Reviews of Master's School Of The Endless Puzzle - Close Quarter Combat

I am a retired law enforcement officer from out of state. I’ve spent over 30 years training in martial arts, close quarter protection, active shooter drills, and many other classes/training offered by my agency. I was part of the SWAT team, and in the middle all this a Marine, MARSOC {2006-07}. Now working on my second career, I was seeking a martial arts school that could offer the training and level of skill sets I am used to. Sadly, I thought such a place did not exist outside of the military or my old agency. I tried a few schools but they are too focused on belt, trophies and other aspects I have no use for. I was surprised to hear the claims of how easily they could take a weapon from someone or disable the attacker with a mere few pounds of pressure. ... not my experience in real life. ! Then i found, by accident, Sensei Anthony, minding his business at the gym with a jug of coffee. I watched his workouts for weeks, extreme to say the least, I saw him conditioning his body, bones, hands, on a steel beam. I had to ask. That's when we started talking and I was accepted to interview, yup, interview, first guy ever that said he refused most prospects. I thought, this guy isn't in it for the money. ....

long story short, based on my military/lEO training, I always felt I had a lot of tools in my bag, after a few session with Sensei my tool box felt more like a broken wrench and couple rusty screws. This guy is real, he's upfront without concern for politics or your feelings. He's a living example of what he teaches, not a mouth piece that can't perform.

Our first class, I was asked to demo what I knew. I was pretty offended to hear him say “that shit won’t work. ”

Because I used it. but I listened, what he showed me was fine details to make my techniques better, little things I never thought of and many that were just so simple in theory, I really felt stupid. Ego aside, this guy is real, I wish i met him in my younger years.

Sensei Anthony operates an authentic martial arts school, based on the original teachings of Japanese Martial Arts. As someone with years of experience in emergency services and tactical operations, I can say that this school provides training for real-life applications. Sensei Anthony is a dedicated teacher, always going above and beyond for his students. I highly recommend this school for those who are serious about learning true martial arts.

I’ve had a history of Martial Arts training through out my life. After training at martial arts schools in the Manatee County area, I soon found that a good martial arts school/dojo was a difficult thing to find.

Sensei Anthony was able to show how to improve some previously learned. techniques After training with Him I am able to sense or feel when my form is lacking. . It can be something as simple as dropping the shoulder to improve a strikes power, speed, etc.

I’ve never had a teacher who was more involved. Training with Sensei anthony is something more than simply learning to strike or grapple.

For me, I realized I had more potential in my life. Sensi pointed me towards fullfilling or walking the right path. . I’m currently trying to walk that path, improving my mind, body, and spirit.

This review is long over due, I was a student at this school for 6 years, what started out as a search for a martial arts school and self defense turned out to be so much more than that, and now 12 years later this has helped me in my career, it has shown me how to be more focused, assertive and secure in my every day life, I can honestly say that almost every day I apply something I learned in class, Sensei taught me so much more than just self defense and martial arts. Class was always so much more than just fighting, we learned how to manage money, change a tire, how to do electrical, plumbing, you name it. If it wasn’t for my training at this school I would not continue to be in a management position that I am today, I learned things I never thought I would learn or get out of a martial arts class and I am so eternally grateful for all the knowledge Sensei has always given so freely and all the extra time he took to explain and show things. I could not have asked for a better school or a better Sensei and I am proud to have been his student. To train with Sensei is truly an experience that you carry with you for a lifetime. Thank you Sensei for all the life lessons you so gracefully and freely gave with your time and care to someone who was undeserving.

when I first contacted Sensei, I thought, "this is a lot of trouble just to be considered for training? ' Training outside, no "formal" dojo:"? I never before knew of a school that turned away applicants, they all welcome anyone, . .. as long as you pay, Long story short, this school, this Sensei is something that I can only describe as what you see in the movies, kill bill would best describe it, training is isolated, much like I experienced in other countries, Sensei is no nonsense, hard to get close to, but if you do, you have a true life long friend. I am involved in high risk security, I travel the world and risk my life as well as have my team depend on me for their lives, I wouldn't engage in training under someone who I couldn't literally stake my life on their teachings. I've been thru alot, saw alot, but what I saw with Sensei made me feel like a beginner again. His depth of knowledge is unsurpassed, the finest details are revealed, his knowledge of so many systems, the smallest things that are never taught, I can see why students are screened, and anyone can see this Sensei is a true teacher, not in it for the money. I would say to anyone seeking training, careful what you ask for, you may get it. hard to get in, but so easy to get thrown out.

