Crystal Garcia
Sep 16, 2024
“From the outside, this school is a state-of-the-art, single-story facility designed for athletes at all levels. It boasts two highly accomplished world champion Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu professors, a spacious mat area, a dedicated strength and conditioning section, separate men’s and women’s locker rooms, an acai bar for nutrition, and a recovery area to support effective training. However, the true essence of this school goes far beyond its physical amenities. Culture: The gym’s culture is the cornerstone of its success, shaping not only athletic performance but also the daily lives of its members. Here, athletes find a strong sense of community and belonging, vital for growth in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. The environment promotes core values like respect, humility, and perseverance. This supportive culture encourages learning and fosters mental resilience, which is crucial for success in competitions. The impact of this culture extends to mental health, building a foundation of social support and behavioral norms that benefit athletes both on and off the mats. Training/Mat Time: The school follows world-class standards in training, offering an exceptional blend of quality and quantity in mat time. Athletes engage in deliberate, focused practice tailored to build elite-level skills. The curriculum covers Gi, No-Gi, wrestling, and strength and conditioning, mirroring the practices of top BJJ athletes worldwide. This well-rounded training prepares young athletes for adult competitions, equipping them with the tools needed to succeed in both Gi and No-Gi formats. Support: Every athlete, regardless of their goals, receives high-level, authentic support from the coaches and professors. They are dedicated to helping each individual, whether they train for fun, mental health, physical excellence, or competition at the highest level. During competitions, the coaches’ commitment is evident as they stand in their athletes' corners, cheering, guiding, and empowering them. This unwavering support has been shown to significantly enhance athletic performance and development. Network: As a member of the Checkmat affiliation, athletes benefit from a global network in the BJJ and combat sports community. This affiliation provides opportunities to attend world-class training camps and learn from top BJJ athletes worldwide. This extensive network enriches the training experience and opens doors for athletes to develop their skills at the highest level. As a military veteran, parachute demonstration team member, former medic, active shooter consultant, and business owner, I can personally attest to the numerous benefits of BJJ — from self-defense to building confidence and improving mental health. However, most people are looking for a place where they or their children can grow, find community, receive support, and be challenged to be their best. Before joining, we thoroughly researched the gym and its leadership. The professors embody values every parent desires for their children: strong faith, family commitment, community involvement, and grace in handling both wins and losses. They regularly give back to their communities in Brazil and inspire children to believe in their potential. When they coach, their genuine investment in each athlete is visible as they cheer and empower them during matches. As champions with consistent success, they understand the challenges young athletes face and the journey required to achieve excellence into adulthood. They accomplish this with the utmost dignity and respect, building up every student and empowering them to become the best versions of themselves. If you seek a BJJ school where excellence, support, and community come together, this is the place to be. This school is not just about training; it’s about building a legacy of champions on and off the mats.”