Detroit Jiu-Jitsu was suggested to me by a good friend who had been training there for a little while, I had always had an interest in jiu-jitsu and decided to take him up on the invitation.
First off, DJJ is easy to find, just off 94 on Michigan Ave in East Dearborn, parking is free and plentiful in the municipal lot behind the building, the academy entrance is clearly located off the lot. I was met and welcomed by an instructor who laid out the basics, showed me where to change and lent me a gi (the uniform) for class.
The class itself is divided into 3 segments, a warm-up, the lesson of the day, and then "rolling" or friendly sparring. I've come to learn how top notch the instruction is, DJJ has high-level coaches who actively compete so the lessons are always an excellent mix of solid basics and the most modern techniques, so every lesson is designed to give something to each student, basics for the new students, and the more in-depth lessons for the higher level students, some who travel around and compete at a world level (and win) and some who you've seen fighting in the MMA cage (and winning). A note on the group at DJJ, from the top down they are the best and most welcoming, eclectic, diverse collection of people I've encountered in a long time, there is a strong family vibe in the gym, lots of smiles and hi-fives peppered with friendly interaction between people from all walks of life and some profanity for good measure. If you come to DJJ with an open mind and your ego in-check you will find that everyone is willing to lend whatever help/ instruction/ insight that they can, jiu-jitsu in general will test your ego and will, it may even cause some to question their skills in other grappling and martial arts, but it will leave you humbled, sweaty and sore and with a sense of gratification that so many other gym activities lack.
Detroit Jiu-Jistu is not a "Mc-Dojo", your progress is always monitored and rewarded, but not often, and not because you dropped $100 for a belt test, but because the instructors, whom you come to know and trust have decided that you have earned the promotion.
Speaking of cost, the first class is always FREE, and they have uniforms to lend you, the monthly rates are also super reasonable for the high level of personal attention and instruction you receive and its also an intense physical work out as well.
To wrap this up, if you live in the metro-Detroit area and have ANY interest in learning to protect yourself, get into shape, gain self-confidence, and perhaps pick up a new healthy addiction, stop into Detroit Jiu-Jitsu, check out a class, I did, almost 5 years ago, and it was one of the best decisions I've made in a very long time.
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Posted 9 years ago