Omni Martial Arts Testimonials

A Special Place to Train

Greetings fellow BJJ players and judokas out there, I'm a new student at OMNI, but have seen enough to write something that would help out other folks like me that want to train but are searching for "that special place" to train. Don't delay- Omni Martial Arts is an excellent school/dojo for sure- definitely worth checking out if you are looking to learn or get back into BJJ. I've trained at other top-notch schools in NYC, CT, and MA, and Omni is just as good or better. Let me explain. When I think about where I want to train, I take in to account many things, and Omni was on the positive or correct side for all: 

* From the moment you enter the door for the first time, are you greeted warmly like it's one big family or do the students, staff, and professor (when not teaching) barely acknowledge you.? Omni has the family-feel, like the better Brazilian schools have or the progressive traditional schools have.

* Are prices discussed clearly and fairly, and can you take class(es) prior to committing? Omni has a great intro week I took advantage of, and it was really helpful.

* Is the facility clean; does the staff/teachers and the students respect the school? Absolutely, the school is clean, organized, and well-maintained. Historically, it seems like all dojos were falling apart but all that mattered was the quality of instruction. That's fine when it was more about spartan-like conditions and no-frills. But, being dirty for dirty's sake is not cool, and the tri-state area is filled with dojos that are falling apart simply becasue the instructor doesn't know how to run a school. At Omni, the locker rooms, albeit small, are clean, and so is the bathroom. The mats are in good shape, and the place is just well-maintained. Good space for classes.

* BJJ class is so important... is it run well: Is there a static and dynamic warm-up? Are there BJJ-specific warm-up exercises? Are full-body multi-muscle movements carried out prior to training? Is fitness, core strength, and flexibility built-in to the warm-up and training? Does training include take-downs and judo for BJJ? Are the techniques taught logically and with good progression? Do students drill positions in addition to free-rolling? Are white belts allowed to roll like the blue belts? Do the different belts get to roll against each other? Is it fun? Is it challenging? am I getting the best there is in terms of instruction? All these answers are a resounding yes! 

* BJJ Instruction: I like Sensei Julio Rivera for lots of reasons: he knows his judo and Japanese jujitsu which benefit BJJ instruction tremendously; he knows his BJJ, having excellent training himself and being a detail-oriented guy. He takes class seriously (i.e. no one is allowed to slack-off for sure) but he's a laid-back teacher in other ways and everyone is in good spirits before, during, and after class. He's also a smart guy who seems to have a good head on his shoulders- something you don't typically care about until you have been to a school where the teacher was a meathead or unethical or any other thing you've probably run into.

* Students- nice people, hard-working in class, motivating, and are safety-conscious when rolling. 

All in all, it's a top-notch school for BJJ, and I didn't even mention the judo classes that complement the BJJ, the kickboxing, the self defense, the kids classes, and more.- Nick B, February 12 2012

Doing Good In The Community

I've joined Omni Martial Arts about two years ago, and I cannot say enough of the great things about dojo itself, its atmosphere, Sensei Julio Rivera, students and certainly amazing training itself! 
However, let me start by writing few words about Sensei Rivera - besides all his qualifications (both academic and athletic, which you could find simply by goggling him), he is an amazing teacher! I was so taken away, class after class - by the way he explains every move and logic behind it. Furthermore, you can really feel how much he truly enjoys and loves training his students by making sure every single training is different, consisting of different disciplines, methods and elements (even improvisations of the real-life environments & situations for self defense) within the categories of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Judo, kick box, self defense...He definitely takes care of you, recognizes your abilities and  makes you feel as if you had your own personal trainer! And you can feel right away how much you learn, advance and definitely have fun doing it!
The environment is very friendly and healthy, progressive and productive, and you are guaranteed to have a hard core workout (you can just follow your own pace; although if you need someone to push you across your zone of comfort and jump to another level -  this is a perfect place for it).
You will notice right away very respectful and healthy discipline in the dojo, having students who are more than welcoming and warm, men & women who embrace new students and make sure they help them advance fast and in the beautiful friendly and constructive manner.
Besides an amazing quality of training and priceless knowledge & state of mind I was given at Omni, I am so thankful and happy that I found another family in  Sensei Julio, his wife Maria, and all of the students that help me grow and become a better person.
This is a place that will grow bigger and stronger and make its own change for the good in our community and society! - Bosa G, February 21 2012

Great Experience/No Yearly Contract

I've been training at Omni for just about a month now and have had a great experience. When you enter the school, you'll notice that the atmosphere is a nice balance between focused and friendly. The training/conditioning is physically demanding, but the dynamic of the group reminds you that having fun is an important part of your training as well.  There's no pretense here and all students (men, women and kids) can feel comfortable.

I'm completely new to Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, but Sensei Julio and the other students have been patient, knowledgeable and incredibly helpful in getting me into to the sport. The class sizes are fairly small (10-15), which allows for a lot of personalized attention (another school I tried in Manhattan had classes of 40). This has allowed me to hang around after class to ask my own specific questions, which has helped a lot.

Amongst the group of student there are many who cross-train through the schools various forms, which is a testament to the quality of the classes Sensei Julio instructs.  Adult classes include Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Judo, Kickboxing, MMA, and self-defense which are available to any member.  

One important thing to note is that the school does not impose yearly contracts on their students. They help you pick a package of classes that best fits your needs/schedule without forcing you into a 12-month commitment like many gyms. This works out well because you won't be charged for weeks you cannot train which happens to all of us from time to time. 

If you're interested in self-defense and/or getting a great workout (and if you're tired of the same gym routine like I was), I really recommend that you come watch a class and see what you're missing. - Andy, October 13 2011

Awesome

This place is really amazing, but that's not enough to say the least. They have a wonderful instructor who's positive energy you grasp in an instant . Besides the fact of being taught martial arts you are also being taught inner strength as well. Your body soul and mind enter a higher sense of being and awareness. I recommend this place to everyone!  - Nancy Baqueriz, Dec 28 2009

Great Coaching
Even if you walk through the door as a first time martial artist Sensei Julio makes sure you learn at a pace suitable to you! I have learned a ton since I have joined and look forward to my next class already!

Dropped 10lbs!!!
The staff at Omni are a young, good spirited bunch with loads of patience and energy. They give me just the right amount push to get over hurdles without any fear of hurting myself or others. Even though training is at times grueling I always find myself wanting to stay for more. I've dropped 10lbs after three weeks of training and I'm starting to see my abs again. My only regret is I didn't find Omni Martial Arts earlier. - Mike, Dec 27 2009

The Best
Amazing instructors. A great workout for people just starting or wanting to get started in martial arts, and also for the more accomplished as well! Beautiful space, and just a very welcoming vibe. You have to check this place out, you will not be disappointed.  - Nick, Dec 26 2009

Keep up the spectacular work!
Sensei and staff are absolutely on point with their students and their management. Their patience and attention is marvelous. This is not just another review but an expression of just how a place that has not been there that long already had made a great impression not only to the older generation but most importantly to the younger. The individual attention and respect shown to each other is commendable and something that one takes with them once they leave Omni's door.  - Elena, Dec 27 2009