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November 2023 by Heather M.
Our son has been coming here for 2 years now and it's been so great for him. The classes are fun but instructional and they do a good job keeping the kids engaged and on task. We also like that they go over values every month like integrity, commitment, etc. Highly recommend!
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October 2023 by Subie A.
My son has been going to Sampa for close to a year now and it has been amazing for him. My dude brings all energy all the time and these classes are perfection for him. The instructors are so good with the children. My son is high energy and outgoing but these classes would be good for any personality. You can see that everyone is there because they want to be. This place has surpassed my expectation at every stop. I have come to see Sampa as a family we a part of.
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August 2023 by Joseph R.
Sampa saved my life. I'll admit it--I'm a big guy. Before i started, i was tipping the scales at over 300 pounds, and the thought of stepping into a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu studio was intimidating, to say the least. But oh boy, am I glad I did! Sampa has completely transformed not only my approach to fitness but also my confidence and outlook on life. From the moment I walked through the doors, I was greeted with warmth and encouragement from the Sampa family. I initially worked with Coach Paul who understood my concerns and helped me realize that Jiu Jitsu is for everyone, regardless of size or experience. The instructors, patient and skilled, took the time to guide me through the Adult Super Basics class, always adapting techniques to suit my body type. As the weeks went by, the changes were undeniable. The supportive atmosphere at Sampa pushed me to challenge myself in ways I never thought possible. The techniques, although initially intimidating, became more familiar and attainable with each class. More importantly, the friendships I forged on the mats fueled my determination to keep showing up. What I love most about Sampa is their commitment to personal growth. They celebrated every milestone, whether it was executing a move well or shedding a few pounds. The positivity and camaraderie among the students makes me feel like I belong, and that means the world to me. My regular sparring partner and i push each other to our limits every time we have a match. When we are dead tired at the end of class, we often say, "this is what we came for!" Fast forward, and I'm now down about 40 pounds from when i started 9 months ago, have significantly increased flexibility, and feeling more confident than ever. I am still very new and have much to learn, but i am excited for the road ahead! If you're like me and have doubts about whether Jiu Jitsu is right for you, let me assure you, Sampa is the place to be. It's a place where transformation happens, regardless of where you're starting from. Give it a try, and who knows, you might just find yourself on a life-changing journey, too. Thank you, Sampa, for helping me work towards becoming the best version of myself!
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July 2023 by Tony E.
Tony El-Asar,35 year old dad. Brazilian Juij Jitsu at Sampa has been life changing in ways I didn't expect. When I first came to the gym I was mainly looking for exercise and quite possibly a new sport. I was pushing 300lbs and hadn't really competed in anything physical in over 5 years. It was hard for me to continually exercise and stick to a workout without being in a competitive sport; it's just how I grew up, anytime I worked out beyond my limits it was always for competition. I walked into the gym, it was hot, people were working hard, it quickly felt familiar. After my first workout, I knew I had found my new gym. Jiu Jitsu is difficult. I was horribly out of shape, slow, and sweat was dripping like a waterfall but I couldn't fight the budding feeling blossoming inside. No matter how difficult the workout was or how many moves I struggled to learn, I just had to keep coming back. It didn't take long before I realized, not only was my motivation to get in shape more determined, my habits outside of the gym began to reflect my goal. I stopped the late night cookie buffet, ensured I received more sleep, stretched throughout the day and increased my water intake; I was beginning to feel more like my young athletic self. I thought "Perfect it's working" but something else happened that I didn't expect, I felt more balanced and prepared for my day. After each class it was as if my tolerance for obstacles and stress began to level up. The anxiousness I would sometimes feel while out in public running errands evaporated. I grew more patient not just in the day to day but in my parenting, work, and schooling. There's something about feeling the pressure of dead weight crushing you that just makes you relax. Learning to breathe, remain calm during training and grueling submissions transformed me to a calm individual. I actually look forward to the challenges the day may bring or what curveballs life has for me; I'm not worried, I'll just frame and hip escape out of it. Before I finished my first month, it wasn't just a gym routine. I really wanted to compete and see more of the world of Jiu Jitsu. I have so much fun that I actually get disappointed when the gym is closed and I can't train. It hasn't been all about the training and learning. The people I train with are some of the coolest people I've met. Sometimes I just hang out after training and we just talk about life; It's like that with the coaches as well. The coaches keep training fun. It's not lackadaisical but you have moments throughout training we're you're laughing and enjoying the process. Jiu Jitsu is a rewarding process. The art will push you, break you down and build you up all in the same session. When you get your first stripe you feel accomplished and honored although the other colored belts can still put a whooping on you, it doesn't take away from the fact that you are mentally physically and emotionally stronger than the day you first walked in. When you see your teammates level up you can not help but be happy for them as well. My family and associates are tired of me talking about it but it's not fight club; I just have to share the experiences I'm going through, I am mostly hoping that they join me. Overall I'm glad I'm learning to become a better me at Sampa. I wouldn't want to learn anywhere else. Thankful for this art form
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January 2023 by Caroline N.
