I attended a bjj class, not really sure what to expect. Montalvo's was ok. The class was not…read morefocused on jiu jitsu, at least in the way I was hoping, and were I to have continued attending, I'm not sure I would have progressed in skill at a reasonable pace. Instead, the focus of the class was on fitness (doing exercises, lifting weights, running laps, and other forms of endurance training), with some very minimal wrestling mixed in. I remember one student said he had been training bjj at this gym for the last several months, but he still wasn't sure what "guard" was, and I had to walk him through some basic ideas myself after the class was over. I also overheard several distinct conversations between the owner and other students (and even participated in one), where Montalvo chastised Gracie jiu jitsu, and made several bold claims about his style and experience being far superior to anything else out there, strongly emphasizing striking over grappling. OK... maybe that's true... but I didn't see any demonstration of it. If you're looking for a fitness regimen, this might be an ok gym for you. I also can't comment on the striking program (which I didn't see), so give that a shot if you're interested. I would not recommend this gym for grappling generally, or bjj specifically. If that's what you're looking for, you'll spend a ton of money and be no better off for it after months or years of hard work. For jiu jitsu, I have a list of BJJ gyms you can check out, including High Level Jiu Jitsu (just down the street), and other options in nearby cities. If you do decide to check out Montavlo's, he did offer one free class (which is pretty standard in the bjj community), so it wouldn't hurt to see for yourself.

Kirby did not stop payment on my credit card. I had to cancel my card . I told them numerous times…read moreto discontinue payment.

I have only a small amount of experience with this gym from a class back in 2014... but that…read morelimited experience was extremely positive, and were distance not a factor, it would have encouraged me to continue training there instead of finding something else more local. The instructors are extremely friendly and encouraging, and the schedule is pretty accommodating for most people. I enjoyed that there was open mat time after class, which is a very major part of learning bjj, and I felt welcomed from the moment I walked in the door. The class I attended was gi. I can't comment on whether no-gi is offered. The listed cost is about the same you'll encounter at any other gym, so there should be no surprises there. As with most gyms, EFJJ offers a free class to try them out and get a feel for the people and environment. Looking at their website, I guess they're also doing a 2-week-free promotion right now, which is fairly generous. I would encourage anyone getting into bjj for the first time to try a couple gyms and pick one that suits your learning style. EFJJ would be up there on my list of places to try out.

Was in the area to visit family so dropped in with my kids for the kids classes (4-6 and 7-12 years…read moreold) and a beginner class for me. Had a great experience overall. The kids classes were great, my young one is athletic but a bit shy and he instantly felt welcomed and had a blast. There were a good number of kids and the class was great. I didn't catch my older son's class since the adult beginner class was at the same time, but there were lots of kids and my son said he enjoyed it and when we come visit he'd like to come back. He said he's going to bring back a couple games to our gym back at home. Beginner adult class was good. Coach was very welcoming, did a great job of giving context to a few different sweeps and movements. They did a good job of partnering low experience and higher experience folks together which was nice, nice people all the way around. The class after jumped right into rolling, so wish I had planned to stay for that. The facilities were really nice from what we saw/used. The gym was huge compared to others I've visited so plenty of space to stretch out and roll. I really appreciate all the folks I met and engaged with. From my first email asking if we could drop in, to the kids who were really nice to my kids and the coaches who were very welcoming; we would be joining up if we lived in upstate ny. Only bummer was they were out of kids size t-shirts to buy (because they're in high demand), but picked up some nice Secor bjj shorts for a memory and takehome for the kiddos (if that's the biggest negative, that says something).

I caught some serious P-Diddy vibes from one of the instructors the last time I was there, like him…read moreand Matt wanted me to go in the locker room for God knows what.

Donnie is fantastic! Can adapt to all levels, and the community is top notch! Very welcoming and a…read moresuper positive environment!

