Trio Martial Arts Academy

[senseibret]

Trio Martial Arts teaches the art of San Budo, an art that I founded and combines Tae Kwon Do, Kempo Jiu Jitsu, and Karate. Before founding this art, I earned a black belt in all 3 of these arts as well as trained in Shaolin Kung Fu and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.

[PizDoff]

Cool.
So you've decided to promote your own school. Welcome to the site Hanshi Bret Gordon.

Well according to the ratings guide, which is conveniently stickied at the top of each sub-forum, you've listed yourself as a top grappling and striking school. People will want to know what exact rank and how long you've been training all that grappling stuff. Since I'm not too well versed in that area I'll just point out something I noticed immediately.

Under Atmosphere/Attitude: you've given yourself a three. According to the guidelines the below may describe your school.

Atmosphere/Attitude:

1-5: Everyone's a douchebag/tough guy/pansy to corresponding degrees and/or drama.

[senseibret]

I actually didnt read the descriptions when I rated it. I passed it over and just logged in numbers in order to get the forum up. Thank you for pointing out this error, and thank you for welcoming me to this forum.

As for my qualifications in grappling, I've studied with Gregg Thompson, a student of Marcio Simas, as well as Grandmaster Arnaldo Lugo. All of these lessons have been informal, however, so no official belt ranks were used.

[Joe Karate]

Wlecome to Bullshido.

Everything I saw on your website as far as pictures and videos looks like a tradtional TKD school. You may want to consider adding some grappling content.

[It is Fake]

Welcome to bullshido. We have a different criteria for rating as seen in these FAQ:
Thsi shows you how to rate grappling instruction and sparring:

RATINGS: How Do Aliveness.....does your school look like this? - No BS Martial Arts

This will show you how to rate your school accordingly:

Ratings and You --- Read This Before Posting Your Review. - No BS Martial Arts

Looking at your website, you do not rate a nine in grappling, striking, nor weapons according to bullshido criteria.

This is based on your school videos.


Now, please adjust your ratings accordingly.

[senseibret]

Ok I have adjusted the ratings based on bullshido requirements. Those should be sufficent. As for videos for grappling/weapons, those haven't been uploaded yet but are coming soon.

[clermontkarate]

Hanshi Bret Gordon. This is Chad, the instructor who promoted you to shodan about 2 years ago. Its amazing that a vietnamese man will give you a 4th degree in whatever style you created. By the way, you lied in the article for the Daily Commercial. Show me where you earned a yodan in Goju. YOU NEVER DID. Not by any legit authority anyway.

Did you tell everyone here you bought your rank from World Black Belt Bureau? Google it. I believe 16 years old is a world record for attaining a Hanshi title. They are what you call Bullshido.

Did you tell everyone that you were requesting me to test you for nidan after just a year as a shodan. If you have to ask for rank, you aren't ready. Oh I forgot, you can go buy it now. I hope everyone visits your website and sees that you will promote even a 10 year old to shodan. Because "you don't play around with junior and regular black belts. Either you are a black belt or you are not". So a 10 year old can be a full shodan.

Don't forget to mention that you only took about 4 of our Gracie Barra BJJ classes and that was once a week at the time. Your grappling skills must have come from osmosis. By the way, I have contacts with Arnaldo Lugo and he has no idea who you are.

Did you tell everyone that your sister was a second kyu when I fired you. Six months later she is a shodan. How old is she now? 11? 12? She sure learned quick. You must have phenominal teaching skills. Oh wait, that was one of several reasons I let you go.

My instructor was a sparring partner with Joe Lewis (you maybe too young to know who the first professional heavyweight karate champion was) He earned his rank with blood sweat and tears. It took me over 20 years of training to earn my 4th degree. Here you go and buy it on the internet. What a shame.

Since you are going to be teaching in the aerobics room at the gym 200 yards from me, you are more than welcome to come by and give me your thoughts on the questions I have just asked.

[senseibret]

I want to thank you for commenting on my school. I found it interesting that you said it was Chad and not Sensei Chad, because no honorable sensei would try and bash another school. I wish you would have called me directly, since my number hasn’t changed, so I could have set you straight before you looked foolish with all of your erroneous comments.

