Gracie Humaita West Craig

«I’m up in the woods, I’m down on my mind
«I’m building a still to slow down the time»
— — — — — — — — — — — — — –­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­ — — — — — — -
In A Sentence™
Finally a Brasilian Jiu-​jitsu (BJJ) academy in the Northwest valley with outstanding instruction and upstanding business practices that meet the highest standards of ethics one would expect from an establishment owned and operated by legitimate BJJ black belt.
Instruction
Professors Bryan G. and Ronda A. are legitimate black belts promoted to that absurdly difficult and time-​consuming rank to achieve (in BJJ) by Mica C., a respected BJJ black belt originally from Brasil. They have both been tested via the crucibles brought by the highest levels of international competition. Both can teach — creating a game as well as improving where one already exists in the player — from the greenest novice to the weathered, cauli-​eared, crooked nose competitor. Personal anecdote: I have received help from both when at those points in my development, so I can confidently say (write) that they could do this for you as well.
Facility
Mats nearly cover the entire suite — as it should be – and there are dressing/​locker rooms and restrooms for each respective sex. I’ve seen much larger mega-​gyms with a similar, same, or even smaller mat space even though they have a company-​sized element of students rolling and crashing into each other and on the verge of Dominick Cruzing each other at every practice. Gracie Humaita West Craig has more than enough mat space for everyone training to start standing, which is the way it should be. Their instructors are also cognizant enough of the benefits of this to actually permit that option when rolling (sparring).
Cleanliness
Cleaner than any other gym I’ve been to: fairly vital if seeking to avoid the dreaded staph or very common ringworm. Dressing rooms are clean, restrooms are clean, mats are obviously very clean. Storefront and mirrors serving rolling area are even kept clean.
Tourists
No tourists here — naturally — especially since, you know, it’s Northtown (although merely a block to the East from the city limits [Decatur]). Tourists are more than welcome though. The space and instruction here is well more advanced than a gym I came across in Chicago (where tourists were actually not welcomed). I digress. Tourists are welcome at Gracie Humaita West Craig although it may be far from the corridor where the tourists stay.
Kids
Good for kids. Absolutely great for kids. The kids programme — the heart of any academy — is robust and clearly soon to be a force to be reckoned with at local competitions. The lessons and character being built upon here is not something easily found in our modern day society. Perfect for girls and boys of all ages.
Conclusion
There is no remotely superior option anywhere nearby: come and train.
— — — — — — — — — — — — — –­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­ — — — — — — -
Rating: Five-​stars, «Woohoo! As good as it gets!»

Attentive, intuitive and fraternal teaching style.
Great coaches, Awesome facility with extremely smart and effective instruction. This location is in a class of its own. Definitely pass by here for some fantastic self defense instruction from Bryan and Ronda!

I have trained with Bryan and Ronda for almost 10 years, and say without hesitation that you cannot get better training anywhere else. They offer world class instruction in a VERY positive and friendly environment. My advice is to jump in now while the school is still new and relativity small, because someday, once people realize the level of their Jiu-​Jitsu instruction, they will be outgrowing their building.

Amazing and well made Academy for those who want to take on the gentle art of Jiu jitsu. Professor Bryan and ronda are very professional, experienced, and courteous in the process of instructing their students. The mats are cleaned daily and the gym is well kept. Both ronda and Bryan are champions on and off the mat. They are great with kids and know exactly how to ease a child or adult into this amazing sport while still having a ton of experience in the competitive end of Jiu jitsu for the more serious practitioners. Two thumbs up!

I can’t say enough nice things about this school. The instructors are second to none. They are really invested in their students. They keep the school spotless as well. I was lucky enough to train here recently on my stay in Vegas. I learned so much!!! Thanks again, Bryan and Ronda for the best training any one could ask for!!!

What an amazing find for moms looking to teach their kids a practical martial art! I signed up with their awesome Grand Opening Special that is really affordable for unlimited classes plus they don’t have cancelation fees for kids so if you have a kid on the fence about their dedication it’s easy to try out. This place is super clean (doesn’t smell like old, wet laundry like a few we visited)… They are really detail oriented with the instruction (my daughter is already making huge strides) and you can tell the instructors really love teaching kids. I really love that there are two instructors plus assistants on the mats with the kids. (Oh and they are CPR certified… Not a lot of places take that step). I have to say my biggest selling point though is that they have a female changing room. My daughter is 9 and I was concerned about her having to change in restrooms. All in all, so glad we found them! Highly recommended.

Bryan and Ronda are awesome people and wonderful instructors. They recently opened and have a very welcoming environment. My girls don’t train in Las Vegas, but we visit Vegas often, and in order to keep up on their training we go to Gracie West Craig. If you’re on the North West side of the valley this gym is a definite must. The training will help children and teens focus on positive, and help prevent bullying.