Machado school vs. Gracie School

[yovan]

I called the Machado place and they seem to be up and running. I haven't been able to find a current website for the Gracie place though.

Ica Medina is definitely open and he's very knowledgable. All the guys there are friendly too.

 

[Deleted member 405583]

I wouldnt be surprised if both places offer a free introductory class. Try them both and see which one YOU feel like is a better fit

 

[ABC]

I called the Machado place and they seem to be up and running. I haven't been able to find a current website for the Gracie place though.

I haven't heard anything about these guys in so long, I guess I just assumed they shut down.
If you are interested in the Gracie lineage, Frank Waszut is a purple belt under Relson and he is actively teaching at a couple different schools. If you are looking for the best grappling training, there are a couple schools up in Summerville that are better than the ones down in North Charleston and West Ashley. Not sure where in the Low country you are living.

 

[ABC]

Relson school with Jerry. Circa 2001-2002

That's the one that used to be on Rivers Ave and associated with Matt Sera isn't it?
If it is, that school has been gone for awhile. There is a school, Charleston MMA, that's near there on Remount, but they are owned by a local promoter who actually doesn't have any training background.

 

[yovan]

That's the one that used to be on Rivers Ave and associated with Matt Sera isn't it?
If it is, that school has been gone for awhile. There is a school, Charleston MMA, that's near there on Remount, but they are owned by a local promoter who actually doesn't have any training background.

We were out of the Lifequest gym right near James Island/West Ashley line. We were all Relson, no Serra connection.

Before that we trained out of a gymnastics place in Mount Pleasant.

One of my good buddies from those days (brown belt now) runs a school in Summerville and he's legit.

 

[Uchi Mata]

I think I will try the Machado school first. If it's friendly enough and seems legit, I'll probably stick with that one since it's closer. I think the most I would be able to go per week is 3 times (2 regular classes and 1 open mat) since I'm working. Is this enough training?

Yes, that's plenty. I'd go with the Machado school for sure, Relson is really, really old school so unless your primary interest is self defense I'd go with the more well rounded Machado curriculum. They were all excellent competitors as well as technical innovators. Can't go wrong there.

 

[nyne]

Just by looking at the first couple of posts I think it's a bit obvious. 3rd degree black belt vs. brown belt. 15 minutes from your house or in a different town.

Go with the Machado school or at least "try it first". If you don't like the vibe check out the other school. Both are good but the guy with the 3rd degree black belt (that actually teaches) is a pretty nice score.

 

[ABC]

We were out of the Lifequest gym right near James Island/West Ashley line. We were all Relson, no Serra connection.

Before that we trained out of a gymnastics place in Mount Pleasant.

One of my good buddies from those days (brown belt now) runs a school in Summerville and he's legit.

We are having schools pop up everywhere. The only ones I know about in Summerville are Blackforce, American JiuJitsu, and just found out that Machado school is off of main street outside of town.
Where's his school at?

 

[yovan]

We are having schools pop up everywhere. The only ones I know about in Summerville are Blackforce, American JiuJitsu, and just found out that Machado school is off of main street outside of town.
Where's his school at?

He teaches at the Machado school... Dennis Powell

 

[Cryme Fighter]

I confirmed today that classes are still being taught at the Machado school, so I'm going to try my first class on Monday. Very excited about this. I appreciate everyone's advice/information. If for some reason I don't feel comfortable there (which is doubtful based on my research of this place), I'll try the farther away Gracie school (if it even exists).

 

[ABC]

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[Dogstarman]

always pick the school closest to you.