Testimonials
I don't write a lot of reviews but I would be remiss in recommending this club, my second home. I have been training BJJ with Marco for over 12 years. I have never trained anywhere else except when traveling and do a drop in at a local gym. I say this because I cannot give you a comparative review of how this gym stands against others. But I can relate the following:
1. Excellent Instruction. From beginner to advanced, from white to black, whether you are starting out or need a new club at which to train, Marco has cultivated a customized curriculum for all of us. He understands that not all of us want to be MMA fighters or BJJ competition champions. His love for the sport and martial art means he wants everyone no matter how old, what size, how athletic you are, to enjoy and come to love BJJ. From the warm ups to the drills to the eventual sparring sessions, Marco is always there to help and support you.
2. Welcoming Environment. When I first started, like all beginners, I was nervous. Nervous because it was a brand new sport, nervous because I didn't know anyone. I soon came realize that almost everyone at the gym is there to help and support you on your journey. I have come to value my life long relationships at the club. Marco ensures that people "fit" into the gym's culture and is willing to forgo profit if an individual doesn't fit. There are lots of ways it can be bad fit: one who injures training partners consistently, who is not considerate, who doesn't listen to Marco's instruction or advice, or who doesn't follow the rules and guidelines of the gym - these rules are there for everyone's safety and so that we can all train hard in a mentally and physically safe environment.
3. Family First. Much to my chagrin, my daughters have never wanted to train so I can't speak first hand to the virtues of Marco and Christina's kids programs. But, what I see in the programs is their ability to include not just the kids but also the parents. Kids become the catalyst for whole families coming to train at the gym. The kids learn respect and develop better physical coordination as well as mental fitness. What I can say is that we are all part of this second family.
This is a long review so tldr: great gym, excellent instruction, the best people. If you have more questions, feel free to ask me or better ask Marco himself.
1. Excellent Instruction. From beginner to advanced, from white to black, whether you are starting out or need a new club at which to train, Marco has cultivated a customized curriculum for all of us. He understands that not all of us want to be MMA fighters or BJJ competition champions. His love for the sport and martial art means he wants everyone no matter how old, what size, how athletic you are, to enjoy and come to love BJJ. From the warm ups to the drills to the eventual sparring sessions, Marco is always there to help and support you.
2. Welcoming Environment. When I first started, like all beginners, I was nervous. Nervous because it was a brand new sport, nervous because I didn't know anyone. I soon came realize that almost everyone at the gym is there to help and support you on your journey. I have come to value my life long relationships at the club. Marco ensures that people "fit" into the gym's culture and is willing to forgo profit if an individual doesn't fit. There are lots of ways it can be bad fit: one who injures training partners consistently, who is not considerate, who doesn't listen to Marco's instruction or advice, or who doesn't follow the rules and guidelines of the gym - these rules are there for everyone's safety and so that we can all train hard in a mentally and physically safe environment.
3. Family First. Much to my chagrin, my daughters have never wanted to train so I can't speak first hand to the virtues of Marco and Christina's kids programs. But, what I see in the programs is their ability to include not just the kids but also the parents. Kids become the catalyst for whole families coming to train at the gym. The kids learn respect and develop better physical coordination as well as mental fitness. What I can say is that we are all part of this second family.
This is a long review so tldr: great gym, excellent instruction, the best people. If you have more questions, feel free to ask me or better ask Marco himself.
Will Yen
My son first started training with professor Marco and then I started shortly after. Mnbjj is a great academy for families or anyone wanting to learn self defense or to get in shape, I lost about 25 pounds in 3 months. Professor Marco is a great teacher and a 6th degree black belt and he has many black belts that train with him that are very helpful as well. Actually all the students there are very welcoming, share knowledge and are great training partners and can help you if you want to learn or compete. If you are in the peninsula this is definitely the place to train. I can’t say enough about Marco, Christina and the team at mnbjj.
Greg Choy
I've been practicing martial arts for over 20 years, from aikido to judo, and with the last 5 years Brazilian jiu jitsu at Marco's. And I have to say, I've found home. Marco and Christina run an amazing school with a big family vibe. Everyone is welcome, meatheads are not. Marco cares for each and every student. He knows your capabilities before you even know yourself. Whether you're interested in just getting in shape, learning new skills, or competing in tournaments, this is the school to be in. They offer beginner classes, intermediate (colored belts), and advanced competition class. You know you're at the right place when all students, no matter what level, are there to help each other out and have the skills to back it up.