First, my 4th Degree in the Daily Commercial was a typo. It was supposed to say four black belts in four different arts. We did not have a chance to proof the article before it went into print, so we had to live with it.

Second, as for my grappling skills, you have no idea how and who I’ve trained with. Perhaps you’d like to see my Regional Grappling Champion medal from a recent tournament.

Third, as for my teaching skills, you must have thought enough of them or you wouldn’t have paid me for them at 14 and 15. The reason you fired me was mostly philosophical differences between you and my father if you want to be honest about it. But if honesty was a trait that you were going for, you would’ve checked your facts before writing this message.

Fourth, I don’t believe in Junior Black Belts considering that you're regarded as such ANYWAY until you're 15 years old. There shouldn’t be a separate belt rank for it. Look at any Korean art and you'll see my same philosophy. They're full Cho Dans and Ee Dans at 7 and 8.

The real issue, in your mind is your last paragraph. It is an aerobics room 200 yards away but now that we took it over it has become a dojo. Isn’t your location a trailer or warehouse? Wherever the teacher is, that’s where the dojo is and as a martial artist for over 20 years, you should know that.

I do want to thank you for all of your comments. Just by acknowledging us, you have validated our school and me as an instructor. You have an established school, why are you so threatened by a 16 year old in an aerobics room?

[clermontkarate]

Bret, All I am going to say is that your ambition to seek advancement through WBBB is a joke. Hell, there are links on this site exposing them. All you want is some certificate showing your high achievement. So for a small fee, you pay some vietnamese man to rank you. You can boast about WBBB all you want, the general public has no idea what the WBBB is. Those of us in the martial arts know all about them. They are a paper mill. That is my issue. If you are so concerned with joining an association, do some research and join a legitimate one. Joe Lewis has a great one. He is one of the most legitimate master instructors you will find. You will need to go through a "real test" to earn your rank with him. Not just pay him money.

My point is cut your contact with WBBB and do some research. Here is a link on this site about the World Black Belt Bureau.

http://www.bullshido.net/forums/show...ck+Belt+Bureau



The title Hanshi is reserved for very knowledgable instructors. Just because you have a black belt in 3 arts, doesn't mean you are a master of one. You are a student of 3 and that is all.


You stated earlier: "First, my 4th Degree in the Daily Commercial was a typo. It was supposed to say four black belts in four different arts. We did not have a chance to proof the article before it went into print, so we had to live with it."


Well, that is a lie. In the article it states you accepted the 4th degree promotion. It was NOT A TYPO. If the following quote is a typo: "Bret has earned four different fourth degree black belts, the first in Tae Kwan Do, the next in Kempo, then Goju and finally as of June, one in San Budo, his own Nationally recognized style of Karate which combines the three."

Then what do you say about this quote: "Bret accepted the promotion and now incorporates San Budo in his teaching."

These statements were from the article in the Daily Commercial. The second can't be a typo.

[senseibret]

The first quote you posted WAS a typo, it was supposed to quote me as saying that I have earned "four different black belts" and not four different 4th degree black belts. So in fact, unfortunately, it was a typo. I do not claim anywhere in print or on our website to have four 4th degree black belts.

And in regards to the second quote, I did accept the promotion in terms of displaying the certificate within my own dojo as the creator of San Budo as recognized by the International Association of Martial Arts Founders.

Thank you for your input and your concern. I wish you and your school success as I hope you wish me and my school.

[GoldenJonas]

Chad and Bret,

My name is Erik (GoldenJonas). I live in Orlando, Florida, and I am currently a purple belt under Paul Rodriguez with American Top Team - Orlando.

As you both may or may not know, I actively investigate questionable claims of rank, credentials or training when these questions arise in Florida.

Do a search for "Jimmy Lyons" and "Impact MMA: Chris Van Valkenburg" as these are my two most recent investigations.

Bret, Chad has pointed out some interesting concerns which may bring your asserted credentials into question and certainly raise a red flag for your school. Answers to the following questions would be helpful is clearing up and quelling some of these flags:

1. Can you post .pdf's of your rank certs?
2. Exactly how long did you train under Thompson?
3. Do you have any direct affiliation with Simas or Gracie Barra?
4. What was the process through which you obtained a Dan rank from WBBB?
5. Would you be willing to have me train with you and give an unbiased opinion as to the quality of training, i.e., striking and grappling instruction?

