“Thank you from the Ramsey County Sheriff’s Training Unit.”
“Thank you for instructing us at our last training meeting. The skills and techniques you showed were very helpful and well done. I received nothing but positive comments from my fellow instructors. You were informative, professional, and very knowledgeable. Again, thank you from the Ramsey County Sheriff’s Training Unit.”
Deputy Steve Yochim – Warriors Cove Corporate Training Student. Training Coordinator for the Ramsey County Sheriff’s Officer Training Unit.
“I owe it all to Mr. Arnebeck and the Warrior’s Cove.”
“I grew up playing sports my whole life. I played soccer, baseball, hockey and football. After high school I started putting on a lot of weight from being inactive. Joe and I found the Cove and the rest was history. I went from being over 250 lbs to 215 in the first 3 months. Now I fight at 185 lbs., planning on dropping to 170. I owe it all to Mr. Arnebeck and the Warrior’s Cove. The training at the Warriors Cove is intelligent, safe and effective. It is not a “tough guy” school like so many others that are out there nowadays. You are taught the very core of Jiu Jitsu and stand up fighting (striking, clinching and takedowns) which is the most important (I always preach fundamentals). Everybody at the Cove is friendly and always willing to help each other, and when needed, willing to push each other, challenge each other and help each other grow, not only as martial artists but as human beings as well.”
Nate Howe – Pro MMA Fighter & Middleweight MMA Champion. No previous martial art training.
“Mr. Arnebeck incorporates complete striking and MMA training with
the jiu-jitsu…”
“I began training at the Warrior’s Cove after being introduced to the Army
Combatives Program while preparing for a deployment to Iraq. I found the
instruction at the Cove to be much more technical and in-depth that what the
army could provide. My initial goal was to begin competing in grappling
tournaments, which I was able to do after about a year of training. I was not
very interested in the striking aspect at first, since I thought actual sparring
and competing in mixed martial arts would be too intense for me. However, since
Mr. Arnebeck incorporates complete striking and mixed martial arts training with
the jiu-jitsu program, I was able to learn them both at the same time in an
effective manner without feeling out of my comfort zone. Soon I felt that I
would be comfortable competing in mixed martial arts, so I took my first
professional fight after 2 years of training at the Cove and I have not stopped
competing and training since. I am currently an assistant instructor at the
Warrior’s Cove and I enjoy being able to share the knowledge I have acquired
over the past 4 years with people who are as excited to train and to learn as I
am. Thank you Mr. Arnebeck and all of the great training partners at the
Warrior’s Cove!”
Ben Neumann – Pro MMA Fighter. MMA & Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Student.
“Best instructor I have ever had.”
“I would recommend Warriors Cove to anyone who wants to learn a very effective system of self defense. I have over 20 years of Martial Arts training and a black belt in Tae kwon do. Out of all my years of training I attended many different schools and have had 19 instructors. Based on my previous experiences I can honestly say that the head instructor of Warriors Cove, David Arnebeck, is not only one of the most skilled martial artists I have trained under, but he is also the best instructor I have ever had. Mr. Arnebeck is very patient and takes the time to make sure his students understand every technique. The training environment is safe, clean and there are no attitudes by other students. My favorite aspect of the school is the training in Brazilian Jujitsu which is a very effective defense and a great workout. The training is well rounded and includes stand up striking and throws. I highly recommend this school to both the experienced martial artist and also those with no prior experience.”
Sean P. Lissarrague – MMA & Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Student. Black Belt in Tae Kwon Do with over 20 years experience.
“You are easily the best teacher I have ever had.”
“I am still in Prague teaching English and I am currently the director of a teacher training program here that I established. Martial Arts in this city is pretty seedy and usually cater to the Russian Mob type. The techniques are always completely overshadowed by the use of brute force. The end result is that you never seem to improve in grace or understanding – only in aggression. I wanted you to know that your school is the best training facility that I have ever been to and you are easily the best teacher I have ever had. I just wanted to thank you for your never-ending patience with me and the rest of your students. I know it must be frustrating to have to demonstrate techniques over and over again and correct students mistakes. Thank you for taking the time to show us the details of proper form and technique.”
Chris Westergaard – MMA & Jiu Jitsu Student. Director of The Language House, Prague, Czech Republic
“I outweighed him by 100 lbs., but he tossed me like a rag doll & submitted me with ease.”
