Romulo Melo Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

1313 Mason St, San Francisco, CA 94133, USA

5.0 (79 reviews)

Disciplines

Gi Judo MMA No-Gi Self-Defense

Classes

Adults Classes Open Mat

Facilities

Mat Space

Culture

Welcoming Environment

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Romulo Melo BJJ practices and teaches traditional Gracie Jiu-Jitsu for fitness, competition, and self-defense. Chief instructor, Romulo Melo, having trained directly under Vinicius Aieta and Royler Gracie at the highly respected Gracie Academy, Gracie Humaita in Rio de Janeiro, as well as at the Gracie Tijuca academy, brings the best of authentic Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu to the United States.

Reviews from Jiu-Jitsu Blog members who have trained at Romulo Melo Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Member recommendations raise an academy's Jiu-Jitsu Blog Score.

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Reviews

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Damien Keeter

As a guest, I had a wonderful time training at this Academy. The head instructor and members are so welcoming! Whether your seasoned grappler or brand new. It’s a rare find to come across an Academy like this!
Posted 1 year ago
Alexey Surkov

Attended for a drop in nogi class while visiting the city. Everyone was very friendly, also very good at jiu jitsu. Will be coming again!

Instructors Facility Classes Atmosphere
Posted 1 year ago
Jeff Orr

I feel really lucky to have found this gym in SF. Romulo is knowledgeable and patient, his coaching style is structured in a way that helps everyone learn, regardless of skill level. Everyone is super welcoming, kind and hard-working. If you’re looking for a gym with great instruction, a positive atmosphere and a strong sense of community, this is the place to be!

Instructors Facility Location Atmosphere
Posted 1 year ago
Taylor Davis

I’ve been attending Romulo’s for a few years now and there’s no better place in the city to find a mix of world class BJJ instruction and good community. No egos here. Everyone is kind and welcoming. And there’s Jiu-Jitsu here for whatever level you’re looking for, competition or casual, beginner or advanced.

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Posted 1 year ago
William Mackie

I have been training at Romulo’s for the last 8.5 years. I feel extremely fortunate to have spent my entire time training at this gym. The instruction from Romulo is excellent and he is always working to become better. The environment at the gym is amazing and filled with wonderful people some who have become my best friends! If you are looking for a place to train in SF come to Rómulo’s!!

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Posted 1 year ago
Laura Ling

Romulo Melo is an amazing instructor who welcomes students at all levels. This is the first martial arts gym I ever stepped foot into, and as someone who is often the only female in the morning class, it took me six months to participate in my first roll. Romulo allowed me to take my time and join when I felt ready. He consistently encouraged me and helped me overcome my fears and mental blocks. The gym culture, along with the support of other students, makes it a fantastic place to learn BJJ. It’s not just about mastering techniques—it’s about building camaraderie and supporting one another along the way. There is a women’s team that has grown, creating a welcoming space for more women to train. The gym now even offers a dedicated women’s class, helping female students feel confident and supported on the mats.

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Posted 1 year ago
Clarence Chen

Great gym with a welcoming atmosphere and good training.

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Posted 1 year ago
Michael Gallegus

Romulo Melo Jiu Jitsu is hands down an amazing gym! The atmosphere is super welcoming, and the energy is always great. Coach is an absolute legend—his knowledge, teaching style, and passion for Jiu Jitsu make every class a blast. He takes the time to break things down and works with everyone, no matter your skill level. Whether you’re looking to improve your technique or just get a great workout, this is the place to be. Highly recommend it!

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Posted 1 year ago
Brian O'Shea

Romulo Melo is a great teacher and coach. He has competition experience and encourages his students to compete too, although it's not required. Great atmosphere and top notch Jiu Jitsu training. I have been a student of Romulo's since before he opened his own gym, and over the years he has consistently fostered a healthy atmosphere among his students while motivating them to improve and excel. Many have also been with him from the start. It's rare to find a place like this.

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Posted 1 year ago
Michael Beleson

I've been going to Romulo's for 18 months. The community was very welcoming when I started and Romulo and his team are great instructors, shoutout to Cory. I'm generally a morning class guy, but have gone to plenty of afternoon and evening classes and enjoy them all. There is a good mix of hobbyist and those who compete. This past June I got to go with Romulo and a group from the gym on the annual trip to Brazil. It was an awesome experience that I highly recommend.

