Alliance Jiu Jitsu Boise

Testimonials

"Discipline is Everything"

My name is Daniel Michno. Ever since I was a kid, I struggled with being significantly overweight. When I was in the third grade I weighed more than 200 lbs, in the 6th over 270, by the 8th grade I weighed over 300 lbs, and as a senior in high school I weighed more than 350 lbs. I was huge, but even though I was so big, my life wasn’t marked by just being big. It was marked by all the horrible experiences I had gone through.

At the age of three, I fell into a bonfire that was in my backyard where I was severely burned, losing the skin on my hand, and getting third degree burns on my face and eyelids. When I was seven, I was hit by a car

on the side of the road, which put me in a coma for three days fighting for my life. When I was nine, I got into another car accident where the glass went through my gums after my face had slammed into the windshield. When I was eleven, I was in a boat accident, which ripped off the right side of my nose. I had lost so much blood that when we got to the hospital, they didn’t have time to numb me. They started to stitch me up, and I felt everything. When I was twelve, I got into another car accident. We rolled off the road into a ditch, and I wasn’t wearing my seat belt, which nearly caused me to break my neck. When I got out of the car, I realized that my knee was wrapped in barb wire, and I had to take it all off. I could go on all day talking about the rough experiences I faced as a kid, but I think you get the point.

In the spring of 2007 though, I faced a new threat. The doctors told me that I was 375 lbs. I remember the doctor looking me in the eyes when he said, “You’re going to die young. You aren’t going to live to see your kids grow up, you’ll be lucky to live over 40.” I remember hearing him say those words and thought, “I’m not ready to die.” I was sick and tired of being overweight, so I started pushing.

The first time I walked into the gym, I remember all the looks I got as I waddled up to the treadmill. It took me 16 minutes to run a mile. Everyone looked at me like I was pathetic. I felt pathetic, but I wouldn’t give up. Being disciplined became more than just an idea, but a lifestyle. Over the course of a year, everyone was shocked at what I had done.

I had lost over 100 lbs! It was never a cake walk, but I never gave up. I would wake up daily and go run on the basketball court at Capital, or hop on the treadmill at the gym. But after a year, I hit a plateau, and at 265lbs, I just couldn’t lose anymore weight. I looked decent, but I just wasn't satisfied. I picked up Strong Man training, cross training, biking, and swimming, but nothing seemed to really take me to the next level. Then one day, I met Mitch Coats. I had already heard of him because I wanted to start training with Kettle-bells, and he was one of the only guys in Idaho who did any sort of training with them.

I went to his gym, and he was very cool. He taught me the snatch, the clean to press, and the two arm swings. He then followed it up by asking, “Have you ever considered training Jiu Jitsu?” I didn’t even know what it was... I told him I used to wrestle, and he had me throw on a GI. Read More...

I got on the mat with a little guy named Anthony. I laughed and asked, “How much can you bench?” He simply replied, “Don’t worry about it” then Mitch said go.

It was about 5 seconds before that little guy had his legs around my neck and began to choke me out. I was furious and didn't want to tap out because of my pride, but I was turning beat red because I couldn’t breathe. I was forced to tap... It was an extremely humbling experience, and I had to come back. Mitch told me to buy a GI, and the rest is history. I started training Jiu Jitsu at 265 lbs, and it kicked my butt. I would go home satisfied because it was very fun, but spent because it took all my energy. I started to become tougher mentally and physically than I had ever been before. But then, I hit another bump in the road.

I wanted to compete in a triathlon, so I was biking, training, and running more than ever before. Until one unfortunate day, I was biking down Fairview, and was hit by a car. The doctors said I had the Trio Tear. That is, I had torn the ACL, the MCL, and the Meniscus. They didn’t think I would ever be able to run the same, and competing in the future didn’t look like it was ever going to happen. But I didn’t lose hope, and I never gave up.

I started doing physical therapy as soon as I could, I trained hard, but I trained smart. I knew what my limits were, and I wasn't an idiot about it. Over the course of 9 months - and it was a very long 9 months - I had nearly fully recovered. I wasn't at the same strength that I was, but I was running, jumping, biking, swimming, and training kettle-bells. It was time to put the puzzle completely back together again, so I called Mitch.

I stepped back on the mat. It was a slow start, but I have surpassed where my ability was, and I now compete at 205lbs. For anyone trying to lose weight I would say Just Keep Pushing, you’re closer to your goal than you realize. Nothing is impossible, just believe.

Thomas Edison said it like this: “Many of life's failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up.”

Losing weight, or any great feat for that matter, has more to do with your mind than anything else. Be disciplined in how you think, nothing is impossible if you can believe.

'Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is for the whole family!!'

testimonial 2My family and I have been training Jiu Jitsu with Mitch Coats, a Black Belt from Alliance Jiu Jitsu. Mitch has helped tie my family together in new ways. Our family bond has grown through this experience and our love for Mitch and our appreciation for him and what he teaches will stand the test of time. Mitch is truly talented as an instructor and inspirational as a friend and mentor. testimonial 1I know that Mitch is teaching my children to be champions in life not just on the mat. My children can not hide their genuine love for Mitch or the sport of Jiu Jitsu. My wife and daughter are gaining confidence and capability that will follow them in the real world. I implore you to seek out this life experience for yourselves, and to include your families.

