Leverage Jiu-Jitsu Academy

Although I’ve only recently started coming here, the last month-​and-​a-​half has been amazing! I was super apprehensive at first because the instructor, Scott Naugle, teaches out of his home and I wasn’t sure how comfortable I would be going there for a trial but I’m so glad I did. It is ideally located right off of 29 in a gorgeous gated community (I mean it is seriously beautiful) besides a small lake.
Inside, he has setup a really clean and cozy atmosphere to train: a changing room, bathroom, plenty of space for your jackets and belongings, and of course, the mat. There are quite a few other girls who come to jiu-​jitsu and judo but all of the men there are wonderful to work with; there isn’t anyone I wouldn’t want to roll or practice techniques with.
The classes are all different but have the same overall setup — a warm up, technique, & practice. Tier 1 is a great place to start because it focuses on the basics that you’ll need to build a foundation for your moves. Even if you aren’t athletically inclined, it is totally double. Tier 2 is a bit more of a workout because it focuses a lot on more complicated moves and has a longer warm up. We also roll at the end of class which is BJJ jargon for practicing the moves we just learned in an all out, full resistance fashion; it is a ton of fun. Even with the higher belts in this class, I never feel thrashed or like they’re trying to destroy me. Everyone is super helpful and will coach you through the moves if you’re having trouble. Never ever be afraid to ask or mention if something is hurting you. No one is there to kill you. Its a very safe environment.
Overall, I can’t say enough how much I enjoy the classes at Leverage BJJ with Scott and my fellow classmates. Scott is one of those rare people who not only understands the movements but knows how to break it down into digestible pieces for you to understand. I never feel overwhelmed by what he is teaching us and he will practice with you until it finally clicks. (Plus, he not only has a black belt in BJJ but several other mixed martial arts as well. He is basically a Swiss army knife in human form). If you’re considering learning MMA, I would definitely check the classes out for yourself. You won’t regret it.
And if you see me, be sure to say hi. :)

My ground game has improved so much in the few months I’ve been here. Both group and private lessons are worth every penny. Yes, it is a self-​defense based jiu jitsu style, but Scott was super accommodating when I told him that I wanted to compete. The reason I joined Leverage JJ is because I saw that Scott was also a black belt in Judo. My stand up game sucked (OK it might still suck, but it sucks a little less now). I feel a lot more comfortable on my feet since starting Judo classes. If there is enough room (depending on class size for that night), we sometimes start our BJJ rolls from standing as well, which I love. My progress has definitely been reflected in my competition performance.
His teaching method makes it easy to learn a technique right the first time (though it might take a few months to actually be able to remember it without having to stop and think). I suggest taking notes in class to remember it all. There are so many details to what I thought before were simple submissions that make them much more effective. I love the emphasis on the details.
Maybe most importantly, the people are great. Everyone is really helpful. Higher level belts are always happy to drill with you and roll with you. I never feel like I’m getting smashed, being smaller than the guys there. And there isn’t anyone in the group that I wouldn’t want to roll with. It definitely feels like a good team.
Class times are convenient for every schedule. I’m a lawyer who works kind of hellish hours, but now I never have an excuse to miss class. And I’m now in the best shape ever. I haven’t been at this weight consistently since I had mono in college…

I have been going to Leverage JJ (formerly Columbia BJJ) since July 2014 and am loving every second of it. I originally picked up JJ because I had my wedding coming up and was looking for a fun way of working out without spending hours on a treadmill, and this definitely gave me the workout of a lifetime and I’m now in the best shape of my life. This place is tough, but so much fun, and fo rus women, it makes you feel so powerful to be able to submit a man stronger and much larger than you. That’s probably the main reason I dont see myself leaving anytime in the forseeable future.
This school practices «gracie jiu jitsu» mainly, which is more self defense based than typical brazilian jiu jitsu which is more sport based, and I find I like it better. They also offer other classes like muy thai, judo, fight simulation and even a weapons class, which is currently my fav class.
That being said, I did get a few bruises on my legs and arms from grappling, and for a second I had to make sure that people knew that they were due to jiu jitsu and not some secret domestic issue, so I did have to take a break for a bit before my wedding so I wouldnt have bruises in my wedding dress (not a good look). Since then, though, I have continued to come back day after day.
I’ve had the opportunity to observe the kids classes as well, and even help out with a couple of them on occasion (It helps so that the instructor can effectively show a technique and all the kids can watch.) and it seems the kids love it. I thoroughly believe that the classes help kids with the self confidence they need these days to deal with bullies in school, and it helps with their fitness as well.
I’ve suggested Jiu jitsu for anyone that asks (especially those that want to know how I got so in shape, but I want to take this moment to suggest not just JJ, but Leverage JJ in particular. The instructor is great, the students are fun and welcoming, and the trianing space itself is always kept neat and clean. If your wondering what school to try, I would definitely suggest this one!