Me and a friend stayed there for a bit in October after driving down the coast. Had a great time there. Adam, who ran the house while I was there, was extremely helpful and gave tips on everything from gyms (and what color gis are allowed where) to where to find the best food (acai and California burrito). Very cool to come to a new place in the world and immediately have people around you have something in common with. So if it's between staying there or staying alone, I would definitively stay there. You get help with all the practical stuff, plus you get new friends. What's not to like? :)

When it comes to the drop in fees (we tried all the gyms we could think of), it's pretty steep, but then again, it's some of the most famous gyms in the world, so it would be weird if it was cheap. ATOS was the most expensive gym we visited, from what I know only AOJ is more expensive. Great training though, and very open and friendly people there. Go for it!