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Good Morning John.
I just want to Say, " Thank you again". The training was great yesterday.
You are a great teacher and run a fantastic academy. I find myself looking forward to the end of the work day, so I can train at Mad Dog. See you Monday, on the mat. My back has never felt better.
Have good weekend.
Paul Visconti
Hey John-
Just wanted to Thank You for all your help. At the age of 38, after years of power lifting and bodybuilding, I developed a load of lower body injuries that prevented me from doing conventional cardio ie: biking running etc. But I found that BJJ and MMA have allowed me to experience the best cardio workouts of my life. Your training offers a great mind/body connection in the sense that it challenges you mentally as well as physically Your detailed and experience instruction has helped me attain my short term goals more quickly than expected. The team atmosphere that you have created at Mad Dog makes everyone proud of each others success'.
Thanks John, see ya on the mat!
Todd Miner
After I saw my first UFC in the octagon I became interested in brazilian jiu jitsu. But as a 36 year old data analyst and father of 2 young kids I just couldn't see training as a good fit for me. I was looking to get in shape, develop some self defense and challenge myself physically and mentally. But I wasn't looking to train to see who could take the most damage. After speaking to John on the phone I could tell his professionalism and articulate instruction would be a good fit for me and so I started a private lesson.
After 5 hours of lessons I can say that I just wish I hadn't waited so long. The facility, instruction, pace, adjusted level of intensity to meet the student, diversity of fighting styles and John's overall flexibilty to meet your personal needs have been amazing. I would highly recommend taking an intro class at Mad Dog Brazilian Jiu Jitsu if you have been thinking about learning but like me you were concerned if it would work for you.
-David Pope
Senior Technical Consultant, BCBSMA
I have been training at Mad Dog Jiu Jitsu under the instruction of John Connors for almost five months now. Coming from an athletic background and being a college athlete myself, competing in football, weightlifting, and track and field, I can honestly attest to the fact that the art of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and the entailing workouts are some of the hardest, most stimulating, and most rewarding workouts I have ever undertaken during my entire athletic career.
Aside from the pure health and fitness benefits that you will receive in undertaking the practice of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, choosing Mad Dog Jiu Jitsu as your place to train over others has many other added benefits as well. Not only will you get to train in a very comfortable, unthreatening, and relaxed environment, but you will be surrounded by guys that are equally zealous in their pursuit of mastering the art of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, while simultaneously having a downright good time. Furthermore, the mats are new, there is ample changing space, and overall the facilities are impeccably clean at all times. I can assure you that you will be hard pressed to find any other training facility as well kept and equipped as Mad Dog.
Lastly, as if it could not get
any better, you will have the privilege to train under one of the best grapplers
in New England. Aside from being a very accomplished and talented Black Belt,
John has the uncanny ability of teaching in a very easy to understand way
that allows for everyone to progress at a rapid pace. His instruction is
clear, his demonstrations intelligent and easy to follow, and his skill second
to none. As a student and friend of John's I can honestly say that choosing
Mad Dog Jiu Jitsu as my place to train has been one of the best decisions
I have made for myself and I will continue to train there for as long as
I can.
-
Mike Campanella, 21 years old, college student
The instructors, fellow students and yourself have got to be the best bunch of guys that I have ever trained with. You all are proffessional, courteous and down to earth. The short time that I have been training with you was a very enjoyable and knowlegeable experience. You have alot of patience with your students That is good. Tell Jesse that i enjoyed rolling with him. He took it easy on me because he knew that I was new. I learned alot from you and him.And also from Ken Take care Bob
- Bob McNally, age 49
I first found out about Mad Dog Jiu Jitsu from seeing a flyer at J.P. Licks in West Roxbury. As an avid MMA fan, and a single father totally out of shape at age 37, I decided I had to give it a try. I showed up for No Gi class after corresponding with John Connors, who told me to "bring a cup." I did, and it was awesome. I had forgotten how much I loved wrestling, and how good a workout it is. Well, that first night I got a little too intense, and I ended up puking in the bathroom four times. After that first night, I was hooked on Mad Dog Jiu Jitsu.
