I've been training on/off for over a decade, with massive gaps in between as "life happens."…read moreMarriage, Kids, Career, etc... Trained primarily in Oakland & Piedmont (when I lived/worked in Fremont), then eventually settled down in San Ramon. Just when I thought I had written off jiu-jitsu, a familiar sign/logo suddenly pops up on a storefront in San Ramon Square (a square we frequent, primarily for Café Attila & Best Donuts). How Ironic... I initially had signed up years ago at their HQ location in Pleasanton (before they relocated) but was working a very sporadic schedule due to "startup mode" at a Tech Company. With my Daughters now much older, THEY actually approached ME... "Daddy, didn't you do jiu-jitsu before? We want to do jiu-jitsu too." It was a combination of my Daughters wanting to train in a sport I used to train religiously in (before marriage) & the fact that I HATED saying, "Before" or "Used to." (+ the fact that it was only a 5-minute drive from the house sure didn't hurt either). Gave the Academy a call & met w/ Jeremiah (THE Jeremiah "The Kid" Labiano of Bellator fame btw) who happens to be one of the owners of the San Ramon Academy. #starstruck... For any of you Futurama geeks out there, I had a Phillip J. Frye "Shut up & take my money" moment. Paid 6 mos in advance to give the Academy a test-drive & within a few months, gave my sign-off to the girls that this location was LEGIT (& they too were both enrolled).
Fast forward to the present... The quality of instruction from each of the Professors; Crispim, Jeremiah & Beto are truly unparalleled. They aren't just teaching as a job; they're teaching what they live/breath & love & it emanates from each of them during their instruction. As I mentioned earlier, I've been training on & off for over a decade, only to find that there were subtle details/variances in technique relayed by these instructors that I've NEVER been exposed to years prior (more aha moments that I can even keep track of). The end results? Even WITH the significant gaps in training, my game has since evolved exponentially. I began my training journey in my late 20's, though I can truly & confidently state without a doubt that I'm better now (a gentleman never reveals his age) than ever before.
Their approach is different/unique than most, considering (in addition to the standard drills, rolling, etc...), they are also savvy in kinesiology, etc... They've introduced drills on movement (i.e., aerobic balls, bosu, etc...) that force you to work your steps, movement & balance, etc..., w/ a "Miyagi-Do approach." Consider these unique drills as "wax on, wax off" or "paint the fence," etc..., which will "click" once you realize its relevance towards guard passing, sweeps, etc... I'm sitting on the carpet drafting this review & just realized how I rose effortlessly to my feet, spinning towards the kitchen to grab my Yeti for a sip of water. The drills (which will be new to most) eventually become second nature & evolve your game as a result. Brilliant...
Oh & about my Daughters? Once their initial contract had ended (paid for 6 mos up front), I asked them (no pressure), "Hey girls, jiu-jitsu is ending this month. Do you guys still want to train or do something else?" They both looked at each other, then looked at me & said, "We want to train jiu-jitsu." Yahtzee! THEN they dropped an unexpected bomb on me with, "Why didn't you sign us up when we were younger?" I had to remind them that they were wearing princess dresses w/ crowns & spinning around in tutu's at the time (though also reassured them, that they ARE still young & have the head start I wish I had at their age). Over a year later, they've been promoted twice & I couldn't be more proud to be alongside them throughout their journey. I'm not just saying this because I'm their Dad; I've got (2) petite young ladies who are rolling, sweeping, hanging & tapping out much larger opponents (including BOYS). This (size nor strength do not matter & it's all about technique) are the epitome of what jiu-jitsu represents... This isn't just a sport/hobby for my girls (though they may see it this way), but also a much-needed means of self-defense. What happens when a person grabs you from behind or tries to choke you? What happens if you're pinned to the floor? What happens if someone tries to tackle you to the ground? Guess what? THEY KNOW & they'll continue to get EVEN BETTER. Compound this with the amazing stand-up instructional they are also receiving from Jeremiah & Team as well & it's helping me sleep a bit better at night.
Hats off again to Crispim, Jeremiah & Beto... Can't thank each of you enough for bringing jiu-jitsu back into my life & introducing the "gentle art" to my daughters as a result. You each have a knack not just for training, but for keeping everyone (including small children), motivated. You've built an amazing & unique system of training along with the best Academies I've ever had the privilege to train. Oss...