Okay writing this from personally personal experience and for my absolute love for this gym.
I got into Jiu Jitsu over a year and a half ago and while the gym I was going to was great, I found that I wasn't learning much and the environment just wasn't for me, especially as a first timer getting into a contact sport. I gave it my all but I could not keep up and I kept getting injured and I just felt like I could not fit in, no matter how much I tried.
Fast forward to half a year later, I moved to the Fremont area and stumbled upon Baem Jiu Jitsu!! Ironically, it was the stellar google reviews that led me to this place (SO JUST FYI). I had my first trial day and the gym was so welcoming and also so homey, there were way less people which I loved since I easily became intimidated at my last gym and there was also DENNEY.
If you've ever been in any sports at all throughout your life, you KNOW that a coach can either make or break your love for the sport. I went in expecting to be easily intimidated and also ignored (since I was still only a white belt with no knowledge) and Denney was the GREATEST.
You know those people in life who have found their "niches" and make it their entire personality to demonstrate not only how much more they know about it than anyone else but they also need you to take it as seriously as life or death or else you're just not good or committed enough? That is not Denney...
The man is an insanely knowledgeable and talented BJJ black belt MASTER but if you take one of his classes, you would instantly realize that he values it for you as a student because of the confidence and real world skills it gives you in life. He isn't obsessed with the fact that you need to compete or how well you can nail a technique or how many wins you've had, he simply wants you to think critically and really see Jiu Jitsu as a means of being able to figure tough stuff out and how to get out of messy situations.
Honestly I see BJJ as an entirely different sport than I did when I started and because of Denney, I've grown to love and be just as obsessed with the sport because of his passion and his classes. Trust me when I tell you, you NEVER want to miss one of Denney's classes, they're so fun, dynamic, and I swear you learn something entirely mind blowing each time you take his class. On top of that, he's one of the most genuine and kind hearted people I've met in this crazy intimidating sport. I even competed in my first comp this year, something I never thought I could or would even want to do! But being at Baem has taught me to much and it motivated me to push my comfort zone even more, on top of that, everyone is so kind, helpful, and supportive. I've never felt as if I didn't belong or that I wasn't good enough to learn, the community here is the best, so if you're new and like me, want to build your confidence, learn some valuable skills, and feel right at home while doing it, I highly recommend this gym and no where else. I will be a Baem BJJ member as long as I can, so highly highly recommend!!!! read more