True Believer Jiu Jitsu

Spring Garden Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15212, USA

4.9 (85 reviews)

Disciplines

Gi No-Gi Self-Defense Wrestling

Classes

Adults Classes All Levels Black Belt Instruction Competition Class Fundamentals

Facilities

Clean Mats Mat Space

Culture

Welcoming Environment

Access

Free Trial

Pittsburgh's top Jiu-Jitsu school with a variety of classes including Intro To Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Fundamentals of Jiu-Jitsu, NoGi Grappling, Women’s Only Jiu Jitsu, Intro to Competition, and All-Levels Competition Training.

https://www.truebelieverjiujitsu.com/

(878) 203-9985

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Reviews

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Evan Roussey

True Believer is the best gym I've trained at. The environment is welcoming but challenges you to get better every day. The coaches are elite martial artists and great teachers. They regularly bring in guest instructors for seminars, which lets you keep adding to your game and get some new perspectives. I'd recommend this gym to anyone in Pittsburgh!

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Posted 2 years ago
Benjamin Spoer

I dropped in for a Tuesday morning class while visiting. The people were welcoming, and the jujitsu was challenging but not humiliating. I was glad I found it and hope to return soon!

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Posted 2 years ago
Chris Ligato

I needed to change training up and decided to come here, and it was a good choice! A decent number of people and various belts from white to black on the mats seemingly every class. You get to basically come to every class, if you choose to (even the advanced ones, since they need bodies). As of writing this review, the schedule is up to date with classes and everything. It's easily available on the website for someone to check out. The owner/teacher is Jake, and I've not heard a bad thing about the guy from people not affiliated with the gym, or people in the gym as well. In addition to that, every interaction I've had with him has been good. I've yet to have specific questions, but I've seen people ask for advice about a specific thing after class, or whatever, and he always seems to give some advice. He's obviously not obligated to do that, but he does, since he's a chill guy and he's trying to help people get better. Lastly, this is not a bad spot to give bjj a shot if you've been interested and never tried, or if you have trained before. He'll let you come try a class or two and see if you like doing it, so you don't have much to lose here other than some time. Oh, and they focus primarily on sport bjj, so keep that in mind if you mma stuff, but it is still good to get work in here. Everyone is very good.

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Posted 2 years ago
John Gregory

I’m a 56 year old blue belt from California visiting family in Pittsburgh and just wanted to get a little training in while here. Dropped in on the morning class unannounced and they were incredibly accommodating. Instructor and students were super nice, and the training was great. Some really technical instruction and drilling, and the live rolls were also really good. The warm up was doing actual low intensity technique and drilling, I’ve never seen that before but it was super cool. All in all just a great experience. I’ll be back next time I’m in town for sure.

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Posted 2 years ago
Joey Battaglia

I came in as a visitor and they could not have been more welcoming. One of the best jiu jitsu gyms I’ve been to. High level and dedicated athletes here who love the art. I would absolutely come back the next time I’m in the area.

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Posted 2 years ago
Nick Comstock

The community and culture Jake has fostered at True Believer BJJ is second to none. Whether you’re a visitor, prospective member, competitor or hobbyist, everyone at the gym is incredibly welcoming and friendly. Seminars with high-level athletes and competitors are frequently offered. Hands down the best Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in the region.

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Posted 2 years ago
John Rossmiller

This place is great. I take my son here and the culture here is more welcoming than other places I've been and really engaged in helping everyone get better. I've been to other 'reputable' Dojos in pgh where the instructors were hit or miss. Some were great, others seemed like they were just passing the time until class was over.

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Posted 2 years ago
Mark Chang

I stopped in for training over the holidays. I echo the good reviews here. What I liked most was the teaching format. The workout was intense which is what I needed. Friendly environment too, would definitely repeat

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Posted 2 years ago
John Schottler

I trained here while visiting Pittsburgh. Very inviting and friendly, good rolls, clean environment. I'd definitely train here if I lived here.

