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| - I have been training BJJ for the past couple years in the US and in Canada. During this time, I've had the good fortune of training at multiple schools and learning from multiple instructors. I have only been at OpenMat for the past couple months, but believe that it is a truly outstanding dojo. I probably can't do the school justice in a short yelp review, but will list a few things that make this a wonderful place to train.
1) Elliott (the head BJJ instructor) has a very effective teaching style. As a new student, you'll quickly realize that classes are heavily focused on learning, drilling, and refining techniques that flow together. In a couple short months, I feel that I have learned a tremendous amount about a few common positions/situations. I have had the chance to develop these new skills into "good habits" by virtue of repetition. Unlike many schools in which each class is dedicated to different techniques, OpenMat classes are structured around monthly blocks of training specific areas of BJJ. This means that you will practice the same techniques over and over, allowing you time to commit techniques to your muscle memory and figure out how to make them work for you.
2) OpenMat has a really friendly and welcoming dojo culture. From the moment you walk in the front door, you will realize that everyone here is very friendly and humble. There are no egos at this dojo. From the top tier people on the competition team, to the hobbyist who comes in to stay in shape, people are super enthusiastic about learning and helping one another; there is a general collaborative spirit in the dojo. In my opinion, this also enhances your training and learning. By being in a place where everyone is friendly and eager to help you learn, you pick up moves and concepts quickly.
3) Class sizes are smaller, which allows for individual attention and help. Despite what other folks have said on this post, I have found OpenMat's classes to be on the smaller end of the BJJ class-size spectrum. The dojo has numerous classes throughout the day, which gives you opportunities to train in the afternoon, evening, or at night. Even the evening classes (which are a bit larger) are still small enough so that you can ask questions and get specific help on your game.
4) OpenMat is a very clean dojo. In addition to washing the mats regularly, OpenMat has very clean bathrooms (or as Canadians say "washrooms"). The bathrooms are always in good and clean condition. They always have toiletries and soap. They even provide free shampoo and body wash, which in turn encourages good and safe hygiene for training.
5) OpenMat is not just a place for martial arts. In one of my earliest classes, Elliott addressed students and said (paraphrasing) "Martial arts are a vehicle to become better people." I believe that this philosophy permeates all aspects of the dojo. Training here has made me a more humble and compassionate person. I think that many of the students have also expressed this same feeling of personal growth through their training here.
In the end, I know that choosing a dojo can be a confusing process. I tried various schools before discovering OpenMat. If you are looking for a fun and friendly place to learn the martial arts, OpenMat is the place for you. =)
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