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Posted 2 years ago
Nicole Lee

i've been going to romulo's gym for almost a year now and it's been the best experience ever ! he has been so kind and welcoming since my first day. everyone who trains at the gym is also super cool and class is always a great time. would highly recommend to anyone !! super beginner friendly as well :)

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Posted 2 years ago
Shadi Kaileh

I came to Romulo's by recommendation of a few longtime practitioners after checking out a couple of other gyms in making my decision on which gym to call home. I can confidently say I couldn't have picked a better spot. Romulo is a legend and a top notch instructor - super technical and patient, but most importantly, an incredible human being. The gym has a friendly but hard working vibe, a lot of professionals train here given its close proximity to the financial district. It's clean, technical, not "cult-y", and at risk of using the cliche which can sometimes be weird, it really is a community/family-like atmosphere, and it's the best addition to my life and martial arts experience thus far. Check it out for yourself. You'll be glad you did.

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Posted 2 years ago
Kevin Rauen

Expert instruction, great training, and amazing environment. New students are greeted with a smile and warm welcome from Romulo and all others in the room. You’ll get a workout, learn something new (self defense / jiu jitsu), and build camaraderie. Those joining who are experienced will be happy to see a room full of teammates ready to push each other (safely) and develop further. Can’t say enough good things about Romulo and his team.

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Posted 2 years ago
Evan Kono

Anybody’s first time going to a BJJ school can be an intimidating experience. Around six years ago I found Romulo Melo and have been there ever since. Not only is Romulo a super approachable, caring individual but he is the consummate coach able to breakdown technique and strategy so anyone can learn. A school is a reflection of the teacher and at that first class, I found myself welcomed by both Romulo and his students and instantly knew this was the place for me. A BJJ journey is a challenging one and I know I couldn’t have made it this far without the support of Romulo and all of his students I’ve had the honor of rolling with over the years. If you’re looking for a BJJ school, you can’t do any better than Romulo Melo’s!

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Posted 2 years ago
Justin Tsai

I had the privilege of joining Romulo's annual trip to Brazil in 2024. Despite training at a different dojo, Romulo, Amanda, and their team embraced me warmly. Learning directly from Romulo and his childhood master, Vinny, was an exceptional experience. The depth of knowledge, cultural immersion, and positive atmosphere were truly top-notch. I highly recommend Romulo's to anyone in SF looking to train.

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Posted 2 years ago
Stephen Ahn

I signed up for Romulo's gym after my first class, and I haven't looked back once in 8 years. Romulo and his family care deeply about creating a welcoming & nurturing gym culture where people of all ages & skill levels can train. You can see how happy people are to see each other. He anchors his teaching curriculum in competition-tested skill & self-defense. Romulo skillfully adapts his teaching style to match the level you're at - the very specific foundation he started me off with has become broader & conceptual as I've progressed and become able to independently learn. He actively encourages his students to bring new concepts into the gym for discussion.

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Posted 2 years ago
JiuJitsuMagic

I had the opportunity to drop in for some rolls and had an awesome time. Everyone there was welcoming and very well skilled. I highly recommend checking this gym out for a drop in or if you live in the area signing up for classes.

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Posted 2 years ago
Casey Patterson

Extremely kind and clean gym. I am a white belt woman, in town for a conference, and decided to visit a new gym for the first time. I’m so glad I chose Professor Melo’s gym! Nicest people, great instruction, and I was able to safely roll with men and women of all levels. Thank you to Professor Melo and those who train here! Appreciate the welcoming culture!

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Posted 2 years ago
Alex P

I've been training here for almost a year now and it's been a really amazing experience. The community is very welcoming and supportive. Everyone trains with everyone. People are pretty laid back, but also take their training seriously. Romulo is extremely passionate about the sport and cares deeply about the safety and success of all his students. He continues to compete and further develop his technique alongside us, which we all benefit from as the sport evolves. The gym is almost always open even through the holidays and on the days classes are canceled we often have open mat. The gym also offers a free trial class to try it out without committing. As a woman it can be tough training in a male heavy sport and while there is a solid group of women training here right now, I really appreciate the men that have been friendly, welcoming, and supportive of my growth. The women that train here are some of the most amazing and passionate individuals. We laugh a lot and also push each other to grow. This gym is one of the few places where I feel that I can really be myself in every way. And I almost always feel better after training. Definitely recommend trying out Romulo Melo BJJ.