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Posted 3 years ago
Ricardo Washington

I like to visit different BJJ schools from time to time and I had a great time at True Believer. Jake, the instructor for the class I attended, is an excellent and patient teacher who is methodical in his approach to teaching technique. He helps to think about the principles at work and not just the moves. I had a great time rolling with the students and teacher there. Good intensity and great technique. Good times all around. Hospitality to visitors is always important to me. I was welcomed here and did not feel like the odd man out at any time. If mat culture is as important to you as technique and aggression, this is a good group to train with.

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Posted 3 years ago
Adam Milka

This place had nothing but a welcoming crowd of folks. I tried out the Intro to BJJ class from 6-7pm, and I can't wait to go back for day two of my training adventure. I highly recommend joining a class and coming to check it out for yourself. Listening to people talk about Jiu Jitsu online and in podcasts they always day it will change your life for the better and I can see how that is the case as there is only positive energy, like minded and goal oriented fellow students ready to pass along the happiness and knowledge!!!!! Amazing place.

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Posted 3 years ago
Eric Elinski

Stopped in for two sessions while I was home visiting family. Jake and the True Believer crew are top notch. Drilled solid techniques and had some great rounds after. When I move back to Pittsburgh this will definitely be my new home. Felt very welcoming to all skill levels. Highly recommend to anyone in the area.

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Posted 3 years ago
Cherise Rossmiller

Best place in Pittsburgh! Jake and his team are excellent instructors because they care about the success of the students and the integrity of the skill.

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Posted 3 years ago
Free Man

Never stepped foot in the gym itself, but based on the quality of the people who train there, and the fact that they exude their art in their way of life, I know this place is legit.

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Posted 3 years ago
Jessica Hulings

Very friendly and welcoming environment! I would highly recommend them to anyone especially anyone who is brand new to jiu jitsu like I am. The women’s only class on Wednesday is such a great class!

Classes Atmosphere
Posted 3 years ago
Tracey Holder

Does anyone know the average cost per class/ week/ month-- however they do it?

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Posted 3 years ago
Coleson White

I Went here for a session when I was on a work trip. Great gym, great people and it is in a super cool location. I Wish this was my home gym. Definitely check this place out and put yourself out there!!!

Instructors Facility Location Atmosphere
Posted 3 years ago
Rena Gerber

True believer allowed me to come and train at their facility for a week while I was in town visiting family. The owner is super nice and helpful. Everyone was kind and welcoming. If I lived here in town I would definitely join their gym.

Instructors Facility Location Atmosphere
Posted 3 years ago
megan howard

excellent coaching. SUPER welcoming. i appreciate the women’s class and gi class afterwards. i felt comfortable rolling with everyone and i can’t wait to come back next time i’m in town. definitely check this place out, any belt level, competitor or hobbyist

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Posted 3 years ago
Zachary Godfrey

Great group of people training here. I stopped by for a visit a 4 or 5 times in the last year on travel and felt very welcomed compared to other academies I've been to over the years. This is a sign of professionalism at the highest level Everyone was so polite and helpful. Very quality instruction and awesome and diverse group of men and women from all different skill sets.

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Posted 3 years ago
Brian Yates

I can't say enough good things about this gym. I was in town for a few days on travel and wanted to get some rolls in so I reached out to Sensei Jake. He was kind enough to let me train with the team. His students are KILLERS. They're super dedicated to training, very technical and very willing to give pointers to help others improve their game. The instruction is top notch. I would strongly recommend this gym to anyone interested in training BJJ in Pittsburgh, you will not regret it.

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Posted 3 years ago
Rachel Jenkins

One of the most welcoming gyms i’ve had the pleasure of going to. Great coaches. Highly recommend to anyone wanting to learn a martial art.

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Posted 4 years ago
Amy Check

Very friendly and inclusive environment

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Posted 4 years ago
Spencer Whitman

Jake is a great instructor and has set a wonderful culture leading to a fantastic group of students.

