Mark Solomon
October 25, 2017 12:35
I chose TN BJJ Academy over several other schools I visited for three primary reasons: 1. The facility is clean with all the bags, mats, and training aids to learn both BJJ and stand up arts like boxing or Muay Thai. 2. The head instructor and owner explained that he emphasized real self defense BJJ over sport Jiu Jitsu, even though the school students are successful in competitions 3. The school has separate and outstanding instructors in Tae Kwon Do, boxing, wrestling, and BJJ.
Now that I have been attending classes for around 6 months, I have even more reasons for being glad I chose this school. The most important thing is the classes are fun! All the students have a good time laughing while we learn techniques because Coach Earl (the head of the school) makes the moves and the ways we might get them wrong funny. This leads to a light hearted atmosphere while we add skills.
Also, the coach makes sure no one rolls or works to aggressively. This is critical because BJJ is challenging enough without worrying if the experienced students are trying to crush beginners. In this school, that has never happened to me because the school will not allow it.
Most importantly, the way the classes are taught emphasizes character development including learning to focus while under stress, learning to relax while working hard, being mentally tough when in bad positions, and the warrior spirit. From children to adults, everyone can benefit from these character traits, and you definitely learn them at TN BJJ Academy.
Joining the school and regularly going to classes has been by far the best investment I have made in myself.
I only wish I had started training when I was a child! At least I am doing BJJ now and enjoying the benefits.