There are a lot of options for jiu jitsu training, particularly in the triangle. I have trained at a few different schools over the past couple years as a permanent student, or visiting while traveling.
Prof. Roberto Godoi has been in jiu jitsu for 30-something years, which makes for an awesome perspective in a martial art where it takes 10 or more years on average to reach a black belt. Godoi leads by example. He is still competing and winning at high level ibjjf tournaments - an 18 time panam winner, for example.
The academy is focused on ibjjf competition over self defense, but I don’t see this as a negative per se. Lots of folks leave self defense bjj after awhile to expand their horizons in the art and try their hand at competition. Even if you decide not to compete, there is no pressure to do so and you will all help each other improve when your partners have a purpose for their efforts.
Godoi’s school uses his G13 system, which means that rather than teaching whatever random technique he feels like teaching during a given class, he follows a system of repetitive reinforcement. This is particularly helpful for new students to jiu jitsu. Unlike at some schools where new students are getting lost trying to follow advanced, multi-step techniques in their first week that they may not see again for weeks or months later (see prior statement), new students spend time to perfect a smaller number of moves, and then build on those over time.
Another thing that separates Prof. Godoi’s system is the emphasis on the stand-up aspects of jiu jitsu often ignored at other academies. Each sparring session starts on the feet, which better prepares students for tournament, or ultimately, for self defense too, where all encounters start standing.
When you are looking to start jiu jitsu for the first time, take note of the beginner’s curriculum, how students take in techniques at a given class, and whether the school works on takedowns.
If you are new to the area and have been training awhile somewhere else, the academy in Cary is full of excellent students of all levels, from white to black belt. You are sure to get competitive, technical rolls at this school.
G13 is a family business. The Godois try to promote a caring atmosphere, and the school hosts events throughout the year, including a very nice ceremony to honor promotions that is unique in my experience. It is more formal in terms of gym etiquette than some other academies. G13 definitely still has strong roots in Brazil and if travel there to train is something you would enjoy, the school offers opportunity to do so.
I met some awesome folks when I was training here that I still cheer on. Though I’m at a G13 affiliate school closer to home now, I look forward to returning some day when my schedule allows. If you live or work near Cary and this school is nearby, do yourself a favor and check it out. They offer classes just about every day of the week morning, noon, and night.
For anyone, the mats are quality and clean.
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Posted 4 years ago