Now here I am, 16 months later, a blue belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, and a part of John's amazing close-knit group of competitors. Training at the facility is great; it is so clean and organized. The people I roll with are some of the most intelligent people I've ever met anywhere. Saturdays are particularly fun because I take the MMA class (which is fantastic) and then enjoy some "open mat" training in whatever I want. John is always up for some stand up work, and he always goes easy on me. LOL! John Connors is the best Martial Arts instructor I've ever known (I did some years of Tae Kwon Do and Japanese Jiu Jitsu in my youth), and you can't go wrong by devoting at least one year to Mad Dog Jiu Jitsu. It is stimulating for the body, mind and soul.
Sincerely,
Matthew John Rosenfeld
I have trained with John @ Mad Dog Jiu Jitsu several times a week for over a year. Within that year, I have seen great improvements in myself both on and off the mat. First of all, I have lost 30 pounds and I am in the best shape of my life. Jiu Jitsu has given me a level of confidence that I never had before. This confidence has helped me professionally, has helped my marriage and family life and has really helped me step up my Jiu Jitsu. John is a fantastic instructor and his training facility is second to none (large clean mats, clean bathrooms, ample private changing facilities, available parking, etc). There are plenty of classes that fit most any schedule. The people that train @ Mad Dog are competitive yet safe. You are not going to get hurt but you will get a heck of a work out. After a tough day @ work there is no better relief than taking a class @ Mad Dog - whether Gi, No-Gi or MMA. See you on the mat...
Chad Lightfoot, Systems Engineer
I have practiced a number of martial arts at a wide range of schools over many years, and John Connors' school is among the best places I have seen. John strikes a wonderful balance in keeping the training fun and as safe as possible but still challenging.
What I most admire about John, however, is his thoughtful approach to martial arts instruction. He is continually experimenting, questioning, reading and working to improve his skills, and he is eager and adept at sharing his knowledge. Simply put, Mad Dog BJJ is a great place to train.
Jon Grayzel
Dear John,
My son Chris has been attending your youth class for about a year, since he was 10 1/2 years old. I brought him to try a class with you, because it was not a typical Karate class, where many of his friends have been attending for years. Chris is not a joiner of any kind, mostly a computer/video kid, tough to get out of the house. He has played soccer and baseball, but prefers and does better at individual sport, such as archery.
Your class has introduced him to a new individual sport, where he can develop at his own pace while being in a group. He has met new kids from different areas. At first I was concerned about his size and age, but Chris has grappled with boys the same size and weight and also some a few years older and tower over him. He has used some moves on his 17 year old brother! He is always safe and always has fun. Best of all he gets out of the house and works up a sweat.
I wish more young kids would consider this sport, as attendance
has been low recently. I hope that my son will continue through his teen
years and into adulthood.
Sincerely,
Lani Morra,
Westwood
As someone who has wrestled for 20 years and been an educator for 10 years, I have come across all types of coaches and teachers, good, bad, and downright unethical. I can honestly say in all my years of both in the grappling world and in education, John Connors is one of the best coaches/educators I have ever had the pleasure to learn from and with. He has created a culture that focuses on learning and continous improvement. He himself takes a learner's stance -- always trying to improve his own game while he assists his students in becoming more skillful. While he himself is a master of the sport, he never looks down on a student or questions their ability. Rather, he always trying to help everyone to improve all the time. He always takes the time to answer individual questions. On top of the excellent culture and environment John has created, the physical space is second to none.
