Genesis Jiu Jitsu — Attraction in River Oaks

Genesis BJJ Pros: Excellent Instruction, Active Competitors, Free Gym Use, Kid Friendly, Flexible Class Times, Free Trial Class Cons: none that I can think of?

I have been training here for 3 months now, and absolutely love everything about this gym. I looked at several local gyms and decided to give Genesis a shot based on all the reviews. I work nights, so it's important to me to have classes that I can actually attend. I typically do the fundamentals classes at 630 pm on my nights off, or the 1130 afternoon class if I worked the night before.

Each class usually has 5 to 15 grapplers, with experience ranging from white to black belt. There are several instructors and so far everyone that I've met has been patient and descriptive teacher. I had a tiny bit of grappling exposure through the Army Combatives Program, but not much formal experience in a gym like this, so wasn't quite sure what to expect. Each class starts with some warm up drills, then you focus on a move, which you drill with a partner. Most classes end with grappling, and many times we do "up down and outs", where you rotate through several partners to work on specific positions. If you aren't dripping sweat by the end of each class, then you're doing something wrong. Classes usually last an hour, but often you can stay around after and keep sparring with anyone willing. Several people are regular competitors, and participation in tournaments is regularly encouraged. I have to say prepare to leave your ego at the door; expect there to be several people that will crush you constantly. But honestly this is excellent for self defense, and I think everyone should have exposure to at least basic BJJ. If you have any doubts, watch the first several UFCs, to see the power of BJJ in action.

Overall, my experience with Genesis has been extraordinary. Beyond getting in a great workout and learning self defense, everyone at Genesis is a team player. You will quickly start to feel like you've joined much more than a team but really a family. Come...

I was told I was not going to be able to train at this establishment after going in and training one time. I thought everyone there seemed nice, but I called to find out why I was being discriminated against and never received a phone call back. I was told that one person (that trains there) decided they didn't want me there so instead of the owner calling me, they told one of my friends to let me know. I was shocked! From a professional business standpoint I'm very surprised how they run a business. I have been training BJJ for two years and would not recommend this school. I would still love an answer to why this happened to me.

Update: I am unable to comment to the owner's response, but will clarify here (FYI) that I used an alias out of respect for my ex-husband, who happens to be a police officer. (You are wrong to jump to conclusions as to why I used an alias.) You are the only one who has aired "drama" after you contacted me begging me to remove my review and I refused. Also, FYI, my ex-husband told me he had NO problem with me working out at your facility. You do not know me, but chose to send a message to me via a third party who informed me I could not train there because of a complaint by my ex-sister-in-law who threatened to quit if you allowed me as a member. Strangely, I have never had an ill word with my SIL, who actually hugged me when I came in to train! Trust me, I WILL find a great "fit" elsewhere because the majority of businesses do not allow students to...

This review is incredibly overdue. I was only able to participate at Genesis JJ for a few months until I was transferred hospitals. I wish I could have stayed so much longer because this place was incredibly welcoming and easy to join.

Albert made it a very strong point to include and incorporate girls and women of any age into the muay thai and BJJ classes, so if you're female and hesitant in joining a male-dominated field, this is easily the place for you. I was the only girl in the BJJ courses quite a few times but the instructors would always make sure I was comfortable first and foremost, especially because I'm quite shy as well. They now have women's BJJ! And Rudy teaches the muay thai courses and is just huge fun!

One of the biggest parts I appreciated was that money was not on their mind. I didn't have to worry about being stuck in a contract, or pre-paying, or having to worry about costs whatsoever. I simply paid for the month I was going and they let me focus on the classes - not if I was getting scammed money per class. They were VERY flexible with my hectic schedule. I appreciated this the most when I was last-minute transferred hospitals and I didn't have to worry about eating any costs or losing money. Annie, the one who handles the payments, is the nicest person and the easiest person to work with.

All in all, I would recommend this place a million times over. Non-intimidating but tough, and...