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| - There are too many good things to fit in one review. This academy is TOP-NOTCH! I've always loved Brazilian jiu-jitsu and MMA. I was actually looking for a Judo place that was in the city when I happened upon the BJJ gym though. When you first attend, you get a free, one-on-one lesson from one of the many instructors there. I had some BJJ experience from the Army so we were able to skip some of the intro stuff and focus more on positional dominance and transitions. I signed up and everything has been great. There are jiu-jitsu competitors there as well as amateur and Professional Mixed Marital Artists. No one there has an attitude, no one is trying to hurt you. This is one of the most respectful places I've ever been, besides training in the Army. I did karate/american kickboxing when I was younger and the folks who attend this gym are so much more friendly and helpful. Warren Stout, owner, head instructor is super experienced in wrestling, BJJ and MMA. He's very approachable as is everyone who works there. You will be guided on how to gain the skills to learn BJJ, compete in BJJ or simply just protect yourself.
There's also Muay Thai there. Kru David Reese is an experienced Muay Thai instructor. He lived in Thailand for about 8 years and has had over 60 professional Muay Thai fights. He's won every major championship that you can win in Thailand and now shares his passion for Muay Thai here at the Renzo Gracie Pittsburgh Jiu-Jitsu and MMA Academy. I haven't done striking in 13 years and he's taken my decent karate roundhouse kick and turned it into a deadly 'Thai Kick'. He trains everyone like there going to fight. This is NOT a cardio kickboxing class. This is real Muay Thai taught by a real Muay Thai fighter/instructor.
Jarret teaches MMA conditioning classes. Theses are kettlebell circuits that are a great workout for anyone. Women, don't be afraid. There are plenty of women in this class and I've personally had plenty of female friends show interest in this class.
There's an MMA techniques course taught by Mike Wilkins, pro fighter. He's a great instructor that takes the time to show everyone how to incorporate wrestling with BJJ into MMA. These are basic MMA techniques that he is teaching as there are separate classes for the actual fight team. Fight team is by invitation only.
I wouldn't trade this experience for anything and I've learned so much more about my personality from this experience. If you ever get the chance to train here, please do. Whether you're an aspiring competitor or just want a good workout, you will not regret it! Parents, there are kids classes too!
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