Alliance Jiu Jitsu San Marcos

1284 W San Marcos Blvd #110, San Marcos, CA 92078

5.0 (45 reviews)

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Gi No-Gi Self-Defense

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Adults Classes Black Belt Instruction Fundamentals Kids Classes

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Alliance Jiu Jitsu San Marcos in San Marcos, CA offers Kids “Tiny Eagles” (3–5), “Little Eagles” (6–8), and “Eagle Warriors” (9–12). Join our local studio where kids build confidence, discipline, and strength through Jiu Jitsu training!

Reviews from Jiu-Jitsu Blog members who have trained at Alliance Jiu Jitsu San Marcos. Member recommendations raise an academy's Jiu-Jitsu Blog Score.

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Ellery Deer

Alliance Jiu Jitsu in San Marcos has been absolutely amazing for my 3.5-year-old! The growth we’ve seen in his discipline, focus, and technique is beyond what we could have hoped for. The professors are not only highly skilled but also incredibly thoughtful and patient with the kids. They strike the perfect balance between making classes fun and teaching valuable life lessons. What really stands out is how the team fosters a supportive and welcoming environment for both the kids and parents. It’s clear they genuinely care about each student’s progress and confidence. My son looks forward to class, and we’ve noticed how the skills he’s learning here are positively impacting other areas of his life. It’s also great to see how much adults love it here too. Many families have both parents and kids taking classes, creating a wonderful sense of community and shared achievement. Alliance Jiu Jitsu truly offers something for everyone! Thanks Coach Nick, Carolyn, Dulce, Stavo, Vinny, and others!

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Posted 1 year ago
Paige Emm

We absolutely love Alliance. We are brand new to Jiu jitsu and the the family like atmosphere is felt the second we walked in. Our son loves Coach Nick and they do an incredible job with all the tiny eagles (3-5). Highly recommend if you’re looking to start jiu jitsu!

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Posted 1 year ago
Robin Grossman

Alliance Jiu Jitsu San Marcos is more than a gym ….it is a community which offers high quality training and makes everyone feel at home. I took a women’s self defense class there and the instructors were knowledgeable, encouraging and kind. I left knowing I had the skills to protect myself should the need arise. The gym itself is very modern, beautiful and clean. If you are looking for a place to learn and train jiu jitsu, you won’t find a better place to do so than Alliance San Marcos!

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Posted 1 year ago
R. P.

My two sons and myself have been training at alliance BJJ for just under a year now. Prior to joining alliance, my oldest son had been training at a different big BJJ gym nearby for about 7 months. At the other gym, he never wanted to go to the classes and would complain about how much he disliked jiu jitsu, saying it was boring, etc. We decided to try another gym, and after joining alliance he immediately changed his attitude towards bjj. He would get excited to go to class, he’s built friendships with a number of the students and truly enjoys the instruction now that he’s being challenged. Shortly after joining alliance, I realized how little my son had retained from the other gym, after 7 months he barely knew the basics, and even then was riddled with poor technique and missing steps. The instructors at alliance are on a different level with the detail and attentiveness. They are very good about giving the kids individual attention, walking around to help during the techniques, making classes fun and interactive for the kids and helping them build confidence in themselves. I can tell a massive difference in my son’s ability and progress since switching, and honestly feel like the other place was just a huge waste of time and money. Alliance is friendly and family oriented, while taking training very seriously at the same time. This place is certainly a top tier training facility. If you are looking for a place to take your kids for BJJ, this is the no brainer spot in San Marcos. For the adults, the team of coaches and professors are highly skilled and do a great job breaking down the details. There are fundamentals classes for beginners as well as advanced classes for those who have been training, as well as female only classes for the ladies, they’ve got all the basses covered. To sum it up, I highly recommend alliance if you are interested in upping your game for yourself or your kids.

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Posted 1 year ago
Trent Katz

Training at Alliance San Marcos feels like home. Vini, Nick and the rest of the staff are always welcoming. The quality of training is extremely high and they do not rush you if you do not understand. They value work ethic and safety and it shows! I highly recommend training here to experience it first hand, at least give it a week, you won’t regret it.