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Posted 4 years ago
Andrew Jones

Fantastic coaching, great facility, great community. 👍 Immediately felt welcomed and into the mix. Highly recommend!

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Posted 4 years ago
Collin Chapman

Had a great time at this gym. Everyone was welcoming and enjoyable to roll with!

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Posted 4 years ago
Joseph T

I was in Pittsburgh attending a conference for the Week. All the TBJJ professors and coaches were super friendly and knowledgeable. The students were also super welcoming. This was my first time traveling and vising another bjj gym. I'm super greatfull to the TBJJ family and I can't recommend them enough. I had a blast. Looking forward to visiting them again in the future!

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Posted 4 years ago
Chelsea Neargarder

I visited Pittsburgh for a day and wanted to train somewhere good. This place was recommended to me by several people so i messaged head instructor Jake and he welcomed me to come train—no charge! The facility was very clean and everyone there was very polite and introduced themselves to me. I had a great time rolling with everyone. Since I’m a woman, the gym environment is very important to me, and this place exceeded my expectations. Jake welcomed me back anytime I’m in town, and I’ll definitely be back!

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Posted 4 years ago
n mac

I travel to Pittsburgh from time to time for business and decided to drop in for a class. It was a large class, everyone was super polite and welcoming. Instruction was on point. Rolls were tough and there were lots of them. Everything you could ask for in a good gym. These dudes are legit. Will definitely be back.

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Posted 4 years ago
Eddie W

This is being written 3 months after starting to attend classes here. From day one Jake and the entire school makes you feel like you were supposed to be there. You wont be forced to learn weird names of moves or a history lesson. Jake will teach you what works, what doesnt, and most importantly why it is this way. Clear your mind, check your ego at the door, come on in and try a class.

Instructors Classes Atmosphere
Posted 4 years ago
Andrew Demosthenous

I have been training at True Believer for 2 years. The gym community is welcoming and friendly. I have been very fortunate to make close life-long friends and experience success in competition. The culture on the mats is serious about developing great technique while having fun. Students get individual attention from instructors. Competitive rolls for those looking to push themselves. Great space with clean mats. Whether your goal is to get in shape, improve your confidence, learn to defend yourself or compete at the highest level, True Believer has the instructors and training partners to help make it happen. I'd highly recommend anyone interested in martial arts or BJJ check out True Believer.

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Posted 4 years ago
Matt godden

Visited True Believer yesterday. The facility is amazingly clean with really nice mats and showers. Professor Jake is very knowledgeable and a great instructor. All of the students were nice, welcoming, and talented. If I lived in the area, this is where I would train. Highly recommended.

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Posted 5 years ago
N R

I love this place. After 4 years I keep coming back for more. Great instruction, really butt kicking rolls and everyone is so dedicated and really invests in each other’s learning. I am a member of the LGBTQIA+ community and feel great here.

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Posted 5 years ago
Chris Marchesano

Dropped in for a class while in Pittsburgh. Blue belt. Communication with Coach Miclot was fantastic. Received an incredibly warm welcome. Tight knit group, great instruction, competitive rolls. Experiences like this really make me grateful to be part of the BJJ community. Looking forward to dropping in again.

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Posted 5 years ago
Jon Remick

Words cannot describe how great this gym is. Since joining almost a year ago, I have never felt more welcomed since the day I stepped in the doors and on the mats. Jake and the rest of the TB team are the most challenging, passionate, fun, and motivating people you can ever be around in both the sport and generally speaking. I never thought I'd spend 4+ days a week at a gym, but here I am. No better place to train.

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Posted 5 years ago
Sean Robichaud

Just in town for the weekend and decided to stop in. Jake and his guys were all extremely welcoming and friendly. Seriously can't say enough great things about this place. Beautiful facility with polite, professional and knowledgeable instructors. No doubt I'll be stopping in next time I'm in Pittsburgh.

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Posted 6 years ago
Evan DiFlauro

I had zero experience coming into this gym and they made me feel extremely comfortable. I can not recommend them enough!

