I've been attending the academy for a couple of years and have had a great experience not only with…read morethe owners, but with members who are friendly and highly supportive. There are a variety of classes offered throughout the week and also private lessons. I've been taking privates that have 2 black belt instructors for an hour - absolutely the best way to augment the regular class learning. Anyone interested in Jiu-Jitsu and/or self defense should definitely give this school strong consideration.

I've been a student of martial arts for over 4 decades and have practiced and received senior belts…read morewithin several traditional styles (e.g., Tae Kwon Doe, Kung Fu, etc..). Without question, I have found Gracie Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (e.g., BJJ), to be both the most effective for self-defense and most rewarding from a physical and mental health point of view. I have been studying BJJ now for nearly 9 years, with all of that time at the Royce Gracie Academy of Glastonbury. For those of you looking at starting BJJ or finding a new school to train at, I can not provide a stronger recommendation than this school. I say this based on the following 3 criteria: Quality of the Curriculum Some of the primary tenants of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu are: 1. Most fights go to the ground and that's where most traditional stand-up martial arts don't adequately train or prepare their students for. 2. Using proper technique, it is very possible for a smaller, less athletic, less strong Gracie Jiu-Jitsu practitioner, to protect and defend themselves against a much larger, stronger, and more athletic aggressor who doesn't know BJJ. Learning those techniques to the extent that you can rely on them in a difficult and life-threatening situation, takes years of coaching and practice. Royce Gracie, the son of the late Helio Gracie and founder of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu has spent decades now perfecting the training curriculum that allows "any person" at "any age", the opportunity to gain this knowledge safely and sustainably. This instruction has now be codified with certification requirements in place to ensure schools have properly trained instructors/coaches. The Royce Gracie Academy of Glastonbury has that certification level and it makes all the difference. Quality of the Instructors Combined, the 4 blackbelts instructor/coaches bring over 80 years of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu experience with all of them having received their black belts from Royce Gracie himself. And for those not familiar with Royce, just look him up on youtube.... He's the GOAT and one of the reasons MMA/UFC exists today. Having 4 black belts support the student population is a luxury that has to be experienced. Every student, at every level, can engage with our instructors. Our instructors take a very focused approach to ensuring that each student is guided based on their own personal capabilities, health, and training goals and intent . Vibe within the School The Royce Gracie Academy of Glastonbury is a self-defense-focused BJJ school. We train to be able to avoid altercations and to be able to have an effective plan of defense in the event avoidance is not possible. As a consequence of the curriculum and instructors above, you should expect a highly collaborative, respectful and safe vibe w/in the school. This school is ideal for children, young adults, male/females of all ages, body types, health status, etc... This school and the students w/in it meet every new person wherever they are starting from. You will not find an environment where newbies are used by experienced students as training dummies. On the contrary, it's an expectation in our school that the more senior you are, the more time you give to your less experienced student peers to help them grow and improve. What else can I say other than, to come to the school and talk to our black belt owners Kate and Rick and try some complimentary classes. You can see for yourself if my feedback is accurate. I don't think you'll be disappointed.

Went for the MMA workshop for adults. All staff/ trainers were super friendly and helpful! They…read moretook it slow for those of us (me) who had difficulty. It truly shows how much of a family / friends the staff are and makes its it super welcoming !

It's a great gym with even better people! Definitely check it out you won't regret it. With…read moreeverything from kids class to Muay Thai and jui jitsu. I truly enjoy myself while there. Not only it a great work out and great training, but it's a great atmosphere.

Pat is a mop notch instructor and competitor. Looking forward to the next time we can train…read moretogether.

I started attending classes around Christmas time and haven't looked back since. The owner, Pat, is…read morea phenomenal instructor who has cultivated a great atmosphere for learning and growth. I couldn't be happier with the overall experience.

Patient coach with great curriculum and amazing work ethic. The Owner & supporting coaches all are…read morepersonable, and the kids feel welcome and encouraged to do better. I would highly recommend.

Coach Dan is the reason we keep coming to Relson Gracie academy. He has the patience of a saint…read morewhile training the little sharks! Our 5 year old has been in his class since April and has learned a lot and has made friends with all the kids. I stay for the class, there is plenty of seating for parents and coach interacts with everyone and makes jokes, we're laughing a lot. The kids get plenty of water breaks and each class usually ends with sparring. I have tried the adult class and never did jiujitsu in my life. It doesn't matter what level you're at when you join a class, coach and other people training will help you. While I haven't signed up for jiujitsu yet I have joined the morning conditioning workouts on M, W, & F mornings. It is an hour of intense training that includes running, high intensity intervals, and strength training with weights and body weight. I love it! I have been doing it since May and plan to continue inevitably :-)

Once in a while you come across a place that just feels right, the energy, the vibe, the…read moreatmosphere, whatever you want to call it. Fugi, the instructor is one of the most sincerely humble individuals I have ever met considering the depth of knowledge in BJJ he has. The classes are small with ALOT of individual attention and correction. The price is very reasonable with none of those contracts that alot of places make you sign. I highly recommend S.S.S and feel anyone interested in BJJ should go and check it out. (You get a free week to try it out).

After moving 1600 miles from home finding a new little BJJ tribe was necessary. Having looked at a…read morefew other area gyms, this was the one we found which fit us perfectly (Mom and two kids). Good vibes, helpful people and a comfortable welcome back when we had to miss for a bit.

FAA is a fantastic gym, I've been a member for around 3 months and could not ask for a better…read moreenvironment to learn kickboxing/mma. The head trainer is a super friendly guy who is extremely knowledgeable and wants all his students to succeed. I would highly recommend FAA to anyone looking to learn kickboxing/MMA regardless of skill level everyone is welcome.

Best gym in the area. Jeremy is an amazing coach and gives everyone the same attention no matter if…read moreyou're a pro fighter or a beginner. Everyone at the gym is very welcoming and makes you feel like part of the team. I've been there for 5 years and have never had one bad experience.

I joined for the free class. I knew I was going to be going back and committed. Since then (albeit…read more2.5 weeks), I'm sleeping better, noticing my body is starting to change, and I just feel GREAT! Professor Joseph is incredibly knowledgeable and makes class serious, but also laid back. He makes sure to check on every student. Whether there be 2 or 20 in the class. That's the sign of a good professor. I'm doing the cardio kickboxing class, and I'm hooked! I highly recommend GFV to everyone

Just started here and was a bit concerned about being new. I am admittedly fat and very out of…read moreshape and was concerned about being the floundering whale flopping on the floor getting laughed at. Everyone from beginner to the very experienced at this place is very helpful and very friendly. They understand being new is hard and they help in any way they can. I did take a few one on one lessons and then jumped into classes. It's a blast but far from easy. Expect to be a little sore and achy as you will use muscles you had no idea you had. Flexibility is important so plan on getting there a little early to stretch out before class. I've had ACL replacement, hand reconstruction from a severe shattering, and have a hip replacement and I'm 47 years old. If I can get out there and flop around anyone can.