Steve Lavalle Karate or whatever - McDojo?

**Pandinha** · Posted On: 1/27/2005 9:25am

One of my co workers took an intro class to one of Steve Lavalle's satellite schools.

They supposedly teach Muay Thai, Self Defense, Brazillian Jiu Jitsu, and kickboxing. The instructor holds a 4th degre black belt in this style of teaching.

Has anyone heard anything, good, bad, or anything?

Thanks in advance.

**Bang!** · Posted On: 1/27/2005 10:27am

Originally Posted by Anthony

They supposedly teach Muay Thai, Self Defense, Brazillian Jiu Jitsu, and kickboxing. The instructor holds a 4th degre black belt in this style of teaching.

What style of teaching? "All of the above"?

**Pandinha** · Posted On: 1/27/2005 12:38pm

Yep, all of the above.

**Deadpan Scientist** · Posted On: 1/27/2005 12:42pm

the only Steve LaValle google comes up with is an american Kempo guy. He's definitely not a 4th degree in bjj.

**Bang!** · Posted On: 1/27/2005 1:04pm

Originally Posted by Anthony

Yep, all of the above.

Weird. Doesn't exactly fill me with confidence. The only search results that I turned up were on karate. Do you think you'd have time to go down with your co-worker if he makes a return visit?

**Proximus** · Posted On: 1/27/2005 1:38pm

These guys that say their system includes "insert 4-5 martial arts" and they are highly ranked in each=Bullshido. Now I can understand being proficient in Muay Thai and BJJ since many people cross train in both BUT a 4th degree?? I would like to see his BJJ lineage.

**StephenOliver** · Posted On: 5/31/2008 12:15am

Steve LaVallee is one of the most legitimate instructors and professional school owners in the country. I'm not sure what specifically you are debating. He teaches a predominately Americanized Kenpo system with a blend of other styles. He's a legit 7th Degree Black Belt and I believe a 1st Degree BJJ Black Belt as well.

Learn more:

http://www.usablackbeltchampions.com

**Carpe Noctem** · Posted On: 5/31/2008 12:45am

Well, it seems it was debated three years ago.

**datdamnmachine** · Posted On: 5/31/2008 1:36am

Originally Posted by StephenOliver

Steve LaVallee is one of the most legitimate instructors and professional school owners in the country. I'm not sure what specifically you are debating. He teaches a predominately Americanized Kenpo system with a blend of other styles. He's a legit 7th Degree Black Belt and I believe a 1st Degree BJJ Black Belt as well.

Learn more:

http://www.usablackbeltchampions.com

Since you were nice to necro...

Legit 7th degree black belt in what?

You don't mention his 1st degree BJJ black belt as being legit, why?

Just ranging on you...somewhat!

You link to his official website, unfortunately, it holds no information whatsoever. My point being that there is no mention of being a BJJ black belt. I've never seen a school that had a BJJ black belt and didn't advertise it, especially if the head instructor was one.

I also noticed that all the "sensei's" are "multi-style athletes" with one of those styles being simple "Jiu-Jitsu" and not Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Translation: "We train a lot of stuff but don't hold any rank (verifiable or otherwise) in any of them." I also noticed that there is no mention that any of them let alone the teacher have a black belt in anything! They are just black belts period, that's it.

If there any other information out there besides what's on his site? Most of the information on there is very self serving to say the least.