Marcelo Garcia Jiu-Jitsu NYC

"I'm a Purple belt, training 8 years, and visiting from The Gentle Art academy in Singapore. I always visit gyms when travelling for work to meet new friends and see new techniques and could not pass up the opportunity to train here. Joel was very welcoming (esp at 7am) and I found his drills very useful and novel putting me in positions I hadn't been before and getting me to really think differently about fundamental concepts like positional control. Added bonus that the drills were a great workout. I also had a similar experience in a takedown class - an area of my game that needs particular work. His teaching style focuses on creative instruction of fundamental concepts (managing space, connecting hands, controlling weight). My training and sparring partners were all very positive experiences with a wide variety of size, shapes, and games. There is tons of mat space at this location, and it was memorable to see what felt like 30+ upper belts hip escaping across the room. Great contribution to the sport!"

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