Why Claims of Being “the Best” Don’t Define the Quality of a Jiu-Jitsu School.

In many areas, several Jiu-Jitsu academies advertise themselves as “the best school around.” While this type of language may be common in marketing, it is not measurable and does not reflect the actual experience or standards a student will encounter on the mat. Jiu-Jitsu is a technical and highly structured martial art, and evaluating the quality of an academy requires a more meaningful approach than relying on self-assigned titles.

The notion of a single “best” school is also inaccurate, because students begin training with different objectives. Some pursue Jiu-Jitsu for self-defense, others for competition, and many for structured skill development or a professional environment suitable for adults and families. Since individual goals vary, the question is not which academy claims superiority, but whether the school’s training model aligns with what the student is seeking. A credible academy acknowledges that it may not be the right fit for everyone and focuses instead on providing clarity about its standards, methods, and expectations.

A high quality school demonstrates its value through consistency rather than slogans. Long term student development is a key indicator of credibility, reflected in steady progress over time, thoughtful and standards based belt promotions, and student retention that extends beyond the first ... Read More

In recent years, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu has become one of the fastest-growing martial arts in the world. Many people discover it through tournaments, online highlights, and professional athletes. But what’s often overlooked is that the original purpose of Jiu-Jitsu was self-defense, not sport. While both versions share techniques and principles, self-defense Jiu-Jitsu better prepares students for real-life situations where rules, mats, and referees don’t exist.

Self-defense Jiu-Jitsu focuses on practicality and survival. The techniques are designed to protect you from common street attacks, punches, grabs, tackles, and even weapon threats. You learn how to stay calm, control distance, and escape safely. In contrast, sport Jiu-Jitsu often rewards positions and tactics that only make sense in competition, like pulling guard or relying on grips that wouldn’t hold up on concrete or against strikes. In a self-defense situation, those habits can be dangerous.

Real-world effectiveness is the key difference. A self-defense student trains to neutralize aggression quickly and escape, not to score points or win medals. The emphasis is on awareness, verbal boundaries, and defense against striking, skills you won’t find in most sport-oriented academies. It’s about protecting yourself and your loved ones when it truly matters, not just performing under controlled conditions.

That said, Jiu-Jitsu competition still offers real value. It&r... Read More

In today’s unpredictable world, learning how to protect yourself is one of the most empowering choices you can make and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) stands out as one of the most practical and effective self-defense systems available. Unlike many martial arts that rely heavily on striking, Jiu Jitsu focuses on leverage, technique, and ground control, making it possible for a smaller, weaker person to defend against a larger attacker.

Self-defense Jiu Jitsu lessons teach real-life skills that work under pressure. Students learn how to escape dangerous holds, control an aggressor without causing unnecessary harm, and gain the confidence to stay calm in high stress situations. This isn’t just about fighting it’s about learning to avoid fights whenever possible and knowing you have the tools to protect yourself if needed.

Beyond the physical techniques, training in Jiu Jitsu builds mental resilience, discipline, and situational awareness. It creates a strong sense of community where people encourage each other to grow stronger and more capable. For adults and children alike, BJJ is more than just a martial art it’s a pathway to greater self-confidence, fitness, and peace of mind. If you want to feel safer, stronger, and more prepared for whatever life throws at you, stepping onto the mat might just be one of the best decisions you ever make.

Jiu-Jitsu offers children a unique combination of physical and mental benefits, making it an excellent martial art for young learners. First and foremost, it promotes physical fitness by improving strength, flexibility, and coordination. Jiu-Jitsu classes often involve exercises that challenge both the body and mind, helping kids develop endurance and agility while also instilling a healthy respect for their own bodies. Furthermore, children acquire essential self-defense skills through Jiu-Jitsu training. They learn techniques to protect themselves effectively and safely, which boosts their confidence in handling potentially dangerous situations. These physical benefits lay the foundation for a lifetime of fitness and health, making it an ideal activity for growing children.

Beyond the physical benefits, Jiu-Jitsu is a powerful tool for teaching essential life skills. It fosters discipline, focus, and perseverance, all of which are crucial for success in any area of life. Children learn how to set goals, work through challenges, and manage frustration when faced with difficult situations—skills that will serve them well both on and off the mat. Jiu-Jitsu also emphasizes the importance of respect and humility, as kids interact with training partners, listen to instructors, and adhere to the principles of the sport.

Perhaps one of the most compelling reasons for kids to learn Jiu-Jitsu is the boost in self-confidence i... Read More

With the growing popularity of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu more people are giving it a try. But how does one decide which academy is right for you? Wherever you train you need to plan on going to class at least 2 times per week. Going to a jiu-jitsu academy is not like belonging to a health club, where you show up, use the equipment and leave. It’s an educational and learning environment. So, first and foremost you need to look into the quality of instruction. You should look into the background of the head instructor. You can do some of that homework online. You should meet with the owner or head instructor and ask about how they do things and get to know them a little bit. You should also sit in on a class to see how a class is organized. Is it a structured class? Does the instructor communicate in an understanding and logical way? Do they have a beginners curriculum?  Does the school focus more on Self Defense (street) or competition jiu-jitsu? Also, ask students in the class about their experiences there. Some academies may have a trial period which is a great way for you get a better feel for the quality of the instruction.

Another big thing to consider is what the atmosphere is like. Is everyone friendly to one another? How are people treating each other? Are the students helpful to you and to others. Do the other students seem to be happy there? Is it a place where you seem to belong? You will be spending a lot of time there each week so you want to m... Read More