Werneck Family Jiu Jitsu

Update:Darren did reach out and his sincerity was felt. I can tell coach Darren is a great coach but doesn't have enough of him to go around. I hope he finds another coach as passionate as him who can help assist him in his class so it can shine to its brightest. -----------------We wanted our daughter (6 years old) to start doing a self defense class and was recommended jujitsu. We were trying places out that were under our charter. We called this place and left a message as it says to do. Coach Darren called us back a couple days later and was very kind and accommodating. We came into his class and he was kind enough to loan us a pink GI :). Upon starting the class it was similar as the last one we tried out the week prior ( my daughter loved the last class we tried out at Cassio Jujitsu in Carmichael but we found out they do not accept our school funds so we tried this place). There was probably 14 kids in this class maybe a few more. There was only 1 Darren. They began to do drills like "knee to the gut" which my daughter was paired with a similarly sized kid but much more advanced and I watched as they were supposed to be only doing 6 to each other but my daughters pal did 19 I counted. My daughter had a brave face but I would see she was uncomfortable. I should have stood up and said something because that's my job and I will next time something like this happens. Darren was to busy to be sure the new kids in his class where being treated properly. She was complaining of her belly pain and they moved on to shoving each other down. He didn't explain how to properly fall before he paired my daughter with a boy similar size but he pushed her so hard in the stomach. She began to cry and pushed him back. Coach finally took noticed and told her to go get water and calm down. She drank one drink and puked in my hands. I can tell he is an excellent coach and I understand this might be the nature of martial arts but the other place did a much better job and had two coaches to keep an eye on each child match to be sure each child knew what was being taught. I felt like she was met with a sink or swim coach. I felt like his class was to big for him to properly monitor the class. And I fell dropped as he never checked in on us or even helped us understand how to help my daughter to either learn the techniques or help us know what we should have done. I hope when he reads this and when anyone reads this it is to understand my situation and not to say anything bad on Darrin. The other parents in that class seemed to really love that class and love Darrin's approach. I can tell coach Darrin is a great coach but I do think he dropped the ball with our kid and unfortunately she is terrified to ever go back.

A great place to train! If your looking for a quality Jiu Jitsu school, that is family friendly, welcoming to all, and highly skilled instructors, you must give them a try!

The place is very clean, the instructors are knowledgeable and patient with the kids. My son (9) started a few months ago and he absolutely loves the classes .

My kids are shy but there is something about jiujitsu that brings them out of their shell. It's a mixture of environment, instruction and curriculum. The instructors here are wonderful and include World Champion Cassio Werneck and one of his black belt instructors (and owner) Darren Figgins. There are others who teach here also and are Cassio Werneck black belt instructors as well. We have had nothing but positive experiences on the mat. Very low ratio of student to instructor, which is a HUGE benefit for the students (especially kids). No attitudes here. HIGHEST RECOMMENDATION.

Been Going here since March Absolutely Love it Every Tuesday & Thursday morning Cassio is there teaching himself Great school with both beginners & advanced trainingProfessor Darren and Coach Sean are awesome and very skilled and seasoned veterans and really spend time with you to make you get better fast Stop in and see for yourself Great and Friendly environment for your entire Family

I dropped in on a Saturday morning class while in town visiting family. I felt welcome and had a great morning of training. I'll definitely return the next time I'm in town.

We enrolled both our daughters (7 and 11) when this school opened. I love how the weekly topics of conversation apply to life as well as to Jiu Jitsu. My kids have. A great time learning how to defend themselves in practical situations, have made such great friends in their class, and love how the workouts are fun. The instructors Darren and Shawn both understand how to work with kids. We are happy to be part of the Werneck Jiu Jitsu Family.

What a great place to practice and learn bjj from some of the best instructors in the area! If your a high level practitioner , or a beginner trying something new this place is for you. I can't same enough good thinks about this school. So just come on in!

Coach Julian is an incredible teacher and mentor! I learn so much from him and Coach Darren. Great gym and great people. Awesome kids program too.

Amazing coach, my five years old daughter definitely love it and she is more and more motivated each day, the coach does the best to teach these little ones and obviously he enjoys his job