I originally was checking out Nemesis Jiu Jitsu because of the great location. I live and work downtown and this is I think the only jiu jitsu school on the West Side and located downtown. The school is right across the street from PGE Park and just across the Street from the Max Stops. This allows me to jump on the Max from work and get there in about 5 minutes.\r
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Once I began training there, I would say that a number of thing stand out to make this the best training experience that I have ever had (and I've checked out many different gyms in the PDX area).\r
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1. Instruction: Hands down, Eric Hemphill is the best instructor that I've had the privilege of learning from. Not only does he have amazing talent (as do many of the coaches in Portland we are really lucky for a city of our size) but he as a great ability to communicate. He also has wonderful charisma and sets the tone for a friendly atmosphere and great place to roll. He really makes this somewhere you are genuinely excited to go all the time. Another unique aspect is that Eric teaches nearly all of the classes. Often times seems like gym owners may delegate teaching to lower belts and the like, but Eric keeps up a break-neck schedule so that you get to work with him nearly every time you step on the mat. \r
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2. Facilities: Hands down most cleanly space I've had the joy of training in. The facilities are laid out great and most importanlty a ton of care goes into keeping the space sanitary and top notch. That's not always something people think about, but if you spend time in jiu jitsu you hear stories about dirty gyms and the things that come along with that. I've seen the mats cleaned twice a day always and there is a nice locker room set up with showers. \r
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3. Atmosphere: Super friendly bunch of people training. Never dealt with ""tough guy"" attitudes or anyone that wasn't there to have a good time and looking out for each other. Eric and co. make sure that people of correct skill levels roll together and the more experience students are really open to sharing with the newer folks. Also, having dealt with screaching death metal pound your head in music, its a refreshing change to come in and feel like you've been transported to Hilo with good reggae seemingly always pumping. \r
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4. Location: Talked about that a little above, the downtown location is great if you live or work downtown. Noon classes are great to get away from work on lunch break, train a bit, take a shower and be back for the afternoon grind with a smile on your face. Also nice for afterwork to be able to come in roll a bit then grab dinner over on 21st.\r
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5. The workout: Used to dread going to the gym to do the same workouts day after day, but jiu jitsu is something I get excited about every day. Awesome workout that has leaned me out (lost about 20 lbs in 4 months) and just feel all around more healthy.\r
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If you get the chance I'd say take advantage of whatever promo offer they have going and come in and really give it a try. Eric and the gang provide a unique opportunity to learn a cool martial art and have a ton of fun along the way.
Pros: Excellent Instruction, Great Location, Friendly Atmosphere
Cons: Have too much fun and get bummed out going back to work
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