The only person you have to beat is yourself!
I have been a martial artist for over 20 years, and I have been training in jiu jitsu for the past 3 years at the Kola Ajose Jiu Jitsu Academy. Firstly, I will state that I wish I had started jiu jitsu much earlier in my life. Secondly, I will also state that I wish I had met Coach Kola, Coach Sam and Coach Gino much earlier in my life. I also wish that I had introduced my daughter to jiu jitsu much earlier in her life. As such, we play with the cards we are dealt. I am thankful to have found such a supportive, family oriented academy, with so many like-minded people to be a part of.
Coach Kola is truly an awesome human being. He is an incredibly humble and passionate teacher and his qualities and personality reflect in all of us, his students. He is also a fierce advocate for each of us and wants to see each of us become the best versions of ourselves possible. He leads from the front and spends as much time on the mats as he expects of his students. He is very old school in this mentality, as this dedication to his students simply does not exist in this day and age.
Each of the instructors has their own unique qualities, which only enhance the environment and quality of jiu jitsu being taught at the Academy. The attention to detail and pace of learning are so that it is relatively simple to learn the art. The techniques are proven time and time again, and if they don’t work for the smallest, weakest person, we examine them to figure out why. We are encouraged to ask questions and explore to make jiu jitsu our own.
Coach Kola runs a robust competition program, and while it is not mandatory to compete, there are plenty of opportunities to test yourself at any number of competitions throughout the year. The community is incredibly positive with everyone supporting and encouraging each other. We are truly a family and I have found some of my closest friends and brothers and sisters on the mats at the Academy.
On a personal level, Coach Kola has encouraged me to celebrate myself. He fosters this message of self-esteem and self celebration with all of his students. I have found that my daughter’s mental health and personality have improved greatly from being a part of the KABJJ community, with some of her closest friends and role models also being her fellow jiu jitsu practitioners.
The facilities are clean and meticulously maintained daily. There is plenty of mat space with two floors for multiple simultaneous classes. There is a small weight room and a parents’ lounge. Parking is always plentiful.
If you are looking for a gym where you will be welcomed and be able to learn true effective jiu jitsu for self-defense, I would highly encourage you to check us out. The only person you have to beat is yourself!
~ Anirban Sen