“The best thing about the Cove, is the atmosphere. It’s friendly and cooperative with fantastic instruction from some of the best martial artists in the area. When Mr. Arnebeck demonstrated Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, I was amazed! I outweighed him by 100 pounds, but he tossed me like a rag doll and submitted me with ease. That’s when I realized cross-training is the way to go. You must be able to defend yourself both standing and on the ground. Otherwise, you will have a weakness that can be exploited.”
Michael Ellefson – MMA & Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Student. 3rd Degree Black Belt of Aikido & 2nd Degree Black Belt of Ryukyu Kempo.
“Under Mr. Arnebeck’s direction & dedication the Cove has been an incredible experience.”
“The quality of training, the hours, the flexibility to attend other classes and sessions are all GREAT! I’ve only been a member for a short time, but I have found all of the instructors to be deserving of recognition. They have all shown tremendous patience with me personally and have taken the time to work with me to improve. I originally joined the Cove as a way of providing some conditioning to my workouts. I’m happy to say that I received that and so much more. Under Mr. Arnebeck’s direction and dedication the Cove has been an incredible experience. My conditioning has improved, I’ve lost over 20lbs, and I’ve taken my self defense skills to a whole new level. The Warrior’s Cove provides everything you’re looking for.”
Robert Plaszcz – MMA & Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Student. Warrior’s Cove Competition Team Member. Chief Information Officer, Allina Health System . No Previous Martial Art Training.
“He realizes the only constant is change.”
“Mr. Arnebeck is a unique teacher. I have found him to be very open minded to new ideas and he realizes the only constant is change. I see him as student as well as a teacher and he is constantly adding to his resume and skills by continuing his education. He has been a student of Rickson Gracie (7th degree black belt BJJ) since 1996.
Mr. Arnebeck will spar or grapple with me any time I ask. This is important to me, it shows he is the real deal. If I have a new technique to try or if I don’t think a technique is good, he will work though it with me on the mat and explain verbally why it will or won’t work. Mr. Arnebeck is not afraid to be tested by me on a weekly basis and realizes that I won’t learn as much if he uses all of his abilities against me while sparring or grappling. By allowing the playing field to be more even, I learn faster. He does this by allowing me to achieve a position, a hold, a sweep etc, that I normally wouldn’t be able to achieve, so I can improve. If I have technique questions, he will answer them and probably ask me to try it on him several times so he is sure I understand it. He also knows that everyone is unique physically and mentally and shouldn’t be forced into the same mold. He has always told me to use the tools he has given me but to develop my own individual style of BJJ.
I have visited several schools around the county Neto Jiu Jitsu and City Boxing in San Diego, CA; Renzo Gracie Association School in New Haven, CT and Royce Gracie Association School in Norwich, CT. But I’m always excited to return home to “The Cove” for the quality, integrity, and fun.”
Scott Sjoquist – MMA & Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Student. No previous Martial Art Training. Currently Working in Research & Development for Boston Scientific Corporation. Former United States Air Force Officer in Europe.
“All the thanks goes to Mr. Arnebeck.”
“I could have never imagined the transformation I’ve gone through to be able to pull this off. [15 submissions against 4 rotating opponents in 1 full hour of submission grappling!] For that, all the thanks goes to Mr. Arnebeck… There’s no way I could have gotten through anything like I did without your help.”
Joshua Lebsock – MMA & Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Student.
“I doubt that I could find a better MMA instructor anywhere in the United States.”
“I am very excited to begin the advanced training program at the Warrior’s Cove. From day one, I have appreciated all of the instruction that you have provided, and I’m very excited to take it to the next level. I doubt that I could find a better MMA instructor anywhere in the United States, much less the Twin City area.”
Kelly Fitzgerald – MMA & Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Student. Patent Attorney.
“He said many things that I also heard from Bruce Lee’s fighting philosophy.”
“I was able to locate a school called Warrior’s Cove, and I was also excited to learn that the school was directly associated with the great Rickson Gracie whom I’ve seen on many a highlight reel. He is so good in fact that Royce Gracie actually claimed Rickson to be 10 times better than him. I figured it was meant to be and went in for some information.
I was greeted by a man named David Arnebeck. I could tell that he had a fighters build and an abundance of confidence. He made me feel at ease as we discussed my martial arts history and goals. I told him that I had taken 4 years of Tae Kwon Do but still felt as thought I was no good in a ‘real’ situation. I was good at forms but lacked the real sparring experience. He told me that many students at Warrior’s Cove had joined because of the ‘true to life’ training. He said, ‘kicking the air will do you no good.’ He said many things that I also heard from Bruce Lee’s fighting philosophy. He had me convinced. I joined that week. I have now found what seems to be the most effective form of self defense and exercise.
