Our 6 and 10 year old daughters participate in the children's bjj class and they love it! The kids coaches are exceptional. In addition to teaching the kids Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, the coaches do the things that matter the most to parents:

* They keep the kids interested by making practice fun

* The coaches are very patient, taking the time to make sure each
kid understands what's being taught

* They make sure that the kids treat each other with respect

I would highly recommend the BJJ kids classes to any parent that would like to enroll their kids in self defense.
- Chuck and Barb C.

Jeremiah (9 years old) has been taking BJJ for about 7 months now, and watching him grow during this time has been a great pleasure of ours. BJJ has helped our son be more confident in his self and has enabled him to inspire himself in other areas of his life - and, he has fun. Jeremiah had only been taking BJJ for about 2 months when entered into his first tournament, it was scary for me and I could tell that he too was very intimidated; but it was fascinating to watch him push himself past the boundaries in his own mind. As parents, it is great creating these good and
positive memories with him. - Alex & Sonya R.

My daughter Alex has been practicing BJJ since summer of '08. She was hesitant at first because there were so many boys and not many girls. The reality is that it's a GREAT discipline for girls to learn as the holds and escapes can be applied to real life situations if they are threatened (rather than "hey, be still a sec while I chop-chop you!"). The instructors are patient and really seem to enjoy working with the kids and are careful to match them with others of their size and ability so everyone has a chance to be successful. It's a very low-key environment where no one is being judged and everyone is welcomed into the group. Alex has gained respect, confidence and learned to push herself and not be hesitant. - Eva R.

Coach Shelley,
I never get tired of watching David in class. Over 2 years now....feels like I am at home when we are there. I think one of the best decisions I ever made regarding my kid's well being was to put them in your hands. Your dedication to the art is obvious to all of us that have been around you for a while. And it doesn't stop there, for your dedication to all of your students is also easy to see. I am proud to have my son associated with you and the wonderful example you set every day. We are all very proud of you! I felt your speech after the last NAGA was right on, and was determined to have my little guy be a part of the team adventure. You even had me ready to get out on the mat. Forgive me, for even though I am just a parent and not a student (yet) I didn't want to let you down. In the meantime I will make sure David is there 3 to 4 times every week training under a man every American should be honored to know. - Dave B

Joe really likes the training --its very important to him. I wanted to let you know how impressed I am with your school. I received a black belt in Shotokan 15 years ago, in Minneapolis. I had trained very seriously for 5 years and visited numerous martial arts schools during that time, looking for things to augment the classical approach of the Shotokan. I ended up going to Rick Faye's place, the Minnesota Kali Group. It was there that I first learned a little about Muay Thai and BJJ. This is what drew me to your school. Although I would love to train at your school myself, money is very tight right now, so it will just have to be Joe for now. I am very happy that I have my son at your school, getting the best instruction. I love the fact that every time I pick him up, he is drenched in sweat. His physical confidence grows every week that he is training. As I see it, there are three aspects about your school that are truly exceptional:

1) The quality of instructors is extraordinary.

2) The classes are about doing the work. Instruction is given while people continue to do the workout. In many, many other schools, instructors will completely stop down the entire class to make a point, and end up giving a lecture that takes up a huge portion of the class and no one gets a real work out. I have never seen this in your school. The workout portion of your classes never lose momentum, even though there is plenty of teaching taking place. Everyone leaves class drenched in sweat and a better fighter because of it.

3) The atmosphere is serious, but friendly. Its immediately obvious that there are many accomplished fighters and many people on that path, but the place is still welcoming to beginners like my son.

I am amazed that anyone in this surrounding area would train anywhere else. Thanks again for everything - Roger L