August 2023 by Randy F.
Empire BJJ is the best Jiu Jitsu school in the area, and I will share three reasons why.The first is building Confidence. Professor Jon is great at building up youth and adults. I've observed him coaching the kids class, and he will consistantly praise the kids when they are performing the techniques correctly. He will also do the same thing in the adult class, by seeking out students doing the correct technique and working hard, and then will praise them for it. If a student is not quiet getting the technique, or needs to be pushed, he will respectfully guide them in the right direction by working one-on-one with them, or find a more effective way to teach them. During the technique portion of class, Professor will under teach, and over drill. This is the best way for students to learn. Students just need to see the overview of the technique, but spend most of the time drilling, in order to build their confidence in the moves. This form of teaching and coaching is especially effective in the athletic realm. By being consistent in this approach to running a room, Professor Jon's students are building confidence in the best way possible. Professor Jon also carries himself confidently, which transfers over to his students. I have seen my teenage son develop confidence in his Jiu Jitsu and his character, as he's spent time in Empire. BJJ is one of the few things in our society that is positively impacting a persons confidence. Character is the next reason you should go to Empire. Professor Jon has shown great character. He is patient and kind, when teaching. He will take time to answer your questions, and not make you feel silly for asking them. He will take time to train you individually, if you're just learning. He is open to learning from his students, even if they are white belts. I've seen him work one-on-one with a student (when only one kid shows up to class), and he does it with the same intensity as he does when 20 he has a full class of upper belts. He loves Jiu Jitsu, and he loves people. Finally, conditioning. I've spent years wrestling, and I always thought wrestling was the toughest sport. BJJ is now tied with wrestling, in my mind. In wrestling, the match is over when you get pinned on your back. In BJJ, the fight keeps going. You are wasting your time on the treadmill/bike at the gym. 1 hour in a Jiu Jistsu class is going to be harder than spending hours on a cardio machine. Even if you spend your whole life lifting weights, you will find that you have muscles that you never knew were there, after a Jiu Jistsu class. Jon is great at adapting the training for new people, though. He will have you play passing games, or create something at your level, so you don't feel too overwhelmed. Try Empire. You will be challenged, and you will become a better person.