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Posted 2 years ago
Alex Donado Tejera

Amazing place, amazing people and of course AMAZING coach!!

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Posted 2 years ago
Paulo Fernandes

"Romulo Melo Jiu-Jitsu isn't just a place to learn martial arts; it's a family. From the moment I joined, I found a warm, welcoming community of friends and fellow enthusiasts. The atmosphere is professional, yet incredibly supportive. The training is top-notch, with techniques that are pure and authentic, straight from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Romulo himself is the real deal, bringing a high level of expertise and passion to the mat. It's a place you'll want to keep coming back to. Highly recommend for anyone looking to dive into Jiu-Jitsu!"

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Posted 2 years ago
Jarrett Lucero

I have trained at several different BJJ gyms over the last few years (including in the city) and one thing that stands out about training at Romulo’s is knowing you will consistently get some of the best training in CA every single day. From the moment you walk in, you feel at ease. The mats are clean, the people are friendly and helpful, and Romulo always greets you with a big smile and a handshake. He is a master of his craft and explains things very clearly until you understand. Regardless of your level, gi vs no gi, age, etc., all are welcome here. So if you’re ever near the city, come train with us! Oss!

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Posted 2 years ago
Aria Saberi

Romulo and his family are the most welcoming, caring, and dedicated people around. Have personally travelled with him to Rio De Janeiro and trained with him at the gym - a high level coach + competitor and just a fantastic person overall!

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Posted 2 years ago
Richie Miller

I'm a new blue belt and I stopped in for an open mat session over Thanksgiving holiday. This was my first time visiting a new gym. From the moment I walked through the door the vibe was relaxed and welcoming. The gym was clean with plenty of space to roll. Overall, I had a great experience at Romulo Melo BJJ and I highly recommend checking it out if your looking for a welcoming and supportive BJJ gym.

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Posted 2 years ago
David Head

Great gym. Feels like a family!

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Posted 3 years ago
Aashita Patwari

This gym made me feel very welcome when I was new to the city, and it has been amazing training with Romulo and the rest of the people in the gym. Romulo is always encouraging and welcoming and I have made some lifelong friends through the academy. I would recommend it to anyone starting or continuing their BJJ journey

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Posted 3 years ago
Brandon Goodrich

I recently took a trip to Brazil to train bjj with Romulo and his team. They were all amazing and the trip exceeded my expectations. Amazing coach and guide to his beautiful city of rio.

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Posted 3 years ago
Austin J Day

RMBJJ is the best jiu jitsu in the city. Top tier coaching and environment for all levels of athletes and intensity. My favorite part about SF.

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Posted 3 years ago
Matt Ish

Romulo is a great teacher and very personable. He and his students are always hospitable and welcoming everytime I'm in town and visit, I consider it my home-away-from-home gym.

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Posted 3 years ago
Angela Lindow

I was visiting SF and reached out to Romulo about a drop in class. Ended up dropping in twice and everyone was so incredibly nice, welcoming and helpful!

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Posted 3 years ago
Ben Johansen

Romulo facilitates a culture that is instantly friendly - I felt like part of the crew day one. I went from knowing absolutely nothing to feeling reasonably confident in three months. There is no bravado or machismo; purely a dedication to the training, which everyone takes seriously. Romulo does a fantastic job of elaborating the sequence of movements and positions that are involved to escape or submit, as well as referencing moves from the previous week. Each lesson bleeds into the next seamlessly. I can't imagine a better experience for a first-timer.

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Posted 3 years ago
Elaine A

I moved to the city recently and wanted to continue my training. It was really important for me to find a gym where the sense of community and camaraderie was strong. I’m happy to have chosen Romulo Melo after trying out 3+ other gyms in the city. The amount of knowledge and experience in the gym is amazing, every person is a great training partner and I always leave feeling better at BJJ and with a smile on my face!

