My oldest son had very limited experience in martial arts before joining GB Downers Grove, but has been an enthusiastic of the UFC. He always loved watching how the Gracies would control bigger and stronger opponents without much effort or use of strength. He didn't have the opportunity to commit to a program due to us living in a area without decent Brazilian Jiu Jitsu schools - only some back yard MMA places and a few karate schools. Upon moving to the Downers Grove area, we searched on the web and found Gracie Barra Downers Grove.
The facility was clean and beautiful, decorated with large historical posters of the Gracie family hanging on their walls. The school was packed with students, working closely with multiple instructors, and the place was full of positive energy. I noticed that there were different levels of curriculums on the walls that instructors refer to, which sparked my interest to read along the wall to have discovered the attention to detail of this school: dojo etiquette, Gracie mottos, and different curriculum info all spread out across the shop. The changing room was nice, and they seem to be providing towel service along with multiple showers.
Prof. Carlos Lemos Jr and Prof. Lopez came to greet us with their warm smiles, welcoming us to Gracie Barra, They were incredibly friendly, and so were the students. Within only one semester's time, we started to noticed that not only has he lost weight and started to feel more energetic, but also how his focus, discipline and confidence have also improved substantially. This change took place not only at home but also at his school where he became quite a leader figure of his class. We received many compliments from his teachers and we knew that had lots to do with the experience he had at Gracie Barra.
Months later, Gracie Barra offered a special promotion where parents of the school receives 1 month unlimited classes at no cost. We got an used Gracie Barra uniform on the eBay and I joined the classes as soon as the uniform arrived in the mail. For years, I have struggled with circulation problems which almost disappeared within weeks of training! My mood and senses improved so much that we decided to sign up my younger son for the program too. Different from my older son, he never really enjoyed any sports and for the first 8 weeks tried everything under the sun to quit the program. Fortunately, the instructors were patient enough to support and encourage him through out the rough times. They ask us to give our boy time that eventually he would catch up with the rest of the group and they were right! Our shy little boy who used to play video games more than anything was finally smiling on the mats. Like his brother, he also became more confident, disciplined, focused and energetic. After a year of training, my younger son became a youth leader of our church and we know that this confidence has lots to do with the teachings of GB Downers Grove as well.
Right before I was relocated once again, my oldest son won the Chicago International Open Championship! That was the greatest sports achievement of my son, and for us the greatest satisfaction knowing that both of them are champions of life. Sadly, life took our family to another state, but we can never forget the experience of both of my kids at this wonderful school. Thank you so much Prof Lemos, Prof Ryo, Prof Lopez, Prof Lou and Coach Pedroca.We are so thankful for all of the great memories watching our boys flourish at Gracie Barra...
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