I'm writing this review not to be negative or cause problems but because I hope it creates some kind of change. I trained at GB Upland for about four years. I was consistent, sometimes training twice a day, and I competed around 7 times, always placing gold or silver. I trained through injuries, balanced family life, and showed up ready to help others on and off the mat. I gave a lot to this place.
What really pushed me to leave was a comment from Professor Ana. She told me, "I don't really see you at class that often." That hit me hard, because I knew how much time I'd put in. I plan to post my attendance card and medals not to brag but to show that I was showing up, even on days I was hurting. That comment made me step back and look at things more clearly.
Over time, I started noticing a lot of favoritism. Certain families especially those who are friends with the owners or have kids that compete get more attention, more praise, and more support. I understand why competitors are highlighted. They represent the gym. But let's be honest the people who pay monthly, train consistently, and support the academy from the ground up deserve just as much respect. If you use words like "we," "family," or "community," that should apply to everybody not just a few.
I also heard stories from people especially at CompNet tournaments who didn't have a coach in their corner when it was time to compete. Some had to wait. Others had no one. That's rough, especially when you're out there nervous and relying on your school to back you up. And it wasn't just adults. In the kids' classes too, who gets more attention often depends on how involved their parents are with the school not just how hard the kid trains. When you see it enough, it starts to feel off.
Injuries are expected in this sport I've had two or three myself. But I'm always upfront about them. I let the professor or coach know before class, and I let my partner know too. I want to protect myself and others. But not everyone trains like that. There are some people who roll with ego and try to prove something every time and they end up injuring other students. I know at least one person who hurt multiple people and is still there. I'm not naming names, but in my opinion, one person shouldn't be allowed to ruin the experience for so many.
Another thing that started bothering me was the 60-day cancellation policy. After doing some research and talking with people from other schools including other Gracie Barra locations I found that most have a 30-day policy, no contracts, and more flexible options. For people who are dealing with financial stress or personal issues, being forced to pay for two extra months feels like it's about money, not community.
Then there's the issue of people with prior martial arts experience competing in lower-level brackets. I'm not hating on anyone's success. Like I said, I've competed and done well. But when someone barely trains at the gym, walks into a competition with a big advantage, and then gets praised like they just climbed Mount Everest it's hard to watch. I stayed quiet about it for a long time, but it didn't sit right with me. I've always earned everything whether in the Army or in Jiu Jitsu through effort and integrity. I want to be part of a gym where that kind of value actually means something.
Since leaving, several people have reached out to me privately, saying they've felt the same way but didn't want to speak up. I've also run into former students who said they stopped going for the same reasons. The feelings I had weren't just mine.
Leaving wasn't easy. I made a lot of good friends. I had a routine. I still love the sport. And to be fair, the coaches themselves are very knowledgeable and talented. That was one of the best parts of being there. They made training enjoyable and challenging. This review isn't an attack it's just my truth.
At the end of the day, for my own mental well-being, I needed to go somewhere I'd feel genuinely valued not just as a student, but as a person.
If you're reading this and thinking about joining go see it for yourself. But if you're already there and you've noticed some of the same things, just know you're not alone.
-- Rod read more