Evolution Grappling Academy — Attraction in City of Beacon

I've been training at EGA off and on for the past 2-3 years, after having trained for a similar length of time at several other gyms around the country. I don't know anything about the kids class or the striking classes; my review is only on the adult grappling classes, which are each offered in gi and no-gi flavors.

In Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, a basic wrestling mat and another warm body is the minimum requirement to get in a decent grappling session and to get the endorphins going - and at many gyms, that is about all you get. At EGA, however, the mat is seriously gigantic, your training partners are friendly, the coaches are knowledgeable, and importantly, they are able to convey that knowledge to students of all experience levels. Mike's passion for the sport comes through in his teaching, and his frequent use of analogies makes the key details stick.

Your training partners will span the full spectrum -- from couch potato newbies to veteran mixed-martial-artists. Mike will recognize when an individual is doing a move slightly wrong and is always able to correct it on the spot. Mike is also good about pairing up partners appropriately based on their size and experience. The gym strikes just the right balance -- a safe environment with a very casual atmosphere. There's a lounge area, male and female locker rooms with separate showers, and a big parking lot.

Mike rolls almost every class, and rolls with everyone. Some elite grapplers have a narrow game, but Mike is a subject matter expert in all aspects of grappling. Advanced grapplers will find that Mike has a worldclass no-gi game, which is fast-paced, but adaptable to any body type. Mike is also an expert in all of the "modern" gi and no-gi techniques, yet is able to teach/play an effective traditional gi or no-gi game as well.

What are you...

I have been training at Evolution Grappling Academy for two years now, after having trained in several other jiu jitsu schools. Head coach Mike Palladino, a brown belt under Soul Fighters co-founder Rafael "Formiga" Barbosa, is one of the most knowledgable, enthusiastic, passionate, and attentive jiu jitsu instructors I have ever had the pleasure of training under. He is constantly working with each individual student to help them grow their jiu jitsu, working with their strengths and weaknesses and each individual's body type to tailor a game that will work for them specifically. It works for me....I am a two time No Gi Pan American gold medalist in my division, and I took silver in the absolute (open weight) division at the IBJJF NY Open last year, among many medals at smaller tournaments. We have a healthy mix of competitors and hobbyists ranging from novices to experienced brown belts, and ranging in age from 16 - 54 in the adult classes. Evolution is also growing its children's program, and the results are impressive! It's very much a tribe, a welcoming family environment where students and instructors both collaborate to train hard and help each other get better. Additionally, Mike often brings in other highly accomplished instructors to cross train in other arts such as Sambo or wrestling. All in all, Evolution Grappling Academy is hands down the best Brazilian jiu jitsu academy in the...

I have been training at EGA for about two years now and I would highly recommend attending this school. From the positive atmosphere, quality equipment, clean gym, and amazing coach, EGA is the best gym around. The new Beacon location has provided Coach Mike with the opportunity to expand his class schedule and student base. He offers excellent beginner Gi and No Gi classes, as well as advanced Gi and No Gi classes and open mats. His coaching style is inspiring as he spends time making sure everyone understands the mechanics of each position or move and ensures all questions are answered. He is very knowledgeable and his love of the art shows in everything he does. He competes regularly at a high level and those of his students who compete in his gym regularly bring home medals and honors. He is also developing a reputation for bringing in some of the best quality talent around to teach advanced jiu jitsu moves, leg locks, wrestling, Sambo, and other grappling related arts and moves. If you are looking to get started in BJJ or want to improve your game at any level, your search should stop here. EGA has the best coach and best students around. Anybody and everybody is welcomed here and treated with respect. Come to train, work out, compete, or just learn. See you...