Dojo A-GoGo

Well, last night I tried out Therien Jiu Jitsu school in Stittsville and was impressed enough to want to go back. I was worried a bit because of criticisms in Bushido forums online but the advantages far outweigh the downsides for me.

When I got there I paid $21.35 which covers a new gi and two free classes. I got changed and then was taken by a black belt to a small back room where he gave me the rundown on the basics: breakfalls 1 through 5 and the hip throw. I suspected I had forgotten a lot and this confirmed it, I recognized everything he was showing me but getting my body to actually remember how to do it was surprisingly difficult. Still, I feel I aquitted myself well. The Sensi was very good and made me feel very welcome and comfortable, not at all like my experience at the Ottawa Academy of Martial Arts. I also appreciated that they didn't try to get me to commit as soon as my first lesson was over.

There are some things I didn't like. The classes are short, only 45 minutes. You are expected to warmup yourself before class while you are waiting for the previous class to finish. They entranceway was small and wet due to people coming in with their boots. And most of all, I'm not convinced the quality of the training would be as high as what I experienced at Hiscoe Dojo. I suspect if I just wanted to float through the classes the trainers would not take much notice but since I want to learn and do well I think they will respond to that and help me along.

So I'm going back next Tuesday evening for my second intro class and we'll see how it goes from there.