Mike Odiotti
When I had decided to learn Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, I was excited, yet a little nervous, that I would embarrass myself by getting tapped over and over again. That nervousness soon disappeared when I started training at Mad Dog Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. John Connors had made me feel welcomed from day one. He took the time to introduce me to the other students of whom have now become my training partners and friends. At Mad Dog Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, the students range from doctors, lawyers, students, teachers, police officers, etc. All of them are decent human beings who share a love of this great martial art without any brash egos. It has now been over a year since that first nervous day of starting my training and I have never regretted my decision to train with John Connors. His approach to teaching is safe, effective, and fun. He takes the time to answer any and all questions from his students and will demonstrate a technique over and over until he is sure everyone understands it. My Brazilian Jiu Jitsu training combined with my exercise regimen makes me feel like I am in the best shape of my life. I have John Connors and Mad Dog Brazilian Jiu Jitsu to thank for that.
Sincerely, Robert Matthews
Lead Systems Analyst
I've been interested in martial arts my entire life, but after taking a few semesters of karate classes in college I was somewhat turned off to the experience. Too much mental prep - too little useable experience. I've also never been one for classes and preferred to learn new sports on my own. Mad Dog Brazilian Jiu Jitsu has been an eye opening experience. First off, John's teaching style is the best I have experienced. He is patient and quickly learns every student's strengths and weaknesses and helps to improve their game based on their assets. Second, there is a great group of friendly students who are eager to train and willing to learn. I highly recommend this school for anyone who is looking to learn an exciting new sport or who is bored with the day in day out of the gym. I used to lift weights 6 days a week, but after a year of BJJ I'm the strongest I have ever been in my life and I weigh 10lbs less. Give the intro class a shot, you'll be hooked.
- Josh Garland, Director of Product Management and Marketing, TechTarget
I have trained with John Connors since April of 2006. It has helped with my overall physical conditioning tremendously. I have replaced most of my cardio training with Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Muay Thai work.
John does a nice job of balancing working with him and pairing you up with the right partner so that you never feel overly dominated or disheartened. Others in the class are extremely helpful and patient.
I tell all my existing clients about the benefits of John's classes. It has changed my body for the better as will yours.
As important as weight training and proper diet is, without a regimented cardio program you will never achieve the lean body you are looking for. John does a great job of organizing his classes with a quick warm up, light stretching, learning proper technique, then ample time at the end for randori.
Another great benefit of training in the combat arts is the increased confidence you will have when in uncomfortable situations.
- Jason Zagami 26, Expert Personal Trainer
hey John,
I have to say I feel my bjj has skyrocketed since I started training under you...I have noticed a big difference in my skillset and have definetely been able to address some of the holes in my game...I have recommended you to many people so I hope I can get them in there...I appreciate you tailoring some of the training (adding gloves and strikes) so I can get ready for this fight. Just wanted to say thanks.
see ya tonight!
- Chris Snow, MMA fighter
I have the opportunity, because of traveling for business, to train at some of the top academies in the country. Steve & John have a very practical, effective approach to teaching Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. It is gaining knowledge that is applied to techniques that makes the training very effective and understandable. Both Steve and John spend the necessary time with me in order to help me achieve my goals.
My skills have excelled to a new level since joining Dedham Jiu-Jitsu. It is a fun, respectful and professional environment to train and I am proud to be a part of it.
-Paul J. Ciciarelli, Independent Sales Representative, The Ciciarelli Group
Dedham BJJ is one of the best training facilities I have ever trained in. The training area is perfectly laid out and the mats are exceptional to train on. John and Steve are two of the best coaches I have ever had the privilege to train with.
They are always there and have a very comfortable hands-on-approach to your training. I have never felt that a concept went over my head. If it did, they were right there to break it down for me.
I really enjoy the rapport with my training partners. No matter what level someone is, everyone works as a team to improve.
It's by far one of my best investments in my training.
Kevin
J. Kearns, B.S.
Exercise Physiologist
The Fitness Connection Inc.
14 A Northmeadows Rd. Suite 302
Medfield, Ma 02052 USA
PHONE: 800-516-3227
EMAIL: fitnessconnection@comcast.net
WEB: www.fitnessconnectioninc.com
Training
Brazilian Jiu-jitsu at Dedham Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Club has been a positive
experience for me on many levels.
First,
I can't think of better group of guys to work out with. Both Steve Whittier
and John Connors are knowledgeable teachers that also know how to keep it
fun.
