Best Gym Possible

Whether you're completely inexperienced or you're a seasoned veteran, when looking for a gym you should seek out the best gym possible. The first thing I look at is the instructor. I typically look for the highest ranking instructor in the area, reason being it's usually best to learn from somebody who is the most experienced. However, sometimes there are some very gifted instructors that may not have achieved the black belt level. I recommend trying each school out, especially since most schools offer at least a 1 day free class, sometimes a free week. See how the instructor teaches, see how the students in the class are. It's important to learn their demeanor, are they friendly, are they reserved, are they any good, etc... just some things to look for. For the most part, I've always felt welcome when visiting academies all over the US. People have been friendly, the instruction has been excellent, and the environment is great. Another thing to keep an eye out for is whether or not the said instructor of a school actually teaches there. More often than not, schools have senior students teach the white belts while the main instructor teaches the advanced. I find this situation very ideal in that the instructor doesn't burn himself out on teaching everybody, it also gives white belt students a goal to achieve the blue belt in order to be able to take the advanced class with the main instructor.

I have been to academies all over the US and can give anybody advice on places to train based on where I have visited, so if you are interested feel free to pm me and I will give you my input.

I currently live in Boston, MA and train at Florian Martial Arts Center. There are several great academies in the area, but my choice by far is FloMAC. I don't go to this academy simply because UFC fighter Kenny Florian is an instructor or that it's his academy, I go because his brother Keith Florian is the most gifted instructor I have ever come across. I have learned a mount escape from at least 20 other black belt instructors, some of which are world champions, ADCC champions, etc... and none of them have been as simple and effective as Keith's way of escaping. It's not only his attention to detail on how to perform a technique, it's also the efficiency and his way to convey how the technique is done. He make understanding a complex technique very easy. Not to discredit any other instructor I have had, especially if any read this blog, but it just is something to be said of how talented Keith is (Keith don't let your ego get too big). Aside from the instruction, the academy has accumulated some of the best people I know. It truly is like an extended family. So if you're in the Boston area and are looking to start BJJ, change academies, or are visiting I highly recommend coming by the academy to check it out.