I look forward to your responses.

GJ

[GoldenJonas]

Brett,

I have gone through your website, clicked on every link, and read every word on the site.

The facts as I see them, or as you wrote them, are as follows, correct me if I am wrong:
_______________________________

1. You are 16 years old;

2. You hold a black belt in San Budo (self-awarded, its your own style after all), TKD, Kempo JiuJitsu, Nihon Tetsuken-Ryu Karate, and a brown "belt" in Shaolin Kempo/Kung Fu;

3. You and one of your Sempia's have trained under Gregg Thompson a Royce Gracie Black Belt. The Gregg Thompson that has co-authored a few well-known books on BJJ with Kid Peligro;

4. You were awarded a 4th Dan ranking by the WBBB; based solely on an application and submission of your rank certificates in other styles plus an undisclosed "fee".

5. Chad Love of South Lake Karate Academy awarded you a black belt two years ago (when you were 14-15).

6. You run your school out of your parents garage.
_______________________________

Your rank claims are pretty unbelievable. How you found the time to dedicate the effort it takes to obtain a BB in one style at your age is impressive in and of itself....but 3 styles plus an advanced rank in Kung Fu?

Enzo Aliota and Rich Spatola essentially come from the same school in California. It looks like Spatola is a business partner of Enzo's father (maybe brother), Giuseppe. Their school teaches Hawaiian Kempo JiuJitsu and Kung Fu and is called West Coast Martial Arts Academy. I could not find what or where Enzo's school is; although it would appear that it is in northern California.

The only thing I could find under a Mark Bivens and TKD is Mark and Terry Bivens teaching out of Fighting Dragons Dojang in Coram, New York.

Two years ago you got a BB from Chad Love in Florida.

Lastly, on your "iMartial.com" profile you list that you have been training for approximately 11 years. I'll come back to the profile in a minute.

So, from this information, it would appear between the ages of 5 and 16 you moved from California to New York then finally to Florida. During your time in each state you were able to train enough to earn a black belt under Aliota and a brown belt under Spelota in California, earn a black belt under Bivens in New York, and then earn a black belt under Love here in Florida.

Please correct me where I am wrong as I am limited to the wonders of "google" to pull this info out. The next step would be to call these instructors and verify your rank but we are not to that point yet.

In your "iMartial" profile your state as follows:

I am a 3rd generation Black Belt and have been training in the martial arts over 10 years. I've earned Black Belts in the respective arts of: Tae Kwon Do, Shaolin Kempo, and Goju-Ryu. I've also trained in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Shaolin Kung Fu, Isshin-Ryu Karate, and Full Contact Kickboxing. I hold State and National Championships for all aspects of martial arts competition including Katas, Weapons, and Sparring. In 2007, I was ranked 2nd in the nation for all 14/15 Year-Old Black Belts in KICK International Circuit for Point-Sparring. Since I was 7, I've been assisting classes and I've been instructing professionally since 2006. In 2007, I opened my own dojo, Trio Martial Arts Academy, with the assistance of my father: Randy Gordon. I am a certified instructor through World Black Belt Bureau in the art of San Budo and in 2008, I was awarded the official title Hanshi by the International Association of Martial Arts Founders.

and

Martial Art Style: Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Karate, Kempo, Tae Kwon Do

"Tae Kwon Do, Shaolin Kempo, and Goju-Ryu" are not "TKD, Kempo JiuJitsu, and Nihon Tetsuken-Ryu Karate".

Lastly, taking a seminar with Gregg Thompson or participating in a GBB after school program does not make you a BJJ practitioner and does not make you even remotely competent in day one BJJ instruction.

Sorry if this seems a bit harsh but claims of rank and martial accomplishments are subject to close scrutiny on this website.

However, it would seem that you have quite a few trusting students and parents and the kids look like they are having fun doing what they are doing and with you as their teacher. This is a good thing. Being a father of 2 myself, when my kids are happy, I am happy. However, this does not change the fact that your stated credentials seem a bit...well...inflated.

Can you explain. Your explanation will determine whether or not I transfer this thread to the "MABS", Martial Arts Fraud Investigation, forum or not. My goal is not to crush a 16 year old entrepreneur and his attempts to run a successful business, but rather to clear up any "misinformation" or "misunderstanding" which results from your stated credentials and apparent affiliation with the WBBB.