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Posted 6 years ago
Michael DePietro

Visited a friend who trains here and the atmosphere was warm, friendly, KNOWLEDGEABLE, and most importantly RESPECTFUL. If you live in Pittsburgh, THIS is the place to train. Their love and appreciated for the sport and its history is very strong... and it shows!

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Posted 6 years ago
Johnny Tama

Amazing place even better community, don’t wait any more and join!

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Posted 6 years ago
Jason Burger

I came through Pittsburgh for a week for a business trip and wasn't expecting to train, but had some free time open up. I reached out to Jake at True Believer who couldn't be nicer and more welcoming. He invited me to the Friday nogi class where he effectively taught an anaconda, darce, and back take to RNC from front headlock position before some solid roles with a tough and friendly crew. There were no egos and everybody was super chill, but still made me work! I would highly recommend checking out this school and can't wait to come back and see their new space. Thank you for hosting me!

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Posted 7 years ago
mark sugimoto

I visit Pittsburgh every month on business and had the luxury of taking classes here the last few months. Usually take Aaron's class and Jake's class and they are just amazing instructors. The students there are also hard working and very friendly. I hope to be able to continue visiting their classes every month.

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Posted 7 years ago
Taylor Stine

Love this place. Everyone is super friendly and the environment is so positive. I was nervous to go at first, but as soon as I got there I felt welcomed. The instructors are really knowledgeable and clearly love what they do.

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Posted 7 years ago
William Edmondson

Came through while in Pittsburgh on business and loved the atmosphere and vibe of the gym. Jacob was super friendly and made me feel right at home. Definitely recommend coming in if you're nearby! Can't wait to visit again.

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Posted 7 years ago
Ian Spooner

Met Jake at Jiu-Jitsu tournaments. He invited me to True Believer. I really enjoyed the chill laid back atmosphere. I drive an hour to train. We worked on nogi double underhooks defense with submissions. Will be back. Easy to find parking.

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Posted 7 years ago
Joe Elsey

I dropped in and did two days here. Great space and instructors. The lead instructor Jake couldn't have been nicer. The other students are tough, but very chill. Really enjoyed my time here and I have to recommend it if you are in the Pittsburgh area or are visiting. I will definitely train here the next time I'm in town.

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Posted 7 years ago
Samantha Civitate

Amazing instructors and the most inclusive environment I’ve ever trained in.

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Posted 7 years ago
William Mennell

Although I did not get to actually roll there, I was going to be in town for a week visiting family and hoped to attend a class even though I don't have a 'blank' gi (I just have one with my Boston BJJ insignia on it). Jake was extremely welcoming via email, eased my worry about not having a blank gi, and made me excited to stop by. I look forward to getting in a class when I'm next in Pittsburgh.

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Posted 8 years ago
Mallory Davis

I was visiting my parents and Jake let me come and take class and roll while I was home. He was incredible and everyone at the gym was so welcoming. An awesome environment, very professional, and a lot of fun. I can’t wait to go back and roll again. Everyone made me feel as welcome as I do at my home gym.

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Posted 8 years ago
Jason Cook

I’ve been training at True Believer for a little over 3 years. Our head instructor/gym owner Jacob Miclot always goes above and beyond with additional instruction during class. He focuses on each student and keeps track of the progress, strengths and weaknesses of the whole academy . The culture of the gym is playful, open, and welcoming, but serious about proper technique, respect and quality Jiu-Jitsu. Jacob brings world-class competitors to Pittsburgh for seminars and workshops often. There are plenty of class options: morning, afternoon, or night, with beginner, womens-only, and nogi. If you're looking to advance your jiu jitsu in a fresh environment or new to the sport and interested in giving it a try, True Believer is the place. First class is always free.

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Posted 8 years ago
Allie Del Giorno

I have come to visit several times during open mats and have found everyone extremely friendly. I had great rolls and also felt like the culture was one where gender and status mattered very little (every person I asked to roll with said yes regardless of a difference in skill or weight/strength). I plan to continue to come back for the diversity of training partners and the generally laid-back, friendly atmosphere!

