I have been studying under Professor Rodrigo Mendes for over a year now and I have reserved my review because honestly with something like Jiu Jitsu it takes quite a while to see results and provide feedback. With that said my review is going to be a little different.
Rodrigo and his team of black belts and higher ranked students will allow you to grow to whatever your optimum potential is - no more no less. The is no secret to Jiu Jitsu and RMBJJ is very honest about that. The only way to progress is hard work and determination. If you can commit that much Rodrigo and his team will ensure that you have a guide along your personal journey, I say personal journey because no two students are the same. Aside from hard work and dedication Rodrigo makes sure to instill one other philosophy to his students - this school is ours, not mine. He makes it very clear without the support of his Professors, Students and their significant others there can't be an RMBJJ.
So my suggestion is this - give it a try. The worst that can happen is you meet some cool people and decide its not for you. The best thing is you find something that gives you a deep satisfaction that doesn't come easily these days with instant gratification.
I train with deliverymen, doctors, hairdressers, construction workers and everything in between - you rarely find diversity like that anywhere. I have found a lifestyle with this school that I cannot imagine living without and to be honest the fighting aspect is the least important part. I have found a sisterhood/brotherhood that is worth the price of...
   Read moreAs a 55-year-old Brown Belt returning to Jiu-Jitsu after a nine-year layoff, I know firsthand how mentally and physically challenging it can be—especially for lighter grapplers around 150 pounds—rolling with younger, more active training partners. After just three months back, I’ve realized how vital it is to train smart, both on and off the mats. As a Physical Therapist, I understand the importance of building resilience and “bulletproofing” your body outside of Jiu-Jitsu to handle the demands of the sport (and make no mistake I work hard at it). However, just as important—if not more—is finding the right academy. Having trained exclusively at RMBJJ under Professors Rodrigo, Brad, Shane, and TJ throughout my Jiu-Jitsu journey, I can say with absolute confidence that the culture here is second to none! The environment is ego-free, and everyone welcomed me back with open arms, giving me the space and support I needed to ease back into training. I truly missed this, and I’m incredibly grateful I chose to return to RMBJJ—this academy has reignited my love for the sport in the best...
   Read moreBeen rolling two and a half years and switched to RMBJJ about 9 months ago. Rodrigo is a straight dealing guy who likes to run his school ethically. He is personally very capable in BJJ and there are another couple of black belts in regular attendance. The balance between martial arts formality and the laid back Brazilian culture is just right for me. The facility is clean and well maintained. Classes are offered morning and evening ( but not too late ) throughout the week with an open mat on Saturday morning. Attendance is good with a wide variety of belt levels, athletic capability and age. The vibe is very good. The members roll hard but clean, according to the ability and desire of their partner, and injury is a very rare occurrence.
The exclusive focus of the school on BJJ is a plus for me. BJJ is a tough sport in that you are in a live combat situation but is is a great way to work on cardio, strength and flexibility all while using your brain to figure out the puzzle of submitting a partner while...
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