TL;DR:
This is not your local McDojo neither is it your YMCA…read moreand definitely, not Jiu-jitsu light but what you'll learn and received at Walensky Jiu Jitsu is solid, foundation of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu while having fun in a great learning environment, with high level partners and an enthusiastic, technically brilliant coach.
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Read on to dive into my detailed, long overdue review.;)
I feel incredibly lucky that we have friends who recommended Walensky Jiu Jitsu to us back in 2021.
My husband and I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE Walensky Jiu Jitsu!
You see, on the day we took a free class at Walensky Jiu Jitsu, we had just renewed our membership at our town's biggest BJJ school the day before but Brandon left a big impression on us that day that we signed up at the end of class.
My journey in learning jiu jitsu started at 48 y.o. I have 2 left feet and no previous martial arts training. I started slow and steady. If you are like me, who likes to set goals, challenges and milestones to improve one's health and mental wellness, well, read on....
Here were/are my pain points learning Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and my solutions ;)
Lack flexibility - do jiu jitsu
Lack cardio - do jits.
Lack motivation - do jits.
Lack the strength - do some jiu jitsu
I suck at this - do more... jiu jitsu.
Need a challenge - do jiu jitsu.
Not athletic - do jiu jitsu.
I need a stress reliever. - How about some jiu jitsu?
Although all of the above feels like a big mountain to climb sometimes, I show up every day and because of the quality and high level atmosphere at Walensky Jiu Jitsu, the day to day self- mind fuck battle of "Should I go today? I'm too tired, I'm not in the mood," just fades away and I'm always glad I came to train.
The School Atmosphere:
There's this line from a theme song from an old TV show that perfectly describes Walensky Jiu Jitsu -
"Sometimes you wanna go where everybody knows your name..." SO TRUE!
....and they're always glad you came..... " VERY TRUE!
It's very friendly and welcoming. Very family oriented with supportive, high level and caring, careful partners. No drama, no bullies or "spazzy" partners here.
My husband and I found our second family here. We came for jiu-jitsu and we ended up making and having friends for life.
The School Philosophy:
The level of instruction is world class!
Brandon believes in mastery of the fundamentals of jiu-jitsu. His clear, simple, fun and easy to follow instructions makes learning jiu-jitsu a breeze. You can trust that you'll be flowing like water a la Bruce Lee soon.
Guaranteed, you'll get daily structured, progressive, purposeful and mindful training. No fancy moves - just effective, tried and true battle tested techniques. Well rounded and grounded in Gracie BJJ teachings.
For those into progeny and Brandon's lineage and connection to the Gracies. Click on this link. https://www.gracieallegiance.com/san-diego-ca-usa
Coach Brandon:
Brandon is technically brilliant. He is an active competitor and several times IBJJF Champion.
His enthusiasm and dedication to the practice is infectious! Learning the game with someone who has the passion, commitment and most importantly, a cavernous knowledge of Brazilian Jiu- Jitsu makes all the difference in the world.
Every time I go on the mat, I know that I'm in good, safe hands and received personal instruction. Brandon takes the time to get to know you and your kids and is always concerned with your/their development inside and outside the gym. He is very hands on. He pushes and challenges you to be better.
We're coming up on our two year anniversary at Walensky Jiu Jitsu and we couldn't be more happier with our decision. Did I mention how much we LOVE coming to class every day? ;)
So if you are looking for a family oriented gym, with good atmosphere and camaraderie and will give you a solid, tried and true BJJ foundation, fun yet challenging, and make friends for life kind of place, then Walensky Jiu Jitsu is for you and your family.