Patient coach with great curriculum and amazing work ethic. The Owner & supporting coaches all are…read morepersonable, and the kids feel welcome and encouraged to do better. I would highly recommend.

Coach Dan is the reason we keep coming to Relson Gracie academy. He has the patience of a saint…read morewhile training the little sharks! Our 5 year old has been in his class since April and has learned a lot and has made friends with all the kids. I stay for the class, there is plenty of seating for parents and coach interacts with everyone and makes jokes, we're laughing a lot. The kids get plenty of water breaks and each class usually ends with sparring. I have tried the adult class and never did jiujitsu in my life. It doesn't matter what level you're at when you join a class, coach and other people training will help you. While I haven't signed up for jiujitsu yet I have joined the morning conditioning workouts on M, W, & F mornings. It is an hour of intense training that includes running, high intensity intervals, and strength training with weights and body weight. I love it! I have been doing it since May and plan to continue inevitably :-)

I've been attending the academy for a couple of years and have had a great experience not only with…read morethe owners, but with members who are friendly and highly supportive. There are a variety of classes offered throughout the week and also private lessons. I've been taking privates that have 2 black belt instructors for an hour - absolutely the best way to augment the regular class learning. Anyone interested in Jiu-Jitsu and/or self defense should definitely give this school strong consideration.

I've been a student of martial arts for over 4 decades and have practiced and received senior belts…read morewithin several traditional styles (e.g., Tae Kwon Doe, Kung Fu, etc..). Without question, I have found Gracie Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (e.g., BJJ), to be both the most effective for self-defense and most rewarding from a physical and mental health point of view. I have been studying BJJ now for nearly 9 years, with all of that time at the Royce Gracie Academy of Glastonbury. For those of you looking at starting BJJ or finding a new school to train at, I can not provide a stronger recommendation than this school. I say this based on the following 3 criteria: Quality of the Curriculum Some of the primary tenants of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu are: 1. Most fights go to the ground and that's where most traditional stand-up martial arts don't adequately train or prepare their students for. 2. Using proper technique, it is very possible for a smaller, less athletic, less strong Gracie Jiu-Jitsu practitioner, to protect and defend themselves against a much larger, stronger, and more athletic aggressor who doesn't know BJJ. Learning those techniques to the extent that you can rely on them in a difficult and life-threatening situation, takes years of coaching and practice. Royce Gracie, the son of the late Helio Gracie and founder of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu has spent decades now perfecting the training curriculum that allows "any person" at "any age", the opportunity to gain this knowledge safely and sustainably. This instruction has now be codified with certification requirements in place to ensure schools have properly trained instructors/coaches. The Royce Gracie Academy of Glastonbury has that certification level and it makes all the difference. Quality of the Instructors Combined, the 4 blackbelts instructor/coaches bring over 80 years of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu experience with all of them having received their black belts from Royce Gracie himself. And for those not familiar with Royce, just look him up on youtube.... He's the GOAT and one of the reasons MMA/UFC exists today. Having 4 black belts support the student population is a luxury that has to be experienced. Every student, at every level, can engage with our instructors. Our instructors take a very focused approach to ensuring that each student is guided based on their own personal capabilities, health, and training goals and intent . Vibe within the School The Royce Gracie Academy of Glastonbury is a self-defense-focused BJJ school. We train to be able to avoid altercations and to be able to have an effective plan of defense in the event avoidance is not possible. As a consequence of the curriculum and instructors above, you should expect a highly collaborative, respectful and safe vibe w/in the school. This school is ideal for children, young adults, male/females of all ages, body types, health status, etc... This school and the students w/in it meet every new person wherever they are starting from. You will not find an environment where newbies are used by experienced students as training dummies. On the contrary, it's an expectation in our school that the more senior you are, the more time you give to your less experienced student peers to help them grow and improve. What else can I say other than, to come to the school and talk to our black belt owners Kate and Rick and try some complimentary classes. You can see for yourself if my feedback is accurate. I don't think you'll be disappointed.

This place is Mind blowing!!! So much Fun! Great…read moreInstructor's! I have gained confidence and strength in my mind and body... I keep coming back for more! Thank you

My daughters attended here. Great option for kids to have freedom to choose on jujutsu karate and…read moreso much more even back to back if they like.

I joined for the free class. I knew I was going to be going back and committed. Since then (albeit…read more2.5 weeks), I'm sleeping better, noticing my body is starting to change, and I just feel GREAT! Professor Joseph is incredibly knowledgeable and makes class serious, but also laid back. He makes sure to check on every student. Whether there be 2 or 20 in the class. That's the sign of a good professor. I'm doing the cardio kickboxing class, and I'm hooked! I highly recommend GFV to everyone

Just started here and was a bit concerned about being new. I am admittedly fat and very out of…read moreshape and was concerned about being the floundering whale flopping on the floor getting laughed at. Everyone from beginner to the very experienced at this place is very helpful and very friendly. They understand being new is hard and they help in any way they can. I did take a few one on one lessons and then jumped into classes. It's a blast but far from easy. Expect to be a little sore and achy as you will use muscles you had no idea you had. Flexibility is important so plan on getting there a little early to stretch out before class. I've had ACL replacement, hand reconstruction from a severe shattering, and have a hip replacement and I'm 47 years old. If I can get out there and flop around anyone can.

I've been a practicing Brazilian Jiu Jitsu under Jessica Cherman (Brown Belt) & Danilo Cherman (4th…read moreDegree Black Belt) for about 4 years now. Jess founded the Women's only Class. We (the original group of women) all started knowing absolutely nothing about Jiu Jitsu to now being 3 stripe Blue Belts. We've all come a long way & we have Jess & Danilo to thank. Men & women also train together & everyone is very respectful towards each other. It's really been an incredible experience. The members are all really great people with different levels of experience. Many of the members compete in IBJJF Championships, Pan Am's & World's Competitions, very often medaling. They offer BJJ, MMA, No-Gi, Drills, & Kid's Classes. The gym is great with a very large mat area to train. They also have a weight area with a treadmill. If you have any interest in trying BJJ, call or stop in & give it a try. Check out their Facebook page & www.jitsuacademy.com

From the owner: We specialize in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and MMA.read more

You're learning with people at your pace. Different levels of Pro experience from all coaches!read more

I have been going to Boa for over a year now with my daughter, and my son joined us a few months…read moreago. What a great instructor. Dan Cassella is an amazing coach/professor, whether it's the kids class, teens, or adults. We started going after my daughter was getting bullied and the confidence it has given her is amazing. Always clean, 1:1 time every class, and accessible for everyone; my son is on the spectrum and he's blossomed under their instruction. Would recommend to anyone looking for strength, self defense, fitness, and deepening that mind body connection.

Dropped in while I was in town and had a great experience at MMA Barn. The BJJ class was extremely…read morewell coached, with clear instruction, great attention to detail, and techniques that were actually practical. Everyone was very welcoming from the moment I walked in, which can make a huge difference when you're visiting a new gym. The group had a great vibe, great training, very respectful and friendly. Overall, an awesome experience and I'd definitely drop in again next time I'm in the area. Highly recommend.

From the owner: At MMA Barn, we offer a range of programs to suit every interest and skill level, including Boxing,…read moreJiu-Jitsu, Strength and Conditioning, and Circuit Training. Whether you're looking to compete, learn self-defense, or improve your fitness, our expert coaching staff is here to help you achieve your goals.