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