Gracie Phila/Gracie Lehigh

**spamurai13** · Posted On: 6/08/2008 2:35pm

These are relatively small BJJ schools in Philly and Lehigh Valley. There are no pro fighters. The majority of the students are working professionals, military, college students. The instruction style goes as such.

1. brief warm up
2. start with a fundamental technique (e.g. pulling a kimura from the guard)
3. building upon that technique with two or three more techniques (turning it into a straight armbar, then an omoplata)
4. doing timed drills with partners based on the techniques of the evening.
5. open mat

Joe Guido (head instructor), Adam Wesolowski and Vince are very cool guys. They all know their stuff and know how to break down a given technique so that even the first time white belts get it down packed. The emphasis is on fundamental techniques, so if you are the type that demands fancy flying arm bars or gogoplatas, then this is not the place for you.

I can't think of anyone that I consider having an ego problem, most of the upper level blue belts and purple belts are very willing to roll with and work with the white belts. The assistants Adam and Vince (both purple belts) frequently roll during open matt and as a relative noob, rolling with them is an invaluable experience.

In my opinion a hidden gem within the Philly area