Manny Ventura
This is one of the last true Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Schools in the Bay Area. . It's family oriented , great for kids and those who like to compete.
Owners and coaches don't pretend to be someone else. They have competed at the highest level and they really care about their students.
Hafez Adle
i've been with Professor Marco & his BJJ family for over 10 years now.
despite my numerous injuries from other endeavors,and crappy attendance, i will be here till the day i pass..why?
Professor treats everyone one with patience, kindness yet will lay down the law if you mess up..
outstanding instruction with a booming kids program..kids are harder to teach than adults..i know, believe me
he is there most everyday or always has great instruction so that you learn in a safe, friendly environment..
some of my best friends i've met on this planet through Professors school..
truth be told, i can learn for free both no Gi and Gi, if i wanted to...i stay with Professor Marco cause i am a seasoned judge of people, traveled with him to Brazil to learn in his home town, his students are like him-friendly, mature,etc...i like to really know the company i keep..
Professor Marco , his students, his amazing tough wife-Christina will welcome you..lol, where else can i go to have over 70 Bjj players spank me if my ego gets carried away...his school membership is in the hundreds for a reason..
i am so glad i walked through his door so many years ago..
Professor treats everyone one with patience, kindness yet will lay down the law if you mess up..
outstanding instruction with a booming kids program..kids are harder to teach than adults..i know, believe me
he is there most everyday or always has great instruction so that you learn in a safe, friendly environment..
some of my best friends i've met on this planet through Professors school..
truth be told, i can learn for free both no Gi and Gi, if i wanted to...i stay with Professor Marco cause i am a seasoned judge of people, traveled with him to Brazil to learn in his home town, his students are like him-friendly, mature,etc...i like to really know the company i keep..
Professor Marco , his students, his amazing tough wife-Christina will welcome you..lol, where else can i go to have over 70 Bjj players spank me if my ego gets carried away...his school membership is in the hundreds for a reason..
i am so glad i walked through his door so many years ago..
Dan Wong
TL;DR: This is a great welcoming gym for anyone--except for meat heads looking to beat up unsuspecting individuals, or those looking to intimidate others. Marco isn't having any of that at his gym. This is a safe and inclusive gym that does not tolerate hateful speech or predatory behavior.
I have been training at MN-BJJ since October 2017 after moving to the area. I have previously trained at various gyms and have done dozens of drop-ins while traveling, so when looking for a new gym it was important for me to find a space where as a woman I felt safe, supported, and comfortable. I will say this: Marco and Christina have worked their butt off to create a welcoming space for their students.
From their adaptive classes for neurodiverse individuals, to their beginner classes, to their women's class--they really try to make sure that people feel safe and comfortable while training. Many gyms focus on one area, but MN-BJJ has managed to cultivate a great environment for multiple populations. They have a great kids program, including summer and spring break camps. They have an adaptive BJJ program. They have a robust women's team. They also support all students interested in competition--young and old alike. And students from all of these programs compete ALL THE TIME. I have witnessed the "Old Guys" sweep at competitions, watched the newbies take gold, seen the kids get more subs that I could ever hope for, and have watched the women execute beautiful Judo throws in competition.
Simply put: this is a family gym. You may come in by yourself, but soon you will feel like you have a familia supporting you on your BJJ journey.
I have been training at MN-BJJ since October 2017 after moving to the area. I have previously trained at various gyms and have done dozens of drop-ins while traveling, so when looking for a new gym it was important for me to find a space where as a woman I felt safe, supported, and comfortable. I will say this: Marco and Christina have worked their butt off to create a welcoming space for their students.
From their adaptive classes for neurodiverse individuals, to their beginner classes, to their women's class--they really try to make sure that people feel safe and comfortable while training. Many gyms focus on one area, but MN-BJJ has managed to cultivate a great environment for multiple populations. They have a great kids program, including summer and spring break camps. They have an adaptive BJJ program. They have a robust women's team. They also support all students interested in competition--young and old alike. And students from all of these programs compete ALL THE TIME. I have witnessed the "Old Guys" sweep at competitions, watched the newbies take gold, seen the kids get more subs that I could ever hope for, and have watched the women execute beautiful Judo throws in competition.
Simply put: this is a family gym. You may come in by yourself, but soon you will feel like you have a familia supporting you on your BJJ journey.
Cindy Esquivias