I've known Mike Martin, black belt and head instructor of Strongheart Academy, for over 2 years now. He is an exceptional instructor with mounds of knowledge and years of experience that you can feel when he teaches. There are many good teachers out there but I believe what sets him apart from other instructors is his willingness to give back to the greater community around him. I live over an hour and a half away working in a rural area that basically has no exposure to Jiu Jitsu. Mike Martin knows how Jiu Jitsu can motivate and inspire people to do greater things with their lives so he takes time out of his busy schedule to give us free seminars several times a year and motivates and inspires us to do just that. Many people talk about giving back and serving the community, Mike lives it out. These are the intangible yet valuable lessons for adults and children that are inherent to Mike and his teachings.
I make the trip to Strongheart Academy whenever I can and it is worth every minute. The people there are always welcoming and friendly and there is a strong family dynamic that is refreshing to be a part of. The training is focused and intense with beginners and high level guys all working hard and pushing each other to succeed. The new location is larger with plenty of mat space which goes to show the constant growth of this gym.
There is no other place I would rather train in the Phoenix area than Strongheart Academy. It's the place to be.