A serious question based on your opinion - SOS!

[Bad Karma]

I've just been given approval to start martial art classes in two different locations. Here's the problem, who would you try to have monitor your progress? Like, if you had to choose just one person or Association to oversee your development, who would you pick and why? Here are some defining points: Very expensive - forget about it! Simple enough, huh? LOL!

In all honesty, I'm looking for someone who actually takes an interest in getting "cherry" BJJ people up to standard and not simply out for your money. It would be nice if you included contact information for the person or group you recommend. I will follow up to this board once a decision has been made, so you guys will know with whom and why I picked whomever I do/did. The decision must be made in 1 month from this Friday, so I'm kinda rushed.

Oh! Carlson Gracie, Jr. is the closest BJJ instructor (Cincinnatti, Ohio, is only 3 1/2 hrs away) to me. I just don't have his contact information. Closest doesn't mean best, though. Anyone train with him on a regular basis?

Perhaps someone else has faced a similar decision? Whom did you opt for and why?

Thanks in advance!

Peace

[YeLLa-TiGeR]

I have the same prediciment as you. I have the choice of joining two gyms. One offering BJJ, Muay Thai, Savate and soon to be NHB. OR Grappling, JKD, Muay Thai. The second school is like a min drive away. The other is about 15 min away. Decisions, decisions...

[SweepEm]

I really don't understand your dilemma, but if you have a choice between two schools, go to both of them, train a free class.
Define your goals in your training.
Do you just want to get into shape or do you want to compete, cross train?
Ask the instructor how their philosphy of training a new student is.
Talk to the students and if you can, find some ex-students and ask they why they left.

If you go to Baskin Robbins 31 flavors, they do offer a small spoonful taste, instead of just having to decide on the different ice creams based on color and/or descrpition, you can taste for yourself and decide.

[Bad Karma]

Whoa! Clarification....

I am teaching the classes. I'm asking for opinions regarding who would be the best to oversee the classes BJJ development. I can't and don't claim to teach BJJ, but I would like to bring BJJ into the school(s) correctly. Correctly, being defined as an instructor to provide seminar support and make adjustments/recommendations as needed without...breaking the bank, of course.

Peace

[Edited by Bad Karma on 10-18-2000 at 12:58 AM]

[SweepEm]

Oh, that explains it a lot better.

I misunderstood your post and thought you were just starting, but found it strange.

[paw]

Well, I'd start by making a list of who you might consider. Then call them up, talk to them and go from there.

There are a lot of awesome instructors, but they might not be awesome instructors for you or your group.

Until then, I'd recommend having someone teach basic groundwork (judo, wrestling, whatever is available) or getting a basic tape set and going through the tape with your class. I'm sure if you're open and honest about learning together, people will be very receptive and not worry that you aren't an X belt under So and So.

Here's a short list, in case you need it, of people to contact:

Pedro Sauer
Royce/Rorian Gracie
Rickson Gracie
Rodrigo Vahgi (Rickson rep, and closer to you, I think)
Roy Harris
Carlson Gracie Jr.
Machados

Also, try posting a message ATTN:Hawk (Hawk has a Gracie TA and can probably answer a lot of your questions)

Hope that helps,

Paul