BJJ/MT Gyms in DC?

[Ambulance Chaser]

I would like to begin training Brazilian Jiujitsu and/or Muay Thai. I have no aspirations of becoming the next Anderson Silva; I am primarily interested in the physical fitness and artistic aspects of the sports. The two big BJJ/MT gyms in the DC area are Yamasaki and Lloyd Irvin. Does anyone have any experience with these gyms? Or any recommendations of other places to check out?

 

[bigbadbuff]

I would suggest checking out a site like sherdog.com and searching for DC related threads, there will surely be some discussing places in that area to train.

I have trained at the Yamasaki location in Richmond, but since any place is only as good as the people training you directly, it wouldn't do much good to recommend them based on name alone.

Good luck.

 

[mizanation]

ambulance chaser, i highly suggest that you don't go to sherdog to ask any questions, unless you like to get your advice from twelve year-old TUF fans. go to lloyd irvin's gym. one of my old training buddies, ryan hall, is an instructor there. for bjj, muay thai and mma, the arlington school is the best in the area by far. you will not be disappointed there. *edit* funny, i just noticed that i'm the guy getting triangled in his bio.

 

[Ambulance Chaser]

Thanks, guys. I lurk on Sherdog but don't post because the forums there make the CE forum here look like a kumbaya session. A search on Sherdog revealed recommendations of Irvin, Yamasaki, Capital Jiu-Jitsu (Royce Gracie's school), and Maguilla. Some of Renzo Gracie's students have apparently also opened a school. Because I have limited free time and no car, I will likely choose a school largely based upon my ability to get there easily.

I assume most schools will allow you to observe a teaching session to see that it's what you're looking for? I know there is a lot of variation, but what is the ballpark cost and financial commitment schools ask?

 

[mizanation]

yes, all schools will allow you to observe a class (usually a beginner's class).

other things you need to consider is how the payment structure is set up. some schools are notorious for locking you into an extended contract.

also, some schools severely limit the amount of time you can train unless you pay more. this is not a good place to go. you should call up each school and find out how the payment system works.

if you go check out lloyd irvin's school, ask when ryan hall is gonna be teaching and check him out. tell him that his boy ryan from new york sent ya.

i hope you end up going there because they are the best school in the area for a number of reasons. pm me if you want more details...