Team Shark, Daniel Pinheiro Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

“Team shark is really like joining a family. Everyone respects everyone and wants every member to succeed. You’ll never feel like an Outcast. They can really put you where you want to be mentally, and physically As long as you follow the meal plan and go to classes regularly! Thanks you professor Daniel, I couldn’t of asked for a better gym/family.”

“Out of all the gyms i’ve tried in SA team shark bjj has been the best. The energy everyone brings is so encouraging and welcoming. Joining Team Shark training with professor Daniel and all the other amazing coaches has been one of the best decisions i’ve made.”

“Your going to learn from the Best of the Best here. The whole team is reflective of its Master. From the top down your going to feel welcomed and encouraged. No matter your age, gender or weight. You will find a place here and you will be setup to win. Daniel puts his BJJ family first and I respect him so much for that. #GoTeamShark”

“If you're thinking about coming here for the "free" 42 day warrior challenge, I would read this review as it's what I experienced and nothing more. The Bad: I spoke to an Australian fellow over the phone regarding the program. I was concerned because reading the reviews a "red flag" to me was someone had mentioned arriving and unexpectedly being greeted with a $600 deposit (barrier to entry) to begin the "free" 42 day program. The gentleman over the phone reassured me that there was "two programs"-- one of which was free and one that was paid. This was in response to my concern over that review about the surprise deposit. Upon arriving, the first thing I hear from the man himself (Daniel) is that the program is in fact, not free (at least not in the sense that one was given through the advertisement). During our conversation he says "nothing worthwhile in life is free." Which while I may agree on the premise, I also think if thats the case, the advertisement shouldn't be "free 42 day warrior challenge." Now, allegedly, when you complete the program you are eligible for a refund of that deposit. However, I asked him whether or not there's an implication that someone may not receive their deposit back under X or Y condition (I'm almost certain there is). I felt he was avoiding of the question as he did not directly answer my concern and instead redirected the conversation towards what the purpose of me coming in was that day. Overall this experience feels inconsiderate of your time as a customer. The business model is essentially advertise a program, make no mention of costs you (the customer) can or possibly will incur regarding your $600 deposit, and get you physically in the gym. Once you're physically there, they're depending on you falling prey to a predatory business model (sunk-cost fallacy) which effectively looks like: "I just spent my gas and time coming down here, I need to leave with SOMETHING, rather than nothing." So in this sense, you're more likely to buy into what they're selling in a way that's at your expense. The Good: Daniel is a nice guy and I expected this encounter to be a lot more pushy once he made mention of the deposit. On a 1-10 scale of pushyness it felt more like a 6 (which is relatively low compared to businesses that mimic a similar advertising model). The only reason this review isn't lower is because he seems like a decent guy just trying to make a living. It's even possible that he has no idea that his employee is giving people false/misleading information leading up to the meeting i had today. I don't believe that's likely, but I'll be optimistic. It is a BJJ gym and I'm sure you can enjoy learning BJJ and having a sense of community here as there are people who train here and seem to enjoy it. I think this place doesn't need to rely on questionable business tactics to deceive customers in order to thrive, but it's a shame that as it stands, people are likely to be frequently frustrated as I have been.”

“I have waited for a great moment to write my own review. I am a veteran with the U.S. Coast Guard. I am 37 years old and really out of shape. But I am not the only one. My time here for three months of training, I feel like a whole new person. I am getting that feeling of camaraderie I once had amongst people. Being part of this gym Professor Daniel took in my goals for the class and establish a game plan. We then execute the plan. He doesn't push, but motivates to push my boundaries. He takes the time to even small talk with his students, thus allowing me to feel important. Any concerns I have, he listens and change course if needed. He does meet you half way, sometimes more if you show you are determined to meet your goals. He isn't just a professor or trainer, but a world champion. He knows what it takes to be that World Class Athlete, but he can tone it down and help you live a healthier lifestyle. So far I have not seen him turn anyone way. My story is that I want to be a better version of myself. I want to be more active in physical activity and eat healthier. With many talks with him after class, I am greatfull to be here at the gym. I am always inspired to be better on and off the mats. But it doesn't end there. The student who come automatically show support, because they all took the first step. The current students will often pair up with the new students and help with technique and fluent motion across. You will never feel alone at this gym. Even if being alone is your thing, these people who come is like a 2nd/3rd family and will never leave you stranded. It is not mentioned, but there is on common goal---to be better, to be a champion of the world or in our own home. If anyone reads this and is hesitant, I'd say visit the gym when they are open. See for yourself and be ready to be inspired. I was they guy that said I couldn't do this. But being 37 and all disorganized, this is the greatest investment I can ever have (my opinion). Professor Daniel Professor not only focuses on Brazilian Jiu-jitsu, but also he has MMA circuit courses if grappling is not your thing. He provides meal plans that you can use to help loose unwanted weight, and he has the heart of a champion to give back to his students. I see his goal of wanting all his students to become successful and better. I believe that is his mission. Females and children do attend these classes. And sometimes participate in safe mixed gender grappling. He does encourage his students to participate in tournaments around the country. He Professor Daniel's number one priority is safety. He knows encourages to give it all, but also is aware of one's limitations. This is true for myself has he tapped for me when I was in an arm-bar. I explained I was good, and his response was "safety brother". Thank you for the time to read this long review. And good luck on your future endeavors...”