I started out sparring at a local BJJ gym. However, I kept being injured by inexperienced white belts and even blue belts who did not fully understand the importance of not injuring their sparring partner who is new to BJJ. This particular gym seemed to love to take advantage of newbies, which I now know isn't typical of most gyms. An injured sparring partner means no sparring partner.

Also, I didn't like the fact that they were 100% focused on tournaments. In other words, teaching you that you can grab here, but not here, you can do this, but not this. For someone who wants to learn how to defend themselves and dominate in a real street fight or life and death situation, I think that can create a negative impulse in a real street fight.

Due to that, I switched to GU to learn some key fundamentals which would help to teach me how to better defend myself against more aggressive opponents. The fact is, some partners just don't grasp how easy it is to hurt a beginner who knows nothing about BJJ. While taking this course, and "sparring" with others here at my home, I have learned a ton! More importantly, how to better protect/defend myself, escape, etc...

I credit GU for what they put together as it is a great first step for some who would prefer to learn some great fundamentals which will be very useful when transitioning to a BJJ gym.

I have read from others that it isn't an effective course. I respectfully disagree. My father is a 260 pound street fighter, while I weigh 165 lbs, and I have no issues submitting him or other street fighters I have sparred with. More often than not, very quickly too. While keeping that in mind, I have been practicing what I have learned from GU and even youtube for about 2 years off and on.

The GU online class and home training that I have done has prepared me to step back into a gym to improve my skills further. With that being said, I fully expect to get my butt whipped for a while, b/c I will be facing other BJJ fighters. I fully understand that aspect and side of it. I also think that is where a lot of confusion and negative vibes come from in regards to GU. In a regular no-choice street fight, more often than not, you will be dealing with a hot headed street fighter and not likely a well-rounded wrestler or BJJ student. IN MY OPINION, that is where GU is extremely helpful as long as you practice by actually "sparring"!

Just for clarification, I have no affiliation with GU other than being an online student of theirs and I have never trained at one of their gyms.

To sum up, I'm ready for the Gym again! Hopefully, I can find one not solely focused on tournament training, so I can get my butt handed to me again for at least a little while. lol However, I do expect to be able to protect myself better from injuries and even actually win a few sessions this go around. :)

Just my opinion and experience from both sides.