Sensei is hard on the outside, but a soft caring soul inside, you really have to work to earn his trust, I've trained here for several months between deployments, each time i use the training in real life engagements, this is not sport or feel good class, training here requires a mentally tough person who understands integrity and honor. training involves real weapon for real life attacks, there is a certain element of danger that some may not be prepared for.

thank you Sensei, you have been there in so many ways

Every Law Enforcement Officer will tell you that to survive on the streets and to be as safe as possible, you need to not only utilize training from the Academy, but also need to train on a regular basis to keep your skill level up to par for the job. This school will enhance your abilities to stay safe due to its interpersonal training that is job realistic.

This training saved me from a real life violent attack. My black belt in Tkb and all the board breaking would have failed to save me had I not found this school and a teacher with real experience to show me what works in the class room doesn’t work in real life. I may have been another statistic of violent crime. I highly recommend this school. Sensei is brash, forward and to the point and not afraid to hurt your feelings with the truth. If you are looking for something beyond trophies and belts, this training could save your life.

I thought my training was pretty good, that was until I met you. Being in law enforcement, I come face to face with people you don't find in dojos. Like I told you, I've been tossed around a few times, you never know what to expect. Even the small ones have incredible strength when they are hyped on narcotics. Since I left training, I have used your techniques successfully. Many times, when I was waiting for backup and had multiple threats to deal with, your joint locks and tactics served me well. Just wanted to tell you about a quick episode. Couple nights ago, I'm going to a call, weapons involved. Without getting into too much, several officers were dealing with what was quickly becoming a mob, they were trying to get someone cuffed and he broke loose, cracked up and strong. 5 of them were holding back people getting involved in what they shouldn't be, and still can't get this guy hooked. I employed your tactics and technique we went over for endless hrs. It worked. it worked great. We were able to get the guy out of there and prevent what looked like a bad situation brewing. I will be contacting you to continue training. Your methods are not common ones for sure. They draw on the obvious that no one seems to see. Your real life experience makes your training something more than even the training I am given. The stuff they teach in the class rooms, the belts, trophies, ~ that doesn't keep us alive, but your training does. feel free to use this letter of gratitude, just leave my personal info off, dep. regs. thanks Matt

Sensei Anthony trains by the old ways. He's extremely disciplined, very real, and his depth of knowledge is unparalleled. I've been training for 23 years, traveled the world, including Japan to seek out different styles and I have yet to train with someone of his skill level. He is the closest training to what I saw in Japan. He has the ability to teach the finer points of the tradition, but also applies it to the student in a way he/she understands. But truly, this is a no nonsense class - you have to take it seriously. It has helped me not only with training, but in my life. . . . It’s not just about fighting.

After training for 4 years at another studio, nothing compares to the instruction I have received from sensei Anthony. The amount of knowledge and skills I have gained since starting my training with him is incredible.

Wow!Last night was my first class with Sensei Antony Carrano. I didn't know what to expect since I had been searching for a place to train in this area for almost 7 years now. I have 14 years of Wado training. Well....this is the real deal. Nothing I had from all those years really worked. All a good foundation, but no way to prevail with my techniques in the end. Sensei Carrano is a patient and caring teacher. No question is too dumb. I was supposed to have an hour-long private class. It lasted almost 2.5 hours and only ended because my mind and my body were spent. There's a lot of knowledge to be found here -- if you can handle it. There's a sad resignation in this Sensei's demeanor. He wants to impart the knowledge, but few are able to train at the level this requires. And it requires honor and commitment,and a mental toughness beyond a physical preparedness. I am proud to have had even this one training session. In this single session I learned more than in all my time in the dojo. I want to be a part of this school.

It seems that many look for martial arts training. There are as many reasons for this as there are types of martial arts and schools. A "real" teacher or sensei that understands "real" and "effective"

methods is hard to find. Training that works is hard to find.

It's my pleasure to say that Sensei Antony is that "real" teacher. The time that I've spent with him has added greatly to the skills that I needed to add to my own background for today's environment. With my advancing years, I wanted the ability to tie up and end a conflict quickly using techniques that Sensei Antony knows so precisely. Belts and ranks mean nothing on the street. The only thing that matters is your own physical and mental conditioning combined with "real" martial arts training. There is no doubt in my mind that Sensei Antony has much knowledge and skill to offer any professional or beginner.

