfortable if l go to the ground. l would highly recommend Gary's seminars to any interested parties and l plan to attend any future training events he offers.
- Clarence Mahon |
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Thanks Gary for sharing your in-depth wealth of knowledge with us Canucks. You have gone out of your way to put on a great seminar for us and rest assured enjoyed by all. With this knowledge I have sharpened my existing skills as well as being able to add some new tactics to my arsenal. I appreciate your comment about practicing what you are not good at or what you don’t like. This can only stimulate growth. I recommend this seminar for anyone looking to hone their ground skills or just to understand the basics of ground work.
- David Eggleton |