Dane Barlow

"Before Jiu-Jitsu, I was stuck in a gym rut. Working out wasn't enjoyable anymore. Cardio and weight-lifting routines became monotonous. I wasn't making any progress at the gym and I was frustrated. I wanted to experience something new; but I wasn't looking for another hobby. I needed a lifestyle change. As a real estate professional, a husband, and father, I needed something that would fit into my impossible schedule. I wanted something with substance that would challenge my mind and body...

That was almost 4 years ago! Since I began training with Mitch Coats at Jiu Jitsu Boise, I've almost earned my purple belt, I've lost over 20 lbs., I'm in great shape; I feel healthy, I'm more confident, and I've established new relationships.

Mitch Coats is a truly gifted jiu-jitsu instructor who is skilled not only in his technical ability on the mat, but more importantly as a teacher and friend. Mitch is fluent in the latest techniques, dynamics and applications of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and has positioned himself to continue his education from some of the best instructors in the world. There is no doubt that Mitch is committed to the success of his students and to preserving the art.

I urge anyone looking for something "new" to give Jiu Jitsu Boise a try. Whether you are new to jiu-jitsu or a seasoned grappling practitioner looking to build on your current skill level, Mitch will bring something to the table. Come fight with us; you won't be disappointed!"

Ryan Andrews, Real Estate Consultant/Partner, Westerra Real Estate Group

"Training under Mitch Coats has been an awesome experience! His classes are hands on, no BS jiu jitsu. I have studied and taught Tae Kwon Do for 22 years and I have had more hands on training at the Jjiu Jitsu Boise academy than I have ever had before in just the last 20 months! Mitch's style of teaching is direct and to the point, he ensures we are practicing the right techniques. I really feel I'm getting the proper instructions needed.

Since I have been training at Jiu Jitsu Boise academy I have gained more self confidence, become stronger physically and mentally and made great friends along the way. I highly recommend joining the Jiu Jitsu Boise academy to anyone!"

Adam Miller, Manufacturing Tech., Tae Kwon Do instructor

"Over the course of one’s life, people enter our world and have a lasting and positive influence. Instructor Mitch Coats of Jiu Jitsu Boise is one of those individuals.

Having been a competitive athlete all of my life, I thought I was keeping in good shape approaching my 40th birthday. Weights and running were a daily part of my life and all I thought I needed. A chance meeting with Mitch made me re-think my workout and started a life changing journey in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Weight loss, strength, self discipline and a new way of life are just a few of the benefits resulting from my training with Mitch.

Instructor Mitch teaches the most current BJJ techniques at Jiu Jitsu Boise in a professional, fun and motivating manner. His work ethic pushes me to be my best. He trains with you, not just giving instruction from the sidelines. The skills and knowledge I learn in BJJ also transcend into my business and personal life in a very positive manner. I am immensely proud to be a student of Mitch’s and train with a great team of individuals at Jiu Jitsu Boise."

Drew Ledwich, Financial Planning Analyst, Micron Technology, Inc.

"When I first met Mitch I came away impressed not only by his skill and passion for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu but also his desire to help people. When I started training at Jiu Jitsu Boise I was overweight and out of shape. I remember going home after class thinking I would never be good at Jiu-Jitsu and even considered quitting. Mitch was always there to lift me back up, often pulling me aside to offer encouragement and telling me to not to get down. Without that encouragement I'm not sure what would have happened but I do know because of his positive attitude and motivating me to keep going I've lost 30 pounds, earned a blue belt and competed in my first Jiu-Jitsu tournament. None of those things would have happened without his help.

Mitch is very unselfish with his time and eager to help his students learn. He has the ability to break down techniques and explain them in easy to understand steps. This helps students to gain a quicker understanding and successfully apply them in a live training session. It's not unusual to see Mitch staying late to help a student or answer questions.

He is committed to see all of his students succeed and will help you reach new heights regardless of age or athletic ability. It is an honor to have a person like Mitch for my instructor but I'm even more honored to call him my friend."

Greg Gordon - IT Technical Analyst, Supervalu

"Mitch has established the preeminent Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Academy in Idaho. He brings a seriousness and technical sophistication to the art that is unmatched. I have trained in BJJ for more than ten years, in three different states; I would put Jiu Jitsu Boise up against any of the schools in New York or California. In Idaho, nothing else comes close.

I am continually impressed with the originality and utility of the techniques that Mitch brings to the training room. I learn something new at every practice. His competitive attitude and drive to improve affect all of his students. I see substantial improvement in almost everyone who comes to class. Mitch is a dedicated instructor. He is very talented and commits himself to helping all of his students succeed. Anyone who trains with him will see steady improvement and develop the highest level of technique."

Jon Pappas

ALLIANCE JIU JITSU - 6X WORLD CHAMPIONS!