If I was 20 years old, I would be humbly asking to become the best student he ever had. So much skill and knowledge should never be wasted. Mel H

My background:

1) Retired fire lieutenant with service 31 years service

2) Attended 2 colleges and 2 universities over 30 years

3) Vietnam veteran serving as an airborne military policeman. Served as head security at 82nd Airborne Division Brigade Headquarters, bodyguard to General Westmoreland on 2 assignments and body guard to the commanding general of the 173rd Airborne Division in Vietnam over 9 months.

4) Ranking in Chinese karate and trained with the 82nd Militery Police judo instructors at Ft. Bragg.

5) Qualified expert with all assigned weapons in military.

I've been a life long student of martial arts. I have black belts in several styles, a few trophies, and unfortunately a few injuries from careless people. I've been part of the "board", I've taught at various schools I attended. I've read just about every book out there, which I guess is the reason I was never really happy with the schools I attended. The books talk of the samurai code, honor, integrity, all the great stuff legends are made of. The master that cares about his student, the class that is like a family, but I never found it. Every school says the same thing "discipline, honor,..." but once you are there, you are just a number, class is full of politics, and it's about money. I have always hoped to find a teacher that could train me like the books say. A teacher that actually knew his stuff, not just a showman. Someone who actually used what he taught, knew why it would work, and lived the life I read about. WELL, I FINALLY FOUND IT!

First off, I had to wait for almost a year to start training. I thought that was weird, but now i get it. This teacher keeps all the crap out of class, no walk ins, It's not about money here. I had to reread a couple books,{like i said, i read everything out there} and we actually discussed them for hrs. Right there was enlightening, I thought I understood what the authors were saying, but now I really get it. I never met anyone with so much knowledge.

If you are looking for a true discipline, not just a pass time, this is the place. Hard to get in, hard to stay, but now that I'm here, I know this is the only place for what I have been seeking. I'm learning new things I never thought I'd learn, and relearning things about the arts I have studied but no one ever taught me. I used to be so proud of my blackbelts, but now, I see them as nothing more than a symbol of learning basics, now I can start my real training.

This is the real deal, the sensei lives a warriors life and excels at not only martial arts, but with any activity he sets forth doing in his life.

I am so glad to see this school is still sticking to it's values.

I trained at this school for over a year before I had to move out of state. Since then I have found myself moving from 1 dojo to the next in search a school that was more than just a store front. They were all flashy with no tradition, respect or real instruction. I am seeing 5 and 7 year black belts with programed techniques no reality and not a clue of how much they missed, It was easy to do basic techniques that disproved everything that they learned. I could get their knowledge from youtube for free. The Masters School of the Endless Puzzle is exactly what it says, an endless source of knowledge. I have been to classes that there were 3 different arts being focused on due to the different needs of each student. Sensei Antony brings knowledge of every art out there, if we train it or learn to defeat it. I may be moving back into the area soon so if there are any openings this will be the school that I will attend. This school does not sugar cote or pamper, so be prepared to learn and get tough.

Cons: The only thing that I had a hard time with was that this was a night class, but it was worth the sacrifice.

Know the instructor of the endless puzzel school, and highly recommend it for anyone who wants to know how to live the martial arts life, as well as self defense.Knows a wide variety of systems.

If you want results, go here. Period.

No BS, no showtime garbage, just the real

deal. Sensei Anthony walks the walk...so will you.

This is a correction of my previous review, in error I hit not recommended. YES I HIGHLY RECOMMEND IT!!!!

Being a female of small stature I wanted to learn a means of self defense as a sort of equalizer for my lack of size and strength. I looked at most every school in town and took their introductory classes only to realize they were selling lies. Lets face it, no 5 year old is going to flip a full grown adult and it is rare that anyone would attack a women and just stand there while she hit him. I found these places to be geared towards sport and a very dangerous false sense of security. I finally found sensei Antony and the training I have been searching for, he not only teaches very real techniques, but addresses the mental side of training which is something no other school does. Unlike other schools where you never know who your partner will be because anyone can take class regardless of skill or motive this school is private, accepting a very small percentage of applicants. How do I know this training works - I am a deputy.

not for the faint of heart, my training here has been the best of my life, and I;ve trained with the best,

Sensei has a unique way of imparting knowledge for the individual,

I would and do trust my life to his teachings

I would strongly suggest this training for anyone who will actually use the techniques in a real situation