Any opinions on this school?

[Jeremey]

I am thinking about starting BJJ. This is the school in my area (Syracuse, NY)

Anyone have any experience or anything with this place? I checked it out last night and it seems pretty cool

http://www.tai-kai.com

[m.artist]

hmmm....stay away from the cardio kickboxing/karate. that won't get u anywhere in self defense. it's funny that all those guys teach bjj,but none are black belts. i wouldn't train in a style where my teacher is not a 3rd dan or higher....and how do u get a black belt in "kung fu"..first....there are many many many styles of kung fu...kung fu is a generalization type of term...so which style is it?..and second...chinese arts don't use belts...they use sashes...and unless im mistake...isn't the red sash the highest degree?....not the black sash?...personally...i would stay away untill u get other board members oppinions...

[gaittec]

" certified brown belt instructors under Marcos Santos, who is in turn a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt under the Machado brothers."

If this claim is true, they would be worth considering for BJJ instruction. The Machados are first class and their reps should be well qualified.

It's not unusual at all for browns, purples and even blues to teach BJJ.
Most Browns have at least seven years in the art. And Black belt instructors are still rare outside of major cities.

[JaredExtreme]

[quote=m.artist] it's funny that all those guys teach bjj,but none are black belts. i wouldn't train in a style where my teacher is not a 3rd dan or higher....QUOTE]

Brown belts in BJJ are very knowledgable, especially ones certified by the Machados. But because they are brown belts you shouldn't pay as much as you would as under, say a 3rd degree BJJ black belt. Usually Brown belts who teach offer more classes per week and cheaper rates since they are not black belts yet. For some reason I do not see rates on this page. I would go check it out and see if you like it, it is probably still a safe bet because the browns are under the Machados.

[BadgerFu57]

Most BJJ instructors aren't black belts M. Artist.
Most Blue belts in jiu-jitsu have as much experience as a 1st dan in different arts.

[gracilva]

Don't worry about the black belt issue.
If the guy is even a purple under Machado you will get years of usefull training.
all the best.

[m.artist]

Originally Posted by BadgerFu57

Most BJJ instructors aren't black belts M. Artist.
Most Blue belts in jiu-jitsu have as much experience as a 1st dan in different arts.

ya apparently*rubs back of head* im gonna start cross training in machado bjj tomorrow with a family friend. im convinced

[GrdStorm]

LOL the genius who said BJJ Brown Belts are not qualified to teach don't know squat about bjj.

I train under Marcos and Marcio Santos in NYC. I also train under Dan Gonzalez in NYC. All are Machado BB's. I also know a couple of MJJ brown belts. Let me tell you, brown belts are no joke, they kick serious ass. I'd compare a brown belt to a black belt in any other art.

I've never met the tai-kai guys but MJJ guys are no joke. I'm sure they are awesome instructors and I'd go check out a class to see what its all about. I'm sure ull be hooked.