I'll give you until Monday, 10/6/08, to quell my misgivings.

GJ

[ZenOfAnger]

I smell an investigation brewing....

[senseibret]

Actually I am trying to get removed from this website so that jealous and vindictive people such as Chad Love would not have the forum to bash a 16 year old martial artist and entrepreneur.

While it is true that we were teaching out of a garage, as numerous other schools have started, we now have a permanent location which happens to be very close to Chad, which is why he is so nervous and raising these questions.

First, I do have Black belts in TaeKwonDo, Kempo Jiu Jitsu, and Nihon Tetsuken-Ryu. I trained with Mark Bivens when he was teaching at Ultimater TaeKwonDo Centers and with Enzo Alliota and Rich Spatola at United Studios Martial Arts Academy (formerly United Studios of Self Defense) while living in New York. I also received a black belt from Chad in FL which he readily admits.

As far as my actual competitive and teaching ability, you may contact Dave Sklar of KICK/USA and also any of the parents of my students.

I have been training and competing for 11 years and have numerous medals, trophies, and titles as proof of my accomplishments.

While I appreciate your concern, my certificates are real and my students are benefitting. I do not feel the need for you to test me as I have already earned my rank.

The WBBB did NOT promote me to 4th Dan. I was awarded the rank by the International Association of Martial Arts Founders and did NOT pay any type of fee for promotion.

I never stated that I was a Black Belt in BJJ, only that I had some knowledge of the style and that it is part of my program, not the main focus.

I am tired of the scrutiny and it would not even exist, except for a vindicitive ex-sensei and boss in Chad Love.

[It is Fake]

Actually I am trying to get removed from this website so that jealous and vindictive people such as Chad Love would not have the forum to bash a 16 year old martial artist and entrepreneur.

Okay let's get a few things straight:
1) Who posted his school name? You.
2) Who decided to review their own school? You.
3) Who decided to post on this website? You.

So, regardless of Chad's reasoning, you started this so, don't fault this forum or Chad for your scrutiny.


You chose to post own up to your responsibility.

While it is true that we were teaching out of a garage, as numerous other schools have started, we now have a permanent location which happens to be very close to Chad, which is why he is so nervous and raising these questions.

Maybe it is a bad competition thing, I don't know. He did catch you in what is at the very least a semantics issue at the most a lie.

First, I do have Black belts in TaeKwonDo, Kempo Jiu Jitsu, and Nihon Tetsuken-Ryu. I trained with Mark Bivens when he was teaching at Ultimater TaeKwonDo Centers and with Enzo Alliota and Rich Spatola at United Studios Martial Arts Academy (formerly United Studios of Self Defense) while living in New York. I also received a black belt from Chad in FL which he readily admits.

Thanks you do not do traditional Shaolin Kung fu.

As far as my actual competitive and teaching ability, you may contact Dave Sklar of KICK/USA and also any of the parents of my students.

Are you the main instructor?

I have been training and competing for 11 years and have numerous medals, trophies, and titles as proof of my accomplishments.

This doesn't legitimatize your claims of BJJ nor Shaolin Kung Fu.

While I appreciate your concern, my certificates are real and my students are benefitting. I do not feel the need for you to test me as I have already earned my rank.

No one said anything about testing you. No, you didn't earn all of your ranks. You obviously received one on the merits of others. You have not EARNED a fourth degree ranking.

The WBBB did NOT promote me to 4th Dan. I was awarded the rank by the International Association of Martial Arts Founders and did NOT pay any type of fee for promotion.

Really?

Interestingly enough, the only information I find about this IAMAF, is directly related to you.
Granted, I only did a perfunctory search. I definitely could be wrong.

I never stated that I was a Black Belt in BJJ, only that I had some knowledge of the style and that it is part of my program, not the main focus.

It shouldn't be part of your program if, you have no rank in BJJ. You seem to be playing 16 year old semantics game. You have no business trying to teach any BJJ.


I am tired of the scrutiny and it would not even exist, except for a vindicitive ex-sensei and boss in Chad Love.[/QUOTE]


No, it wouldn't exist if you didn't do a poor review of your school. You were looking for free advertisment, it backfired.