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Posted 1 year ago
Corey Christensen

Alliance Jiu-Jitsu San Marcos is truly a step above the rest. My kids trained at another gym for six months, but we came to Alliance seeking more advanced coaching—and it was the best decision we’ve made. In just one week, we noticed dramatic improvements in their technique and confidence. The coaches here are exceptional. They take time with every student, tailoring their instruction with a level of patience and care that is unmatched. My kids absolutely love training here and look forward to every session. I train at Alliance as well and can confidently say it’s one of the best gyms I’ve experienced. I’ve trained at many other places, but I always come back to Alliance for their top-notch coaching and incredible culture. Whether for kids or adults, Alliance Jiu-Jitsu San Marcos is the place to be for anyone serious about growth in Jiu-Jitsu.

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Posted 1 year ago
Jon Christopher

Vinni and Nick have one of the best gyms I have ever had the pleasure of training at. The culture is awesome from the instructors and the members. They have an awesome fundamentals class for beginners that will build you up so that you can roll in more advanced classes confidently and safely. I learned more in the first week at this gym than I learned in my previous gym in the past 6 months. If you are a parent and your kid is not training here they are seriously missing out. They have put together the most exhaustive and comprehensive plan I have ever seen from toddlers to teenagers. They kids program manages to do the impossible of balancing fun with top notch instruction all in a single hour. The facilities are amazing and are kept impeccably clean. It's the country club of BJJ gyms. Multiple showers with clean towels, bathrooms stocked with band aids, mouthwash, deodorant, etc. Even though they vacuum and disinfect the mats constantly, it's also nice to have 2 full walls of windows to let in sunlight to utilize natures disinfectant on the mats.

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Posted 1 year ago
Leighla Marie

I can’t recommend Alliance San Marcos enough. From the moment you step through the doors, you’re welcomed into an incredible community that feels like family. The leadership is outstanding, fostering an environment where every member is valued—not just as a number, but as a person with goals, challenges, and a story. The training itself is top-notch—engaging, high-quality, and designed to help you grow no matter your skill level. What truly sets this gym apart, though, is their openness and willingness to collaborate. Unlike other gyms where cross-training might be frowned upon, Alliance San Marcos embraces a supportive philosophy. Whether you’re focused solely on training here or exploring other gyms, they encourage your growth without ego or judgment. If you’re looking for a place where you’ll be challenged, supported, and genuinely cared for, Alliance San Marcos is it. This isn’t just a gym—it’s a community that prioritizes respect, inclusivity, and growth in every sense of the word. I'd give them more stars if I could!

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Posted 1 year ago
Thomas

More than just a typical BJJ gym, Alliance San Marcos is a tight-knit community of passionate BJJ practitioners. The expert instruction, coupled with the welcoming atmosphere, makes it an incredible place to train. Whether you're looking to improve your skills or simply stay active, you'll find yourself challenged and inspired. My son and I absolutely love this gym; can't recommend a better one!

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Posted 1 year ago
Alex Souza

The quality and welcoming atmosphere are what make this gym a unique place. Students often say: ‘High-quality gym! Super clean bathrooms with showers, two mats, alkaline water, excellent instructors, and a very close-knit community! Certainly one of the best gyms in California.’ Additionally, instructor Vinicius Lino brings his military experience, adding discipline and commitment to the team, as described: ‘During his time in the Brazilian Army, instructor Vinicius Lino demonstrated discipline, commitment, and team spirit. He led motivational training sessions, engaging the team and keeping both body and mind in top shape.’ This combination makes it a standout space for those seeking excellence and a positive environment

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Posted 1 year ago
Bruno Pinho

Quality gym! Super clean bathrooms with shower, two mats, alkaline water, excellent instructors and a very United community! certainly one of the best gyms in California!!

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Posted 1 year ago
Lindsay Addington

Alliance San Marcos is hands down the best Jiu Jitsu gym you could choose for you and your family. From the moment you walk in, you’re greeted with warmth and enthusiasm that make you feel right at home. The gym is always clean and beautifully maintained. The community here is nothing short of amazing. The instructors are highly skilled and incredibly supportive, ensuring that everyone—from complete beginners to seasoned practitioners—feels encouraged and challenged. As a woman, finding a gym where I feel comfortable and respected can be tough, but Alliance San Marcos exceeds all expectations. As a parent, the coaches are exactly the kind of role models you would want for your children navigating sportsmanship. If you’re looking for a place to train that’s welcoming, supportive, and filled with great people, you found it. Alliance San Marcos is a gem in the community, and I can’t recommend it highly enough!

