[BearNYC]

Many people have suggested that I take private lessons from a BJJ black belt. Given my circumstances and since I'm not looking to compete but just want to learn the basics, I think it's a good idea.

It’s pricey, but it won’t be that bad since a year’s worth of BJJ lessons in a 30 person class in NYC costs well over $2000 already.

- I’ve heard people say that they learn more in one hour with a black belt than in 3 regular classes. True or not?

- I’ve also read that Helio said that 30 private lessons with him will give you the basics. That seems crazy, but true or not?

- John Danaher’s name has come up a lot as an excellent teacher. I like that he has a long history of teaching. I also like that he coaches MMA and GSP, so I think his instruction would be grounded in a vale tudo, old-school Gracie JJ style.

- Marcelo Garcia would be someone else I’d consider. He’s about my size and his backtaking skills are sick. However, he comes a sport BJJ background, and I’m not certain how well that would translate to teaching the basics. He’s also much pricier. His website lists $150 for 45 minutes.

Thoughts from you guys about the two?

[Aluminum Kam]

As much as Id like to be...Im probably never gonna be marcelo garcia, I know he can teach his style, but alot of his moves only work for him or someone with his build.

I would choose probably Roger, but I think privates from anyone who has more knowlege than me are worth it. To be successful in my weight bracket at my belt rank, sadly i dont need Roger Gracie instruction, just instruction from someone who can teach me things, correctly, like a brown belt or a purple, hell even alot of blues.

[Sherdog_Mutt]

I'm known by my friends and teammates as a private lesson whore. I've taken a lot of private lessons with a lot of BJJ black belts, including Marcelo Garcia. Every single one of them has been a positive experience. To answer some of your questions and a few tips to helping you maximize your experience:

1) You will learn a lot more from a private lesson than you ever will in a regular class. Everything in the private lesson should be catered to your game, needs, weaknesses, and strengths. I've experienced some huge improvements after a good private lesson.

2) All of the old school BJJ guys did a ton of private lessons. I am not exaggerating. The Gracie's used to do free privates with their top students on the side. Needless to say the Gracies learned from private lessons from their own family members. This is why so many of them are technical wizards.

3) John Danaher has an excellent reputation. I've never met the guy but he seems like a great guy to take a private with.

4) Marcelo Garcia is an awesome instructor. His English is limited but improving. He was able to efficiently teach me an X-guard game designed for my body type, size and game. It was great. He showed a genuine interest in making sure that I learned all of the techniques properly. Not every instructor shows this much concern for a student from another school. Marcelo is highly recommended.

5) To maximize your experience, I find it is best to show up with a list of questions or problems that you want to work on. This way you are guaranteed to have your questions and concerns addressed.

6) It is always cool to ask to roll with the instructor. Especially if you're unsure of what your problems are. A good BJJ black belt will be able to diagnose and suggest things for you to work on after a light rolling session.

7) Warm up and stretch before the session. This way you maximize your time and wont waste any of your private lesson time warming up.


Enjoy and good luck!

[sakufan]

Get a taste of John-Jitsu. Marcelinho is a great competitor and an extremely nice guy, but his skills as a teacher is nowhere near John's. I'm sure it'll improve with time since he's only 24 years old and hasn't been teaching that long. Since you're a complete beginner without a significant interest in sport BJJ I suggest seeing John, the guy's a fighting encyclopedia.

[Shaldag]

John is alot cheaper, teaches all day, and knows everything and anything about jiu jitsu.

[LCDforMe]

I got my first private the other day. It was from Eric Hemphill, who is a blackbelt at my school. I learned a shit load of useful stuff. I'm glad that I did it...

[Timbaland]

I think its also good to supplement your technique with videos. I have Saulo's instructionals and I learned from that. Also I would try to learn techniques online and practice them with a friend. Try to learn your basics from there, then if you have any problems with any of the techniques you can ask the guy you're taking the private lesson with. I learned my whole half guard game off the functional half guard video that was posted on here before.

[TDubWurzo]

I'd love to train with Erik Paulson or Eddie Bravo.

[Bigsaltyballs]

I personally think it's better if you understand the basics before taking privates... But if you are only interested in privates than there is no one better than John @ Renzo's. I'd suggest you go there and talk to him.

[leao]

john is a good teacher, but if your at renzo's try to get a private with rafael Gordhino, the dude is amaizing. John is great at no-gi, but rafael is a legend. I would take a private anyday over goin to class