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Posted 3 years ago
Varnit Grewal

Hands down the best school in SF. I’ve been to a lot of martial arts gyms, but Romulo’s place is different. It really feels like a family and the quality of BJJ that you learn in unparalleled

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Posted 3 years ago
Raymond Lee

Great instruction from Romulo and great community support. World class facility

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Posted 3 years ago
Ryan Chapman

I've been lucky enough to start my bjj journey here. Romulo is both a top notch competitor and instructor. You'll get a great teacher, great friends, and a great environment when you come in.

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Posted 3 years ago
Uri S

Super professional

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Posted 3 years ago
Luv Agarwal

I have done 5 classes till now here. The place has a great learning environment and Romulo is a gem of a person. There are so many other experienced people too always trying to help and teach you. Definitely recommended!

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Posted 4 years ago
Charles C. Young

Tried out the free class here and fell in love with it on the first day. Signed up for my membership right after. Romulo is the man! Not only is a legend in BJJ but he’s a really nice dude, really helpful and patient with all the new members. If you’re thinking about BJJ, go to this place. You’re in the best hands in my opinion.

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Posted 4 years ago
Dylan @ Orange Sky Co.

Great folks here. Also a good demographic of men, women and a wide range of ages. Most folks are ego-free and down to earth as well. Small town vibes in a big city. Genuine, skillful leadership is the cherry on top. Stick with it and you’ll be happy you did. Happy to have found a friendly and safe community in Melo bjj

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Posted 4 years ago
Lixiao Xiao

perfect bjj

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Posted 4 years ago
Ericsandro Perez

Excellent, clean facilities & super friendly!

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Posted 4 years ago
Leila Morais

It’s been a year since I decided that was time to move on and find a great gym to keep training, always heard about his gym for years, how great they are, so I decided to check it out and never left.. so far I’m happy with what I found at Romulo’s academy, a great professor, amazing classes and the amount of great rolls from white belts and up is just incredible, great location, friendly teammates, I feel very comfortable training there. It’s the best part of my day. Clean gym, everyone vaccinated. I recommend.

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Posted 4 years ago
jose mejia

Great place and a very good environment to train. The instructor is also top notch!

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Posted 5 years ago
Samuel Levin

I'm very fortunate to have started my Jiu-Jitsu life here. Romulo is a great teacher and the vibe of the school is awesome. Everyone is super friendly but we train hard and there are a lot of really good people to learn from

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Posted 6 years ago
Jacob Gee

Best place to train in the bay area hands down! Romulo's school is a family friendly environment where people of all ages and skills come to learn together and instruction is top notch!

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Posted 6 years ago
Jen Wu

Awww yeah! This place has the cleanest mats of any place I've been to, encouraging teammates even on days when you feel like you have the flexibility of a concrete block, and welcoming and patient coaches if you're new. And 90s R&B.

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Posted 6 years ago
Jeremy Jong

I've been training with Romulo about 10 years now. He introduced me to the gi, which in returned elevated my jiu-jitsu to a much higher and technical level with and without the jacket. Before that, I was your typical mma guy that required heavily on wrestling and slipperiness to get me through the rounds. What I love most is that Romulo still teaches the self-defense aspect of jiu-jitsu, while keeping a playful environment allowing all practitioners to incorporate the newer and innovative styles that have been sparking up in the competition scene. The diversity of styles and healthy egos of the members is what makes this place so amazing. I can't wait to go back to training once this pandemic is all over!

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Posted 6 years ago
Paul Sturgeon

Romulo is a great guy with world class Jiu-Jitsu. Check out his program, you wont be disappointed.

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Posted 6 years ago
Daniel Walker-Murray

Greatest place I’ve ever trained. Started from scratch at Romulo’s, found a family and friends. Low key training with higher belts always open to help you, no macho nonsense. Stayed for 5 years until I had to leave the city.

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Posted 6 years ago
Peirong Li

LOVE this gym A LOT❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ Coaches are nice, technical, kind and helpful! Just come and try your first class!

