1st night at Gracies

[Ray Pina]

I didn't care for 3 or the 4 teachines/positions shown but really liked the fourth (a sciccors sweep from the back)... good leverages involved.

A little concerned over the size of the class. I'm used to very small or private classes and found myself one of about 10 first day newbies in a class of 30 other white belts ranging from 1st week, 1st month, 3 month ect.

First month fee (including registration so tuition can be pulled from your account): $250. Monthly tuition fee there after: $187. That gets you up to 3, 1 hour classes a week. I can live with that, I was paying $150 for two classes a week before, granted those classes were 3 hours long.

I'm interested and will most likely sign up and officially start tomorrow, but a little concerned about the class size. Though, at the same time I know you have to start at the beginning. It's a nice challenge because it's completely new: no kicking or punching, just rolling and conditioning and grappling.

I figure I got nothing to lose now, might as well give it a chance, and will go 3 night a week.

[Oso]

I wouldn't worry about class size. If they run it right you'll be rolling with lot's of different people and that's a good thing. If what they say is true, and you dominate your belt level, you'll get moved up quickly.

1 hour is too short though. Do they offer longer classes for more advanced students? I could see running just one hour for like white belts to introduce them to the discipline and get their stamina built up. But, once you move past that I would think they'd give you more mat time in a single class. Are there open mat times?

good luck and have fun.

[MasterKiller]

I would also ask about no-gi training. I'm sure the instruction is going to be top-notch either way.

Good luck!

[hjt]

does renzo teach the class? or his senior students do?

[Chief Fox]

The instructor is a Machado purple belt. Last night there were only 7 people in the class including me and the instructor. So that was pretty cool. We warmed up for a bit and then worked techniques for about 30 min or so then the more experienced people had individual matches in 5 minute rounds. Each person probably rolled for about 3 rounds each. I just watched for that part. It was cool. The rolling was pretty intense. I'm not sure if I was expecting that much intesity. I'm going to take another free class on Thursday night and give rolling a go. If everything goes well, I'll probably sign up on saturday. Fees are $100 a month.

[TenTigers]

Ray, how much for privates, or if you can only make it in once a week? My schedule is real tight. Matt Serra is right around the block from me, but I don't want to go local. Do you know anything about the BJJ school out east?
Since you're in Long Beach, NYC might be easier for you anyway.

[Ray Pina]

We're working with the gi now and that's fine. I actually want to learn it that way so I can see the elvolution for myself. I always prefer studying a styles formula over getting the bottled finished product.

I've already thought about how I could use the sweep in a no gi situation, but right now, there's some benefits about being a newbie. No pressure, just absorb what I can.

I want to move up and roll with some of the more advanced guys, but at the same time I don't want to overstep the basics, things like rolling and breakfalling. I'm philosophically against some of these things, but I want to keep an open mind... empty the cup so to speak.

They have randori sessions during the day but I have a 9 to 5. What was cool, one of the guys said, "Oh, we got guys that are here all day' they're pros. This is their job." I liked that.

I'm sure once I move up more opportunities will present themselves.

[Knifefighter]

I didn't care for 3 or the 4 teachines/positions shown .

Which ones were those and why didn't you like them?