TESTIMONIALS

"Now a professional mixed martial arts fighter, my training began in 1998 with Three Rivers Martial Arts Academy. There I learned many different things about martial arts and made many friends that always supported my dream to become a pro-fighter. I trained with my new-found friends for three years, traveling one hour and fifteen minutes one way. In 2001, I opened my own academy with much support from Three Rivers. I could not have done it without those guys. Three Rivers is a major key in my success. With all the love, support, and technique they have given me, I owe them my life-long friendship. Thank you all for everything!"

Mike "Quicksand" Pyle – Grappling Coach at Xtreme Couture

"The level of instruction my son and I have received and the expertise of the instructors are phenomenal. Training together in jiu-jitsu gives Ethan and me an activity we both enjoy. I see a level of confidence in Ethan when dealing with and being in front of others, and I believe the instruction at Three Rivers teaches him respect and how and when it is appropriate to use what he learns. As an adult training at Three Rivers, there is always a group of truly good guys and girls who do not let their egos get in the way of improving themselves and helping others do so. This academy helps each of us strive to meet our goals and stay humble as we do."
Chad Beyer – i5 Design Group, Inc.

"I did look at other academies before choosing yours, and I must say that I could not have chosen a better one, and I received every dollars worth at your academy. You and Eli made me feel comfortable and relaxed since day one. Your jiu-jitsu classes were top notch. At the end of every class, I felt that is was money well spent and always left class with a sense of achievement. I also appreciate your and Eli's down-to-earth attitude, and frankly 'non-cocky' attitude. Bragging or showing off was never displayed, but professionalism and concern for the safety of the sport was. I wish you the best of luck in your business endeavors, and I hope your academy continues to grow even beyond your goals and expectations. I have and will continue to recommend Three Rivers Martial Arts to anyone looking for a quality martial arts program."
Mike Stone

"I cannot say enough positive things about the art of jiu-jitsu. This wonderful art has done nothing but influence my life in a positive way. Not only has it impacted my personal life, but also my professional life as a police officer. I feel confident that I can use jiu-jitsu to resolve any hand-to-hand physical confrontation and the suspect will be taken into custody safely. The effectiveness of jiu-jitsu is unquestionable and has been proven to work in real street situations, as well as mixed martial arts fights. Jiu-jitsu is for anyone who wants to better themselves physically and mentally. I thank God for bringing jiu-jitsu into my life and allowing me to become a practitioner of the art."
Officer Justin Rundles – Police Officer

"I have always wanted to learn a martial art, but was put off by the 'macho' attitudes that are in so many academies. When my husband asked me to check out Three Rivers, I thought it would be a good way for us to do something fun and energetic together. When we walked into the school, I instantly felt like I was a part of the Three Rivers family. The instructors were patient with me and meticulously walked me through the techniques. The atmosphere in class is relaxed and conducive to learning. The students are eager to learn from one another. The thing that I enjoy most about jiu-jitsu is that it is truly a gentle art. Based on the specific situation, the techniques taught can be applied as gently or as harshly as one needs to accomplish a specific goal. Training at Three Rivers has given me the self-confidence to enter into any situation unafraid. It is a truly freeing experience to know that I am able to defend myself in a threatening situation."
Linda Lackey – RN, MSN, CPT

"Three Rivers has helped me develop self-confidence, relaxation, and patience. The instructors have given me a whole new perspective on life in general and the martial arts. As a physician, I must remain calm and relaxed during challenging situations so that I may think clearly and make rational decisions. I did not realize that this principle also applied to martial arts. One of the most important lessons that I have learned is to relax during dangerous situations. This allows me to be sensitive enough to react appropriately to the situation. Jason has a profound understanding of the tai chi forms and jiu-jitsu techniques and applies that knowledge to practical situations. He has taught me how to effectively manipulate an opponent's energy to defeat him. None of the instructors that I have trained with prior to coming to Three Rivers have understood this basic principle. Additionally, since I started training here, I have lost weight. So far, I have lost 30 pounds and am in the best shape of my life."
Charles Lackey – D.O.

