As exposure to mixed martial arts has increased over the years, so has interest and intrigue into the world of grappling. From wanting to learn a new skill, find a new hobby, try a new way to exercise, find some camaraderie, people are looking for and finding their way to the ever increasing number of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu academies all around. If you have little to no previous experience with the sport you may wonder how to go about choosing which academy would best fit you! While each academy will provide instruction in both the foundations of BJJ and advanced training, how they instruct, train, and provide services will differ from place to place. We asked our current students here at Evolution Grappling Academy in Beacon and Fishkill, NY what helped them land and stay at this academy, and of all the answers, these were the most common!
Unbeatable Culture:
One of the most important things to consider when choosing a gym is the culture. Check out their website and then actually go there! Some gyms will feel “off” from the get-go and some will feel inviting and inclusive. According to our students, the culture at EGA is unbeatable. “The people are awesome and there are no ‘tough guys.’” “Everyone wants to better each other no matter what belt they are.” “All the senior belts are super accommodating and willing to improve your skills. You’ll love the EGA Tribe!” We are home to a variety of students from all ages, stages, and walks of life!
High Quality Coaching:
The coaching at EGA is second to none. Great care is taken, especially with beginners, to provide a safe space to learn, be
appropriately challenged, and grow! If you come to EGA with experience you’ll find that all the coaches will continue to sharpen your skill while also having a large group of upper belts with which to train. “The staff is knowledgeable, skilled, and experienced. They’ll push you to be your best and help you achieve your goals. They truly care about your progress and the culture of the gym, and it shows.”
In addition to our regular coaching staff, we take great pride in regularly offering seminars from outside coaches and current competitors.
Community:
You will quickly find at EGA, “You’re not just joining a gym, you’re joining a community.” We don’t take that lightly! While some students train a couple days a week, others are here every time the door is open. The nature of the sport gathers a variety of people that likely wouldn’t be gathered “in the wild!” It’s incredible to watch folks come together and quickly develop lifelong friendships as they train, learn, and grow. At EGA we also strive to create fun opportunities outside of classes to spend time with one another and further cultivate relationships. Our kids program has regular outings and activities such as Nerf Nights, meetings at the trampoline park, ice skating, etc. Our adults look forward to the yearly holiday party, Jiu Jitsu in the park, barbecues, field days, and more. “The people and atmosphere are what make EGA such a special place.”
Personal Growth:
“I’ve never felt so comfortable with being uncomfortable; it has helped me a lot inside and outside of the gym.” Training at EGA is an excellent way to promote personal growth. You’ll learn new skills and face challenging workouts that will not only push you physically, but mentally. “I love the learning experience it offers, and the perk of getting to know people from different walks of life cannot be underestimated. It offers an environment where I want to get better for my own personal growth, but also to be a better training partner as well.”
You’ll quickly find that you not only bring the skills, growth, and determination you’re learning on the mats into the rest of your life, but the rest of your life starts to take new shape around what you’re cultivating on the mats.