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Posted 1 year ago
Nilufar Karimi

As a beginner in jiu jitsu, it’s easy to feel intimated and feel like you don’t belong. The team at Alliance San Marcos is so welcoming, encouraging, and really wants you to succeed in your jiu jitsu journey as well as your overall life. The things you learn on the mat are things you can apply to your everyday life - discipline, consistency, and perseverance. The team makes everyone feel like it’s a place beyond just a jiu jitsu academy - it’s a community and family! All the coaches including Coach Nick and Coach Gustavo really make learning technique and moves easy and fun. All the professors including Professor Vini and Professor Ryan are experienced black belts that really know how to gauge their students, how to help each student learn, and encourage each student to go beyond what they think are their limitations. The women’s only classes make jiu jitsu feel like a safe space for women to learn from the best female black belt professors! How badass is that! Professor Leticia and Professor Dulce are so awesome at what they do! I recommend anyone to come out and try a class here, whether you’re a beginner, experienced, or any age level - there is a class for everyone! The ambiance of the gym, the people, and the location can’t be beat! It really is the gold standard of San Marcos!

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Posted 2 years ago
Gustavo Borges

From the moment I walked into Alliance Jiu-Jitsu San Marcos, I felt like I was part of the family. The atmosphere is incredibly welcoming, and the environment is nothing short of exceptional. The instructors and professors are not only highly skilled but also genuinely invested in the progress and well-being of every student. Training here is more than just improving your jiu-jitsu; it’s about recharging, building friendships, and having fun. I highly recommend Alliance San Marcos to anyone looking for a positive, supportive, and top-training experience.

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Posted 2 years ago
Renan Dias

Amazing familiar environment, high quality of classes, clean place.

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Posted 2 years ago
Elizabeth Gray

My 9 year old daughter had trained for two years at another gym prior to switching to Alliance. We made the decision to seek out another gym after realizing that she had learned the basics, but her progress had stalled and she was no longer advancing her skills. We have seen incredible growth with her techniques and confidence over the past 7 months. It has been an exceptional experience for our family (my husband is now a member too!). The gym itself is spacious and well-maintained. The mats are always clean and in excellent condition. The coaches at Alliance are top-notch and highly experienced. The classes are well-structured and cater to all skill levels. The kids are expected to learn the history of jiu jitsu by completing short homework assignments each week. Parents can feel confident that their kids are not only learning valuable skills but also building confidence, discipline, and respect. Hands down, one of the standout aspects of Alliance Jiu Jitsu is the sense of community. The gym fosters a welcoming and inclusive environment for men, women and kids of all ages where everyone, regardless of their experience level, feels like part of the team. The members are supportive and friendly, making it a great place to train and make new friends. Professor Vini and Coach Nick take it a step further by hosting activities each month to bring everyone together (UFC watch parties, seminars, self defense classes and family beach days). We are grateful to be a part of the Alliance San Marcos family!

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Posted 2 years ago
Mel Cueto

Amazing gym, amazing professors!! 🤩🤩

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Posted 2 years ago
Andrew Peterson

This is a great gym! Everyone is nice and Vinny, Nick, and the rest of the professors/coaches do a great job of teaching. I have no experience doing any martial arts and have only been to a handful of classes but feel I have learned so much already.

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Posted 2 years ago
Christopher Macias

Professors are very knowledgeable. Everyone is very nice and supportive. I am coming from no physical activity and probably my heaviest, everyone is understanding and accommodating, they allow you to modify your exercises as needed. Professors make sure you build up your knowledge of various techniques before letting you Spar ensuring that both you and your partners have something to learn from.

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Posted 2 years ago
Gabeburg

I absolutely love this gym! I transferred over from a different gym and have completely felt at home since joining. Professor Vini and Nick have done a top notch job of creating a family like environment where everyone enjoys each other. The instruction is some of the best that I’ve been around. They have created a curriculum for all levels to come in a learn. I’m very proud to be part of this Alliance team and family!

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Posted 2 years ago
Peter M

Great environment, high level instruction and great community! Professor Vini is great!

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Posted 2 years ago
Susy Martinez

My boys have been coming to Alliance JJSM for a month. They both love their 5 pm class. Super friendly and passionate staff. Coach Nick is super friendly and answers any questions you may have. Professor Vini is very strict. Which helps them be discipline. Overall, I’m very happy with the academy and all they do for kids to enjoy. Highly recommend this place.

