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PhillyGuitar_Dude t1_iyst3bm wrote

I am not a jiu jitsu student, but I have heard very good/kind things about this gym.

https://www.jiujitsuphilly.com/

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ADHDpotato t1_iyt7s2u wrote

Second this - I only trained there for 3 weeks, but they had a very inclusive atmosphere and were super beginner friendly. Beginner/fundamentals classes were well organized - they rotate through a "curriculum" where they focus on a different position/skill each week and do lots of drills and positional sparring, which is probably a more efficient way to learn as a newbie than long sessions of free rolling/flailing around. Very safety oriented, no aggressive meatheads. Owners and coaches were all friendly and approachable too

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TiltonStWkndBakery t1_iyu1m76 wrote

Thank you! We appreciate the kind words and Iā€™m glad you enjoyed the school and vibe!

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thefrozendivide t1_iyu6lmx wrote

Came to recommend the same place. The owners are total ace humans and the place is fantastic for folks of all ages and abilities. Super welcoming.

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TiltonStWkndBakery t1_iyu1aah wrote

Hi! My husband and I own the Jiu Jitsu co in Old city! We are absolutely inclusive to all and would love to have you come by and check us out. We have a lot of friendly and wonderful folks all dedicated to making a safe and fun space for everyone who might like to get into Jiu Jitsu.

Feel free to message me with any questions! There are also many LGBTIQ students I can put you in touch with if you would like to ask any questions of them as well.

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this_for_loona t1_iysxloh wrote

Just curious why the queer friendly requirement? The gym shouldnā€™t care as long as you pay and you show up to trainā€¦.?

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DecentDissent OP t1_iytk6e2 wrote

Thatā€™s a good question! Iā€™m pretty visibly transgender and if people have negative feelings towards that Iā€™m worried about the physical damage they would cause me. I know that sounds hyper vigilant but it has happened to me and friends of mine before!

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Genesisthe2nd t1_iyv924z wrote

Youā€™re gonna get a physically damaged regardless lol. Combat sports usually include that

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DecentDissent OP t1_iyvnp2d wrote

Yeah I prefer it when itā€™s motivated by teaching and learning rather than hatred for my identity

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NoWarButMyWar t1_iysztu9 wrote

Because believe it or not safety and having your identity respected is important when joining a place youā€™ll spend regular time at.

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this_for_loona t1_iyt4u4e wrote

I get that but Iā€™ve never been in a martial arts gym that cared whether or not you were queer. And itā€™s not like I was going out of my way to look for someplace queer friendly.

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defusted t1_iytidwr wrote

If you're being trained to punch things it's best to know that the people being trained to punch you don't already have it in for you just because you're queer

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Head_Ad_2827 t1_iyth5k4 wrote

Who you sleep with does not matter in jiu jitsu. Your attitude, willingness to learn, and personal hygiene are much more important.

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DecentDissent OP t1_iytin18 wrote

I wish you were right

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Head_Ad_2827 t1_iyvjiek wrote

Iā€™m telling you as someone who has trained for nearly a decade and been at several gyms. Sexuality is totally irrelevant.

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DecentDissent OP t1_iyvmzrf wrote

I have literally been bullied out of a gym for looking trans. I respect your love of the sport but this is simply not true and a dangerous thing to tell young trans people. Sorry to burst that bubble for ya

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defusted t1_iytii6l wrote

Yeah until there's that one homophobe who "accidently" breaks your arm.

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Head_Ad_2827 t1_iyvjs8w wrote

With all due respect, your thinking here is just not representative of reality. Sure, arms can be broken accidentally, but it wonā€™t be because someone is a homophobe.

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DecentDissent OP t1_iyvng4r wrote

Perhaps thatā€™s an exaggeration but I urge you to consider how much violence there has been against trans people in the past year. Itā€™s not random and itā€™s a pattern I would not like to be part of.

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Head_Ad_2827 t1_iz0vorm wrote

I just saw in another comment you said your trans. The context definitely helped me understand better. Given that information, I 100% urge you to not give up on finding a spot to train. Everyone has a right to defend themselves, and jiu jitsu is a great way to learn those skills.

Iā€™d say look for a ā€œGracieā€ affiliated school, and focus on the self defense classes. A more competition geared school is more likely to have the dude bro types that throw heel hooks and crazy submissions. I still donā€™t think those folks are being malicious purely because of your gender, but theyā€™re definitely more likely to injure you.

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defusted t1_iyvurcq wrote

I'm not saying there's a systemic problem in jujitsu with homophobia, I'm saying there's a large problem with people being homophobic. It could just be a person who hates queer people for no reason and just do happens to train in jujitsu. This is the same threat that queer people face in their daily lives everywhere and that's why they try to find places that are queer friendly because then they don't have to worry about things like is this person going to hurt me for no reason.

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basedrew t1_iyu9auo wrote

Not sure about queer specific but shortyā€™s in west Philly is great. Mike the owner is a cool dude and one of the instructors. Everyone Iā€™ve met is kind, they have a nice mix of skill levels and genders. Also have individual changing rooms instead of locked rooms. They let you try 3 classes before signing up (although I think most places do)

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youngbuck215 t1_iyxy00s wrote

This sub is the absolute worst when asking for LGBT / minority / female friendly recommendations. Without fail you will get mouthbreathers explaining that it doesn't matter.

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DecentDissent OP t1_iyyekao wrote

Damn haha thank you for the commiseration feels good to hear someone say it

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Dent7777 t1_iyzra7f wrote

That's a tough question. I love my gym but the only people who bring up politics there are right wing conspiracy theorists, a couple students and coaches. I'm pretty sure they are in the minority but it really only takes a couple people to ruin the vibes. There are gay and lesbian students but with all the fearmongering around trans people I don't know if it's safe.

I myself am open and accepting to any training partners who respect the sport.

What would you think about my asking coaches at my gym?

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BertSquirggles t1_iytvqz9 wrote

Shortys in west philly. Awesome instructors and super dedicated members. Any orientation will feel welcome for sure

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