As a fighter from lonestar, I felt an obligation to get on here and speak my mind. First of all if you are involved with the East Texas MMA scene you've heard of our gym. We produce great fighters, but let me make it clear our fighters are humble, courteous, and respectful to all whose path we cross. However, our gym is much bigger than its fighters and continues to grow into something bigger than any individual could ever be. We have people with families and jobs that come and devote their precious time to teach the great things they have learned through different martial arts, whether you believe they are "MMA practical" or not (ask our aikido instructor about being attacked and see if you still don't think its legitimate). We have children learning jiu-jitsu, I have never seen something as amazing as an 8 year old applying an armbar. Their is no gym in this area like ours. I've never walked into an MMA class and found people +40 years of age training in MMA and the many other martial arts our facility provides. But at our gym this is possible due to the deep level of respect and love for each other our owners have been able to provide. My beginning in the fight scene started with drills such as running around the mats holding a heavy bag over my head. I hated it. Several days later I was finally allowed to attend the regular class and my team respected me because I didn't come in to try to be the next Chuck Liddell, I wanted to learn to be a martial artists. I earned that PRIVILEGE. Now, I'm a fighter. But the most enjoyable thing to me is not getting in the ring but getting to pass my knowledge on to the younger students and my friends, and one day my children. That is why you will find me and my teammates teaching slef-defense to girls at UT-Tyler, sport jiu-jitsu to college guys, and eager to help our instructors at the gym. Our owners are not greedy. It requires money to keep a gym running. Electricity, water, and new gear. Infact they have declined several people due to their lack of character and the threat they portrayed to the ideals of our gym. Drew and Hong are great. I use to think they didn't care for me so I had much animosity for them. After my second fight, Drew was one of the first to the ring to hug me. When they tried to rule it a no contest, he was the first on the phone to get it overturned. When I lost he was one of the few people to tell me to keep my head up. Drew and Hong are a blessing to all of the people at the gym, I never feel like I'm anywhere but home at Lonestar. They have brought in Relson Gracie and Phil Cardella to add even more to our credentials. Phil improved several aspects of my game in 2 hours and is a very genuine person eager to help you however he can. If you don't believe me, you have nothing to lose by coming sit down and watch a class. As for the people on here ranting about us, their is a reason you aren't backing Lonestar and won't reveal your name. If you were banned its because you've refused to accept the principles of respect and discipline our gym is founded on. If your a member, you don't have to come back their are other gyms in the area. Your loss.
