"I started training Brazilian jiu jitsu with Travis Tarpein last march the knowledge that he brings to his students is second to none. When I started training I was 230lbs now I weigh 187lbs. Not only have I learned an art that can save my life but it has made me healthier and a better person. Travis is the only true blackbelt in the Q.C. if you want to learn the correct way learn from Travis's teachings. Down to earth instructor and he makes learning fun and he can break your arms. Im honored to say I train with Travis Tarpein. Do yourself a favor and give it a shot you wont be disappointed.
"

− Brian

"I first met Travis in 1995 and have been seeing him regularly at the Carlson Gracie Team headquarters in Chicago since 2001. Travis is a true martial artist who is as passionate about his teaching the same as has been about his training and competing. Despite Travis having one of the most difficult last names to spell, he is a good guy."

− Jeff Neal ~ Carlson Gracie Jiu Jitsu Team Chicago

"I train BJJ at Travis' school. The classes are well run, the instruction is very good and the mats are clean and spacious. There's no negative buzz like I've felt at some gyms I've visited. The guys and girls there are all trying to improve on their own while helping one another, which makes for a great learning and training environment. I'd recommend coming in and checking the place out."

− Darin Senneff

"Mr. Tarpein,

Prior to joining your school, I had heard many positive comments regarding the quality of the classes and instruction at Tarpein's School of Karate and Martial Arts Centre. A good friend of mine has attended your institution for years and had been on my case for some time to attend a session. He was convinced I would love the atmosphere and sign up on the spot. As such, I attended my first class at your school with the highest of expectations.

Despite my preconceived expectations of your school, I was still blown away by the quality of the instruction and the amount of fun and fitness I gained from a single session. As my friend predicted, I signed up on the spot. Although I am new to your school, I feel I have already gained a wealth of knowledge. The other students in the classes have also been a great help, displaying patience and an eagerness to assist my learning.

I look forward to attending Tarpein's School of Karate and Martial Arts Centre for years to come and will encourage all others who are curious to attend a session, as I am sure most will be similarly blown away and sign up on the spot."

− Steve Taylor

"I have gotten sooo much out of Tarpein's Dojo, or rather Travis Tarpein himself. He is not only a great sensei and mentor but a great friend and all around good guy. He is the first to help you with anything you need help with and the first to listen to anything you want or need to say. I guess what I’m trying to say is Travis Tarpein is and will always be my HERO. Thanks Travis I appreciate everything."

− Bruce Rosenbaum

I signed up for the Blue Belt program at Nick Tarpein’s. This program allows you to attend pretty much any type of class offered at Nick Tarpein’s. I generally attend the Muay Thai Kickboxing and Karate classes. Since I started at Nick Tarpein’s School of Karate & Martial Arts Centre about a year ago, I have noticed several improvements in my body and the way I feel. I feel stronger and look more toned. I feel more confident. The Muay Thai Kickboxing and Karate techniques that I have learned in class has made me feel more confident in defending myself in public. I enjoy learning a variety of new techniques in defense and I enjoy the workout I get while learning them.

Thanks,
Julie

I started training Brazilian jiu-jitsu with Travis Tarpein last march the knowledge that he brings to his students is second to none. When I started training I was 230lbs now I weigh 187lbs. Not only have I learned an art that can save my life but it has made me healthier and a better person. Travis is the only true blackbelt in the Q.C. if you want to learn the correct way to learn from Travis’s teachings. Down to earth instructor and he makes learning fun and he can break your arms. I'm honored to say I train with Travis Tarpein. Do yourself a favor and give it a shot you won't be disappointed.

Brian

Travis is a true Martial Artist who has embraced BJJ and MMA. He has an incredible understanding of BJJ and its application for self-defense, sport Jiu-Jitsu, and MMA. The proof is in his student's performance in BJJ and MMA competitions. Knowing Travis for more than 15 years, it has been a pleasure watching him grow from student to competitor to teacher. Travis walked the walk and talked the talk. I'm proud to have coached him in competition. and watched his students excel  in BJJ/MMA matches. It’s the ultimate proving ground. I’ve been involved in martial arts since 1981 and I have very high standards for belt ranking. Travis is one of the only two people I’ve promoted two black belt. That is something money can’t buy. I don’t give fake rank for money. I wish all black belts did the same. Feel free to edit and correct my spelling. Let me know what you think. Porra, Jeff

Jeff Neal 3 degree Carlson Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt. Over 1500 coaching victories in MMA, BJJ, Boxing, and Judo

I thank you for teaching me over the years. I have, still, and will always enjoy learning the styles of Shorei-Ryu Karate, Muay Thai and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. You have always challenged me, you always made me try harder than I thought I could try. My confidence has gone up by a lot. I use to be a kid who was quiet all the time and was afraid to talk to anyone. I came to your school in hopes of finding confidence and learning self-defense. Out if all the schools I've been to in search of this, yours is the one that has shown results and has kept my interests. Thank you.

Zach Peterson

I have always been interested in martial arts disciplines. Before I made a choice as to what school I was going to attend, I decided I needed to try out all arts and see which one I liked the best. I looked at most of the martial arts schools in the Quad City area. Of all the schools, the one school which I felt more comfortable and confident at was at Nick Tarpein's. Knowing that I was going to be able to learn not one, but three, different types of martial arts added to my genuine interest at Nick Tarpein's.

I am currently attending the Karate, Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai Kickboxing and Kickboxing Aerobics classes. What I like most about the school is the individualized attention from our Sensei and those who help him. I have found that my physical fitness is improving and I can feel the difference. I would recommend Nick Tarpein's School of Karate & Martial Arts Centre to anybody, young and old alike.

Karina Camarillo

Our children have been attending your Karate school for about 18 months now. The boys joined when Drew, the youngest, could participate in a sport with his brother. Joining Karate has been a very successful move for both boys, as each gave gained lots of new skills. Dylan, who is 12 years old, has found an aptitude for sports that he had not discovered until he started Karate. His confidence has increased and he has developed a discipline that even surprises us.

Being so young (3-1/2 years old) when he started Karate, Drew has soaked up much more than we could have possibly anticipated. Both boys enjoy Karate but enjoy the friendships and other activities that you generously give your time to.

With Thanks,
Heath and Denise

I took a beating today but man, was it worth it. Progress. Thanks Travis Tarpein and the rest of my teammates for pushing me day in and out.
 
- Kyle Salisbury
I weighed in at 139.6 this morning and weighed myself after the brutal workout Travis Tarpein put us through and I weighed in at 138.6. I lost a pound just from the workout! Thanks, coach!
 
-Kyle Salisbury 
I haven't trained in almost a week because my car has been broken down and NAGA is this Saturday. I still believe I have what it takes to get gold. My instructor Travis Tarpein has been putting us through some grueling drills that have made my cardio go up tremendously and I'll have some awesome teammates in my corner. Oss! 
 
-Kyle Salisbury