Secondly it's a nice place. The facility has nice clean mats, adequate changing
room and has plenty of parking spaces.
If you want a fun place to work out; learn a functional and effective martial
art; then, I don't think there is a better place to go than Dedham Brazilian
Jiu-Jitsu Club.
Sincerely,
Ken Jenkins
Hey John,
My first impression is that your school is by far the cleanest school I've ever seen... as I said that day, the mats are pure love and that the training is fantastic.
Best Regards,
Jeff
I
can not say enough about the positive experience I've had training Brazilian
Jiu-Jitsu with Steve and John in Dedham. As teachers and coaches, John and Steve are excellent: detailed, clear, and patient. They have the expertise and ability to coach athletes looking to compete, but are amazingly good at relating techniques and concepts to people of any age or interest level. It
is a guarantee that anyone who walks through the doors will improve, and
will improve rapidly.
In addition to the skill of the instructors, the atmosphere in Dedham is
exceptional. Everyone is friendly, everyone helps each other out, everyone has fun. The
school has an incredible combination of a fun and friendly environment
with exceptionally fast-paced, high-level learning.
I am very happy that I found this school as a place to train Brazilian
Jiu Jitsu. If you have any interest in furthering your training, or curiosity about beginning training in BJJ, I can't recommend this school highly enough. Stop
by just once, you will be impressed.
Dan Robin
Professor
Several years ago after having seen the UFC, I was curious to see what all this brazilian jiujitsu was all about... How could a smaller man defeat a larger opponent? I was looking for a martial art that wouldn't require me to do flying backkicks or crazy acrobatics but want to feel like I could protect myself if need be. JiuJitsu gave me the confidence that I was looking for, and I know for a fact that it works if applied appropriately. It is a true "self defense" art and a whole lot of fun. It's almost like being a little kid when practicing techniques that require you to roll around on the ground. Heck, who can't "lie down" on the ground? Now all you need to do is learn how to move. Also, it's such a good workout.
Steve Whittier in my estimation is one of the finest coaches around. Being athletics myself, I can relate to many of Steve's instructional techniques that he uses to teach. He brings not only a very high level of skill in his own practice of BJJ but also an intellect that causes a practitioner to improve. Ever
since meeting him I was sure that he will go to the top with his students.
Dedham Yoga is the nicest gym that I've ever been in. It is extremely clean and welcoming. The mats used for BJJ for the first time that I've ever experienced actually are hygienic. The place makes you feel like you're in a professionally run business, yet it welcomes kids and families. Therefore, it is suitable and caters to basically everyone. I
really enjoy the atmosphere there.
John Connors is the type of guy who can flip you on your back with such ease
yet he's modest and down to earth. He runs Dedham Yoga without any ego, although with his skill he could if he chose to conduct himself that way. I
wish him all the success with Dedham Yoga and hope continued success.
Paul Roe
Tennis Professional
I have trained with John Connors for well over eight years and he is a true student of the game. His teaching style is very methodical and approachable for the beginner while his grasp of the complex techniques makes him an ideal teacher for the advanced student. It has been an honor to train with John and everyone that is interested in quality instruction should check out his program.
Dan McCarthy
Good Morning John.
I want to tell you something. Monday I was at (orthopedists appt.) PT appt.
The week prior to beginning BJJ with you, I could do 2 pushups, 1 pull-up and zero conventional sit-ups.
Monday I did 25 pushups, 11 pull-ups and 16 conventional sit-ups.
That was after a long day of tailgating. I owe my consistent improving physical conditioning to you and your excellent instruction of BJJ.
I have become a "true believer". You have a student for life. I may be going out of town for business this week. I want to wish you and yours a great holiday season and a Happy New Year. See you on the matt.
Paulie
I lift weights all the time. Nothing, NOTHING compares to this. Cardio, strength, weight loss - this is the best!
R.M.
I learned more about fighting in my first Introductory lesson at Mad Dog Brazilian Jiu Jitsu than I did in four years of training in another martial art.
Juan V.