SAS Philadelphia Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu & Yoga

5 STAR recommendation for SAS Fishtown to anyone considering studying Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu! …Three months ago, after years of the old, “I’ll look into it eventually” routine, I finally made the decision that I was going to join a BJJ school no matter what. I spent just over a week researching gyms in/around Philly before visiting SAS Fishtown for a free class - and I knew right away this is where I wanted to be. Professor Anton is a very dedicated, patient, and talented instructor. He has established a culture that welcomes newcomers of all ages and levels, where his students don’t intimidate or bully each other, but push and empower each other to work harder and get better. He emphasizes and breaks down in great detail the concept of each technique and how they relate to one-another to provide a full understanding of Jiu-Jitsu, as opposed to simply teaching moves. He also assigns training partners thoughtfully, giving all students ample opportunity to develop. Ten weeks later I can confidently say that joining SAS is one of the best decisions I’ve made. BJJ is incredibly challenging, mentally and physically, and incredibly, truly rewarding. Since joining I have vastly improved my discipline, diet, and mental and physical health overall. At this point, I wouldn’t go more than a day or two without going to class. A bunch of us from class recently visited an SAS affiliate academy in Jersey Daniel Tavares BJJ Academy, where we got to meet and roll with SAS students and coaches from all over and it was an amazing experience. I have gained much respect for the entire SAS family and I am truly grateful to be a part of it. Big thanks to Professor Anton for being a great coach and always setting a good example! OSS!!!

Stepping in this gym to take my first class was one of the best decisions I could have ever made. The SAS family has welcomed me with open arms and challenge me to push myself. They don’t take it easy on me which I love cause it helps me dig deeper to try my hardest. Professor Anton has done nothing but been a great instructor, mentor, and friend. If you are looking for a place to push you and have a great while doing it SAS Philadelphia is the place for you!

My 7-year old started here a few months ago and has been going regularly 3-4 days a week! He has a ton of fun, is getting lots of physical activity and is learning useful skills. Coach Anton is patient, yet firm and really has good control of the class, while also understanding kids are kids. My child previously had not shown much interest in team sports, so this has been a really great activity to involve him in. I’ve seen his confidence grow and he’s making new friends!

My family has had a great experience at SAS. My two sons started out in the “Little Ninjas” class and are now in the bigger kids class. They really love it and it’s been amazing to watch them grow both physically and mentally. I really appreciate the emphasis on friendship, respect, self-control, etc. Coach Anton is phenomenal and the other coaches are excellent as well. With my kids going 4-5x per week it’s also a great value. So glad this is in the neighborhood!

I've been here for a couple of months already and I don't feel like I'm part of a team, I feel like family! I never really had much experience with Martial Arts so at first, I didn't know what to expect but the culture at this gym is very welcoming and beginner friendly especially after getting insight into other gyms in the area. You have it all here when it comes to what this gym offers: advanced, beginner, kids, and even a class focused on strength & conditioning running throughout the week. Although this gym mostly trains in GI, there are classes for NOGI as well. Classes are built around the use of self-defense and competition which can be shown on their accolade wall. The professor, Anton is down to earth and breaks it down for us so everybody can achieve their goals with Jiu Jitsu. He and his fellow instructors have made this gym what it is today by keeping their students' spirits, energy, and skills high, which is why the gym has outgrown its previous location so the family is growing.

Looking for an open mat, I walked into an SAS just outside of Philly but they were doing belt testing so there was no training. Anton approached me and told me to go to his academy 30 min away to make their open mat that was about to start. I arrived and was warmly greeted and welcomed onto the mats. Very nice academy. Great people great facilities. Train here if you get a chance!

My 7 year old has been going to class at SAS for about 6 months and he loves it! The scheduling is flexible, drop in on any of the 5 days class is offered for a flat monthly fee and that works great for our family. Some days have larger groups and some have smaller groups, but there are always enough coaches for the kids to get one on one attention. Expectations for behavior in class are set out clearly and consistently but gently! enforced, and I can see a huge change in my son’s discipline and emotional regulation on and off the mat. The coaches emphasize putting in work, trying hard, safety, and treating everyone with respect - skills kids need both in jiu jitsu and in life. Professor Anton is just incredible with the kids and overall a super friendly and communicative guy. You can really tell that BJJ is his passion!

I love this place for my 6yo kid. The coaches are strict but patient, and my son has learned so much sportsmanship and perseverance here. His sister is going to go too as soon as she’s old enough!

A Warm, Welcoming BJJ Experience at SAS Philadelphia BJJ I am thrilled to pen down my first impressions and overall experience at SAS Philadelphia BJJ, a gem nestled in the heart of Fishtown. As a petite woman in her late 30s who hasn’t stepped foot in a gym for the past two years, taking the leap of faith to sign up for a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu class may seem daunting. Let me assure you, I was just as intimidated, if not more. Yet, after months, if not over a year of back-and-forth with the instructor, I finally mustered the courage to try out my free introductory class today. And boy, am I glad I did! The space, to begin with, is an open, well-appointed sanctuary of discipline and strength. Stripped down to the basics, it’s simplicity resonates with the very essence of BJJ - straight-forward, no frills, just pure skill and determination. My nerves were aflutter as I walked in, but Coach Anton was a breath of fresh air. His welcoming demeanor, coupled with his knowledgeable, patient approach to teaching, quickly dispelled my anxiety. His style of instruction was clear and well-paced, perfectly suited for a novice like me, instilling confidence with every move. The camaraderie among the other students was another aspect that stood out. Contrary to the tough, competitive aura that one might expect in such a setting, the atmosphere was incredibly warm and supportive. The other students, also in various stages of their BJJ journey, were kind and understanding. The vibes at SAS Philadelphia BJJ were unexpectedly homey, a stark contrast from the cold, intimidating gym culture I had imagined. There was a palpable sense of community, with everyone being genuinely present, eager to learn, and grow together. The shared mindset of personal improvement, rather than unbridled competition, was refreshing. Stepping into SAS Philadelphia BJJ, I felt welcomed and seen, regardless of my size or fitness level. The folks here are not just sweet, they are passionate, patient, and earnest about their craft. For anyone teetering on the edge of trying BJJ, especially women who might find the idea intimidating, I would recommend taking that leap with SAS Philadelphia BJJ. It might just surprise you, as it did me.

I bring my 7 year old daughter to SAS BJJ. I can not say enough great things about this place. It is the perfect place to bring your child to learn discipline, to learn how to follow instructions, to take pride in what it is that you are doing. This is not simply about bringing your kids somewhere for an hour to blow of stream. This is a lot than that. Coach Anton is doing a great job of not only cultivating a family atmosphere, but accountability as young little human beings which is great. This is probably one of the best things I could’ve ever gotten my daughter involved in, very happy that I did.