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Posted 2 years ago
Maria Aurora San Pedro

Professor Vini & Coach Nick have done a wonderful job at creating a positive environment for our family! Our experience at Alliance San Marcos has been nothing short of amazing. We are glad to be a part of such a supportive community.

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Posted 2 years ago
Crystal Segura

I cannot speak highly enough about our journey with Alliance San Marcos. My 4-year-old daughter, Camila, has been attending classes here for 3 months, and it has been an absolute delight. The coaches are not only knowledgeable but also incredibly kind and patient with all the kids. Their friendly demeanor creates such a welcoming environment for everyone. Thank you to the entire team at Alliance Jiu Jitsu San Marcos for everything you do.

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Posted 2 years ago
Delta Honey Labs

The instruction here is really second to none. The owners Vinny and Nick are super accommodating, very hands on and super committed to making sure their members are having an excellent experience. The classes for kids are amazing, they keep it interesting and fun every single class. Everyone involved in this gym has a true passion for bjj, it’s really more like joining a family.

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Posted 2 years ago
pettym1

To put it quite simply, this gym is top notch. It has exceeded my expectations in every aspect and continues to do so. The gym is new and aesthetically very pleasing. But with the care put into the look and cleanliness I’m sure this gym will continue to look brand new for years to come as it is so well maintained. The coaches here are excellent and their passion for jiu jitsu can be seen and felt through the way they run their classes. No student is “just a student” or another number. Professor Vini and his manager Nick (as well as the other coaches) have done such a great job building a community in the short time since they have opened. Vini often stays after classes and opens the gym for more training or just takes time after class to build relationships with his team. The morals, values and culture of this gym are healthy and always positive. That being said, it is also a great place for children to learn the sport/art and a place where the younger children start to learn values such as respect, commitment, confidence and so much more. Even as an adult, and especially as a woman in the sport, my confidence and commitment has grown immeasurably at this gym in just a few short months. If you’re looking for a great gym, not just in San Marcos but in all of north county, this is the place. I don’t live in San Marcos but happily make the longer commute to be a part of this specific community and culture that Professor Vini and his team have cultivated at this gym. New to Jiu Jitsu? No problem! Reach out and do a trial class. The manager Nick is passionate about jiu jitsu and making sure you have a great experience. He is also very responsive, making it easy to get anything scheduled.

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Posted 2 years ago
Irina Ustyan

Amazing staff, trainers & facility! 10/10 recommend!

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Posted 2 years ago
Bridget Nieto

What Professor Vini and Coach Nick have built here is amazing. You can tell how much heart they put into this gym. They care deeply about all the students (adult and children) and they’ve created a beautiful family environment. My kids have fun while also learning the fundamentals and my husband and I enjoy the friends we get to spar with on the mat. Being a BJJ family, this is the place for us!!! The gym is always clean, always good vibes, always fun. Thanks Professor and Nick for sharing your space with us.

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Posted 2 years ago
Steven Narine

Patience, professionalism, and positivity are just a few words I'd use to describe Coach Nick, Professor Vini and the environment at Alliance Jiu Jitsu San Marcos. I think most parents can relate that when you enroll your child in an extracurricular activity, you want to ensure that they're well taken care of and feel safe. My experience with Coach Nick and Professor Vini was nothing short of that. My son is 3yo and has a lot of energy. We tried to enroll him in a local gym (near Sacramento) but he was very intimidated and did not enjoy the environment. My family and I happen to be visiting the San Marcos area and I stumbled across this Alliance gym. I was extremely impressed with the pictures and glowing reviews people left about Coach Nick and Professor Vini, so I decided to reach out. I messaged the gym to inquire about a private session for my son and received a response within 5mins. In my brief conversations, I immediately felt a sense of professionalism and comfort so I decided to schedule a session for later that day. Upon our arrival, I noticed how clean and modern the gym looks. Additionally, knowing about my son's prior experience at our local gym Coach Nick and Professor Vini greeted us with a very warm welcome. The initial greeting made my son very excited about putting on a gi and immediately starting his lesson. Professor Vini and Coach Nick took a very positive and fun approach to teaching my son jiu jitsu basics. What I really appreciated is that they incorporated relatable kid games with jiu jitsu technique. For example, Professor Vini had my son play dodge ball as a way to learn foot technique and hand-eye coordination. As 'icing on the cake', at the end of training session Professor Vini gifted my son a white belt to encourage him to keep practicing and learning jiu jitsu. The experience was so memorable, that my son cannot stop talking about how much fun he had, especially with Coach Nick and Professor Vini. He's even gained the confidence to try jiu jitsu again at our local gym. I cannot thank Professor Vini and Coach Nick enough for being so patient and kind to my son. I highly recommend Alliance Jiu Jitsu San Marcos to anyone that is interested in either learning jiu jitsu for themselves or enrolling a child. I can assure you that you will not be disappointed.

