Feedback you need to know about Ronin MMA in Ottawa

**Keej613** · Posted On: 1/10/2008 3:15pm

I went for a trial lesson at Ronin MMA (Ottawa, Canada) last night.
I trialed their Muay Thai program. The class was being taught by Jamie Helmer.

To sum up my feelings about my experience, I've pasted a copy of the email I just sent to Jamie about last night's session. Here goes:

Thanks for the lesson last night, Jamie!

I teach for a living and I can say that, even from just 1-hour with you, it’s easy to see that you’re a great teacher and a great communicator. You’re positive and approachable, and the instructions you give are very clear, precise and easy to follow! The feedback and coaching you give to participants is constructive and positive. The way you host and teach the group promotes a welcoming environment that doesn’t feel intimidating nor threatening to newcomers. In short, I can see why your club is so popular and has such a great reputation. I was really impressed! I will definitely speak positively about my first experience at Ronin to everyone I know!

Thanks for the great session!

In addition, I should mentioned that I've been practicing Muay Thai for approx. 1 year in Ottawa and have trained at Ottawa Academy of Martial Arts (OAMA) as well as Nomad.

The techniques Jamie / Ronin train in the Muay Thai program are very traditional. What I enjoyed seeing was the fact that, even in the "beginners" class (which I was in), members were learning and executing what I consider to be advanced techniques. (Techniques that were not being taught in Nomad's nor OAMA's regular (non-advanced / non-fight-team) classes. Not only this, but the "beginner" members were executing these advanced techniques with exceptional form and accuracy. To me, this suggests that the quality of even their basic / beginner training is very high.

Despite the fact that Ronin isn't a very flashy academy (their gym is obviously converted industrial space), it was a very positive environment. They have all the necessary equipment plus the mats and changing rooms are very clean.

In addition, I was not pressured into making any commitments or into signing onto a membership. They simply explained to me their pricing structure, offered me a free trial week and let me ask whatever questions I had. No fuss, no muss!

Long story short, I didn't get a sketchy vibe from the place at all. No McDojo tactics, no Rex Kwon Do alpha male teacher vibes, no pressure.

It was a very positive experience and I strongly encourage anyone from Ottawa to try them out for themselves.

Thank you and congrats, Ronin MMA!