Matos Jiu Jitsu REVIEWS
REAL PEOPLE. REAL RESULTS.
I dropped in at Virtus BJJ Checkmat Pensacola while in town for work this week, and I was thoroughly impressed. As a traveling purple belt, I’ve visited a fair number of gyms around the country, and this one easily ranks among the best. From the minute I walked in, I was greeted warmly by the front desk and introduced to the head instructor, Professor Jackson. The gym has a clean, professional feel without being overly formal—everyone trained hard, but the vibe was friendly and ego-free. I joined the evening class with the gi, which started with a well-paced warm-up and then moved into some slick closed guard bump sweep concepts that built progressively. Professor Jackson emphasized some key details that I had never seen before, which I appreciated. The rolls afterward were fantastic. Everyone was technical and respectful, which is exactly what I’m looking for as a visitor. Facilities were clean with plenty of mat space. Overall, if you’re a traveling grappler passing through Pensacola, or looking for a home gym, do yourself a favor and check out Virtus BJJ Checkmat Pensacola. It’s one of those gyms where you leave better than you came, and I’m really grateful for their hospitality. I left feeling exhausted, but also blessed to get to train with such great people.
Neal Pierce
I just started dropping in to Jiu Jitsu gyms while travelling for work and I’m glad I stopped by for a Thursday night session and open mat. I really had fun and the energy here is great. Everyone was friendly and growth focused instead of damage focused. I got to roll with all three black belts and they were great to test me while giving me some room to improve my defense. They also paid attention to my technique like I’m a regular, that stood out. I’ll be back when I visit for work again and I recommend them! For context I’m a 41yo white belt with a lot to learn.
Wynand Louw
A family friend introduced me to Professor Jackson over a year ago and I have been training with him ever since. We have traveled the country together as I compete and he has always been by my side giving EXTREMELY high level coaching. Couldn’t recommend a gym more if you want to train jiu jitsu. It doesn’t matter if you’re a beginner who wants to better themselves or a well established competitor, Virtus is the place to be!!!
Jacob Kucharski
I would like to give an amazing shoutout to Virtus BJJ. I have been with them almost three months and my experience with them has been incredible. Im a white belt and every time I come to roll I up my game with the guidance and experience from the instructors and senior members. It’s incredibly family friendly and I almost always bring my 3 year old daughter with me. Great place and great location if you’re close to 9 Mile. Thank you Coach Jackson and Alyssa 💪.
Javier Flores-Umanzor
If you are looking to get in shape and looking for something that will push your mind and body to another level, please check them out!
Terry Lewis
I dropped in over a holiday weekend. This place was great. The facilities are excellent with plenty of mat space. The people were very welcoming, and the quality of their BJJ was high. Everyone was friendly, and I’ll definitely be back next time I’m in the area.
Thomas Alan Manley
What an amazing class! The environment is on point and the pricing is affordable! They make you feel really welcome here! Definitely recommend for anybody looking for a first time BJJ experience.
Dakota Musgrove
Great family environment, excellent instruction, great facilities — highly recommend
Corey Voorhees
I travel an hour, four times a week, just to train here—and it’s absolutely worth it! Not only is it the cleanest gym I’ve ever seen, but the way they welcome you truly makes you feel right at home. I’m so honored to be a part of the Virtus family!
Evangelos Varonos
Awesome Jiu Jitsu gym with a great Professor. Very clean and great family atmosphere with friendly vibes and a very welcoming group of people.
Don’t miss this place.
You won’t be disappointed.
Mac
One word to describe this place, it’s family. I’ve known Professor Jackson for 5 years, as well as trained under CHECKMAT about the same. This environment is friendly, kind, and amazing. My bjj game has improved due to the work we put in each other and the motivation of training that inspires us to reach our goals. I appreciate Professor Jackson and his lovely family! One day, I hope I can be a CHECKMAT black belt under my good friend Professor Jackson. Please stop by learn from his experience with bjj. Hard training, good basics, and a family environment!
Hanszell Mortley
If you are looking for a gym that is deeply rooted in the culture and within the competitive space of Jiu-Jitsu, then this is the place for you. If you are just casually looking to roll and learn some self-defense or you are trying to compete, this gym offers both GI and No-Gi as well as competition preparation classes. Jackson is a great teacher and is well respected in the space, come check it out and see for yourself!
Dakota Thomas
I have been out of training for a few years and it was a little nervous to get back on the mats. As soon as I walked in the doors I felt welcomed and very comfortable training with the staff and team. Professor Jackson and his team are very professional, great instructors, and runs a very clean and safe class. I highly recommend this place and I am so happy to have found my new team!
Samantha Perez
Great gym! Great People! Great workouts! Perfect for beginners and seasoned grapplers. Great family atmosphere and everyone makes you feel at home and welcomed as soon as you walk in. Great for families!!
Tommy Sidener
Great atmosphere and comprehensive instruction. Real fun experience, challenging yet very rewarding!
Juan Villota
My son started 2 months ago and after some time I decided to give it a try. So far I have really enjoyed it. Professor Jackson and Alyssa have been extremely welcoming and made it feel like a home. The higher colored belts have also been very welcoming and more than willing to to give me tips and tricks.
Travis Wager
I’ve been to a couple gyms in my time of doing Jiu Jitsu and I have to say this is the best one. The atmosphere is the best I’ve experienced. And professor Jackson is the best! Definitely try it out!
Richard Becker
Professor Jackson is knowledgeable and kind; I travel every week for work and have been to over a dozen gyms across the Southeast, this is one of my favorites!
Elijah Stevens
Excellent school with great team-oriented atmosphere and experienced teachers!