Roufusport MMA — Attraction in Milwaukee

It sound like Roufusport has greatly improved over the years. I'm genuinely glad for that. My experience with Roufusports, and Mr. Pat Roufus, many years ago, was discouraging, to say the least.

To show my age, I went when Rick Roufus was in his prime. He actually trained and sparred with some of our guys (which he nearly knocked out) at a small Kenpo dojo I attended as a teenager. Rick's prowess as a fighter was undeniable.

I don't recall why, but I didn't stay at that Kenpo dojo, but left on good terms. Later, as a young teenager, maybe 13 or 14, my father took me to Roufusport. Then it was located near the Red Carpet bowling alley off of 76th.

I took part in one class. Afterwards Mr. Pat Roufus was kind enough to give me his critique of my ability. He did this in front of both myself and my father.

He plainly stated that there were three tiers of ability and talent. Of course as an aspiring martial artist, I was holding my breath hoping he'd say I was on the first tier!

Nope. "Blair's not part of that level..."

I earnestly hoped that I was on the second tier. Nope. "Blair's not part of that level either."

Mr. Pat Roufus then described the lowest level. Those having no natural talent and without expectation of achieving any real martial ability. "That is where your son is at."

Shortly after Pat's assessment of my ability, I quit martial arts as a teenager. What was the point if I was talentless? Why waste any more time?

I think Pat's choice to say this, not only to my father, but to me as an impressionable kid, speaks to the Roufus' martial legacy.

As for Roufusports, I hope they've stopped stomping on kids' aspirations. Words have power, especially on the young kids you coach.

RESPONSE to Roufusports:

So the father of Rick Roufus, Pat, has no connection to Rofusports? That's not true, but I'll let the reader decide.

Read on.

You claim that my "experience as a child has absolutely no connection to Roufusport." Not only does this disingenuous statement justify my review, it reinforces my characterization of the Roufus name.

Look at your own history. You state, "Rofusports was created in 2007...Simply put, you are confusing Duke Roufus with Rick Roufus, and are assuming Duke's father Pat has some role or influence at Roufusport..."

I'm not confusing the brothers. I never claimed Rick had anything to do with your school. You just piggybacked on his name and his modicum of fame in the States.

I quote from your own history, "In 1993 he [Duke] founded Roufusport in his dad's [Pat's] Milwaukee based martial arts school's basement."

I'll let the reader decide if there is a connection.

Glad to hear Duke decided not to follow in his father's footsteps in...

I have trained at Roufusport for over 14 years with the purpose of achieving consistency, discipline, direction and the overall acquisition of knowledge/value. I’ve quietly observed and seen many come and go, and some misrepresent what Roufusport stands for. When you have been in operation as long as they have, opposition is inevitable. Not everyone will be with you in the end. One thing I can say for sure though is, as far as my experience, Duke has remained consistent in his principles, work ethic and his efforts in regard to achieving excellence, as he should. He definitely stands for what he believes in, no matter what. This is after all, his livelihood. Because of this, he expects the same from his students. He puts the ball in your court and will give you the tools you need to succeed, so it’s always your choice how you use them. The main instructors are all old school, gritty, perfect (to me). Don’t expect a father, although they can give fatherly guidance. Don’t expect a movie-like coach experience, although I’ve seen them help people live a movie. It’s really up to you what you make the experience. The fight business ain’t pretty but they prepare you for it. Depending on what you want to achieve, they will provide value in the appropriate manner. But they WILL hold you accountable. Duke is in many ways a principled man, a man’s man, and none of us are perfect but because he strives for excellence, he will demand it from you too. If you are a casual visitor looking to be active and get in shape or learn to defend yourself, this will be a great experience for you. If you are an aspiring fighter, expect to WORK. If you take it easy, things will become hard, but if you go hard, things will become easy. When you choose to become a fighter, you are making a decision to become a stand-alone business, the stakes change. Nothing was ever achieved without adversity, so he will forge you through the fire, don’t expect to know how and don’t expect to be coddled. Just expect to EARN your keep, expect value in elite fight knowledge, character building and wisdom as a cherry on top. If you want to be a master of your mind, a master of your body and a champion, Duke will draw the calculated...

I started training at Roufusport MMA Academy in 2006. At the time I was a purple belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and had 11 MMA fights. I needed to improve my striking as well as many aspects of MMA and Roufusport was the place to go. Coaches Duke Roufus and Scott Cushman definitely helped me make a big change in my game as well as all of my training partners through the years. Roufusport soon became much more than a place for me to train.

Shortly after joining the team, I began teaching some classes. I had some experience doing that already and was happy to become part of the staff. At first, I was mainly the kid’s instructor and filled in for other BJJ classes when needed. As time passed on I was able to increase my role as a coach at one of the top gyms for MMA.

In 2012, I was given a great opportunity to work at Roufusport full time. I had been working at a school during the day and at the academy at night. The one thing that was always on my mind and looked forward to everyday was being able to do BJJ. This gave me the chance to do what I love as a full time job. My students are some of the greatest people I have ever met and the feeling I get when I see them succeed is indescribable.

Today, I hold a black belt in BJJ and have the luxury of training and coaching alongside some amazing coaches and champions. One great thing about Coach Duke Roufus is that he is always looking to bring in the best to Roufusport. He always says “To be the best, you need to train with the best.” Professor Daniel Wanderley joined our staff this past summer and has brought so much knowledge to our team. I have learned a great deal from him since he has been here and have now have another coach to take me to the next level.

Although it’s my job, I honestly have a lot of fun. I am able to teach and learn at the same time, which helps me become a better coach, student, and competitor. When people step into Roufusport and experience any class offered, they know we are...