I've been wanting to learn this since high school. Most fights and self defense situations end up on the ground, this is perfect for me. It teaches submissions in order to subdue an attacker. This was a clean facility with a patient and excellent instructor. read more

A great place to train Jiu Jitsu. Wish I would've started training much sooner.

A year ago I walked into Grand Haven Jiu-Jitsu for the first time feeling old and out of shape. I had been fascinated by Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) ever since watching Royce Gracie defeat every bigger, stronger opponent he faced in the early days of UFC, but never had the opportunity to train. Once I found out about this place (it is at Lakeshore Tae Kwon Do) I had to check it out. The facilities are great - clean mats with plenty of space. I took a free introductory class and was exhausted by the end of warm ups. Even so, it was the best experience I'd had in months. When I signed on, a one-year commitment was the only option available. At the time I would have preferred a trial period of a couple months, but now I see the advantage of committing to a full year right off the bat. There will be challenges. You will step outside your comfort zone. Your body will be bruised. Your ego will be bruised. If you stick it out you might come to realize that is a good thing. In the past year I lost 25 pounds and went from getting gassed at warm ups to sparring ten-minute rounds. One of the unique things about BJJ is that, because it doesn't involve striking, you can begin sparring ("rolling") soon after you begin learning. This is fantastic from a self-defense standpoint because there are few rules and you immediately apply what you learn to a realistic situation. It is also a great motivator to get in shape, but most of all its fun! read more