Most of the ratings from this school on other sites are positive. Be advised, these are all reviews from white students. This school is predominantly white. I am not white. So, here is an honest review from a non-white human. This is a terrible school. It has no diversity at all. The school is predominantly white and is very hostile, particularly towards black males. If you are a black male who attends Gracie Barra Bloomington, unless you're an Uncle Tom, you will not like this school. I was the only black student at this school for a while. During my personal experience, no one would be my partner for the entire first month I was there. Only the 2 assistant instructors (great guys) would be my partner. The remaining white students ostracized and bullied me, trying to get me to quit. There is a racist culture at this school. The chief instructor, Don Fox, is a recovering racist that likes to profile and discriminate black males. I remember constantly being trashed and patronized like I was a black creature that needed to be controlled. White students were praised for being creative. I was chastised for doing the same. Don once racially profiled me for getting my water bottle in the bathroom. I left it there while changing, so I went back to get it, no big deal right? Well, Don thought I was trying to commit theft and grabbed my hand and told me "It's time for you to leave GOOD BYE!" in a very aggressive, intimidating, and hostile manner. With both hands, he squeezed my hand and wrist so hard, my joint popped. I was afraid he would break my wrist, which he alluded to doing. I left the stupid water bottle there out of fear for my life. I was afraid he would maim me if I stayed there. I was not going to get maimed by a multiple gold medal-winning jiu jitsu black belt. I reported the incident to his chain of command. Nothing happened. He was allowed to continue teaching. Don also encourages his students to fight even if they are verbally insulted. Fighting out of provocation only leads to incarceration, which he should know. He runs his school like a cult, thinking that jiu jitsu comes before work and family. If you decide to quit, he will make it hell for you, asking for personal information like your medical records if you are sick or injured, which is unethical and illegal. He wants you to explain yourself as to why you want to quit. He thinks that having a black belt around his waist makes him above the law. Don is greedy, racist, and phony. If you are a black male, avoid this school. There is too much prejudice and testosterone in this school. read more

People of color should boycott this place. There's a culture of racism, homophobia, and violence here. I was racially profiled, assaulted, and threatened by the gym owner. I forgot my water bottle (no big deal) and he became suspicious and suspected attempted robbery. He assaulted, berated, and threatened me in front of everyone and ordered me to leave. He went berserk and frightened me. I was the only black person there. He wouldn't even let me explain anything because he didn't believe me. I just left out of fear for my life. I filed a police report and never went back. I felt so uncomfortable, scared, and creeped out. It's a nice place if you're white, but blacks are not welcomed here. They will let you know that very quickly. The gym owner will watch you like a hawk, expecting you to do something illegal. He will come after you and escalate to violence very quickly. Blacks are intimidated and bullied here. Having 2-3 blacks attend a gym is not "diversity." Putting them in your photos is just exploitation. This gym is also very cult-like. The chief instructor has a lot of control over his followers. It's a father/child relationship. He uses coercion, intimidation, and violence to control them. Any situation where a group is being controlled or coerced by the will of one man is the basis of a cult. It's a very macho culture that promotes violence.The gym owner is insincere, motivated by greed and power. Don't be fooled by his "nice guy" image. He has a lot of demons and is very shady. You can tell that something is "off" about him. I've received threats for breaking the code of silence. However, I think about how many people, especially people of color I'm saving. Stay away from these macho fight clubs. These people are not normal; they're insecure individuals with anger issues. They go through life trying to find any excuse to beat people up. Anyone who glorifies and enjoys violence is a sick person. Also, It's not worth $100+/month. A uniform will cost at least $200. Even if you want to get in shape, Gold's Gym or Anytime Fitness is only $10/month. The staff at Gold's or Anytime Fitness is very friendly and approachable. No intimidation or violence. No one will racially profile or threaten you for going back to get your water bottle. No big deal. No drama. No problem. These self-defense schools capitalize on people's fears and insecurities. Just walk away from provocation. Don't let these people put these paranoid ideas in your head. It's just brainwashing. No one is after you. Violence solves nothing. It only breeds violence. read more

I too am an African-American male and I attended this school from May 2017- Oct 2017. At which point my work schedule started preventing me from attending. The gym owner, staff, and all the students there had been nothing but kind and welcoming each day I attended which was almost 4 days every week. I was treated like family the same as anyone else and I never had to deal with any egos or anyone trying to be a badass. This place is family friendly and a great learning environment with staff that are always willing to help you out with whatever you need. read more

My nephew took classes at this place for a few months a while back. We finally had to take him out because of the toxic atmosphere caused by the head instructors. Bullying and aggressive behavior seemed to be encouraged. Martial Arts is supposed to be about respect and building confidence not about big egos trying to start fights at the slightest provocation. Fortunately, we found a more professional class and instructors with no criminal record. My nephew now is doing great and loves the training. read more