New to BJJ

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I'm looking to get into BJJ. I'm fortunate to live in LA, CA where there are many good shools. I know Rickson is over in Pacific Palisades. There are also a couple Machado schools in the valley. My question is.. Since I'm so new to BJJ, does it matter which school I start my training at???

Thx
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[GinSueDog]

I think it does matter, some places the instructor teaches most of the classes, others it is one of his students. Some lock you into a contract and others don't. Some are open minded and work on things such as takedowns from judo and wrestling while other perfer to keep things "pure." Anyway where exactly do you live? Are you interested in Gi or No Gi training and how much are you willing to spend, prices vary big time with the Gracies being the most expensive IMO.-ED

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Reply to GinSueDog

Thanks for the quick post. I'm actually in the Studio City area. I prefer to start with GI training first, but would be interested in trying both. I do Judo a couple times a week now. Since I'm so new to this I'd like to keep cost down as much as possible, but I realize good training comes with a price tag.


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[GinSueDog]

If it isn't too far away I would go with either Caique or the Machado's over in Torrance. I don't know what the pricing is at Caique's but I imagine it can't be too bad as he just recently opened his school. He is suppose to be very good and was teaching at the Gracie Academy in Torrance for a number of years until a few months ago. The Machado's are about average in pricing but the instruction is suppose to be top of the line with lots of higher belts helping out. Anyway most BJJ schools offer a free trail class, I say you drop by watch a class if your interested then go back and actually take a free class. Don't be afraid to ask a lot of questions like the ones I posted earlier. Hope that helps, some of the other guys here should be more help as they train up in the LA area.-ED

P.S.-Check out www.bjj.org
The BJJ school information there is old but useful with alots of contact information for the LA area.

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Reply Reply to GinSueDog

I'll definitely take the advise. Thanks again for your help!

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[Karlinhos]

or try the machado school in pasadena..... there you can sometimes workout with a lady that will kick your ass (lol)

[Hookah Smokin Caterpillar]

Francisco Bueno's school in Downey, we have so many good instructors. Plus you got the man Francisco himself

[dan downard]

Pick the school with the prettiest ceiling.Since your new,you will be on your back alot.

[Martial Artist]

lol at dan!

[SweepEm]

There are many oppurtunities to train in BJJ in LA, it just depends on how much of a commute you want and when you want to drive.
As you know, you have to make ammends on the drive time because of traffic here in LA.

As was said earlier, best to go and watch a few classes at potential schools.
if you as each guy here from LA, which school is the best, they most likely will say, their school.

Remember, most BJJ schools (it used to be all) offer a free first class.

Seems that you are apprehensive about taking the beginning class and so, focus on the schools that have a larger beginner class.

besides the big name black belts, there are many brown, and purples around wanting to pick up some cash and teach private and semi privates in small places, like garages. All you need is some space to lay down a mat.