Black Bear Training Center - Sandpoint, Idaho

Marco D.

Black Bear Martial Arts has great instructors in a great facility. The instructors and students are very welcoming even to beginners. Children and adults alike can learn a traditional martial art which is street practical

Casey M.

If I could give a zero star review I would. Clearly a case of territorial martial artists. I travel for work and needed a 24 hr gym. This place has a modest adjoining 24hr gym which seemed perfect for my needs. My boyfriend an I both train multiple martial arts together and incorporate them into our everyday fitness regimen. Ironically, this martial arts facility doesn’t think that martial arts is fitness because they asked us to find another place for us to work out claiming that we were in the way of other members who might want to use the facility. Let me paint you a picture of a completely empty gym. Not a single other person was there to use the workout equipment or floor space at any time we trained. We were told that we would be in the way IF someone decided to come in and use the equipment. We responded that we would be happy to move if someone did come in and want to workout in the space we were using, we’re not monsters, we are totally capable of sharing space. The reply was that our gear wasn’t creating a “friendly environment”. Sounds fake, but ok. So it appears these guys would rather evict paying customers for potential customers....doesn’t really make any business sense. Perhaps they were worried that somehow we were after their clients. It’s so disappointing to see this side of martial arts businesses. I train multiple systems of martial arts because I see the value in working all ranges of combat as well as training in various weapons. No one art is the answer for self defense situations. Unfortunately businesses like this only teach one system and try to sell you a complete package and claim they have all the answers. It’s narrow minded territorial behavior like this that is limiting the spread of martial arts. Guys like this try to hide other arts from their students for fear of losing them or having their authority questioned. But they are so far off the mark of what martial arts is all about. It’s about unity, learning and sharing knowledge, not ferreting it away so one can seem bigger than they really are.
I wouldn’t train here because martial arts is about overcoming fears and challenging yourself. All you would learn here how to close your mind to possibility and fear the unknown.

Shannon W.

Our three children started attending about a year ago and have made amazing progress! The instructors take the time to work individually with students and are super encouraging. Now our entire family of 5 participates in tang soo do. We are so glad we found them!

Joseph S. H.

Very disappointing hospitality and communication. They have a 24hr fitness gym which we needed while we were in town for a few months. Inside the 24hr gym is a beautiful matted area where they teach jiujitsu. We were told by two different people we could us the area. There are no signs posted anywhere or visible policies which state that the area cannot be used by the 24 hour fitness members. I kindly and respectfully communicated with the jiujitsu instructor and the owner of black bear (instead of just taking advantage) and asked if we could use that area after explaining to him that I've been doing martial arts for more than 25 years and have owned 3 businesses already, so there wouldn't be a problem. He said it would be ok.

Not even a week after we started at the 24hr gym did that same jiujitsu guy come in on a Sunday and tell us that he "checked with the owner" and said we couldn't use their mats because we would create "wear and tear" on the mats....Zebra Mats! Which are the most durable and long lasting mats that money can buy. They don't "wear out". So not only did he lie, he didn't keep his word and honor the fact that I was upfront and honest with him from the beginning.

Their 24hr liability waivers cover the ENTIRE space, including the matted jiujitsu area. Even L.A. fitness, which is a much larger company didn't mind if we used their matted area for martial arts.

I used to believe that among martial artists and instructors that there was honor and integrity. Apparently their precious zebra mats mean more to them than those values. He easily reminded me why I quit jiujitsu. They are THE MOST territorial practicioners in existence and don't play well with others, not even in business.

We are currently traveling the country training martial arts in many different places with many different people and I am writing a book on martial arts which will expose the childish and territorial attitudes of so many people in the martial arts world, especially of the jiujitsu communities. These types of attitudes, especially towards fellow martial artists, are some of the main reasons why more than 300 million people in the U.S. do not participate. We only have 327 million.

Good luck Black Bear Martial Arts and North Idaho Jiujitsu. You'll need it.

Tim S.

Helpful , friendly students and sensai-s. more than one dojo. Gym, shower 24hr access with membership.

Heidi R.

The best instructors on either side of the dojang and a family atmosphere genuine community.

Colin C.

Rint L.