I started learning bjj from my instructor way back in the days in another town. I immediately liked the training and it had a lot to do with my instructor’s teaching style. I like that he can draw humor while demonstrating a technique and make it fun for us, but, the same time, be all business when it comes to watching us do our reps and making sure we do every repetition correctly. I like having fun while I work. I don’t believe it has to be all work and no fun. What would be the point of this all if I wasn’t having fun, right?
This school, where I first started, was not my instructor’s academy. He was just teaching there. There was an owner who sometimes participated and sometimes didn’t.
The atmosphere and environment in this school was okay, but there was something missing. It wasn’t until my instructor got his own place that I realized what it was: unity. His leadership has clearly permeated it’s way through the ranks; we have a great environment at the academy balancing the acts of learning, competitiveness, and compassion for one another.
After Anthony “Showtime” Pettis used a SICK armbar from closed guard to beat Benson Henderson.Attitude reflects leadership.
Now I not only have a bjj instructor that I enjoy learning from, but I have a group of people that I am proud to call a team. I am sure that it is in direct correlation with the leadership our instructor has given us. Not only does our instructor treat us like his own brothers on the mat, but he always treats us like family off the mat too. He has become one of my best friends and a person I know I can go to for true counsel and moral support.
I feel like I can go on and on, but, for the sake of everyone reading, let’s be more concise.
The reasons I love my Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu school in Sacramento:
- We are a mid sized academy. We all know each other, but there are plenty of people to roll at all times.
- The spectrum of styles run the entire gambit; we have everything from wrestlers and judo guys to half-guard and open-guard players.
- Empirically speaking, I know the level of bjj from my instructor is top-of-the-food-chain elite.
- Empirically speaking, I know the level of my training partners is the highest in the area.
- Besides the fact that they are good, they are also some of the most selfless and nice group of people I have ever encountered. Guys that are always helping each other out as well as doing stuff for the benefit of the team.
- Our instructor is CONSTANTLY improving the curriculum. He comes back from every tournament with a new technique or a new perspective on a technique we have learned in the past.
- Our curriculum is always something that is proven to work at the highest of all grappling competitions.
- We get together to watch UFCs, watch Metamoris, watch ADCCs, for birthday parties, etc.
I got the idea for this post from Julia. She outlined the reasons she loves her bjj academy here.
Having trained in Yemaso BJJ before relocating to a different area, I absolutely agree everything that was stated in the article. I came to the academy as an “empty cup” waiting to be filled with Marcos’ teaching. I was very impressed from the start; however, what really made my experience worthwhile was my fellow students – especially the higher belts – who were very helpful and understanding. There’s just a friendly yet highly competitive atmosphere that will encourage you to grow.
I could have easily given up with jiu jitsu, because of “life events.” But even with the little time that I spent in Yemaso BJJ, my experience felt like I have trained for years… and I didn’t want to lose that. It’s pretty cool that because of making the decision of pursuing the BJJ journey, my wife started doing the art with me as well. We have found a place where we can do it together that also have the friendly atmosphere that encourages growth, with a top notch instructor as well.
Yemaso BJJ – BEST IN SAC! Thank you for pushing me!
Carlo you had one of the best attitudes I have ever come across in bjj. I’m sure it will carry you to great skill. I’m glad you were able to find a place to keep training!
The reasons I love Jiu Jitsu World in Seoul:
* There is a nice group of purple belts – about 8 of them, and consistently we have purples on the mat every class.
* The guys are kind and caring and I feel safe rolling with them.
* The instructors, while not speaking English, are able to make their instruction clear enough for me.
* There are now enough women that sometimes we are three on the mats! Gasp!
* We have a women’s changing room with showers! Fancy!
* We have a family feel.
What I would kill to have showers in our academy! You are spoiled. 😛