Bushin Martial Arts Academy

After researching the different martial arts studios in the Williamsburg area, I came to Bushin Martial Arts Academy in August of 2015. Having served in the Army and having been in a few car accidents I have several joint issues from head to toe. Knowing that Jiu-jitsu is one of the most efficient self-defense techniques, I had always wanted to learn it, but I was concerned that the problems with my joints would become worse. I went in to talk to John and he assured me that as long as I use technique and follow instructions I would be fine; so I decided to give Gracie Jiu-jitsu a try. I was hooked from day one. John and his team of Blue belts (assistant instructors) are very knowledgeable and most importantly detail oriented. If you have a question about why a certain move is done or how to fix a position, it is clearly and concisely answered, demonstrated and then you practice it. One of the biggest things I noticed and that drew me to Bushin was the family atmosphere. John is going to tell if you messed up and give you the information you need to correct it. I also have my step-son in the Gracie Bully Proof classes. He and I are polar opposites and have had a hard time connecting. When I found Bushin and Gracie Jiu-jitsu I thought it would be a great way for us to connect. I remember bringing him in for his first class. He complained and whined and said he didn’t want to do it and wasn’t going to try. I told him all he had to do was try it for the free 10 day trial, if he didn’t like it he never had to come back. I walked him into Bushin in September for his first class. He was very hesitant and shy. By the end of class all he could say was how much he couldn’t wait for the next class and thanked me for bringing him. We practice together now, we have something in common, and I am thankful for that! John is great with the kids. He talks to them about discipline, respect, nutrition, and physical fitness. He is fair and honest with them and teaches lasting life lessons. If you or your children are looking to get in shape, have fun and find your limits, stop in and try Gracie Jiu-jitsu at Bushin Martial Arts Academy for 10 days. You won’t be sorry!

A year ago I decided to join Bushin Martial Arts Academy. I had begun training with the Gracie Combatives DVDs at home but decided to take advantage of the 10 day trial. Having NO prior athletic experience I was terrified. The first few weeks were overwhelming but exhilarating. The instructor John Nguyen described Bushin Martial Arts Academy as a place that we would learn to be comfortable in uncomfortable positions. For about $120 a month John has provided in-depth instruction, nutritional information and even home exercise programs. I am challenged and learn in every class. In the past year, I have learned many lessons from Gracie Jiu-Jitsu at Bushin Martial Arts. I have learned that my body and spirit are stronger than I ever imagined. I stand with more confidence and am a better role model for my children. I am incredibly grateful to John and my Bushin family for the opportunity to continue to grow in this dojo.

I have been training at BMAA for a little over 2 1/2 years. I first started out only taking the fitness classes and kick boxing. Shortly after that I began taking Women Empowered classes. I had never been interested in taking jiu-jitsu, but was encouraged to do so by some other students. I'm so glad I finally worked the courage up to begin classes. I only wish that I had started sooner. Training at BMAA was a great choice, I feel safe and confident that we are always learning great instruction from John. I've trained a couple days at another jiu-jitsu school where they never cleaned the mats, not once. At BMAA, the mats are cleaned several times a night, which is a big deal for me being a germaphobe. Being a part of BMAA has been a wonderful experience for me. Everyone is so friendly and it's a family environment. My 9 year old has been in the bully proof program for over 2 years. He has learned discipline, respect for others and his over all attitude is better. He gets to learn how to defend himself and learn great values. I look forward to training at BMAA for as long as we are here in Williamsburg. If you are new to the area, it's definitely the best martial arts school around.

Maybe a few years ago this place was open and informative but that was not what i experienced when I started training in the summer. i have some background (one stripe) in jiu jitsu from Richmond Bjj, a sport/self defense school in Richmond. The first few weeks were okay, John would teach one standing and one sitting technique in detail and that was all. At my old place we would warm up, see three techniques in complete detail, and roll for 7 4 minute sessions. At Bushin, if you were under two stripes you could only go to class two times a week. At my old place you could train every day except sunday in a variety of different themed classes for all levels. $125.00 a month should not yield two classes a week. Another thing was the gang/ego mentality, which the instructor would lecture students about having when he should reflect on his own. It shouldn't matter what type of gi, team or patch you are wearing, if you love jiu jitsu that should be enough to train anywhere. If you haven't noticed gis are expensive (money is tight) and i am not going to buy a new one just because you don't like the team on mine and want me to. Since i continued to wear my gi i felt that i was targeted/singled out while training. I would be doing a technique drill with a partner and John would switch out my partner with one of his blue belts, who would proceed to deviate from the technique into impromptu rolling. Whenever John would lecture, he would talk in a way that made me feel he was singling me out, a friend of mine who still trains there agreed with me on this. One class John was introducing rolling and he came over and submitted me with a choke, i tapped and he didn't let go until 6 seconds later. I asked him why he didn't release when i tapped and he just grinned silently at me. Safety is very important in jiu jitsu and i stopped going after that incident. The bottom line is that there are way better jiu jitsu schools in Virginia to train at, that will respect your: Safety, Individualism, and Training Goals. Don't compromise just because it is convenient and close. Make sure you research the instructors and look at the dates of the reviews they have received. If you are coming from a different school or want to start training jiu jitsu expect to buy a new gi at Bushin. If you wear a different teams' gi or john doesn't like you than you won't be given the training experience you deserve and progression will be nonexistent. I am no stranger to the business aspect of Bushin, he will take your money each month while using some of the tactics i mentioned above. Or maybe he won't now that he has received a customer review that outlines some of the current activities of Bushin Martial Arts Academy. I can only hope that other gracie schools are stocked with better instructors.

Joining Bushin Martial Arts Academy was one of the best decisions I have ever made. I had never practiced a martial art before or done anything athletic for that matter, I started by trying Gracie University at home with my sister as a training partner and we loved it. She suggested we go check out the local Gracie Certified Training Center. She had attended one of their Women Empowered Seminars and really liked it. I struggle with social anxiety so I was really reluctant, but I went along with her anyway. I'm so glad I did. The facility is extremely clean. The people are super nice and welcoming. John is an excellent instructor. He makes learning Jiu-Jitsu fun and easy. He is always willing to take the extra time to help you if you are struggling a bit with a technique. After every class, even if it was a difficult technique, I walk out of the dojo with a sense of accomplishment. I feel more confident in my every day life as well. If you are looking for a school that will train you to be a BJJ tournament champion or a place to show off how tough you are, then this may not be the place for you. If you are looking for a school that will teach you to defend yourself, help you feel more confident, and make some great friends in the process, then this would be the place for you.