JAO MAA has become my home away from home. You learn so much every class that you feel the need to keep coming back for more. The instructor is patient and detailed in his training. Definitely worth checking out!!!!
I did a lot of research prior to settling on JAO martial arts academy. I chose quality over proximity and don't regret it one bit. Being that I had another local school a few blocks away it did not one bit influence my decision.
First impression: Upon speaking with the dojo sensei I felt welcomed. JAO himself explained the culture to me and cared enough to know what I hoped to accomplish. He was very chill and down to earth. He exerted authority while still being humble and understanding (something extremely hard to come accesos in the martial arts world).
Class experience: Needless to say I've managed to sign up past my first month. The energy and vibe felt within this academy is unmatched. If you want a place where technique conquers all... then JAO MAA is your place to be. Keep in mind- BJJ is a life path. It is a culture in which you learn discipline above all. It is highly addictive (when taught correctly) and choosing the right school is essential in your growth path. The association the school belongs to is top notch. Caio Terra is amongst the best out there and he's extremely active within the academy (MAJOR PLUS!)
Affordability: The schools pricing was within reason, if anything even more affordable than the other schools in the city. No hidden gimmicks as well which was something that was a deal breaker for me. Every other school I spoke with had contracts or unrealistic commitments along with other yelp reviews to corroborate with my findings.
Overall takeaway: If you want to learn REAL BJJ- please listen to me when I say JAO is the place to be. The dedication exerted by the instructor is unmatched and you'll come to see that you'll begin seeing everything with different eyes. I than the day I stumbled upon their Facebook page. After taking my first free class I knew I...
Read moreI've been training at Jao Martial Arts Academy for only a few months now, and I must say it's an absolute privelage!
The Caio Terra curriculum for Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is extremely solid and I appreciate the extra attention to detail with each technique and focus placed on teaching it in a way that is useful for a beginner, yet always relevant through black belt level.
The variety of classes are great as well. There's Gi and No-Gi, and Advanced and Fundamentals classes. This enables you to stay rooted with the basics, while venturing with the advanced approach, improving your level, Gi on and off.
The striking classes are just as high in quality too. It's not just a cardio kickboxing class nor all about brute force, but you will find challenging drills that not only teach you how to strike properly, but the importance of timing, managing distance, setting up moves effectively and more. There is also sparring incorporated which is important, testing what you've learned under live resistance.
Our instructor, coach Jao is an extremely knowledgeable and accomplished martial artist who clearly cares about each students growth, and is very talented at teaching classes that are structured and serious, yet lots of fun.
The Facility is clean, neat and comfortable, (especially with the new unbeatable A/C unit) in an environment that is friendly and open to all. The schedule and pricing are also very fair with flexible options for those of us with a busy work schedule.
Whether you are looking to compete, learn how to defend yourself, or just get a full body workout and keep fit while having a great time, I highly recommend you come visit the academy and try it out for yourself. See you...
Read moreMy son has been attending for three years, and we’re very happy with the experience. He is on the Autism Spectrum, and the staff here are incredibly neuro-affirming and supportive. It took him some time to adjust to the routine, but they were patient and consistent throughout the process.
One thing I really appreciate is that they limit how many new students are admitted each month. This helps ensure that each child can ease into the class environment without being overwhelmed.
While my son has had challenges with following directions, the teachers have always responded with understanding and care. They gently redirect him when needed and recognize that some learning milestones are simply not within his control yet. They meet him where he is, and that makes all the...
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