Hi guys,
Just wanted to give you a review of the new BJJ school that opened up in Bridgeport, CT in the past couple of weeks, Gracie Sports at Fitness 4000 in Bridgeport, CT. Originally to be run by Team Link, my understanding is that at the last minute, the deal between Team Link and Fitness 4000 ultimately was not mutually beneficial, and Team Link dropped out of the picture.
I currently attend an MMA NoGi school, and have been for a few months. My instructor recommended I check these guys out, since they are his instructors.
Roger Denton and Marcio Stambowsky are running the class, which is M-F, 8-10pm. They have been in New Have, CT for some time, as well as Norwalk, and I only hear great things about both of these guys as instructors. Marcio is one of Rolles Gracie's 6 black belts, and his son is Neiman Gracie.
Warm up was about 30 minutes of stretching and calisthenics:
I counted about 30 people for this class, 1/2 were about blue belt or above, and the rest white belt.
After warm-up, Marcio took the class through a couple of techniques, but split the class into advanced and beginner, sue to the size. Roger was not there last night, but going forward, as they expect the size to remain the same or larger, the classes will be formally split into two classes during that time period.
I followed Marcio around and was watching him instruct techniques to the two different groups. He is very clear, even though english is his second language, is strict yet laid back at the same time. I think I would take a liking to his teaching style, very warm and friendly guy.
The more advanced people in class were either going over technique, or helping out some of the beginner's with some of the questions that they had.
About 1/2 way through the class, i was getting itchy, itchy to roll. I asked Marcio if I could participate in class even though i was in jeans and t-shirt, and he let me participate. I ended up going over some techniques with one of his purple belts, kimura, armbars, triangles. I don't consider myself proficient by any means, but the purple belt called Marcio over, and they were impressed, lol. I told them I train with one of their guys that has his own school.
The end of class, we got into two lines, kneeled, bowed to Marcio and then to a picture of Rolles. All in all, I think anyone who is interested in BJJ from the lower Fairfield County area is served to check out the Gracie Sports schools in one of their 3 locations. Very good pedigree, good brother hood (I have a couple of friends that go to Gracie Sports in Norwalk) and awesome instruction. Great passion for BJJ.
In order to attend, it is $125 monthly, which includes full membership to the gym, which has racquetball courts, swimming pool, large weight room, basketball courts, etc. This makes it even that much more of a great value.
Thanks for putting up with my rambling, I hope this helps out someone who is curious.
***Additional Information***
One thing I forgot to mention is the gym's plan is to eventually create a full MMA center, with cage, and to have an even larger room for grappling, and eventually some kickboxing.