From the owner: Since beginning on this wonderful adventure, we have always…read moredreamed of having our own studio so that we can bring effective and proven Brazilian Jiu Jitsu to our community. We have traveled near and far to many studios over the years and look forward to delivering top-notch instruction. We believe jiu jitsu is for everyone. It is a great way to get in shape while building self-confidence, mental resilience, and discipline. Whether you're looking for a new fun hobby while bonding with others or you want to become the next world champion, we strive to work on your goals.

My children have just started with Sensei JP & to say I'm impressed is an understatement. He's…read morepatient, calm, has a peaceful demeanor & is funny to boot. The dojo "has a great vibe" in my sons words & I can't wait to see how the kids learn to appreciate the art. Thank you, Sensei JP.

About the Dojo: This Dojo is great. About a year ago I was looking for a martial arts school in the…read morecapital region. My issue at first was that I could not find one that really seemed to take pride in the discipline. In other words, A lot of the places around here just want money and will have you sign long contracts and push "belts" at you. Saratoga Budo is not like that and I just pay monthly and train 3+ days a week. The other aspect I like is that this school is small, so we are all able to get training from a 3rd degree black belt, which does help our progression move along quickly. About the instructor: Sensei JP is extremely patient and understanding. I have been training with him for about a a year and I must say, it has been the best decision of my life. I have learned so much from him and his teaching style helps me strive to become the best. I have learned how to become more confident while also learning how to improve my spiritually as well. I sometimes make mistakes with how I approach a "move" but he never makes me feel like an idiot for not mastering it right away and is always able and willing to help. His teaching stye leaves open the opportunity to "self-learn". He does not force you to do things a certain way and allows you to figure out alternate ways to do things. Coming here is the best part of my week and I find myself constantly thinking about how I can improve and what I can learn. If you are looking for a jujutsu school I would recommend Saratoga Budo to anyone. You have nothing to lose. If I wasnt in grad school and didnt work full time, I would probably train more than I do. I came in not even knowing how to "roll". I progressed in such a short period of time all thanks to the masterful way Sensei teaches. 2019 update- still going strong. This place is still the best.

I looked at a few places and I LOVED Brian Beaury Jiu Jitsu for my 9 year old boy we did the trial…read moreclasses to make sure he liked it first and he loved it! We signed up officially today and at the price point currently for kids it's the lowest in the area and no contract for kids is a plus! My boy has already started making friends. Love this place highly recommend!

Nothing but positive things to say about Brian and his school. I've been training here for a little…read moreover a year and a half now. Very skilled instructors, Brian is absolutely amazing- world class skill-while remaining humble and welcoming. It's a very comfortable and supportive environment that really fosters learning. There are classes for every level and to fit a variety of schedules-Jiu Jitsu really is for everyone!

For people new to Brazilian jiu jitsu: In September of 2008, I decided to get off the couch and…read morestart up a martial art for fitness, self-defense and all around improving myself. After exploring a few places, I walked into Victory BJJ and took a Saturday morning class. Victor was running the warm-up drills for the students with a watchful eye and walked me through the safety rules before smoothly involving me into the class. I was hooked. Immediately. That was six and a half years ago. I've been attending his classes three to five times a week ever since. Victor has a clear and precise way of teaching that is easy to watch, grasp, feel and understand the complex moves being taught. We drill the moves in progressive steps and eventually put them to use in the sparring phase of the class. Victor is also a very, very good grappler and creates a technique-intensive and professional atmosphere that welcomes everybody. There's no "bro culture" and the people at the gym are genuinely interested in helping each other get better without tearing people down. The kids classes are absolute marvels to watch - they get so excited at doing things right and venting energy productively! - and the adult classes are not quite as outwardly exciting, but are great places to vent energy and develop our puzzle-solving and athletic skills. Most weekday classes are from 7:00 pm to about 8:30 or 9:00 pm. For experienced people: Berimbolo and vale tudo coexist here. More of the latter than the former, but Victor will subvert the new sports bjj stuff we throw at him and take our backs while laughing quietly. Very experienced, exacting teacher with a good sense of humor.

I've been training at Victory for several years and it's the best place that I've trained at in the…read morearea.