Seminars :: Camps :: Retreats :: Fly-In Training :: ICC

"When the mind sweeps away its images, rituals, beliefs, fears... then you can see anew the real. The eternal. The everlasting. The rest is mere words, ornaments, and decorations. Superstitions without meaning." -Krishnamurti

Matt Thornton has rapidly become one of the most popular functional Martial Arts Instructors worldwide. The President and founder of SBGi, as well as a black belt in the amazing Martial Art of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Matt's skills are well known. However, it's the radical way in which many people find their own personal style of training evolving, changing, and growing for the better, even after only spending a few days with Matt, that make his training programs so unique.

Whether you are thinking of hosting a seminar, flying in for personal training, or visiting us here in Oregon for various group classes and events. you are guaranteed to have a fantastic time. Below are all the programs, protocols, and various reviews. If you have any questions please feel free to contact Matt direct at: straightblastgym@hotmail.com

What others have to say about Matt Thornton's teaching, coaching & seminars:

"The training at the Straight Blast Gym has been instrumental in my preparation for reality fighting in the UFC. Matt's expertise in stand-up, and ground fighting techniques has helped me win the Ultimate Fighting Championships. There is no rest for the best!" - Randy Couture (UFC 13, 14, & 16 champion)

"Matt is on the cutting edge of JKD training and teaching. He has a fighters curriculum in all ranges of armed and unarmed combat." - Burton Richardson

"I have flown Matt Thornton to the other side of the world in order to have him bring his skills, and coaching methods of the Straight Blast Gym to my home of Reunion Island. I cannot give a better example of how beneficial I believe his training programs are then that!" - Daniel Duby (kickboxing legend & Savate expert)

I respect Matt very much. He's an excellent fighter, an excellent teacher, and I always recommend his tapes to everyone." - Paul Vunak

SBGi's Aliveness seminars have caused a paradigm shift in training philosophy for thousands of martial artists, all over the globe. Experience for yourself what everyone is talking about!

Matt has traveled all over the world spreading the curriculum and philosophy of the Straight Blast Gym. Seminars are generally two days in length and between ten and twelve hours, depending on the stamina of the students. The material covered at the seminar can be structured around the needs and wants of the seminar host. In general, Matt usually covers a mixture of stand up, clinch, and ground fighting skills.

Unlike most other seminar instructors, Matt also flies in a day early and includes one free day of private training to the seminar host! This time allows Matt and the host to get to know each other, and allows the host (who may be at a higher level of performance then many of the seminar attendees) to make sure that he/she receives help with their own training as well.

• Click here for some unsolicited seminar reviews found around the web •

Videotaping is allowed, but restricted to the use of the seminar host alone. Matt's seminars come highly recommended and attendance invariably increases with each visit. These seminars will not only help improve your personal game as an athlete and introduce you to cutting edge training methods; but if you are a school owner, they will help increase your schools enrollment and attendance, often dramatically.

The cost of seminars in 2008 is $1600.00 (US$) stateside & Canada, and $2000.00 for all overseas trips. Also, one round trip airfare, and accommodations at a hotel is required. This price is for seminars that include an audience of up to 35 people. For 35-55 people an additional round trip ticket is required so Matt can bring an assistant SBGi Coach. For 56 people or more e-mail Matt for current rates. If you would like Matt to bring another SBGi Instructor with him for additional training, e-mail him for rates.

Seminars need to be booked at least 3-4 months in advance. Round trip airfare and a deposit of $200 is required to secure the seminar date. Hosting schools will then be listed below. To reserve a date, contact the SBGi Business Manager Mike Sweeney by email or telephone (613-547-2822).

NOTE: There will be a 20% additional fee added to overseas seminars that are paid in foreign currency (non US Dollars).

2008 SBGi Seminar Schedule:

Jan. 19-20, 2008: Matt Thornton in NYC, NY
Contact: Christian Montes

Jan 1-Feb 13, 2008: Ireland and Sweden tour.
Contact: John Kavanagh: sbgireland@gmail.com

April 26th SBGi roadtrip, 7 of our MMA athletes compete in Montana.

May 3-4, 2008: Matt Thornton in Kingston, Ontario
Martial Arts Planet
Contact: Mike Sweeney: martialartsplanet@gmail.com
Web: www.SBGi.ca

May 10th SBGi fighters compete
Portland OR at the Roseland

May 31st & June 1st Chris Haueter seminar Portland OR
Contact SBGi headquarters at (503) 230-7924
straightblastgym@hotmail.com

June 7th & 8th Matt Thornton Chicago ILL seminar
Contact: Lukasz Bilski lbilski2002@yahoo.com

June 14th & 15th Matt Thornton Wareham, MA seminar
Contact: SBGi East Coast Regional Director
Stephen Whittier 508.295.5427 stephenmwhittier@yahoo.com
Web: www.nexusma.com

June 19th - 30th Matt Thornton UK/Euro tour
Contact SBGi VP Karl Tanswell at Mobile: 07966 577306
karltanswell@hotmail.com
Web: www.sbguk.co.uk

July 11th - 13th Matt Thornton Reno NV seminar
Contact: Ray Price Tel: (775) 530-8518
rxjits@sbcglobal.net
Web: www.teamrenosbgi.com

August 2nd & 3rd Matt Thornton Bellingham WA seminar
Contact: Cody Houston (360) 752-WCFC (9232)
cody@wcfightclub.com
Web: www.wcfightclub.com

August 13th - 17th in house privates

August 22nd-24th - Kalispell, Montana
Contact: Travis Davison
Email: sbgmontana@gmail.com

October 10th-13th - Berkeley, CA
Tel: 510-540-8283
Email: moderncombatives@hotmail.com
Web: www.moderncombatives.com

October 24th-26th - SBGi FALL CAMP
Wareham, MA

Nov. 7th-9th - Saint John, NB, Canada
Contact Andy Campbell
Tel: (506) 849-7814
Email: blue.brindle@hotmail.com

June 12th-14th, 2009 - Montreal, Canada
Contact: Kevin Secours
Web: www.integratedfightingsystems.com
 

• Archive of Past Seminars and Events •

Private training with Matt (2008 rates):
 
Many people wish to schedule private lessons with Matt while he is in town teaching a seminar. Please refer to the following chart for rates:

1 - 2 people 1 hour:          130.00   per hour  
1 - 2 people 2 - 4 hours:    120.00   per hour
3 - 4 people 1 hour:          150.00   per hour
3 - 4 people 2 - 4 hours:    110.00   per hour
 
*(Note: these rates are a flat fee, so they can be split between the students, ie: two people for one hour = 65.00 per person, etc)
 
For 5 or more people see seminar rates (above). For five hours or more see 'fly in training' rates.

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