Our Jiu Jitsu classes are designed for everyday people and the whole family!
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) has gained a lot of attention in recent years, and it’s pretty obvious why. Jiu Jitsu stands apart from other martial arts due to its focus on grappling, rather than the kicking and punching that characterize disciplines such as Karate and Taekwondo. Jiu Jitsu is known to improve fitness levels, prepare its practitioners for situations requiring self-defense, and relieve stress.
While many martial art disciplines incorporate grappling here and there, when it comes to Jiu Jitsu, grappling is at the core of all of your training. Not familiar with grappling? Here’s what you need to know – instead of utilizing weapons or striking, grappling is all about getting your opponent to concede through physical dominance.
The rules and techniques of grappling vary depending on whether one is practicing Gi or No-Gi Jiu-Jitsu, as well as whether it’s being done in a sport or self-defense style. When grappling in BJJ, you’ll spend the majority of your time fighting from the ground and will likely utilize many different types of chokes.
Made for the real world, Jiu Jitsu is a form of self-defense that every person should master. Jiu Jitsu focuses on ground-level altercations – utilizing holds, throws, blows, and a variety of submission techniques. This makes Jiu-Jitsu ideal when learning how to take on an opponent who may be larger than you, without necessarily having to hurt them.
When you think of working out, you probably think of running on the treadmill or lifting weights at the gym, right? Well, it’s time to expand your perspective. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is one of the best ways to get in shape…and it’s way more fun than anything you’ll find in the gym.
Physically, Jiu Jitsu has been shown to help athletes lose weight, tone their muscles, gain newfound strengths, and sharpen their reflexes. Mentally and emotionally, Jiu Jitsu boasts benefits in mental health, reduced stress levels, increased self-confidence, and a feeling of empowerment.
You’ll love Jiu Jitsu because we love Jiu Jitsu. At Raposo BJJ, we are passionate about sharing the gift of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu with our community. We aim to create an environment where every single student can accomplish their goals – whatever they may be.
It doesn’t matter if you’ve spent your entire life training in MMA and are exploring your newest martial arts discipline or you’re just trying to break away from the monotony of the gym, we will exceed your expectations.
When practicing No-Gi Jiu-Jitsu, you’ll shed your thick Gi and pants for shorts and a rash guard. Without the lapel and collar of a kimono to grab hold of, No-Gi Jiu-Jitsu is much faster and requires quick thinking. While it’s up to you to decide, many feel that No-Gi Jiu Jitsu is better when it comes to preparing for real-life altercations.
Our biggest pet peeve? When schools work so hard to train amazing martial artists, but forget to teach their students how to apply these skills to real-life situations. At Raposo BJJ Academy, self-defense and martial arts training go hand in hand.
Though the application of self-defense is at the core of every class we teach, our No-Gi Jiu-Jitsu course prepares students like no other. No-Gi Jiu-Jitsu is unique because it ditches the martial arts uniform we’ve all become accustomed to and replaces it with shorts and a rash guard. The goal of this isn’t to keep students comfortable – it’s all about mimicking real-life altercations.
While everyone has a different take, we feel that the grappling of No-Gi Jiu-Jitsu is more realistic than any other form of martial arts. Without the grip of a kimono, the extra time to decide your next mood or as many complex techniques, you’re gaining an experience that is way more similar to any altercation you may be confronted with outside of our gym.
With such a fast pace, you’ll be burning tons of calories while practicing No-Gi Jiu-Jitsu. While Jiu Jitsu is likely to help you shed a few pounds, it’s going to make you a stronger athlete in every respect.
Jiu-Jitsu is known for increasing flexibility, building muscle mass, quickening reflexes, and improving coordination. If you’re a multi-sport athlete, No-Gi Jiu-Jitsu is about to become your best friend.
If you find yourself in the Slidell area looking to train Jiu Jitsu I would highly recommend Raposo BJJ. Owner and Head instructor Professor Erick was extremely welcoming and taught a great class open to all belt levels. All of Professor Erick’s students were incredibly skilled, provided great training in a fun and relaxed environment.
I travel and train at many gyms, and i love this one. People smile and wave when you walk in. It’s incredibly sanitary. They are a tournament school so they have excellent instruction.my wife has been wanting to try forever, and this is one I finally went home and said she should try and would feel totally comfortable and welcome. Lastly, the owner is kind and responsive. I would highly recommend bringing your family here to train.
I cannot express the joy I feel watching my nerdy 10 year old grow in confidence and manliness under the expert, kind tutelage of this studio's Professors and Coaches. This is the best decision we ever made for our son. It's a close knit community of the best people this area has to offer, and we are privileged to be a part of it.
This is the best jiu-jitsu gym in Louisiana. You have Eric Raposo who is a world jiu-jitsu champion and a fantastic teacher. Parents your children will learn from the best. Also great adult classes.
I was in from out of town and wanted to drop in. Raposo opened their doors and made me feel welcome. I really appreciated the instruction and the culture. I got lots of help from students, especially John. The next day, he even paid a visit to my family in the hospital my dad was in, since he worked there. Perfect example of a great gym with great people!
I can’t say enough good things about this place. Such an amazing culture of people who are supportive, encouraging and have passion for the art. Great mix of both men and women to train with, and super family friendly. Absolutely love the structure of how the classes are taught and the workouts never leave me with a dry Gi. Lots of opportunities to train throughout the week, both afternoon and evening classes, as well as Saturday morning classes. Being small business owner myself, my schedule is all over the place, but I am still able to get my training in with the ample amount of classes available.
I love this place! Professor Erick Raposo is an absolute legend and a master of Jiu Jitsu! Very clean gym with great energy and fantastic vibes. EVERYONE is welcome here and this academy is truly a family. Highly recommended!
This is one of the greatest BJJ place for your whole family to be enrolled in! I am a newbie in BJJ and these guys and gals have been nothing but amazing to me and my kids (my wife is pregnant so she couldn't attend the classes). The owner is respectful and down to earth, the instructors are knowledgeable and patient, the higher belts want everyone to succeed and learn. Overall the vibe is challenging but positive in order for everyone to have a chance to grow, and most important of all, have fun! It's sucks that we have to move to a different state, however for the short time we attended Raposo, it was awesome! In such a short time, I learn a lot! Yes you have to grind too, but they help you stay in the growth path. I didn't felt like I was just a number there, or talked down, despite letting them know I was there temporarily because of my circumstances. They are always glad that you show up and doing the thing! These guys and gals definitely sparked into me this new sport/hobby and motivated me to not give it up! So thank you Raposo BJJ! Please keep up with this beautiful culture that you have there, and I hope all the attendees gets to cherish that culture well!
I was in town and decided to drop in for a class at Raposo BJJ Academy — and I’m so glad I did. Both professors were incredibly welcoming, and the atmosphere was friendly and focused. The warm-up was solid and well-structured, and the technique of the day was both challenging and clearly explained. Everyone on the mats brought great energy, and it was clear that this is a place where both beginners and experienced practitioners can grow. Highly recommend for anyone visiting or looking for a great gym to train at regularly!
World class professor, competitor and human. A role model to everyone in the bjj community Eric is a super kind hearted person with heart of gold.
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