I first learned of Jts jiu Jitsu through a friend. He informed me of his past and then made a very valid point "who better to teach your children then someone who's spent the last two decades of their life trying to not be a victim." Still hesitant I decided to give him a shot, and let me tell you it has been one of my better choices as a mother. I have around nine to ten kids in my care at any given time. I have kids from all walks of life, a lot being from broken homes. I have kids who were terrified of every bump in the night. When I say this man has completely changed our lives for the better I mean it. He ONLY goes at your child's pace and his model is he never wants to see a child become a victim. I have a daughter who I thought would never come out of her shell and now she's always ready and excited for her next class. I have two boys who wouldn't listen if you paid them and now because of these classes the one on one talks about respect not only on the mats but in life from are changing their attitudes for the better. Yes, he did make a mistake as a 16 year old homeless child, and he paid his debt, and he is trying to make a positive impact on the world by showing youth the path not to take. I've had talks with him about his experiences in prison, and while inside he read and absorbed as much knowledge as possible. When my older teens have questions on home work they contact him, and they aren't the only ones. I've never heard him ever use or try recruit anyone for race related groups. He doesn't treat my Native kids worse or better then my white kids. Clearly the other reviewer has never taken a class from him or held an actual conversation with this man. I'd like to think I'm not the same person I was at 16. Yes, some people don't learn from experiences in prison but my honest opinion is he did, and is trying to be a better person. I've recommend him everyone I know and no one has ever once had a bad thing to say about him, regardless of knowing or not knowing his past. He's amazing to watch on the mats with kids and when he competes; The sportsmanship he teaches, he practices when he goes against others. I wholeheartedly recommend him read more