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Posted 6 years ago
Henry Herzog

Romulo is an outstanding athlete and real champion, on and off the mat. I came to his school without any prior knowledge and found an atmosphere where mutual learning and growth is celebrated and where Jiu-Jitsu is taught in a fun but also very challenging way. The best thing about this place is that every single athlete is willing to share their knowledge and help each other, which makes possibilities to learn endless. This is because of the owner and head coach Romulo, who embodies the lifestyle of Jiu-Jitsu and drives this kind of culture and sense of community. Regardless whether you want to learn Jiu-Jitsu from scratch like me or reach the next level, Romulos gym is the perfect place to go to. Can only HIGHLY RECOMMEND - this school is amazing!

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Posted 6 years ago
Mal Hogan

Romulo is awesome stopped in for a morning class while in San Fran on holidays. Had a great class with a great group of guys

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Posted 7 years ago
Oliver t

I was visiting San Francisco last week and immediately felt welcomed by Romulo and his team. The team appears to train in a very familiar atmosphere. Romulo's instructions are detailed and he checks up on those details when students practice. All of the guys I rolled with were very technical and high level.

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Posted 8 years ago
A B

Took an intro class 2 years ago. But, the timing wasn't right to get started. Finally joined roughly a month ago. Granted there is a bit of an intimidation factor when beginning since many of the members are very skilled. They are also friendly and open to helping other members learn skills. Like the other reviews stated, there are no egos. Wish I was able to start sooner.

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Posted 9 years ago
Liam Caine

My favorite place in the world! Romulo is the man, world class competitor / teacher and an overall great guy. The atmosphere he's created here is something very special. Whether you're interested in BJJ for competition, self-defense or just to get in shape, I couldn't recommend a better group of guys and gals.

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Posted 9 years ago
James Davies

Super cool BJJ school. Was over visiting from London, emailed ahead and was made to feel very welcome. Great instruction, really busy mats and cool students to roll with. Would definitely recommend and will visit again when back in SFO.

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Posted 9 years ago
Andrew Coco

If you're looking for a place to train in the city, this is the place. Romulo Melo is a world class jiu jitsu professor. He is a great coach for traditional self defense jiu jitsu as well as modern sport jiu jitsu. I have trained at a few other gyms and can say that the atmosphere here is amazing, not only is Romulo really friendly but so is everyone in the gym.

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Posted 9 years ago
Joven Lapid

My son and I really enjoyed the class. Professor Romulo and his students are awesome to train with. Very friendly and helpful environment. Thank you for having us.

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Posted 10 years ago
Cem Turhal

Romulo is an amazing instructor! His gym is conveniently located and is directly in front of the iconic SF cable cars, which makes rolling here a blast. Romulo keeps his gym clean and well maintained, I especially appreciate this as rolling on a dirty mat is disgusting. The people that roll here are mainly professionals with jobs and therefore, need to be at work without injuries, we go hard but avoid causing injuries. He conveniently rents gi's making this an ideal spot if you are visiting and want to roll in SF. If you want to learn BJJ this is your place, see you on the mat!

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Posted 12 years ago
Kristin P Ho

I just have to be honest. I’m 90% sure I got covid here. They did not check vaccination cards during omicron surge and there were no masks. I made the mistake of trusting when he said everyone (I was the only newbie) was fully vaccinated. I myself was boosted so I took the risk of going unmasked during my trial class despite feeling sussed. Very next day I felt off and two days later I tested positive. (Omicron incubation time is only 1-3 days). Lost my voice, sense of smell and taste, got a fever, and haven’t been out in 10 days. Still sick now. This was the only risk situation I was in recently. That said the class itself was really fun. So I’d give 5 stars for the instruction and sport. And I’m not interested in harming the business, I’d go when there’s no more covid. But be warned if you’re trying to go now. They are lying about checking vax and it’s a high contact sport. I wish I had not given in to peer pressure about being unmasked or been blatantly lied to about “everyone (all the regulars) being vaccinated.” I asked a regular afterward if they ever checked vax cards. They said nope. (P.s. I also called when I found I was positive to let them know for contact tracing purposes and got no response. I think they just do not care about covid).

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Posted 4 years ago