Two of the most popular programs at The Academy are Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Sanda Kickboxing, and new members ask us the same question constantly: which one should I start with? The honest answer is that it depends less on the "better" art and more on what kind of training you're actually looking for.
BJJ: the thinking person's grappling art
BJJ happens on the ground. It's about position, leverage, and technique over raw strength, which is exactly why it's one of the most accessible combat sports for any age or body type. Sessions are technical and methodical. You'll spend real time drilling before you ever roll live, and progress is measured in small, earned wins: a new sweep, an escape you finally understand, a submission you land for the first time.
Sanda: standup with an edge
Sanda blends striking with clinch work and throws, which makes it more dynamic and demanding than most standard kickboxing styles. You're not just trading strikes, you're managing distance, angles, and balance the whole time. It rewards people who like to stay moving and think on their feet, literally.
Both are taught by the same head coach
Our head coach across every program is Sifu Justin Chin, a BJJ black belt and Sanda kickboxing coach who has spent his life training and competing in both. Justin also teaches our No-Gi BJJ/MMA class and recently qualified for the JJIF World Championships in Croatia, so this isn't theory for him. He trains and competes at the level he coaches.
On the BJJ side, our kids and gi program is led by Sensei Steve Bell, whose coaching has helped students earn their belts through real, tested progress, not time served on the mats.
How to actually decide
If you like puzzles, patience, and technical problem-solving, start with BJJ
If you like staying on your feet and want a faster-paced, higher-output class, start with Sanda
If you're training for self defense specifically, both matter, standup range and ground range solve different problems
If you genuinely can't decide, that's the best sign to try both
You Don't Have to Choose
A lot of our most well-rounded members train both. Come try a free class in either program, or both, and let the training decide for you.