A Google User
December 14, 2017 11:52
I dropped in to train while travelling. I paid the mat fee for one night of classes. I called several days before to ask about the classes for one night. Left a message. I was promptly called back later that evening. I think John is the gym owner. He was very good with giving me information and very welcoming.
Like I've seen in other reviews, Marcello was very welcoming. He spent a good deal of time with me. I'm a drop-in two-stripe white belt, so that says a lot. The instruction and drills were sound. I was paired with a blue belt that could work with me. When we rolled, Marcello picked partners. I was paired with a blue belt for one round and a white belt graduating to blue belt the next Saturday for the next round. Good experienced guys. They were sound in their BJJ. Gave me fits. Higher level belts should give fits to guys with lower belts. I have gone to other gyms where this wasn't the case for me. All good rolls. And good attitudes. They were patient with me at my experience level and conditioning. The attitudes and soundness of the students tell a wealth about the coach. The second hour, Marcello asked if I would like to stay for the advanced class. I did, and Marcello rolled with me. Again, a good experience. I don't get to roll with Black Belts very much. Good learning experience.
Some things you may consider... Many gyms require that the students purchase gi's through the school. Keeping everything uniform. Everyone in this gym had the same gi patches reflecting their school. Nothing wrong with this. You just need to consider the added cost if this is a requirement. Also, I remember seeing a complaint about committing to a one year deal. This isn't uncommon for any gym membership. If you want the best pricing, you have to commit to a longer contract. It helps the gym with their financial planning and will cost the member less in the long run. But if you sign, you are committed.