My son has been with Sampa for four years now. He wants to be there. He loves the physicality of Jiu Jitsu and the coaches. I can't say enough about how patient the coaches are and how well they work with kids. Their system for earning badges is a great home carry over activity.
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January 2023 by Melissa B.
My Husband and I we're looking for martial arts for our 8 year old and we happen to come across this Academy. We have now been here for a year now and our son absolutely loves it. He has learned so much about responsibility, respect and of course Jiu Jitsu. The trainers are great with the kids and know every child by their first name even in large classes. I enjoy watching every class my child attends. Watching him learn techniques and also playing fun games just before the end of every class. Shoutout to coach Renato!!! I highly recommend this Academy for any age group.
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January 2023 by Josiah V.
We started at Sampa with the parents and kids class, now in the peewees. Staff is great, structured learning is top notch. Going to these classes has pushed my kid out of the comfort zone and given him more confidence with contact.
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September 2022 by John S.
Truly an amazing gym and community here at Sampa. I've been here for about 4 months and I'm so glad I joined. At all levels, Sampa Bjj is a place where you learn excellent technique as well as get one of the best workouts out there. The staff and instructors are always super helpful all while teaching other classes that are available, ie. boxing, kicking boxing, & even judo. Definitely check it out & take advantage of their free trials because this sport and community is truly something special.
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September 2022 by Luis S.
My daughter is about two months in with her BJJ training and she is loving everything about it. All the coaches have been great and patient with her being new. Her attitude has really changed as they teach them about respect and being a better person. They make them earn their belts and badges which everyday my daughter is hungry to earn those badges.
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September 2022 by Willie O.
Great gym for beginners all the way up to experts, this also includes kids. Professors and instructors are well knowledge and well-rounded jujitsu trainers. They do offer kickboxing classes but are mostly experienced and more knowledged in jujitsu. Not only a great self-defense gym to go to but also A great and friendly place to stay in shape due to such a small netted community. They offer a seven day free trial where you can take advantage of not only their jujitsu courses but also their kickboxing courses. Trainers will randomly keep in touch if they don't see a student for a few days to make sure everything is okay at home and if not they are more than willing to help to an extent.
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September 2022 by Dan R.
I really enjoy this gym. Great energy, environment, and amazing staff attending to the gym. All the Professors are amazing and very knowledgeable. Paul and Bobby made this an easy decision for me to make. Thank you Sampa! You are changing my life in so many ways and we have barely begun. -Dan Rivera
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August 2022 by Hailey D.
to say we LOVE Sampa would be an understatement! Our 4 year old started when he was 3, originally we couldn't find any classes for him because we work weekends, every weekend. Sampa opened a Wednesday class for parents & me, our son was the first one in this class and til this day we love it for him! Coach Bobby is so patient and never overwhelming for them. Paul has been so kind since we signed our son up! Everyone you come in contact with is super kind. They are very clean and organized. Definitely recommend if you are looking for your toddler to grow as the years go by! Thanks Sampa!!
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July 2022 by Robert T.
I got started here a few years ago and haven't looked back. I trained martial arts for the better part of 20 years, but I had taken a break when I moved to Cali. I had been thinking about starting BJJ for a while and they ended up being right around the corner. The atmosphere and culture at this gym was amazing. I was hooked not just because of the excellent instruction, but also the people, both instructors and students, are some of the most kind and helpful people you have ever met. In my two and a half or so years training I have never had a bad experience. They'll even check in on you if they haven't seen you in a while to make sure that you're ok. If I could give them better than 5 stars I would. They really are a top-notch organization.
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July 2022 by Jack T.
My 5 year old son has been attending Sampa for 3 months and loves it. After the first visit, my wife and I were convinced this place was a good fit for us. The coaches are great. They all have positive energy and are fun, yet keep the classes under control and engage the kids. Every class is different and begins with warm-ups and various drills that are excellent for strengthening, agility, and improving hand-eye coordination. The training area and break room are kept consistently clean. The break room has books, a few tables, and many chairs while the training area is lined with many benches for guests to comfortably watch their kids. The classes are organized into different age groups. Classes are offered for different age groups at various times and on various days, which provide flexibility. If a class or entire week is missed, make-up classes are easy to attend. The front desk staff are friendly, helpful, and answer all of my questions adequately and with a smile. I am a long-time fan of mixed martial arts and can see the practical and technical aspects of the drills, positions, movements, and explanations that the coaches provide. The coaches speak clearly to the 4-5 year olds in a way they understand while still conveying the technical aspects and positions. Most of all, they make the classes fun and engaging for the kids AND the adults. Overall, I am happy with the quality of instruction, the cleanliness of the facility, and the professionalism and dedication of the staff. I can see my son training here for many years to come, and my 4 year old daughter has been saying recently that she also wants to start training here!
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July 2022 by Eddy R.
This place is the absolute best , my daughter loves coming to class . It's a great place for her to learn basic self defense & help her with discipline. Plus the coaches are real friendly an make class fun for the kids. Overall I reccomend this place.