My first day was a real eye opener. I didn’t want to be like most beginners. I wanted to get right into free-sparring. This is where you wrestle other students to gain superior positions as they are taught in class. My first opponent was a towering gentleman by the name of Jan. (pronounced Yan) Being much taller than me, Jan had a considerable advantage not to mention he was also a gold belt. We started ‘rolling’ and he put me into his guard. To be in some ones guard means that you are trapped between their legs as they lay on their back. I had no choice but to give up. He then followed up by showing me ways to escape. This is what I love about this school. The other students aren’t there to ‘beat’ you. They are there to learn and to teach others as well. Mr. Arnebeck goes out of his way to do the same. He is never hesitant to demonstrate the move with you in order to answer your questions. The teaching is great, the students and staff are very helpful and receptive, and the atmosphere is that of a dedicated practice.
I have come a long way since my first week and am now (11-15-04) a 3rd degree white belt on my way to my gold belt. I can’t wait to have enough experience to make it to gold so that I am able to start the submission moves. I already feel so much stronger and well balanced. My asthma has also been tamed to the point where I’m barely using my inhaler. Thanks to Warrior’s Cove I have a new found confidence in myself and the art and I know that I will actually ‘earn’ my way to new ranks. I’d rather be a white belt at Warrior’s Cove than a higher rank anywhere else. Thank you…”
Michael Geronsin – MMA & Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Student. Previous Training Includes 4 Years of Tae Kwon Do.
“You are respectful of everyone and friendly and approachable in your training style.”
“I am very happy with my membership and training. I have been most impressed by the people there and how friendly, helpful and approachable everyone is. And this goes from the top down and includes instructors as well as other class members. Having no prior martial arts training, I was a little concerned when my boyfriend convinced me to join that there would be a lot of hard core, militant types in the class that would be intimidating to a small woman like me. On the contrary, I’ve found everyone to be friendly and approachable and easy to work with. I am sure that attitude is instilled from the top down (meaning you) because your class members want to emulate you. So they take cues from you and when they see that you are respectful of everyone and friendly and approachable in your training style, they act the same way. So please don’t change a thing about that…because I continue to be impressed every class by how wonderful the people are!”
Robin Osborne – MMA & Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Student. No Previous Martial Art Training.
“I am greatly impressed with your level of skill mixed with your humility & professionalism.”
“Sir, just wanted to say Thank You for providing such an awesome place to train. I am greatly impressed with your level of skill mixed with your humility and professionalism. YOU, personally make the Cove special. Thanks again.
Richard “Dicky” Goben – MMA & Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Student. Warrior’s Cove Competition Team Member. Previous training includes Japanese Jiu Jitsu.
“I am very thankful for having the opportunity to train under both you and Rickson.”
“I am very thankful for having the opportunity to train under both you and Rickson. You both possess a warrior spirit that is able to transcend the limitations of modern society, and those unique qualities that allow you to transmit your strength and knowledge to others in a compassionate way.”
Dennis Chornenky – MMA & Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Student. Former training includes various martial arts.
“It is an honor to be taught by you.”
“I am a huge fan of BJJ and MMA so this chance for me to learn what I have seen is very very cool. It is an honor to be taught by you after learning so much about your martial arts history and your practice under Rickson. The Warrior’s Cove is, in my opinion, the only place to go for martial arts training. Everything is very practical due to it being based on real life scenarios. I have learned so much in just the 4 weeks I have been there. I have a very demanding job (Senior Loan Officer) and I am almost always able to work around my schedule because of the class availability. I think whether you are a beginner looking for self defense skills or you want to expand on past martial art experiences, the Warrior’s Cove has what you are looking for. Thank you Dave for everything! I look forward to my future with the Cove and getting a Black Belt from you or Rickson himself!”
Josh Boege – MMA & Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Student. Senior Loan Officer: Pillar Mortgage Services.
“I am daily impressed with the passion he has for his life’s work.”
“The atmosphere inside the Cove is truly special. Everyone trains with the safety of their partner in mind. Senior members are always willing to help newer students learn technique. The code of conduct is simple, graceful and never dramatized. My experience around Mr. Arnebeck has taught me that he is generous and easygoing, but also very skilled in the martial arts and gifted in their teaching. I am daily impressed with the passion he has for his life’s work. I feel very fortunate to have this incredible place near enough to me to allow my training and I look forward to each class I attend.”