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Posted 8 years ago
Mike Ferguson

Best BJJ club in Western PA!

Instructors Facility Location Atmosphere
Posted 8 years ago
Michael Dougherty

This is a great place to train. The owner, Jake, is super friendly and gracious with any visitors. The people training there are friendly as well with no egos present. Check out their Sunday open mat for some tough rolls.

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Posted 8 years ago
Danhui Nai

Everyone was kind, friendly, and helpful. A great place to learn BJJ.

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Posted 9 years ago
Julia Nai

Was in town for two days and dropped in for a gi and a no gi class. Both were amazing with great moves and awesome people.

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Posted 9 years ago
Manoj Pillai

When I was in town for a couple days for work, I connected with Jacob (the Owner) for a private lesson and dropped in for a morning group class the next day. During the private lesson, Jacob was an excellent instructor who breaks down maneuvers simply and easily. He provides different variations to the lesson to help you think and adapt the move to your personal game. The next day morning class was equally enjoyable. The guys and girls were very friendly, welcoming and fun to roll with. A strong BJJ family and it shows. When coming through Pittsburgh, this is the only place I will train.

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Posted 9 years ago
Nick Leoni

I've trained at several different schools in the Pittsburgh area and by far this gym has the best instructors and overall best vibe. Definitely not a mcdojo...

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Posted 10 years ago
Evan Anastacio

Amazing place to train, excellent instructor. Mats are always clean, and the environment is always friendly and welcoming.

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Posted 10 years ago
John Donovan

True Believer is such a fun atmosphere to learn BJJ. I am a new student, so I love the combination of new white belts, and experienced advanced belts. The instruction is second to none. I look forward to coming every single session and find myself craving more as I learn more. True Believer is where you should go for Pittsburgh Jiu Jitsu.

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Posted 10 years ago
Kevin Goodwin

Amazing place to train! Whether it's your first class or you've been training for years, True Believer Jiu Jitsu provides a great environment to grow both in the art and as an individual. If you're looking to compete, for self defense, for fitness, or not yet sure how you might benefit from Jiu Jitsu, Jake and his team of instructors will help you identify and achieve your goals. Drop in on a class and change your life!

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Posted 10 years ago
Laura Cook

Training at True Believer Jiu Jitsu is one of my favorite parts of the week. I came in without any experience, and Jake took his time to make sure I felt comfortable with everything we were learning. He thoroughly explains and demonstrates techniques. Great environment, great people.

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Posted 10 years ago
Nick Hotujec

True Believer Jiu Jitsu is easily the most passionate and motivated training facility in the Pittsburgh area. Jake is one of the nicest people i have ever met in my life and wants nothing more to see me and our team grow. I've spent the last year going multiple times a week to train with Jake and it has been one of the best yeas of my life. I strongly strongly strongly recommend this gym to anyone who is either looking into starting their journey or continuing their journey in Jiu Jitsu.

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Posted 10 years ago
Ryan Stewart

Top notch instruction with a friendly environment. Easily pittsburgh's best Jiu Jitsu gym.

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Posted 10 years ago
Ryan J

What an awesome place! First time learning and I'm so glad I came here instead of any other gym. The instructors and all the members truly make it a friendly learning environment!

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Posted 10 years ago
Anthony Cangiano

Excellent instruction. Great atmosphere.

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Posted 10 years ago
chase garner

Great place to train. I was in town for the week, these guys were super friendly and fun to roll with. Jake's instruction is top notch. This is where I'll be training when I'm in Pittsburgh.

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Posted 11 years ago
Alex Medice

I have been training at True Believer for the past 4 months. I couldn't have asked for a better experience for my introduction into Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. The welcoming atmosphere combined with the skills and teaching of Jake and Rodrigo make this an amazing place to train.

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Posted 11 years ago
James O'Brien

On multiple occasions their instructor has been inappropriate in public

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Posted 5 years ago