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Posted 2 years ago
James U

If you are looking for a great Jiu-Jitsu experience in San Marcos look no further. I have trained with this team and they are nothing short of the absolute best, not only with me but my children. From providing discipline, confidence, technical skills, humility and more, the Alliance San Marcos Jiu-Jitsu Team is incredible. If you have the opportunity do the intro, I guarantee you will not be disappointed and will want to sign up immediately. Professor Vini is incredible, as well as the rest of the coaches and I cannot wait to continue my training with them.

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Posted 2 years ago
Juan Carlos Lopez

Great gym amazing vibes. Professional and super clean and modern

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Posted 2 years ago
Amanda Todd

Alliance San Marcos is a brand new gym, recently opened and owned by Head Professor Vini and Nick. The gym is not only aesthetically great looking but is also very well maintained. Both great guys who are so friendly and welcoming, making the BJJ community and culture an easy one to be a part of. If you're looking to start your BJJ journey or continue, Alliance is definitely the spot to be!

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Posted 2 years ago
Jimmy Tang

Such a great BJJ academy with amazing energy… i’m really happy to be learning with the best! Thank you for the patience Vini! ✊🏼 oss

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Posted 2 years ago
Rich Hibner

The Alliance academy in San Marcos is the nicest facility around San Diego. Professor Vini is an exceptional instructor; he is patient with new students and knows how to elevate the skills for all students by providing his vast knowledge and experience. The staff is very welcoming and friendly, Nick is great and is always willing to help his teammates. You can't find a better gym!!

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Posted 2 years ago
Nigel Nabua

Professor Vini is an amazing coach, he’s very caring and lively. Always a great time learning from him. I’ve started Brazilian Jiu Jitsu a little over a year ago and it has been a pleasure learning from him. Would not have made this far without his guidance. Nick has been a great teammate who’s very supportive and someone who can count on when you need help. Always willing to help you train. If you live around the area and looking for a place to train this is the place to be.

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Posted 2 years ago
Matthew Shlemon

Alliance San Marcos has been such a blessing to me. It has brought a strength and commitment I’ve never had before when it’s come to working out and learning a new skill set. Sensei Vini is amazing and Patient. The gym is extremely clean and well maintained. Thank you for opening this gym close to my house.

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Posted 2 years ago
J B

The staff is so welcoming even if you're coming from another academy. The mood is very vibrant and the head instructor, Vini, is the consummate professional. He values your time and gives easily digestible invaluable tips for beginner to advanced practitioners. If you want a warm family vibe with excellent instruction I highly recommending coming by. You won't be disappointed.

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Posted 2 years ago
James Sparacino

This is a great academy and Professor Vini’s expertise and passion is outstanding! I highly recommend this place for all levels and ages

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Posted 2 years ago
Mikey Silva

If you are someone that is looking to start your Jiu Jitsu journey, I highly suggest Alliance San Marcos. Also if you are someone that needs a change in academies for yourself or kids make the switch to this school. The 2 things I value from Alliance San Marcos is the family environment and the authenticity of the teaching. Professor Vini is a true professional and will teach you the ways of the art of Jiu jitsu. This is an academy that you will be surrounded around people that want you to get better in Jiu Jitsu and most importantly in life. Thank you Alliance San Marcos!

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Posted 2 years ago
Angel Cicero

Excited about this BJJ school! The professor Vini is an amazing person and accomplished fighter and he always makes sure people can enjoy the best of the best, starting with top of the line lessons, but also a work of art building (I think it's the best I've seen) so that people feel like they are in heaven but at home at the same time. The only thing to worry about is selling out all the spots! So hurry up and get it now before it's too late!!

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Posted 3 years ago