"The most impressive thing about the staff is that they seem to put as much effort into being good instructors as they put into being good students of their disciplines. The trainers are not only patient, but they are humble and approachable as well. What have been the most rewarding benefits are the ones I was not even looking for. First, I am surrounded by quality people. I believe a person who stays with their martial arts training for any length of time has a much deeper desire of betterment than basic self-defense skills. Second, I seem to be developing a genuine sense of belonging to something bigger than myself. The Three Rivers virtue of 'mutual benefit' is becoming a realized and understood course of action. It's one thing to agree with such a concept logically, and it's another thing when you begin to feel it in your bones."
Eric Romanak

"Just wanted to let you know how much I enjoy your class. I wanted initially to lose weight and thought this would be a good motivator, but it is much more. I have come to class twice stressed from work but have left both times stress-free with a much clearer head. Thanks for your patience."
Jeremy Marshall

"I just wanted to drop you a quick note to appreciate you and your guys. Will and I went to the MMA class tonight with Brad and really enjoyed it but also the atmosphere. Its good to see you have been able to keep that with your growth and recent move. It was nice to see some guys we haven't seen in a while as well. You have good people working with you. I'm sure that is not just by accident, but it is very evident."

Mark Propes

"I just wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed training at your school last week. I was very impressed with your instructors and students. I picked up some good techniques which I tried out yesterday during our take-down training."

Dennis Morey

"Just so you know this is one of the best things my son Ricky and I have ever done together. We've always been close, but this class has made us best friends again. Thank you for all you do and giving us the opportunity to train with you and Jared in Southern Illinois. It really has changed our lives."

Rick Corn

"The instructors were fantastic and for the short amount of time I was there, I learned a lot and have a new sense of health and well being. Thank you for introducing me to the martial arts. "

Jeremy Gutierrez

The idea of Three Rivers Martial Arts Academy was developed in March 1995 on the back of a Chong’s restaurant placemat. Seven dedicated martial artists, all from different backgrounds, wrote down what we wanted the academy to be. Wanting to relate to others the change I had seen in myself through martial arts, I’ve always had the desire to develop a training place that is a true academy of the arts.

We wanted it to be an idea, not a promotion. We wanted to teach in a way that would demonstrate to the community we were more than a hobby; that the study of martial arts was on par with any other field of endeavor such as medicine, engineering, etc. That year, we opened in a small space at the Executive Inn, then grew to fill a larger area in the same hotel within a couple of years.

We were excited about what we were doing and knew it was special because we saw growth in the academy despite being located in a basement behind a floodwall. In April 1999, we moved to 900 Broadway in historic downtown Paducah. With the help of friends, family, community leaders, and dedicated students that have grown into experienced instructors, the academy has continued to unfold into the most accredited and professional school in the area. To accommodate our growing academy, we made one more move in 2008 to the new expansion of Energy Fitness.

Three Rivers is an organization of dedicated individuals who use the techniques and methods offered through martial arts to help people from all walks of life along the path of self-development, bringing their personal potential into their awareness. Instruction in how to fight is instruction in how to live. This sounds funny, because I don’t know of anyone that wants to live in constant conflict. If taught in the wrong spirit, only to dominate, it can drain you on every level, increase paranoia, and promote insecurity. But taught in the right way, as a vehicle of change, you begin to see that to use the most effective, efficient methods, you must give, take, forgive yourself, forgive your opponent, remain focused, change with change, and be grateful for your experience regardless of the outcome.

Martial arts is not just about fighting, it’s about balance – physically, mentally, and emotionally. For millennia, martial arts have provided the discipline, mental fortitude, and calmness under stress to live life to the fullest. This is available to you. Whether your interests are fitness, self-defense, or just overall well-being, we can help you restore the balance in your life.

JASON HAWKINS