After years on the mats, there’s one truth I’ve come to believe with complete certainty...

Where you train matters more than you realize.

It’s easy to focus on the obvious things – how many medals the academy has won, how famous the instructor is, or how sleek the mats look. But beneath the surface, the real question is: does this place feel right?

Because the academy you choose will shape your habits. It will influence your mindset.
And in many ways, it will determine whether Jiu-Jitsu becomes a lifelong journey (or something you walk away from too soon).

If you're choosing your first gym (or maybe thinking about finding a better fit), here are some things to think about that go beyond the surface.

1. Look Beyond The Hype

It’s easy to get mesmerized by big names and shiny medals. Maybe there’s a world champion teaching or a successful competition team.

But the question is – what’s the vibe?

Does the instructor take time to teach everyone, or do they focus only on the “killers”?

Is the room filled with patience and passion? Or is it just intense, loud, and intimidating?

A great Jiu-Jitsu academy treats everyone with respect and care, not just the rising stars. Technique is important, yes, but culture is what keeps people coming back. 

2. Culture Is The Real Foundation

I’ve seen world-class instructors teaching in places where the culture was toxic. And those gyms rarely last.

The best academies feel like family. Where upper belts are humble, where rolls are technical (not reckless), and where ego takes a backseat to learning.

Ask yourself:

• Are people encouraging each other?

• Do teammates help each other improve?

• Does the instructor model the values they talk about?

When the answer is yes, that’s a place where you can grow. Not just as a grappler, but as a person.

3. Match The Gym With Your Goals

Jiu-Jitsu is not one-size-fits-all.

Some people want to compete at the highest level. Others want to feel safer, get in shape, or spend time on the mats with their kids.

Before committing to a gym, ask yourself: why am I doing this?

If you want to compete, you need a place with superbly structured training and a culture that pushes you.

If your focus is longevity, wellness, or just enjoying your training, you need a place that doesn’t burn you out every night.

The right gym is the one that supports your why, not someone else’s.

4. Watch How The Instructor Teaches

The instructor sets the tone for everything.

Are they calm and clear, or do they rush through the details?

Do they teach principles and help you understand the "why" – or just throw a bunch of techniques at you?

Do they notice when you’re struggling and help… Or overlook you in favor of the top performers?

You don’t just want a great grappler. You want someone who knows how to teach, how to communicate, and how to care.

The best instructors I’ve ever learned from weren’t always the loudest or flashiest. They were the ones who noticed the little things and helped fix them.

5. This Is Your Journey – Own It

Don’t settle.

This is your time, your energy, your growth.

Train somewhere that inspires you. Somewhere that challenges you to be better, on your good days and your tough ones.

Surround yourself with people who lift you up, not tear you down.

And find a teacher who shares not just technique, but values.

Because the right academy won’t just help you become a better grappler. It’ll help you become a better you.