Which BJJ school would you chose?

[jloflexin405]

Well I checked out Yamasaki on Saturday and the location I went to was very small, only about 10 guys. They don't teach any striking...which I was kind of disapointed about. Alos they don't work a lot of take-downs b/c the room was small and for various other reasons. From my knowledge this isn't typical of all BJJ schools. I was kinda looking for more a a street style of fighting, striking,take-downs, and submissions. I am going to check out Capital JJ and see what it is like. I am totally throwing out Yamasaki, I may saty b/c they can work me into MT classes before and after. I no striking and little take dwon work typical of BJJ schools?

 

[Mr.HeavyDuty]

It really depends on the instructor. We are well versed in takedowns at my school, but not all schools are. Most schools work off of the knees to spar in class. Also, in BJJ classes there is very little striking involved ever, BJJ is comprised of mostly joint locks and chokes. However, most schools offer MT classes now, so you are able to get in striking work. Is this a Yamasaki rep or Yamasaki's actual school?

 

[jloflexin405]

The guy who was intructing my class was a rep., but a purple belt. If I stay with Yamasaki I will take 2 days of BJJ and 1-2 day of MT (they offer both) and will move to the Rockville, MD location (black belt instructed) Yeah sparring was done only from the knees. My biggest interest is striking and takedowns. I believe that Yamasaki teaches at Rockville and Springfield, VA. I am gonna check out Capitol Jiu-Jitsu tonight and I'll keep you posted. Thanks for getting back to me. It seems strange that no one else has an opinion on these schools...too lazy to post.

 

[jloflexin405]

I tried Capitol last night. The guy might now be as highly ranked as the guys from Yamasaki, but he is also an elem. school tcher so I think he slows everything down and gets his points/techniques across well. I will keep everyone posed to what decison I make sometime this week. Any one else?

 

[Strangle Hold]

Helio Gracie style schools only.
Rorion has one in California and Pedro Valente has one in Miami.
They both start sparring standing up. They both work on strikes and takedowns.
These are the BEST schools in the U.S.A.
There is also one in Rio.
If ever in the areas be sure to check it out.
Try to spar one of their better students - ha ha.
They will also allow you to spar with strikes, no gloves, etc if you need to be convinced.
They will put you up against a small guy to embarrase you.
If you can get past the humiliation - you will get hooked.

 

[jloflexin405]

That doesn't really answer any of the above questions.

 

[Strangle Hold]

I was only answering the title. Thought you might be interested.
I would go to Capitol out of the choices given. I would also travel to Miami from time to time and get a few privates from Pedro Valente.
Hope this helps.

 

[jloflexin405]

Thanks for the response. Did you check out the websites that I listed? I was juts wondering if you based your decision on the sites. Capital seems to offer more of an all around fighting style, but Yamasaki also offers MT, but it gets pretty pricy taking both.

 

[Strangle Hold]

Thanks for the response. Did you check out the websites that I listed? I was juts wondering if you based your decision on the sites. Capital seems to offer more of an all around fighting style, but Yamasaki also offers MT, but it gets pretty pricy taking both.

I checked out the sites and realized that Capitol is a Royce school.
Royce learned from Helio and that's all I need to know. I wouldn't be concerned about MT. If you get great at GJJ then maybe it would be good to learn but not until you are great at Jiu Jitsu. I train with a great MT guy in GJJ and he wishes he would have done GJJ a long tme ago He said he'd trade all his time in MT with out even thinking if he could have been studying Gracie Jiu Jitsu. It looks like Capitol has a good team also and that could be a great time.
Good luck.

 

[Mr.HeavyDuty]

jloflexin, trust me bro, you do not need to be a Gracie jock rider to be good. You do not have to travel down to Miami to get quality instruction from anyone. There are more qualified instructors in your area than you will ever need. True Helio Gracie "style" schools focus ALOT more on self defense as opposed to sport BJJ. You DO NOT have to train with anyone affiliated with a Gracie to be good. Those two schools are NOT the best in the good ol' USA my friend. There are great schools all across this country. You truly have one of the best schools right around the corner from you with Lloyd Irvin. If you are able to train directly under Yamasaki I HIGHLY advise it. A purple belt under Royce can not teach you what Yamasaki can. Trust me on this. Go to BJJ.org and look in your atate for more instructors. Try to find the right one for you. Look for qualifications, not a name association.