I can't really explain how grateful I am to train at Brazil 021, but I'll try to give this Google review justice of my experience over the last two years. If you come to the school and talk to me, I'd be more than happy to expand further.
From the first time you step on the mat until the last, Marcos makes a conscious effort to make each of his students know they matter to him, and it shows in his demeanor and teaching style. Most of us could train anywhere; we're pretty much all adults with jobs, and we live in a BJJ hotbed in Houston, but we choose to train at Brazil 021 Houston because of the family environment, and tremendous quality of instruction.
The first impression I distinctly remember was the friendliness of all the students and instructors. Before starting, I had read extensively about training in BJJ and that I should expect to basically be ignored by the other students until I trained for at least two or three months, if not more. However, from the first day at Brazil 021, nearly everyone introduced themselves, and asked how long I had been training, if I liked it, and if I'd be coming back. It was very encouraging. After my first session, I cancelled the trials I had scheduled with the other schools. I knew I had found my jiu-jitsu home.
Just as another example of the environment, after about 7 months of training, I fell ill and wasn't in training for a little over a week. Marcos sent me a message on Facebook to make sure I was alright, and to see if I would be returning soon. It might not sound like much, but it meant a lot to me.
The school isn't only nice, it has incredible instruction. We have a significantly smaller school than most, but finished a couple of points just out of the top three in the IBJJF Houston Open last year, which is something that I'm sure Marcos is very proud of; I know I am. We also have individual competitors who do very well everywhere they go, and one competitor who travels far and wide (and usually wins).
Another point I'd like to make about the instruction is that Marcos doesn't overwhelm his students. He knows the level he is teaching to, and teaches to the majority of the class. He or Emre (the other professor at the school) also give more subtle points to the more advanced students during drilling. That's another huge pro of going to a smaller school: the instructors know your game, and know what you don't know, so they can tailor both in class instruction and competition coaching to what you need to work on/your style.
Finally, we train hard, but we train controlled. No one is going to hurt you intentionally or out of hurt pride, or roll too hard and hurt you while you're new. We make sure all the new white belts are safe, and feel welcome.
If you've read this far, you're interested in training, and should just do it! Come out and try a session!
Instructors
Facility
Classes
Atmosphere
Posted 9 years ago