Andrew Bendzick – MMA & Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Student. Warrior’s Cove Competition Team Member. Previous training includes Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.
“I am very very excited to finally have the opportunity to train with you.”
“I am very very excited to finally have the opportunity to train with you at ‘The Cove’. You and your assistants and the other students have impressed me a lot and everyone has been very helpful and made me feel more than welcome. Thank you!”
Joshua Iverson – MMA & Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Student. No Previous Martial Art Training.
“Training with Mr. Arnebeck & his instructors is something I look forward to every week.”
“The training I have received at the Cove is top notch. Mr. Arnebeck always answers my question no matter what it is. I feel that the training pertains to real life situations that may occur, not just the competition end. I love that I get a well rounded training as well. One day working on my feet the next on the ground. As a wrestler for many years I have been taught many moves on the ground. MMA teaches me a more effective and safer ways to defend myself on the ground. Training with Mr. Arnebeck and his assistant instructors is something that I look forward to every week.”
Eric Herman – MMA & Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Student. Previous training includes 11 years of Folk, Freestyle, and Grecco wrestling.
“You have earned my respect and loyalty as a student.”
“You have earned my respect and loyalty as a student. Congratulations for your success at the Arnold [Schwarzenegger] & Gracie Brothers World Championships!”
Matt House – MMA & Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Student.
“At age 47, I am among the older students at the Cove.”
“The Warriors Cove has turned out to be a kind of fountain of youth for me. At age 47, I am among the older students at the Cove. After decades of strenuous farm work and even more intense lifting at UPS while attending school in my 40’s, I found myself at a desk job after graduation. As a result, my body seemed to begin to “freeze” from inactivity, and about every six months, I’d pull something in my back and walk bent over for 2 to 4 weeks. My shoulders had gotten to the point of discomfort when simply putting my hands on my hips. Resting my arm on the back of chair or sofa was nearly impossible. Many trips and hundreds of dollars to chiropractors were only marginally effective in relieving the discomfort, yet the root problems remained.
As a result of the warm-up, stretching and comprehensive conditioning from live grappling at the Warriors Cove, I haven’t had a single occurrence of back trouble in the year and a half that I’ve been a member despite giving my back a great deal more bending, flexing and twisting during my workouts. My shoulders have more range of motion and less pain since longer ago than I can remember. My flexibility, endurance and appearance continue to improve with each passing month.
The last profound benefit of the Warriors Cove for me has been the anxiety and stress relief. The relaxing effects of such a comprehensive and safe workout are also evident through the interaction between students before and after a workout. Upon arrival, many students including myself are very quiet and introspective. However, as we are leaving after the open gym, the volume level of conversation among the same people is notably greater.
My experience at the Warriors Cove has been very positive due to the fore mentioned benefits along with the emphasis on safety and the skill and dedication of Mr. Arnebeck and his staff. If I were to offer advice to new students, it would be two-fold: First , set priorities and know what you hope to accomplish. Second, be patient. The results will come.”
Tom Roehl – MMA & Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Student. Warrior’s Cove Competition Team Member. Previous Experience: High School Wrestling
“The training offered by you is some of the best I have ever experienced.”
“The training offered by you is some of the best I have ever experienced. The format you use for the kids class seems to work really well. I was surprised at how seamlessly mine fit in. I was also very impressed at the number of adults you had available to help facilitate the kids, and their willingness to make the work fun. I believe that having them involved in a high quality, Gracie-based system at this young age will produce payoffs that will not be seen for years to come. I just want to take a few minutes to say that I am very impressed with the way you run your business. I can see that you plan to grow your academy, but are being very careful to grow smarter instead of faster. That is a credit to you. I have been involved with several instructors that used the buy-a-belt and get rich quick methods of martial arts training. I saw none of that at your school.”
Ray Guest – Family MMA & Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Student. Former training includes Jiu Jitsu.
“Without the training, I could have been seriously injured. Thanks.”
“I want to thank you for the skills I learned at the Warrior’s Cove. In Mexico, my girlfriend and I were leaving a bar, and we were jumped by three men. I took the biggest guy down to the sidewalk and applied a choke. I then told him to call off his buddies. Without the training, I could have been seriously injured. Thanks.”
Dr. Jason Webb – MMA & Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Student and Doctor of Chiropractic.
